The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-06-02
fOllE0 the ATTACK.
spanish Torpedo Boats Creep Out ON
schIey's Fleet.


New York. June IA dispatch to the
World from Port Antonio. Jamaica,
says: The first engagement between
Commodore Schley's squadron and the
Spanish ships of Cervera took place
Sunday about midnight. Two torpedo
boats made a desperate effort to destroy
the American ships. They were stopped
in the nick of time in consequence OF
the vigilance Of the men under Captain
Phillips of the Texas.
The torpedo boats had cleared the
harbor and were creeping along in the
shadow OF the Castle MORO and the
mountain al the entrance to the haroor-
They had travelled two miles to the west
ward when the officers Of the deck on
the Texas sighted them. Two OF the
searchlights of the Texas were turned
on them and the next instant. the men.
who had been sleeping at the loaded
guns. were aroused and at work.
The flashing of the lights told the
Spaniards that they were discovered
and they made a quick rush with all
speed on toward the Brooklyn and
Texas. Before their bows had swung
AROUND the crews of the port batteries
OF the Texas were pumping steel at
them. The rapld-fire guns were used
The din of the guns of the Texas
alarmed the whole fleet. The machine
guns of the Brooklyn were at work a
few seconds after the Texas had started
in. The other ships were lying further
OFF shore. The call to general quarters
was sounded on each of them in the be-
1 lief that all of Cervera's fleet was COM
| ing out in a desperate effort to escape.
| Searchlights We're playing on the waters
by all OF the ships.
The Texas and Brooklyn poured such
a furious shower of shells at the torpedo
( boats that the latter were forced 10 turn
/ about and seek safety in the harbor.
What damage they sustained Is un-
/ known. The torpedo boats took shelter
under the forts and no attempt TO pur-
/ sue them was made. II is thought that
I neither of them was struck. as they re-
treated quickly and they made small tar
/ gets in the uncertain light. The Span
/ iards did not discharge torpedoes.
/ though they got within 500 yards of the
| Texas.
The greatest vigilance is maintained at
night on the American fleet TO prevent
/ such attacks by these. Schley's ships
have made examinations of the batteries
and the channel. revealing much
| stronger guns and mines than were sup
posed TO exist. Four rows of mines have
been laid across the narrow entrance OF
! the harbor.
Early this morning the Msrblehead
| ventured to within two miles of the har-
| bor and positively recognized the cruiser
/ CrlStODal Colon ana Two CRUISERS OF tuc
\ Viscaya type and the dismantled cruiser
Reina Mercedes. upon which guns have
been mounted. making her floating
fort.
There are two vessels of the Cape
/ Verde fleet still unaccounted for. but
| Commodore Schley is sure they are fur
/ ther UP the bay.
/ All the ships were originally in such a
| position in the hsrbor that they could
| not be seen from the outside. but upon
/ the appearance of the American ships
they betrayed their position by moving
/ across the bay. Commodore Schley
! does not anticipate any attempt by Ger
| vera to break out in the face OF su-
/ perior vessels and armament.
Anxiety as to the coal situation was
| relieved upon the arrival of two col
/ iiers. The Iowa and the Brooklyn coal
| ed in full view Of the guns OF the bat
/ teries. The other ships had already
/ coaled. The officers and men of the fleet
are affected by the intense heat Every
| aperture is closed at night to prevent
| the egress of light. Officers and men
sleep in the dark. democratic fashion.