The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-07-27


submitted TO the public Tuesday after
noon the statement OF Admiral Samp-
son on the naval battle off Santiago
which resulted in the destruction Of Ad-
miral Cervera's splendid squadron. The
publication was eagerly awaited owing
10 the desire to learn just how the part
played by schley in the engagement
would be covered by his temporary su-
perior. With the document were the
reports OF Schley. Evans and Clark.
Admiral Sampson says: "The en-
emy's vessels came out of the harbor
between s:35 and 10 a. m, the column
appearing around Cay Smith at 9:3l.
and emerging from the channel five OF
six minutes later. The positions of the
vessels Of my command on Santiago at
that moment were as follows: The
flagship New York was four miles east
OF her blockading station and about
seven miles from the harbor entrance
She had started from Siboney. where I
intended to land. accompanied by sew
eral OF my staff. and go to the front and
consuit with General shsfter. A dis
cussicn OF the situation and a more def
mite understanding between us OF the
operations proposed had been rendered
necessary by the unexpectedly strong
resistance OF the Spanish garrison of
Santiago. l had sent my chief Of staff
pn shore the day before to arrange an
interview with General Shafter. who
had been suffering from heat prostra-
tion. made arrangements TO go TO
his headquarters, and my flagship was
in the position mentioned above when
the spanish squadron appeared in the
1n or near their usual blockadlng po-
sitions. distributed in a emi-circle
about the harbor entrance.
"The men OF our ships In front of the
port were at Sunday quarters for in
spection.' The signal was made stimuli
taneouBiy from several vessels. 'Enemy's
ships escaping and general quarters
were sounded. The men cheered as
they sprang to their guns and fire was
opened probably within eight minutes
by the vessels avhose guns commanded
the entrance. The New York turned
about and steamed for the escaping
fleet. flying the signal. Close In towards
harbor entrance and attack vessels and
gradually increasing speed. until to-
wards the end Of the chase she was
making 16 1-2 knots. and was rapidly
closing ON the eristobai Colon. She was
not at any time within the range Of the
heavy Spanish ships, and her only part
in the firing was to receive the undivided
fre from the forts In passing the harbor
entrance and to fire few shots at one OF
the destroycrs, thought at the moment
TO be attempting 10 escape from the
Gloucester.
The initial speed of the Spaniards
carried them rapidly past the blookad-
Ing ysssels. and the battle developed
lnto,a chase. In which the Brooklyn and
Texas had at the start the advantage
OF position. The Brooklyn maintained
this lead. The Oregon. steaming at
amazing speed from the commencement
ct the action, took hrst place. The
Iowa and Indiana. having done good
work, and not having the speed OF the
other ships. were directed by me, in
succession, at about the time the Wig
saya was beached to drop out Of the
scene and resume biockading stations.
These vessels rescued many prisoners.
when about 10 miles west OF Santiago
the Indiana had been signalled 20 go
back to the harbor entrance. and at
Ascarraderos the Iowa was signalled to
Resume blockading station The Iowa.
assisted by the Rriccson and the Hist,
took on the crew OF the vizcaya. while
che Harvard and the Gloucester rescued
those OF the Infanta Maria Teresa and
the Alnirante Oquendo. This rescue
of prisoners. including the wounded.
from the burning Spanish vessels was
the occasion of some OF the most daring
and gallant conduct OF the day. The
ships were burning fore and aft, their
gums and reserve ammunition were ex-
and ft was not known at what
fire would reach the maga zines.
In addition TO this Q heavy surf was
running inside OF the Spanish ships:
put no risk deferred our officers and men
until their work Of humanity was com.
Dicte, n
sWhere the vizcaya went ashore the
Colon was about six miles ahead OF the
ana Oregon. but her spurtwas
finished and the American ships were
now gaining upon her. Behind the
and Oregon came the Texas.
Vixen and New York. 1t was evident
from the bridge Of the New York that all
the American Ships we're gradually over
hauling the ehase. and that she had no
chance of escape. AZ 1870 the Brook
lyn and Oregon opened hre and got her
range-the oregon's heavy shells strik-
Ing beyond her-and at 1:2o she gave up
without firing another shot. hauled
down her colors and ran ashore at
Torquino. 5s miles from Santiago. Cap
tain Cook OF the Brooklyn went on board
TO receive the surrender. While his
boat was alongside came up In the
New York.. received his report and
placed the Oregon in charge OF the wreck
20 save her. N possible. and directed the
prisoners TO be transferred to the Res
olufe. which had followed the chase.
Commodore schley. whose chief OF stan
had gone on board TO receive the sur
reuder. had directed that all their per-
eohal effects should be retained by the
of8cerB. This order ! did not modify.
The Criefobal Colon was not injured by