Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-07-12

Washington, July 11.-Notice
from General Shsfter to the effect
that he proposed to begin the as
eauIt and bombardment of Cartilage
to-day intensified the interest with
which the news from the front
is being awaited at the War De-
partment, and there were many
inquiries at the office of the Adju-
tant General, beginning in the ear
ly morning, for the latest dis
patches. To all these but one an
swer was returned:
General Shafter had been given
q free hand to deal with the situa-
ton, subject to but one condition,
namely that the Spaniards in San
tiago must be captured, and he had
not informed the War Department
as to the details Of his plans fur
Their than was indicated in the dis
patches received from him yester-
day. The belief here is that the
affair of yesterday was of little i'm
portance, being perhaps but feint
on the part OF the Spaniards to
cover the American batteries or to
discover some weak spot which
might be made the point Of attack
or a sortie when it comes to that.
The officials here do not conceal
their apprehension that the enc
my may escape from Santiago I'M
der cover of darkness, and are con-
sequently relieved each day when
the dispatches from the front show
that they still occupy the town.
The President himself was so
much concerned over the possible
escape Of the Spanish force that he
directed the sending of explicit or
ders to General Shafter to pre-
vent it at all hazards. This fact,
taken in connection with the Gen
erals dispatches Of yesterday,
formed the basis for the opinion
expressed at the War Department
yesterday, that Skaters attack
would not be made Immediately.
Gt was gathered from these reports
that he had not succeeded in eX-
tending his lines clear around the
city, and it was feared if he began
the attack before completing the
decentralization, the enemy under
the strength of his attack might
escape through the uncovered
northwest section and retreat to-
wards ManZanillo over the road
traversed by the reinforcements
that last reached Santiago. Now,
however, Shafter reports that he
expects to complete his lines to-
day, presumably using for the pur-
pose the reinforcements which
reached him Saturday and yester-
day, and it is expected that the at
tack will be no longer delayed.
Several kilograms were received
at the navy department over night
from Admiral Sampson. It is said
they did not relate to the attack on
Santiago, but touched the organiza-
ton Of Watson's expedition and the
movement of certain transports
which had been the object of in
Quiry.
The official report of the Ameri-
can naval commanders who partic-
ipated in the destruction of Ger
vera's squadron have been received
ct the navy department. They were
brought there to-day by Ensign
Palmer, who left Portsmouth, n H.,
with them yesterday afternoon. The
ensign delivered the reports at the
navigation bureau and they are now
being examined. Besides the reports
of Admiral Sampson, the command
er-in-chief, there are detailed re-
ports from Captain Chadwick, of
the New York, Capt Philip, of the
Texas, Capt. Clark, of the Oregon,
and from Commodore Schley and
Capt. Cook, of the Brooklyn, Lieut..
Sharp, of the Vixen. Capt Evans,
of the Iowa, and Commander
Wainwright, of the Gloucester.
Captain General Blanco is making
desperate efforts to get in supplies
through the American blockade
lines. Inspired by the successful
attempt of the Purissima Concep-
ton to land supplies on the island
of Cuba, he is now causing to be
loaded another steamer at Mexi-
can port with the intention of run
ming the blockade and bringing In
food and ammunition to the be-
leaguered capital. This is large
ship of about $500 tons and she al
ready has taken on a bountiful sup
ply of food and is expected to load
100000 cartridges. The craft is
believed to be the steamer Monte
video now at Vera Cruz, and pro-
tests have been lodged with the
Mexican government by the Amer
lean consul there against the clear
ance of the vessel.
Tie Montevideo is an auxiliary
cruiser Of the Spanish navy. it is
said, and carries considerable bat
terry, including two Hontoria guns
and secondary battery which
would make her most formidable
opponent for most of the smaller
United States craft now engaged in
hlocka6ng the southern coast Of