The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-05-30
SPANIARDS ARE SMILING
MARR0W-FREEZING ROMANCE
OF A VICTORY THE CAUSE
81 PrOgresO Prints a Yarn with a
Paris Date That Is Too Strong for
Even the willing Spaniard-Cer-
vera Said to Have Bested Samp-
son Of Jamaica, While the Lat
ter Was at Key West.

MADRID, May BEL Progreso pub
fishes DISPATCHES purporting to come
from Paris, giving details OF an alleged
battle near Jamaica, in which, it is
said, two American warships were de-
stroyed and one Spanish warship was
injured.
Although the account is very circum-
stantial as to time, place, incidents and
results, 1t Is received here with sus-
picion.
The story is that Commodore schley's
squadron parted from Rear Admiral
SIMPSONS off Cape Mast, the eastern
point of Cuba, and steered toward the
fucatan passage. 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 26, at midnight, all his lights
being extinguished, with the Vizcaya
and the Almirante Oquendo, preceded
by the torpedo boat destroyer Furor.
He took up position in proximity to
Jamaica. Two hours later the remain
der of Admiral Cervera's squadron
withdrew from the harbor of Santiago
and proceeded in southeriy direction.
MINUTE DETAILS.
On the morning Of Friday the Furor
came up rapidly to the Vizcaya and
the Almirante Oquendo, advising Ad-
mfral Cervera Of the approach Of the
enemy.
Rear Admiral Sampson's ships steam
ed at full speed towards the Spanish
vessels, which accepted combat, but
moved in southerly direction to effect
juncture with the remainder of the
Spanish squadron.
Presently the battle ragged furiously
on both sides.
The Americans detached three cruis-
ers and three smaller ships to surround
the Vizcaya and the Almirante Oquen-
do. The Furor, between the cross-fire
of the enemy, made for the American
flagship, notwithstanding the fire Of
the heavy guns.
The outcome of the contest was that
two American warships were sunk
and one Spanish warship disabled In it's
steering gear.
The remaining vessels of the Ameri-
can squadron were so much damaged
that they were compelled to take re-
fuge in Haytian waters.
It Is reported that the Cristobal Colon
captured one American ship, which
had been disabled by a shot from the
Vizcaya, that perforated her. The Viz
caya risked destruction from an Amer
lean destroyer.
1t is believed that after the combat
the Spaniards sailed for Havana, or if
the condition of the vessels or the pres
ence of a superior force of the enemy
required, took refuge at Cardenas or
MatanZas.
DISBELIEVED IN MADRID.
The publication of this dispatch from
Paris caused an excited discussion of
the conflicting reports from various
sources, which completely absorbed all
the country in Madrid.
Speaking today of yesterdays rumor
of the defeat Of the Americans and the
death Of Rear Admiral Sampson, Capt.
Aunon, the minister of marine without
creditfng it in the absence of official
confirmation, remarked that the event
was nearly within the limits of pos
sihility.
1t is hoped that the result Of today's
cabinet council will disclose informa-
ton confirming or denying the report.