The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-03
Conference of Commanders on Board
the Flagship That May Have Re-
suited in New Plans.
MORE FORTS MAY BE SHELLED
OR A PORT MAY BE SEIZED FOR THE
PURPOSE OF LANDING TROOPS.
Arrival of British Cruiser Talbot at
Havana with Dispatches for Con-
sui GuIIOn-AnOther Prize.

HAVANA, May 2.-To-day was the Span
ish national holiday in commemoration of
the victory ninety years ago at Madrid over
the French, and it passed off with con-
siderable enthusiasm. The Spanish are con-
f1dent that "soon will occur another glorious
deed of valor against the stranger, thus
perpetuating Spanish renown."
At 4:30 this afternoon, when this dispatch
is sent. three American war ships are in
sight of Havana. At $50 p. m. last Friday
evening an American ironclad, three small
err vessels and six boats evidently intended
to be used in landing marines, appeared in
front of Herradura beach, on Cabanas bay.
The Spanish guerrillas fired on them, and
the American ships the fire with
cannon. The guerrilla troops were then re-
inforced by Spanish regulars. The Ameri-
can fleet retired, and about two hours after
ward moved in the direction of Dominica
beach. The Spanish troops suffered no
losses, and nothing is known as to the loss,
if any, of the Americans.
Yesterday morning about Q o'clock the
American squadron began to move in front
of Havana. From the shore the principal
vessel seemed to be the battle ship Iowa,
and not the Indiana, judging from the tall
smokestacks and the abundant deck work.
About 1880 in the morning this correspond
ent saw six vessels formed in battle line
and moving toward Florida. At the same
time Il fast vessel, going at full speed and
at a great distance from the shore, passed
from west to east, returning at n:30 a. m.
and joining three other vessels, which, III
the meantime, had come together in front
Of Havana, where they were Drawn up III
battle line. At 11:30 p. m. Sunday all bui
one had disappeared. This vessel is lying
somewhat to the west of the city. At 6 p.
m. no vessel was anywhere to be seen, nor
up to the time of fling this dispatch to-
day, 4:O p. M, has any American war ship
been seen in the neighborhood of Havana.
1t is reported at the palace that an en-
gagement between the Spanish troops and
the insurgent troops has taken place at
Puerto Principe, the insurgents losing M
teen, among them two officers. The Danish
schooner Roll sailed yesterday for Pro-
gresso Mex with 1850 passengers.
S p. NAT 5 o'clock this afternoon the
British cruiser Talbot appeared in front OF
MORO Castle and saluted, the salutation be-
ing answered from Cabanas fortress. TN
Talbot did not enter the harbor, but sent
an officer in a launch, who delivered docu'
ments to Mr.. SGollan, the British consul
after which he accompanied Mr.. Gollan to
pay his respects to the Spanish admiral
Mr.. Gollan and Mr.. Jerome, the British
vice consul, later visited the palace, where
they had a conference with General Blancc
and his chief of staff, General Pando.
Senior Marin Conception Duarte, 9
Portuguese, has presented to Mr.. Gollan
in the latter's capacity as representative OF
American interests, a claim for $4,000 II
gold and bank paper of the Ban of Madrid
together with a claim for jewelry. cloth anC
other merchandise which he declares was
taken by the crew of the American wal
ship which captured the Spanish passenger
steamer Argonauta.