The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-07-11
BEFORE SANTIAGO.
Everything Was Ready For The
Battle.

Copyright 1895 by the Associated Press. }
Before Santiago, Saturday, July 9, 6
p. M, per Associated Press Despatch
Boat Wanda, via Port Antonio and
Kingston, July 10, IL a. m.-Every thing
on the firing lines now ready for the COM
menoement of hostilities, in case the
Spanish generals do not surrender. The
dynamite gun, which has been in posi-.
tion for several days, is now in better
order than at the time of the battle of
San Juan, and it is predicted that its
charges, consisting of 20 pounds of gun
cotton and gelatine will work havoc in
the Spanish trenches when it opens.
Twelve mortars in one battery are
mounted and ready for use and they are
relied upon to do effec tive work in she'll
ing the city. Three batteries of artillery
are now posted on FL Poso ridge 240O
yards from the town and the Capron and
Grimes batteries are 1900 yards to the
north of the road in the rear of General
Lawton's division. In firing the field
guns will be compelled to shell the town
over the heads of our own men, but the
artillery officers say it can safely be done
and without INJURY to our soldiers. The
dynamite gun had been SO placed that it
will be able to enfillade several Spanish
lines.
On the other hand, during the truce,
which SO far as regard the continuing of
preparations for defense has been no
truce whatever, the Spaniards have not
been idle. They have been mounting
guns and some of these are much heavier
calibre than any the American army can
bring into play. Some of their guns are
Of antiquated pattern and not capable of
much damage, but others are very differ
emit, and capable of excellent work. One
seven inch gun which had SO perfect a
range during the battle of San Juan of
many ridges occupied by the American
troops has been located with especial care
by the American gunners and it will be
the recipient of much attention when hos
tilities reopen. General Bates's division
which holds the extreme left Of the lime
moved forward today to new position,
400 yards in advance of its former line.
1t was since the battle of San Juan
planted along the edge of a precipitious
ravine, the walls Of which are about 30
feet high. This ravine is about 700 yards
long aud about 400 yards wide. General
Bates has now moved the twentieth in
fantry to the side Of the ravine nearest
Santiago and placed the thirtieth which,
with the twentieth, forms his brigade,
at right angles to the line of the TWEEN
eth. The extreme of his line, which is
the extreme left of the American army
is about opposite the upper end of Santi-
ago harbor and from four to six miles
from the coast line.
When hostilities are opened by the bonn
bardment great things are expected from
the navy. Admiral Sampson is quoted
throughout the army as saying that he
will drop one shell into the city every five
MINUTES. and if that is not sufficient to do
the work he will drop one every two
minutes. This fire in addition to what
the land forces will turn in, it is thought
will be sufficient to reduce the Spaniards
to a point where they will surrender.
General Hawkins commanding the
first brigade of General Kent's division,
who was wounded in the foot during the
attack made on our lines Saturday night
by the Spaniards, has returned to the
United States and Col. Theaker of the
sixteenth infantry has succeeded General
Hawkins in the command of the brigade
and Col. Wood of the rough riders. will
succeed General Young. Lieut.. Col.
Roosevelt will command the rough riders
hereafter.
Sixteen Spanish prisoners who were
wounded were turned over to the Span
iards yesterday afternoon. DR.. Goodfellow
and Captain Drier escorted the ambI-
lance and the correspondent of the Asso-
ciate Press accompanied them. The
Spaniards displayed great gratitude for
this kindness and there was considerable
fraternizing iniwhich theSpaniards' desire
for peace stood out like headlight in
the fog.
There is no doubt that the subordinate
Spanish officers are anxious to surrender,
but they practically said that upon Cen
eral Toral's decision they would rest
They admitted that they were short of
provisions, but all appeared to be deter
mined and resolute and willing to die if
need be, in the defense of the city.