The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1898-05-14

| clad in the new canvas uniform of the
United States army, went with the two
companies of the First infantry. -
Washington, d. c., May 11.-Plans
for the bo~mbardment of Havana are
being prepared by the strategy board.
When the American legions rushing to
the gulf close in upon the doomed city
their siege guns will awake the respon-
sive below from the twelve and tbir-
teen-inch demons of destruction on the
American battleships.
Admiral Sampson and Commodore
Schley's %squadrons may be united for
the work, and it is probable that the
Oregon will reach Havana in time to
turn her four thirleen-inch guns on the
famous old Moro. At any rate, it is
expected the Indiana's four thirteen
above the grave of the Maine, while
four twelve-inch rifles of the Iowa will
lead in grand chorus scores of deep
throated peals of vengeance.
HAvANA's GUNS NOT FORMIDABLE.
The American wal managers have
detailed information about the defenses
of Havana, and they are confident the
Spanish batteries can be silenced in a
short time whenever the word is given.
The S~paniards are reported to have
$50 or 400 cannon in their works, but
most of these are old ordnance, many
of them being antiquated muzzle-
leaders. There are said to be but two
guns to be feared. These are modern
Krupp cannon of t~hirteen-inch callber,
and they are believed to be the only
pieces in the island approaching the
big guns of the Indiana, Oregon and
Iowa.
1t is reported the b~ombardIng fleet
q begin the attack from the east in
such a position that the most danger
Gus of the krupp guns of the enemy
will not be available for effective work.
This piece is mounted in the Santa
Clara battery, but the American battle
with guns of equal range, can
stand off to the east of Moro and
and crumble their walls into
dust without serious danger from the
Santa Clara shots.
ADVANTAGES OF THE FLEET.
The attacking fleet will have another
tremendous advantage, for it will be
concealed from the Santa Clara bat
cry by high hills and the walls #
and Cabanas themselves.
The other big Krupp Is said to be SO
ar away from the city that any Ameri-
IAN cruiser can shell the works in front
IF Havana without fear of its missiles.
I is mounted in a fort west of the city s
three miles from the coast. 1t is
menace to land operations, but tacti-
ians say it will not defend the city
Effectively from any attack by water. q
One experienced naval officer, IN
discussing the probable plan of attack,
uggests that the fleet would probably y
concentrate its fire on a single battery,
to The east or west of the city. .
t would pour into the enemy such a ;
torn of shot and shell rs no human =
ndurance could resist. 1t would then r
move on to the next battery with the 4,
anne terrible fire, and thus wipe out, =
ne after another, every defense in the =
eighborhOod of Havana, including i
Zorro and La Punta. >
OUR NAVAL SUPERIORITY. a
The confidence of the American Off b
erS mas better basis than mere blind C
ope. They have learned several les 81
pms from Admiral Dewey's victory at 5
Ianila. They find the American guns Il
ave a longer range that the majority S
I the enemy's~ ordnance, and the battle e
hips can stand out of range of most of p
he guns OF the shore, while the batter p
8 are being pounded into pieces. They
ave also acquired a profound respect
IT the craftsmanship of the American
nnners.
A naval expert says the United States
aVy has spent more money in target
than the combined navies of
reat Britain. Germany and Russia. Il
he country Is now reaping the benefit
this apparent waste, as was demon m
in the battle OF Manila. Naval N
ticers have gained suoh confidence in 6,
navy and its personnel that they A
IDLY declare our fleet can silence
cry battery within range at Havana 8:
a single days work. ii,