The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1898-04-28
SEVEN SPANISH SHIPS CAPTURED.

Ihe spell has broken at last, ana 1t
will now be seen whether or not the
Spanish Government can retain her
hold on the island of Cuba. Before
Minister Woodford had delivered the
ultlmatum of the United States the
Spanish Government handed HIM his
passports. This action on the part of
Spain was accepted by the United
States as a declaration of war.
President Mckinley has exerted
every possible effort to bring about
peaceful settlement, but to no avail,
and hencetorth it is to be war. But
we believe we are in the right. We
take up arms against the Spaniards in
a just cause,-to battle for the free
dom of a down-trodden people, and
also to protect our own interests on
the Island.
FRIDAY.
After a Cabinet meeting this after
noon the ships of war were ordered on
their mission of blood and force.
1t is understood that their destina-
ton is Havana. Before many days
have passed it is believed that their
guns will be belching fiery defiance in
the shape of shot and shell at Moro
Castle.
AS has been heretofore stated the
first step will be to proclaim block
ade of the port of Havana. 1t is not
intended, however, to have long
drawn out blockade. According to
the best alvices President Mckinley
believes that the war should be short,
sharp and decisive. He favors policy
of aggression quite at variance with
that which would contemplate pro-
tracted and inactive blockade. Efforts
will be made, therefore, to make the
blockade brief but effectual.
In order to do this troops will be
sent down from Key West to form a
junction with the Cuban insurgents
and march to Havana. They will pro-
badly be landed at Guanabacoa or
Cienfuegos.
AS soon as the troops have opened
fire on Havana from the land side,
Captain Sampson will give the inhabi-
tants of Havana the usual twenty-four
hours notice of a bombardment.
Harassed by the American and in
surgent soldiers from the land and
Captain SIMPSONS strong fleet from
the water, it is thought that the Span
iards will be compelled to surrender
Havana in short order.
This it is believed would virtually
end the war.
While Captain Simpsons North
Atlantic squadron is operating out.
side Havana Harbor to silence the
batteries of Moro Castle, Commo.
dore Schley's flying squadron will
cruise around in the vicinity of Porto
Rico. He will intercept the Spanish
fotilla if it attempts to steam towards
Cuba for the purpose of raising the
Havana blockade. 1t is likely, there.
fore, that in the vicinity of Por.o
Rico, the greatest naval engagement
in the history of the world will take
place.
SATURDAY.
President McKlnley's proclamation
notifying all nations of the blockade
of Havana Harbor, the capture of the
lumber laden Spanish ship Buen;
Ventura by the American cruise
Nashville and the passage by Congress
of the Volunteer Army bill were thu
three great events in connection with
the Spanish-American war to-day.
The capture of the Spanish mer
chant vessel Buena Ventura by thu
gunboat Nashville, constitutes th'
real beginning of hostilities. Th'
Nashville, it is stated here, fred tive
shots at the vessel, and is therefore
er rtitled to the honor of having free
the first shot in the Spanish-Ameri
can war.
The Spanish steamer Buena Ven