The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-24
Cuban Army Officers NettIed Over
Criticism of Their Methods OF
Fighting the Spaniards.
BRITISH STEAMER SEIZED
BUT PROMPTLY RELEASED ON PRO-
TEST FROM HER CAPTAIN.
Battle Ship Oregon Not at Key West,
as RumOred-Spanish Cavalry ROut-
ed by Cuban Insurgents.
Copyright 1898. by the Associated Press,

KEY WEST, Fla, May 2S.-The officers Of
one Of the United States cruisers which ar
rived here to-day say that while oft Cape
San Antonio (the western extremity of
Cuba) yesterday afternoon a terrific explo-
sion was heard from the direction of the
shore, but apparently many miles away.
There was an upheaval of water all about
the ship and the cruiser herself vibrated
with the shock from stem to stern. Many
are inclined to think that the phenomenon
was an earthquake There are no batteries
near enough to Cape San Antonio to ac-
count for defamation of such volume, and
it is thought that if any naval disaster
had occurred news of it would have reached
here.
The Cuban officers are greatly nettled
by the criticisms of United States army Of
fcers who say the Cubans are unable to
make an offensive campaign. They declare
that the Cuban army is about to distinguish
itself by brilliant operations. United States
army and navy officers have poor opinion
of the Cuban forces. The rank and file are
brave and willing enough, it is conceded,
and they are excellent bushwhackers, but
they are believed to be without anything
like real military training.
some of the New York newspapers received
here refer to the forts at San Juan de Puerto
Rico as using smokeless powder in answer
ing the fire from Admiral Simpsons squad
ron. but this is an error Nor is there prob
ably any foundation for the Madrid state
ment that the crew of the French cruiser
Admiral Rigault de Genouilly cheered the
Spanish forts at San Juan After the bonn
bardment Admiral Simpsons squadron
hauled away. The Spaniards undoubtedly
believed that the attack would be renewed.
The French cruiser took advantage of the
cessation of firing to rush out of the harbor,
and 1t seemed to those on board the AsSo-
ciated Press dispatch boat Dauntless that
the Frenchmen were badly frightened and
thinking of anything but raising a cheer.
The Spanish consul at ST. Thomas re-
ceived preposterous reports from the Cap
tai General of Porto Rico, among them
statements that the bombardment lasted
until IL o'clock, that the Iowa was badly
disabled, so much that her bow sank deep
in the water, and that the commander of
the French cruiser sent a fiery message to
Paris denouncing the bombardment as
brutal and violation of the rules of war.
AS matter of fact, the French officers and
the officers of the United States cruiser
Montgomery exchanged visits at st.
Thomas and were very friendly, the French
men saying that the bombardment was con-
Quoted in line with the best methods of
modern warfare.
The Spanish consul at St. Thomas inquired
anxiously of the Dauntless If there were
any signs of the expected uprising in the
Southern States. He declined an invitation
to dine on board, saying his presence on an
American vessel, and especially the dis
patch boat of the Associated Press, would
be calculated to cause grave scandal.
Judge Locke, in the United States District
Court to-day heard arguments in three of
the most important cases, those of the
Buena Ventura, Miguel Jover and Catalina.
A number of counsel appeared and it was
commended on an extended citation of au-
thorities, that all three vessels should be
condemned as lawful prizes. Arguments
against this contention were made by an
array of counsel representing the various
interests, including the owners Of the vessels
and their cargoes. Judge Locke reserved
decision.
The battle ship Oregon has not arrived
here, as reported in several Northern pa
pers.