Connecticut western news., 1898-04-28
MANGROvE'S PRIZE.
How the Little Lighthouse Tender Caught
 the Spanish Merchantmnn.


 Key West, April 27.-The lighthouse tender Mangrove, the baby of the navy sailed proudly into Key West harbor last night with the richest prize of the war thus far, a vessel four times her size, trailing in her wake. The captive was the Panama, Captain Quevedo, a transatlantic liner and an auxiliary cruiser of the Spanish navy. which has been plying of late between New York and Havana. She had on board % pas sengers, including three women, one Frenchman and one Mexican, and a crew of I2. As the Panama carried two F pounders, she could easily have an- initiated the little Mangrove, and as the latter came into the harbor with her prize there was not a craft but saluted her with rousing cheers.
 The Mangrove. under Lieutenant Commander William H. Everett, who came down from the photographic Of flee a few weeks ago to take charge of her, was cruising along the Cuban coast. navigated by Ensign Palmer, shortly before 6 o'clock Monday even ing about 20 miles north of Havana. At 5:45 D. m. she sighted the Panama. The only other ship of the fleet in sight was the battleship Indiana, three miles to
 
 erett scented a prize and scudded to- ward the stranger When the latter came within range, a shot from the Mangrove's 12 pounder was sent across her bows. but the Spaniard ignored the challenge and went on. Another shot followed without result. but the Man grove was drawing nearer the stranger, who calmly proceeded on her course, apparently without any intention of running away.
 When the third shot was fired, the Mangrove was within 100 yards of the Panama, and Lieutenant Commander Everett shouted to the deck officer that if she did not surrender he would sink her. The Panama then surrendered. Other Prizes Taken. This makes five steamers thus far captured, in addition to n number of schooners and smaller craft. The entire fleet had been on the lookout for the Panama for several days. That the Mangrove's prowess secured her serves as striking commentary upon the spirit of the American navy. The fol- lowing are the prizes previously taken: Steamer 2uena Ventura, valued at F50. 900, caught by Nashville.
 Steamer Pedro, valued at sl40,000, caught by New York.
 Schooner Mathilde, valued at s30,000, caught by Porter.
 Steamer Miguel lover. valued at s4oo.- ,O0. caught by Helena.
 Schooner Candida, valued at sl0.0o0. caught by Wilmington.
 Schooner Antonia. valued at s15.000, caught by Porter.
 Steamer Catalina, valued at s500.000, caught by Detroit.
 The first shot from Spain was fired Saturday night when Morro castle | opened its batteries on the United States fleet. This news was brought here last evening by the torpedo boat Ericsson. which left the fleet at 10 | o'clock yesterday morning. Captain Usher of the Ericsson says his boat was ! ordered out early Saturday night on | scoG, duty. The fleet was lying about eight miles off Havana. Lights were | out, and all hands were ready for ac- tion. The little craft scudded up al- mosI under Morro's guns, being enabled | to reach such a close point because for the first time in years Morro light was then burning. At II D. m. the Spanish | artillery roared out its first welcome to the American fleet The firing was done | more in a tentative way than as an at tack. Not shot found billet and the