The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1898-05-05
WAR NEWS.

There IS no truth in the report that
Spanlard, one of the crew of the Puritan,
was caught tamperng with one of the
steamers magazines.
The cruiser Topeka, recent purchase
by the United States from an English
firm, arrived safely IN New York on Sun
day from Falmouth, England. She had
seen no war vessel on her trip and did not
desire to as her guns were not mounted.
The Spauiards on board the Panama
captured by the little light house tender
Mangrove, felt heartily ashamed Of them
selves when the disproportIon IN the size
of vessels and armament became appar
ent.
Commodore Dewey won brilliant
victory at Manila, PHILIPPINE Islands on
Sunday last. He entered the bay with
his fleet on Saturday night, a most dar-
ing procedure as the bay is mined a1d
the Spanish fleet was protected by two
forts. Sunday morning both fleets lined
up for battle, III which the forts took
part. The American boats kept constant
ly moving SO as TO make it more difficult
for the Spanish gunuers to make their
shots effective. After the first onset the
American fleet retired to make repairs
and to land their wounded on the west
newed the fight and III two hours aDnihi
lated the Spanish fleet. The Spanish
Il igship Reina Christina was burned :.
The Spanish commodore quit her under
cover of the smoke and thus saved his
| life AS her commander was killed. The
next largest boat Of the Spanish feet.
| the Castillo, was also burned. The Don
Juan de Austria was blown up. and two
other cruisers were badly damaged. Some
OF the smaller boats were scuttled and
sunk to prevent their falling into the
| hands of the Americans.
The news came from Spanish sources
| as the cubic at the PHILIPPINES is under
their control. 1t will take commodore
Dewey two days to reach a cable station
from which he can telegraph report of
the engagement. The Spanish reports
tirs5 stated that five of the American
boats were sunk. Later reports say two
but bett- + advices are TO the effect that
none were sunk though they suffered
some damage and there certainly was loss
of life. The Spaniards report their losses
at 200 killed and 400 wounded.
The American fleet was much stronger
than the Spanish, but the Spanish forts
equgiized matters so that the victory is
due to the superiority of the American
navy IN courage and Intelligent manage
ment. Dewey demanded the surrender
Of Manila and the giving up of all war
ike stores. 1t Is said the captain-geDer-
al of the PHILIPPINES declined and that
Dewey proceeded to lombard the city.
The papers of Tuesday stated that the
unfortlfied portion of Manila was burned
and Cayite, where the forts are. was de-
stroyed. But these reports are not con-
hrmed. The only thing certain is that
the Spanish fleet is destroyed.
Government officials say Dewey has
coal and ammunition enough to last him
for weeks. His intention certainly Is 10
secure foothold In the PHILIPPINES as a
base OF supplies. He would otherwise
have to cross the Pacific ocean for neces-
sary means. 1t Is said that Japan ex-
presses Willingness to furnish him coal.
The disastrous defeat has caused con-
sternatlon In Spain and martial law was
proc aimed IN Madrid. Republicans and
CGriists are active there and the throne
is totiering.
1t is now feared that the Spanish fleet
at Cape Verde Will attempt to cut off the
Oregon and the Nichteroy which are on
their way TO Cuba. In rounding the
eastern coast of Brazil they come COM
paratlvely neur the Spanish fleet which
or course would be apprised of the prox-
unity OF two such valuable captures if
they could be made.
Eight large transport boats have been
ordered to Tampa which means the last
steps OF preparation for the invasion of
Cuba. Ii the affair at Manila does not
terminate the war some hot work may be
expected IN Cuba at an early day. Spain
cannot stand another reverse.
ho Oh
the daring and succe SIS of Commodore
Dewey. Eminent autI titles pronounce
his achievement one of tie great naval |
feats of the age buc say 1t teaches moth
Ing except that everyth ng depends upon |
the man who directs things. Supplies |
and troops are to be sent Dewey from |
San Francisco.
The United atss govsrament has not |
heard word from Dewey. What news |
1T gets Is second hand. stolen from Ma |
drid or furnished by England. The