The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-18

by the land forces to satisfy Spanish hon
or, nor has it been a well-kept secret that
the captain general practically suggested
the manner in which the American troops
should advance to prevent loss of life on
both sides At first 1T was not intended
to attack the trenches, but quietly to adj
vance after the bombardment had ceased.
At the last moment, however, the pro-
gramme was changed and orders were is
sued for the land battery to open fire stimuli
taneously with the feet and for an advance
to be made as soon as it was considered
practicable to assault the Spanish trenches.
The reason for this change of plan is not
yet apparent, but considerable loss of life
resulted. General Anderson placed his di-
vision according to directions from General
Merritt. There were eight battalions of the
First Brigade, under General Macarthur, in
the fighting line on the right, with three
battalions in reserve, while seven battalions
of the Second Brigade, under Gen. Greene,
were in the trenches across the Gale road
to the shore, two others forming a re-
serve. The troops left the camp at 6:30 in
a heavy thunderstorm. They carried 300
rounds of ammunition per man. and two
days cooked rations.
Shortly after S:45 the fleet got under way
with flags mastheaded. At 8 a. m. the Olym-
pia led the way, attended by the Raleigh
and the Petrol, while the Callao, under
Lieutenant Tappan, and the launch Barcolo
crept close in shore in the heavy breakers.
Perfect quiet prevailed in the lines on both
sides as the great ships cleared for action,
silently advanced, sometimes hidden by
rain squall. The Monterey, with the Balti-
more, Charleston and Boston, formed the
reserve.
Q.oS Of
and white against the stormy sky, COM
pletely hid the Olympia, sheel screamed
across two miles of turbulent water and
burst near the Spanish fort at Malate San
Antonio de Abad. The Petrol and Raleigh
and the active little Callao opened rapid
fire directed towards the shore end of the
intrenchments. In the heavy rain 1t was
difficult to judge the range and the shots at
first fell short but the fire soon became ac-
curate and the shells rendered the fort un-
tenable, while the four guns of the Utah
battery made excellent practice on the
earthworks and swamp to the east of the
fort. The Spaniards replied feebly with
few shells.
LESS than half an hour after the bonn
bardment began General Greene decided
that it was possible to advance, although
the signals to cease firing were disregarded
count of the rain. Thereupon six compa-
nies of the Colorado regiment leaped over
their breastworks dashed into the swamp
and opened volley firing from the shelter of
low hedges within three hundred yards OF
the Spanish lines. A few moments later
the remaining six companies moved along
the seashore, somewhat covered by a sand
ridge formed by an inlet under the out
works of the fort, and at IL o'clock occu-
pied this somewhat formidable stronghold
without loss. Mccoy hauled down the
Spanish flag and raised the stars and
stripes, amid wild cheers along the line.
Meanwhile the fleet, observing the move
ment of the troops along the beach, with
held its fire. The bombardment had lasted
exactly an hour and a half. An hour later
General Greene and his staff proceeded
along the beach, still under hot infantry
fire from the right, where the Eighteenth
regulars and the Third regular artillery
were engaging the enemy, and directed the
movement for an advance into Malate. The
vicinity of the fort was uncomfortable on
account of numbers of sharpshooters in the
buildings on both sides, two hundred yards
distant. The forward movement was there
fore, hastened, and in a few minutes the
outskirts of the suburb were well occupied
and the sharpshooters were driven away
LAS the Californians, under Colonel Smith,
came up the beach their band played the
national air, accompanied by the whistling
of Mauser. bullets, and, during the sharp
shooting, continued to encourage the men
with inspiring music. Each regiment carried
its colors into action. There was consider
able street lighting in the suburbs of Ma
late and Ermit, but the battalion of Cali
fornians pushed into the Luneta, a popular
cia axxyifa
moat of the citadel. When the white flag
was hoisted at the southwest corner of the
walled town, General Greene with a few
members of his staff. galloped along the
Luneta under a sharp scattering fire from
the houses near the beach and parleyed with
an officer, who directed him along to the
gate further east.
'At this moment the Spanish forces re-
treating from Santa Ana, came into view
fully two thousand strong followed by in
surgents who had eluded General Nc
Arthur's troops, and now opened fire for a
brief period. The situation was awkward
If not critical both sides being slightly sus-
picious of treachery. The Spanish troops
lining the citadel ramparts, on seeing the
insurgents action opened fire on the Cali
fornians, killing one and wounding three
The confusion, however, soon ceased by the
advance of the retreating Spaniards to the
Esplanade, when General Greene ordered
them to enter the citadel.
''Soon letter was brought from the cap
tain general requesting the commander of
the troops to meet him for consultation.
General Greene Immediately entered with
Adjutant General Bates. Meanwhile, ac-
cording to arrangements, the moment the
white flag was shown General Merritt, who
occupied the steamer Zafiro for temporary
corps headquarters, sent General Whittier.
with Flag Lieutenant Brandy, ashore to
meet the captain general and discuss first
plan of capitulation. General Whittier
found the officials much startled by the
news that the attack was still vigorously
continued along the whole line, the Amer
ican troops even threatening the citadel.
''All available Spanish troops were imme-
diately massed in the vicinity of the palace,
awaiting the succession of events, concern
ing which a certain degree of anxiety was
evident. General Merritt entered with his
staff at o'clock The situation was then
better understood, and a conference with
General Jaudemes was held. The terms
agreed on may be outlined as follows
IAN agreement for the capitulation of the
Philippines.
"A provision for disarming the men who
remain organized under the command of the
officers, no parole being expected.