The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-07-06
J he War with Spain.
Meager Water supply at Santiago-Provis-
ions Giving Out and spaniards Eat
ing Hoi SEES and Mules-Heavy Uniforms
Thrown A WY hn Onr Snldiers

Meager water supply at santiago-Provis-
ions Giving Out and Spaniards Eat
ing Hoi SEES and Mules-Heavy Uniforms
Thrown Away by Our Soldiers.
The Spanish forces in Santiago ar the
city itself have been at the mercy of the
American invaders during the past week.
This is due to the fact that the city's water
supply, aside from that furnished by Gig
terms, has been cut off, and the situation of
the Spaniards rendered more desperate
than ever. There have been no rains of
much const quence there of lste, and the
water in the city cisterns must be very low.
il not altogether unfit for drinking purposes.
The in portant and BIZ zardous movement of
depriving the enemy of water was COM
pleted at an early hour last Wednesday
morning by detachment OF the engineer
ing corps, who were protected by large
body OF insurgents and American troops
from General Lawton's command.
The Cubans knew that the pipe line that
carried water to the city was the only ade-
quate supply the Spaniards had and it was
decided to cut the pipes, not only for the
purpose OF creating water famine in the
besieged city, but also to give the American
troops plentiful supply of water close at
hand, 1t was an extremely dangerous
movement, and If it had not been conducted
cautiously might have resulted in heavy
losses, as there Is no doubt that the Span
iards would have fought desperately to pre-
Ntnb luell WdlcI supply DeluR CuJ uH.
The Spanish apparently did not realize
the object of the Americans. They evident
ly thought that the skirmish line was being
pushed forward, for they made no great az
tempt to hold their positions. They fred
several volleys at the Cubans from their
outposts and then retreated in the direction
Of the city. Their craftsmanship was bad,
and none of the Americans or Cubans was
injured. The fire was returned by the Gu
bans, with what effect is not known. The
Cubans continued to advance in face of the
ene mys fire. When the Cubans had Sc
cured the position they desired and were
strongly backed up the engineer corps d.
verted the course of the water by taking up
200 feet Of the 20 inch main. The pipes
were then carried back and relaid in an
other direction from the point of supply,
and the American army is now securing
fresh water in large quantities by this
means.
The food supply is also so short that the
Spaniards are eating horses and mules.
The cisterns from which their only water
supply is obtained are badly contaminated.
The jungle through which the American
troops have been pushing is so dense that
the faces of the soldiers are gray with dust,
and their hands are grimy with toll The
men toll at the heavy trains like bullocks
under the yoke, but they bend to their work
with patience. Our soldiers show a dis
position to throw away their heavy uni
| forms and unnecessary accoutrements with
which the Government has burdened them,
and the line of march is strewn with heavy
rolls OF blankets, coats and cumbersome
camp para phi srnalia. The Ulcers allow
the men to 90 about the camp practically
naked, and they are said to be ready to fight
at any time "clad only in d cartridge belt,
rifle and chew of tobacco"
General Garcia is confident of victory
but he declares that the Spanish will fight
des perately. He and General Shafter have
been campaigning together in the utmost
harmony. 1t was feared that the Cuban
| leader might de cline to coo perate with the
American forces unless Shafter formally
recognized the Cuban Republic But when
| the Generals met, Garcia, with tears in his
eyes, took Shafter by the hand and said /:
"You have come to fight the enemies Of my
| country, and we will serve with you with
out question"
Admiral Sampson is reported as saying
that for the present Cervera and his vessels
are safe from the guns Of our fleet and that
we can do nothing but remain here and
prevent his escape. Gen. Shaiter must first
capture the city and all the forts before we
can enter the harbor. Meanwhile Cevera
cannot train his guns upon our land forces
during the attack upon the city, and the
his fleet for use upon the land are those
from the Reina Meacedes which we disabl-
ed.
The roads leading to Santiago are all in
such bad condition that it has been i'm
possible to forward supplies until the engi-
neers have prepared the way Serviceable
bridges have been thrown across the water
way and deep ravines, and good military
roads been constructed over what was only
perilous mountain foot paths.
The men under Lieut.. COL Roosevelt be-
haved superbly under fire. just before
Capt. Cspron breathed his last two troop
ers raised his head from the ground, and he
enQuired, How are the boys fghting?"
Like h sir" was the reply. Capron
smiled and said "I'm going to see this
thing out" and was dead in few minutes.
Two thousand insurgents from Gen.
Calixo Garciss command joined the Ameri-
can army early last week. They landed
through the heavy surf, and emacisted and
nearly naked as they were, lined up and
cheered for Cuba libre." They were over
joyed to meet the Americans and at the
sight of food they fell to like starving men
With swollen feet and every evidence of
long suffering they were ready to march in
advance Of the regulars towards Santiago.