Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-06-04
SIEGE OF SANTIAGO.
sGHLEYs TEST OF THE BATTERIES
ON LAST TUESDAY.
THE CITY WELL FORTIFIED.
1t VIII Take Heavy Bombardment
to DisIodge the Batteries and she
sp"nish FIeet--schIcy Unconeerncd
Under Fire.

| Copyright. 1898, by the Associated Press.}
ON BOARD THE FLAGSHIP BROOK
LIN, OFF SANTIAGO DE CUBA, May 81,
via PORT ANTONIO, JAMAICA, June
1.-Commodore Schley determined to test
the batteries of Santiago de Cuba to-day,
and ascertain their location and capacity.
AT 10 o'clock he transferred his flag TO
| the Massachusetts and went on board
that ship. At llls O'Clock the Massachli-
sets signalled the Iowa and the New Or
leans to form column and follow. A
course due east was steered until the
ships were about 1000 yards from the
shore, and then, circling until they head
ed due west, they passed. starboard side
on, by the forts. The heavy L}-inch guns
OF the Massachusetts and the I2-inch
guns of the Iowa were ordered to open on
the Cristobal Colon. which was about
1000 to 1900 yards inside the Morro, while
the New Orleans large calibre guns were
to open on the fortincations so as 70
draw their fire.
The narrowness of the harbor entrance
and the speed OF the ships. which made
ten knots, allowed of the sCristobal Colon's
being a target for only few minutes.
In that time it is believed she was hit
twice, but was not seriously damaged.
The entire set of forts, some six I'm num-
Der, opened fire, and the object OF the
expedition was attained. Some OF the
modern guns, with smokeless powder.
were aimed well, bat of all the shots
fired not one did any damage to Commo-
dore Sehley's ships.
SPANISH FIRE INEFFECTIVE
The Cristobal Colon replied to the fire,
but all of her shots fell short. The
American ships fred not more than four
rounds from their heavy guns, consuming
in all fourteen minutes for the firing.
The Spaniards fired more than 100 rounds,
Keeping up the lire when the chips were
fully two miles out of their range
During the action Commodore Schley
occupied position near the forward l3-
inch turret Of tine Massachusetts,, and
watched the shells go whistling by, az
the ships got in the line of fire OF the
batteries as unconcernedly as though in
no danger of being struck.
At 3:S0 o'clock the Commodore was back
on the Brooklyn.
1t is evident that the Speniards have
There are a number of modern guns
there, evidently OF English or French
make, and they use smokeless powder.
which makes IL difficult TO locate them.
1t will take heavy bombardment TO dis
lodge the batteries and the Spanish fleet.
SCHLEY'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
WASHINGTON, June 3.--The Navy De-
partment has bulletined the following
report from Commodore Schiey:
Secretary OF Navy Washington, Made
reconnaissance this afternoon, May Ast.
with the Massachusetts, Iowa, and New
Orleans to develop fOrtifcations. with
their character. The fire was returned
without delay by the heavy batteries TO
the east. large calibre. long range The
range was 1000 yards. Reconnaissance
developed satisfactorily the presence OF
the Spanish squadron lying behind the
island near the upper fort, as they fred
over the hill at random. Quite satisfied
the Spanish fleet is here.
(Signed) "SCHLEY."