Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1898-05-30
HOW THE SPANIARDS WIN
Make Up Accounts Of Defenting the Amer
leans.


Madrid, May 29.-El Progresso pub
fishes dispatches purporting to come
from Paris, giving details of an al
legged battle near jamaica, in which
it Is said two American warshlps were
sunk, and one Spanish warshlp was
injured.
Although the account Is very cir
cumstantial rs to the ume, place, in
cldents and results, ii is received here
with suspicion. The story is that Com
modore Schley's squadron parted from
Rear Admiral SIMPSONS OFF Cape
Maysi the eastern point of Cuba, and
steered towards the Yucatan peninsula
followed closely by SIMPSONS ships.
Both were sighted from the watch
towers of Santiago de Cuba.
Rear-Admiral Sampson arrived off
the province of Puerto Principe, con-
tinuing thence in the direction of ia
maica.
Admiral Cervera left Santiago Thurs
day, May 26th, at midnight. all his
lights being eXunguished, with the
Vizcaya and the Almirante Oquendo,
preceded by the torpedo boat -destroy-
er Furor. He took up a position in
proximity to Jamaica. Two hours later
the remainder of Admiral Cervera's
squadron Withdrew from the harbor of
Santiago and proceeded In southerly
direction.
On the morning of Friday, the Juror
came up rapidly to the Vizcaya and
the Admlrante Oquendo, advising Ad-
miral Cervera OF the approach of the
enemy. Rear-Admiral SIMPSONS ships
steamed with full speed towards the
oh ttrht al, I'D
bat. but moved in southerly dlrec-
ton to effect conjunction with the
remdlnded OF the Spanish squadron.
Presently the battle ragged furlously
on both sides. The Americans detached
three cruisers and three smaller ships
to surround the Vizcaya and the AL
m'"9nte Oquendo. The Juror, between
IL. cross-ilre of the enemy, made for
the American flagship. notwlthstand-
Ing the fire of the heavy guns
The outcome Of the contest was that
two American warships were sunk and
one Spanish warship disabled in Its
steering gear. The remaining vessels
of the American squadron were so
much damaged that they were COM
PEELED TO take refuge In Haitlen waters.
1t is reported that the Crstobal CO.
Ion captured an American ship which
had been disabled from a shot by the
VlZcaya that perforated her side. The
Vizcaya rlsked destruction from an
American destroyer.
1t Is believed after the combat the
Spaniards sailed for Havana, or n the
conditions of the vessels or the pres
ence Of a superior force of the enemy
required, took refuge within Cardenas
or Natanzas.
The publication of this dispatch from
Paris caused an excited discussion of
the conflicting reports from various
sources which completely absorbed all
sections OF the press and all circles of
the public In Madrid.
Speaking today of Yesterdays ru-
NOR of the defeat of the Americans and
the death of Rear Admiral Sampson,
Capt. Aunon the minister of marine,
without credlting the report, In the
absence of official Information, re-
marked that it was within the limits
of possibility.
IT is hoped that the result of today's
cabinet council win disclose informa-
tlon confirming or denying the report.
DENIED AT WASHINGTON.
Washington, May 29.-oricials of the
navy department not only discredlt the
reports of naval engagement near
Jamaica on Friday, but declare with
the utmost positiveness that 1t did not
occur Advices from Admiral Samp-
son and Commodore Schley clearly in
dicate that the statements contained
In the Madrid story are without the
slightest foundation in fact.
Secretary i50cg was shown a copy of
the dispatch tonight After reading IT
he said: TT is an interesting story al
though It lacks the element OF truth,
You will notice that It is regarded with
suspicion even in Madrid. 1t comes to
us from Paris. where II was received
from some unnamed place, after being
filtered through the Spanish capital.
No. there Is absolutely no truth I'm IL "
Secretary Long declined to make fur
ther comment upon II.
officials on duty at the navy depart
ment read the dispatch with emuse-
ment ut viii take it upon myself TO
say said an officer. that the report