The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-30
GREAT"VICTORY" FOR CERVERA
GRAPHIC ACCOUNT of THE DARE
DEVIL BRAVERY OF sPANIARDS.
The story Discredited Abroad and
Pronounced Untrue by the Navy
Department at Washington.

MADRID, May 29.-Several sensational
reports concerning the situation in the West
Indies were current to-day FL Progresso
published dispatches purporting to come
from Paris, giving details of an alleged bat
tie near Jamaica in which, it is said, two
American war ships were destroyed and
one Spanish war ship was injured Although
the account is very circumstantial as to
time, place, incidents and results, it is re-
ceived here with suspicion.
The story is that Commodore sScheys
squadron parted from Rear Admiral Samp-
sons off Cape Maysi, the eastern point of
Cuba, steered toward the Yucatan passage,
followed closely by Simpsons ships Both
were sighted from the watch towers Of San
tiago de Cuba. Rear Admiral Sampson ar
rived off the province of Puerto Principe,
continuing thence in the direction of
Jamaica. Admiral Cervera left Santiago
Thursday, May 26, at midnight, all his
lights being extinguished. With the Viz
caya ard the Almirante Oquendo, preceded
by the torpedo boat destroyer Furor, he
took up g position in proximity to Jamaica.
Two hours later the remainder of Admiral
Cerveras squadron withdrew from the
harbor of Santiago and proceeded in a
southerly direction.
On the morning of Friday the Furor came
up rapidly to the Vizcaya and the Almirante
Oquendo, advising Admiral Cervera of the
approach of the enemy. Rear Admiral
SIMPSONS ships steamed at full speed to-
ward the Spanish vessels, which accepted
combat. but moved in a southerly direction
to effect a juncture with the remainder of
the Spanish squadron. Presently the battle
RACED furiously on both Sides The Ameri-
cans detached three cruisers and three
smaller ships to surround the ViZcaya and
the Almirante Oquendo. The Furor, be-
tween the cross-fire of the enemy, made
for the American flagship, Notwithstanding
the fire of the heavy guns. The outcome
of the contest was two American war ships
were sunk and one Spanish war ship dis
abled in It's steering gear. The remaining
vessels of the American squadron were so
much damaged that they were compelled
to take refuge in Haitian waters. 1t is re-
ported that the Cristobal Colon captured
one American ship which had been disabled
from a shot by the Vizcaya that perforated
her side. The vizcaya risked destruction
from an American destroyer. 1t is believed
that after the combat the Spanards sailed
for Havana, or if the condition of the
of the enemy required, took refuge at Car
denas or Matanzas.
The publication of this dispatch from Paris
caused an excited discussion of the conflict
ing reports from various sources, which
completely absorbed all sections of the press
and all circles of the public in Madrid.
Speaking to-day of yesterdays rumors of the
defeat of the Americans and the death Of
he
minister of marine, without crediting it, in
the absence of official confirmation, re-
marked that the event was nearly within
the limits of possibility.
Nothing developed at the Cabinet council
to-day to make clear whether Admiral Ger
vera's squadron is in Santiago harbor or
outside of it, but General Correa, the min
lister of war, announced that he had re-
ceived a dispatch from General Blanco, to
the effect that twelve American war ships
were off Santiago yesterday Saturday, but
that most of them disappeared to-day, going
in a westerly direction General Blanco's
dispatch leaves it to be understood that
Admiral Ceryera's squadron remains in San
tiago harbor
The council decided to make large addi-
tional purchases of war materials and to
is probable that the government, on the rep
reservations of certain powers, will declare
sulphur contraband.
Advices received here from Havana say
that a big sailing ship from Barcelona, hav-
ing on board cargo of provisions and arms,
arrived yesterday at Nuevitas the northern
port of the city of Porto Principe, capital
of the Cuban province of that name, after
tho blockade.
A dispatch to the impartial from Manila,
dated Tuesday last, May "a, says the town
of st. Thomas is in state of insurrection
The rebels ii is added, have burned a num-
Der of houses and have murdered the COM
rnander of the volunteers priest and other
Spaniards. The dispatch also announces
that the cable to Iloilo has been cut.
Midnight. The papers continue 20 talk
of the possibilities of peace. FL Globo pub
fishes an article, supposed to be inspired
by Senior Moret, the late minister of the
colonies, advocating peace, which has at
tracted great attention, but the discussions
show as yet nothing tangible.
RIDICULED IN LONDON.