The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-06-18
WHOLE FLEET IS THERE.
Lieut.. Hue, by Daring Expioit
Proves That All OF Cervera's ships
Are at Santiago.

Washington, June l5.--The navy de-
partment Tuesday posted the following
bulletin:
mole st. Nicholas. June is.--Lieut. Blue
Just returned after a detour OF 70 statute
miles OF observation OF the harbor OF San
tiago de Cuba. He reports Spanish fleet 10
all there. The Spanish attacked vigorous
ly the camp at Guantanamo. An outpost
OF four marines were killed and their
bodies mutilated barbarously. Surgeon
Gibbs was killed. p
"(Signed) SAMPSON.
Washington, June l5.-The last linger-
ing doubt that may have existed az
to the presence of Cervera's fleet in its
entirety in Santiago harbor was re-
moved when Admiral SIMPSONS dis
patch reached the navy department.
Up 10 that time information as 10 the
number and character of the vessels ly-
ing in the harbor shielded from observa-
ton by the hills had been obtained
through Cuban sources, supplemented
by such glimpses as could be obtained
by naval officers from the outside en-
trance. Now, however, according TO
Lieut.. Blue, the ships have been actually
seen by an American officer, counted
and inspected from such points OF van
tagc as were afforded by the high hills
surrounding the harbor. The officials
here are full of praise for Lieut.. Blues
achievement. Victor Blue has been long
known in the navy as an enterprising
and daring young officer, but II re-
quired a good deal of sustained cour-
age for him to 60 ashore in hostile
country and alone make this reconnois-
ance. lie was. in the eye of military law,
nothing less than spy, and had he
been captured by the Spaniards he
would have been tried by drumhead
court-martial and executed.
Official recognition has been taken Of
the valor OF the crew who took the Mer-
rimac into the entrance of Santiago
harbor when Secretary Long signed or
ders to Admiral Sampson directing the
promotion of all members OF the crew.
Lieut.. Hobson's reward will come later
through congress. The men still linger
In a Spanish prison, but when they re-
turn again to their ships their promo
tons will be awaiting them. In addi-
ton TO promotions the crew will be
presented with medals.
On Board the Dispatch Boat Wanda,
or Santiago de Cuba, Via Kingston,
Jamaica, June 15.--The delay in the
arrival OF the transports is ascribed
here TO fear that after all Admiral
Cervera's squadron might not be in
Santiago harbor. Once for all Admiral
| Sampson decided 10 settle this ques-
tion officially, and on Saturday last he
sent Lieut.. Victor Blue of the gunboat
Suwanee, to investigate. Lieut.. Blue
landed on Saturday and proceeded with
guides to the hills overlooking the har-
Dor and the city. He distinctly saw and
definitely located four Spanish armored
cruisers and two torpedo boat destroy
ers. He saw also three small cruisers
or gunboats.
Lieut.. Blue Travelled about 70 miles,
1 following the eastward line OF the city.
He brought out TO the flagship a copy
of a Santiago paper issued last Satur-
day, in which complaint Is made that
the navy and army are failing to dis
tribute TO the citizens their proportions
Of the provisions remaining in the city.
Lieut.. Blues report has definitely ex.
posed the fiction that any of Cerveras
cruisers were In the Bahamas or in POI
sition 10 attack the transports, which
are now confidently expected at an
early date. Admiral Sampson compli-
mented him upon his daring and sue
cessful mission.
Lieut.. Blue reported also that slSir-
mishing continues in the hills around
Santiago between the Cubans and
/ Spanish. The latter have been repair
/ ing the Notifications of the city. as il Is
expected that Admiral Sampson will
renew the bombardment in anticipa-
ton of a possible arrival and landing
OF troops this week.