The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-08-02
Captain Of the Bravo Tells
aQucer a Story.
'DEcElvES THE YOSEMITE.
The American Army to Be Blown
TO Atoms at San Juan.
PIPES FILLED WITH POWDER.

Frovincetown, Aug. 2.-The schooner
Bravo. Captain Emeno. arrived in port
Monday afternoon from San Juan. Porto
RICO, Tor oreers. Her master reports
that he succeeded In running the block
ade at the latter port and disposed OF a
cargo OF food at high prices. Captain
Emeno said: I'VE arrived off San Juan
on July and ran the blockade. which
at that time we did not know existed.
II having been declared after we left
Lunenberg. N. s.. While we were trying
10 make the harbor we sighted a big
steamer, which later proved to be the
yosemite. She sighted US and put about
at ruii steam 10 overhaul US; and put
the schooner about under the impression
that she might be q blockader. Asw we
neared her the Yosemite changed her
course TO the westward. and In a short
time we came about and made for the
narbor. The cruiser thereupon ck hanged
her course to overtake as, and again the
Bravo was put about to meet the Yo
semitic. The latter when near us again
changed her course, and naturally we
did likewise. this maneuvering occurrinu
several times until finally we were nearly
u
getting In, as We were between the fire
u the spanish forts and the Yosemite,
- attempt was made to stop us. set |
me sisnai: Is II safe to enter? and, re- |
eeivlns an amrmative reply. sailed in.
we remained at San Juan for seven |
days In the meantime disposing of the
cargo. consisting Of nour and fish, Flour
sold ats26 per sack of 200 pounds. Pro-
visions were very high. salt fish being 80
cents pound. Our agent advised us to
remain aboard while in port informing
US that the natives were more hostile
than ever. CHASING us as allies of the
americans. While entering port the
spaniards crowded the wharves, hooted
ana cursed US Notwithstanding that we
were bringing them supplies. While IN
port we kept watch aboard day and
night.
San Juan 10 strongly fortified, espe-
ciaiiy on the land side. There are be-
tween $4,000 and 10000 soldiers there
ana they have been preparing for the
coming Of the. Americans. Strong de-
lenses In shape OF earthworks and rife
pits have been erected There was also.
plot 10 blow up the entire American
lrmy when IL reaches the city. The
'paniards have laid pipes under the
'round, filled with powder and other ex-
'losives. leading to mines beneath the
ity Should the defenses fail they
ntend TO surrender the city, allowing
ne American troops to take possession.
nd when the Americans are well within
ne city. signal will be given, causing
ne mines to do their deadly work. and
they believe. annihilate the Ameri-
an army In that vicinity. These pipes
$50 lead TO mine three miles outside
ne city. Before the signal is given the
panish army will be far away from !,
anger.
After taking on q cargo of sugar on
ie 18th, also As Spanish persons, all OF :
nom were wealthy, they hoping to :
'ach spain BY way of ST. Thomas. we
Z san. We found the channel blocked. |.
'e spaniards having sunk large YES :
y In the middle and also placed obstruc- :
ons on both sides OF the craft. A por-
on OF the wreckage was removed so we
uid proceed. but this was Immediately
placed after we passed. No doubt this :,
as done owing to the presence of Span-
4 passengers on board. We got under
ny at $50 p. m. on the 18th. everyona
board expecting 10 meet blockadinp y
AFT. We were not disa ppointed.' for the y, ~
'semite again showed up She fired n -
OF across our bow. but we kept on. and ~
ce more she fred, and concluded to
wv up, fearing third shot would hit
A terrible sea was on at the time
e cruiser lowered her boat and AZ. So
npted to reach US. but owing to the
ishness of the sea the boat put back
fore 1t reached half the distance We -,
pt riding light over the stern. andre n
lined hove-to. expecting she would vi
Ike another attempt to reach us, bur is
tead she hoisted her boat aboard and tn,
AIMED toward the harbor entrance ma
proceeded on our course. reaching Or
Thomas July 10 and landing our pas mi
gers. The next day the Yosemite Br
ived. being relieved from block ne,
duty While at San Juan the Span the
torpedo boat Terror, which had been bus
iously injured by an American war 70
p previously. had undergone repairs 'ho
was waiting her chance with the ,ho
er Spanish waxships to escape dur the
the nighttime and attack the BLOCK to
rs" 81