The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-30
TOO GAUZY FOB EVEN
MADRID TO BELIEVE.
French story of . Terrible EagaEe-
meat Besveen sampson aud Ger
yern Off Jamaica

EGFH OtA 06naiEa
MADRID. May 81 p. m.-Ei Progress
% publishes dispatches. purporsins to come
from Par.s, giving details OF an alleged
battle near Jamaica. IL w:i!eh IL Il saia
twe American warships were destroyed
and one Spanish warsh!p injured Al
though the account Is very e.renmssantn
rs TO the time. place. incltents and resiitss
IL II recssgsa here with suspicion.
The story Is that Commodore ScAley's
squadron parted from Rear Admiral Samp-
sons feet off Cape Verdi, the eastern
pe.ut OF Cuba, and s.eerec toward the Yu-
catan peninsula. followed closely by
safnpsos's ships Both were sighted from
the ~asch towers Of Santiago de Cuba.
Rear Admiral Sampson arrived off the
province of fnerto Principe and continued
th.nce In the direction of jamaica Ad-
MIRA Cervera iefs Santiago Thursday,
May %. al midnight. all his lights beng
exsirguished. with the yizcaya and the
Aralran;e Oquen6o. preceded by the tor
psdo boat destroyer Furor. He took up
petition In proximity to Jamaica. Two
hours later the remainder Of Admiral Ger
vera's Squadron withdrew from the har-
be. OF Santiago and proceeded Ia south
~ direction.
On the morning OF Friday, the Juror
came up rapidly to the vizoaya and the
Amifante Oquendo, advising Admiral Ger
vera OF the approach of the enemy. Rear
Admiral sampsen.s ships steamed al full
speed towards the Spanish vessels. which
accepted combat. but moved In southe.-
iy direction to effect junction with the
remainder OF the Spanish squadron. Pres
entity the battle ragged furiously on both
s.des.
The American detached three cruisers
and three smaller ships TO surround the
x!zcaya and the Almirante Oquendo. The
Fur0g, between the cross fire of the enemy.
made for the American flagship. notwith-
standing the fire Of the heavy guns.
The outcome OF the contest was that
two American warships were sunk and
cha Spanish warship disabled in its steer
lag gear The remaining vessels OF the
American squadron were 20 much dam
aged that they were compelled to take
refuge IN iiaytiAn waters. 1t Is reported
that the ctistohai Colon captured an
American ship which had been dlsab
from q shot By the vizeaya that perfor-
ated her side. The V.zcaya r.sked de-
ssruction from an American destroyer.
It IL believed that after the combat the
SpAniarda sailed for Havana. or If the
conditions OF The vessels. or the presence
OF superior force Of the enemy required
took refuge within Cardenas or Matanzas.
The publication of this dispatch from
Paris caused an excited discussion OF the
conflicting reports from various sources.
which completely absorbed all sections OF
tho press and all circles OF the public In
Madrid. Speaking today OF yesterdays
tunsors of the death of ths Americans
and tho death Of Rear Admiral Sampson.
Capt. Annon. the minister of marine. with
out crediting IT is the absence OF official
information, remarked that IL was within
the range or possibility.
1t Is hoped that the result OF today's
cabinet council Will disclose information
confirming or denying the report.
story Absolutely Di<crrditcd.
WASHINGTON. May 2a.-The Axsoelat-
cd Press dispatch from Madrid, giving an
account OF a naval battle between the
csmbined squadron of Sampson and
Seaiey and that OF Ceryera. is absolutely
dsscredi;ed by naval officials. Their ad-
vices show that il is not possible that a
dght could have occurred.
Lanaon Discreaits II,
LONDON. May Se-l'he circumstances
under which Fl Progresses remarkable
story appears seem - discred.; Il. An
paren;ly, the Paris correspondent OF tha
newspaper is the sole possessor OF the In.
formation be pretends to have. The mos.
reliable nesspape agencies. however
have nothing on the subject. II IS nosyi.
bio The story has been given Paris
date in Madrid for some ine!seernah,A
reason: though. IL IL sn,ana;ed from en-.
csal sources. II Ia .nconcelvshla tina. -.
government should 10 une ai.ne 70 Give
ont raNA-akta ~pux