Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-28
FORTS S|L[NCED
Admiral Sampson Bonn
bards Matanzas,
REPLIES TO BATTERIES FIRE
New York, Puritan and Cincin-
nal m me Engagement
NO CASUALTIES ON TIE FLEET
Believed That a Number of Span
NO CASUALTIES ON TEE FLEET
Believed That Number of Span
iards Were Killed.
MEANING OF THE VICTORY

Brig. Gen. Shafter and Col. Bah
cock were in conference with Gen.
Miles, it is believed, with reference
to the proposed invasion of Cuba.
The plan of the War Department,
it is said, is for 10000 yellow fever
immunes and the cowboy regi-
ments to join the armies OF Gomez
and Garcia first.
The House passed without objec-
ton an urgency war measure to re-
peal limitations upon the purchase
of quartermasters' supplies and re-
sumed consideration of the war rev.
enue bill.
There will be a split on the demo-
cratic side when a vote on the war
revenue bill is taken in the House,
over dozen having declared that
they will not insist upon striking out
the bond provision.
The significance OF the lombard
ment Of Matanzas is said to con-
sist in its being an indication that ac-
tive aggressive movements are soon
to begin. 1t is expected that base
OF supplies will be established near
there, and that that city may be made
the capital of the Cuban republic and
the civil government by the Cubans
set up.
1t is now expected that the volun-
teer quota of the District OF Column
bia will be full regiment.
Secretary Long says he has no re-
ports whatever OF any bombardment
OF Matanzas. A member of the
strategy board says he is sure Samp-
son made no attempt to reduce the
batteries. The board believe his
purpose was only to draw the fire of
Matanzas batteries and learn their
number and strength. If any bat
terles were building Sampson would
prevent continuing work on them.
Copyright. 1865, b. Associated Press)
ON BOARD THE FLAGSHIP NEW
YORK. OFF MATANZAS. April q. 2 p.m.
via Key West--The New York, the Puri-
tan and the Cincinnati bombarded the
forts at the mouth of Matanzas harbor
INF off
on our side, but 1t Is believed that the hail
OF iron which pounded in the forts must
have caused loss of life to the Spaniards
though nothing is known definitely. The
engagement commenced at 1851 and
ceased at 1:15 The object of the attack
was to prevent the completion of the earth
works at Punta Gorda. A battery on the
eastward arm of the bay opened fire on
the flagship. and this was also shelled
About twelve eight-inch shells were fired
from the eastern forts. but all fell short.
About five or six light shells were fired
from the half-compieted battery. Two of
these whizzed over the New York and one
fell short. The ships left the bay for the
open sea, the object of discovering the
whereabouts of the batteries having been
accomplished. in the neighborhood of 800
shots were put on land from the three
ships. at a range Of from 1900 to 1000
yards.
Admiral Sampson Pleased
Rear Admiral Sampson. when asked II he
was satisfied with the result. said:
Yes. l am. 1 expected to be-"
The half-completed Spanish earthworks
and battery were apparently all ploughed
up by the shells.
All the ships engaged showed excellent
craftsmanship throughout the engagement.
and when they were firing at the shortest
range nearly every shell took effect.
The forts which were bombarded were
on a low-lying point. and were considered
merely earthworks. They did not make a
good target. yet when the big guns were
fred at the shortest range portions of the
forts could be seen flying In the air at every
shot.
The flagship returned to Havana, and the