The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-04
Spanish Reports Grudgingly Verify Their Ter
rible Reverse in Saturdays Battle.
Unfavorable Cipher News Received at Madrid, but Con-
tents Not Made Public-List of American
Heroes Injured and Slain.

WASHINGTON. July 4.-Glorious news
from Cuba affords the American people just
reason for an enthusiastic celebration of
this, the Nations natal day.
Admiral Sampson has accomplished the
work which he was directed to perform
when he left Key West for the southern
coast of Cuba. He was ordered to find and
destroy Cervera's fleet. Several weeks ago
Commodore Schley located the fleet in the
bay of Santiago. Yesterday, after being
bottled helpless in the harbor for weeks,
the fleet was destroyed. Nothing now re-
mains of the Spanish squadron but shat
tered and burning hulks.
pIished by Admiral Sampson, General
shafter, in command of the land forces be-
fore Santiago, had so far progressed in the
carrying out of his plans for the reduction
of the city that at 1o:S0 yesterday morning
he demanded the immediate surrender of
the Spanish forces. At 4:9O yesterday after
noon General Skaters demand had not been
complied with, so far as the war officials
here were able to ascertain. That the de-
mand will be complied with, however, Gen.
shafter fully believes, and that the stars
and stripes will on this Fourth of July be
raised over the former capital of Cuba is
regarded as practically certain.
Shortly after u o'clock this morning AS
sstant Secetary of the Navy Allen left the
White House hastily and. going directly to
the department, posted the following upon
the department bulletin board:
General Shafter telegraphs:
PLAYA DEL ESTE, July S.-Early this
morning sent demand for the imme-
diate surrender of Santiago, threatening to
lombard the city. believe the place will be
surrendered"
This contradicts the report that General
Shafter has fallen back. The following dis
patch was received at the War Department;
PLAYA DEL. ESTE. July s.-Siboney
office confirms statement that all the Span
ish fleet except one war ship destroyed and
burning on the beach. 1t was witnessed by
Captain Smith. who told operator. No doubt
of its correctness.
ALLEN, Signal Oficer."
PLAYA DEL ESTE. July s.-The de-
struction of Cervera's fleet is confirmed
ALLEN. Lieutenant Colonel"
The information contained in the above
statement was received early in the even
ing. but it was not announced officially un-
til several hours later. AS result of its
receipt however. conference of prominent
officials was held at the White House i'm
mediately. Those present at the confer
ence. besides the President, were Vice Pres
ident Hobart. Secretary Day. Secretary
Long, Secretary Alger. Postmaster General
Smith. General Miles. Adjutant General
Corbin, General Guy V. Henry and Senator
Hanna. The information was discussed in
all it's phases. The news sent by both Gen.
Shafter and Lieut.. Col. Allen was received
with intense satisfaction. 1t was taken to
Indicate not only that Admiral Sampson
had accomplished magnincently the task to
which he had been set, but it also clearly
proved that General Shafter was in much
stronger position than the war officials had
been led to believe he held. One of the off,
cials who attended the conference said. aft.
sr the news had been officially announced,
that IT very materially modified the serious
ness Of the situation.
The destruction OF the aeet. which was
not confirmed until few minutes before
the news was given to the public. removes
By far the most serious obstacle to the oc-
cupation Of Santiago by he American land
forces Adiutant General corbin voiced the
feelings Of every one Of The officials when