The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1898-05-07
CHero of the First Naval Engagement.

Hero OF the First Naval Engagement)
American ships, whereupon they
shifted their position to one near
Cavite, in Manila bay, engaging in a
fierce fight against both the forts and
the Spanish feet. The engagement
here lasted two hours and resulted in
the annihilation of the Spanish feet.
This dispatch adds that the American
ships withdrew to their magazine ves-
sci in the center of the roadstead, for
the purpose of coaling. One American
vessel, the name of which is not men
toned, is said to have been disabled.
The News of the Great Naval Battle
New YORK, May 3.-A dispatch to
the New York Herald from London
says:
The Asiatic squadron OF the United States,
Commodore Dewey commanding, Sunday en-
gagged and completely defeated the Asiatic
squadron OF Spain in the harbor OF Manila in
the Philippine islands. All the news OF the
great naval battle thus far is coming from
Spanish sources This shows conclusively that
Manila has not yet been taken by the Ameri-
can forces and that the cable lines are still un-
der the control of Spain. From the fact that
even the advices received from Madrid show
that the American warships Jared the best,
there is hardly any doubt that when complete
details are obtainable 1t will be learned that it
was a crushing defeat for Spain. Reports of
the battle thus far are coming In piecemeaL
During the two engagements that took place
Commodore Montejo, commanding the Spanish
fleet. lost three OF his largest ships. His flag
ship the steel cruiser Reina Christina, and the
armored cruiser Castillo were burned, ana the
cruiser Don Juan de Austria was blown up
Several other Spanish vessels were badly dam
aged. One report adds that several other Span
ish ships were sunk by their commanders to
prevent their falling into the hands of the
Americans
There was O heavy loss of life among the
Spanish Capt Darso. commanding the Reina
Christina, was killed Commodore MontejO,
commanding the fleet shifted his flag from the
Reina Christina to the Isla de Cuba, a much
smaller steel protected cruiser, Just before the
Christina sank The blowing up of the Don
Juan de Austria was attended by great loss
of life among the crew, her commander also
being killed Madrid advices received in Paris
say 400 Spaniards were killed.
The Future OF the Island.
AS to the future of the islands, it is
likely that the government will retain
possession of at least one good port,
such as Manila, for coaling station
and base of supplies during the re-
mainder of the war. There was un-
derstood to be considerable force in
the Philippines, and large number of
natives are said to be 'loyal," mean
ing, in that sense, attached to the
Spanish fortunes. With this material
on one hand and the insurgents
on the other, the latter stimu-
lated by the overthrow of the Span
iards at Manila. it is probable that
civil war may rage on the islands for
some time. outside of Manila proper.
1t is believed the officials have not de-
cided what to do with the islands at
the end of the war, but, in their pos
session, the United States will enjoy a
powerful weapon in enforcing terms
of peace with Spain.
Has Dewey Taken ManiIaF
LONDON, May 8. 3.-Commodore Dewey,
according to a dispatch from Madrid,
gave Capt Gen. Augusti "a hours to
comply with an ultimatum which de-
mands all warlike stores and the en-
tire stock of coal in charge of the gov
ernment officials. The ultimatum as
serted that no money levy would be
made upon Manila. The dispatch says
it is believed in Madrid that the gov
ernment has already cabled Capt Gen.
Augusti authority to comply with the
demand, no other course being open.
Great Rejoicing In Washington.
WASHINGTON, May 9.-Washington
rejoiced last night. Not since the
x
a third of a century ago have the
people of this city been SO profoundly
moved by war news as they were last
evening The first battle of the His
piano. American war has been fought,
and victory lies with Adm. Dewey's
squadron under the stars and stripes.
That was enough to set the people of
Washington almost in a frenzy of en-
thusiastic rejoicing.
Dewey Has Plenty of Ammunition.
WASHINGTON, May 3.-Naval bureau
chiefs, who have charge of equipping
the fleets with ammunition and coal,
say that Commodore Dewey's engage
ment of Sunday does not deplete his
stock of projectiles, powder, coal and
other necessary supplies to any serious
extent, and that he has ample supplies
of this vital character to carry on such
further operations as may be neces-
sary.
1t Cost Spain Dear.
WASHINGTON, May 3.-The Spanish
reverse at Manila seriously depletes
the Spanish navy at time when it is
most in need of ships. With the burn
ing of the two cruisers, Reina Chris
tina and the Castillo, Spain has lost
two of her best second-rate cruisers.
Aside from the crippling of the Span
ish naval strength, the burning up
and the blowing up of the ships speci-
fed entails an actual money loss run
ming into the millions.
Will We Annex the Philippines?
BERLIN, May at is believed in po-
litical circles here that America has
gained the prize she really had in
view, having promised not to annex
Cuba, but giving no promise as to the
Philippines.