The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-07-22
CERVERA'S ASTONISHMENT

Annapolis, Md, July 19-Admiral
Cervera and his officers, through aSpan-
ish-American. a friend of the admrals 5,
have expressed their qualification at the
hospitable and courteous treatment they
are receiving and their admiration and
wonder at the rema rkable work of the
American gunners. Contrary to the state
ments given out by Sagasta and other
Madrid officials. Admiral Cervera says:
Our attempted fight from Santiago
was not concealed from our officials at
home. They were apprised of all that was
contemplated. In fact, they gave orders
for us to leave Though we Informed
them Of the disastrous possibilities of
such a venture, the home authorities is
sued peremptory orders for us to leave,
and we obeyed the command.
'Of course, I understood the gauntlet
Of deadly fire our fleet would have to
run But our men were brave, our Off
GERS were ready, so we made preparations
to emerge from the harbor."
After describing the battle and express
ing surprise at the fact that Schley's flag
ship, the Brooklyn. against which was
directed the combined fire of his ships,
escaped unframed, he says:
when I found conditions hopeless 1
leaped overheard, and my son followed
me. 1 think, however I would have
sunk and been lost had not my son re-
manned close to my side and given me
assistance with his stronger, younger
arms.
Since have passed into the custody of
my captors I have been treatd with cour-
tesies such as are the acme of kindness.
Every civilty, every Imaginable act of
thoughtful Difference such as would re-
lieve the poignancy of my present mortif-
cation has been furnished with the ut
most good taste. No words of gratifica-
ton could half express the real apprecia-
ton felt by my officers and myself.
see that Americas big heart does not
harden against an enemy.
Nobody can forget the generous care
afforded our distressed men after the dis
comforture of our feet. At one time the
Gloucester was lying close to the Maria
Teresa, my flagship: so close as to be in
danger of a momentarily expected ex-
plosion of our magazines. The Gloucester
was at work picking up our men.
knew its peril and appealed to Lieutenant
L. P. Huse its executive officer, to with
draw, but ne quietly replied: No, admiral. |
not until I have rescued all your
wounded
Captain Maccohou. Of the Maria Teresa, |
said:
Il understand it is the purpose Of the |
fleet TO attack the Spanish |
coast. 1 grieve at that. because 1 know |
the force Of an American attack. I have |
witnessed the excellence OF your ma 1
chimes, the dexterity OF your commanders |
in handling fleets. and the amazing rap |
idity and accuracy with which your men |
fire their guns. That has been revela-
ton to Us and a mournful one. besides. |
For this fleet to invade the Spanish coast |
means direful losses to many OF our de- |
fenseless seacoast cities.
"One thing that has almost over
whelmed me with astonishment is the
fact that. while our losses in Hfe were
heavy. your people lost but one man.
That seems to me to be almost incredi-
be. Indeed. had I not stepped aboard
some OF your ships and found them com
oaratively unscathed. would not have
believed il possible