The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-07-14
PREPARATIONS FOR ASSAULT
Everything Being Placed in READINGS
lor the Supreme Struggle.

Everything Being Placed III Readiness
lor the Supreme Struggle.
off Juragua, July u. s p. M, via
Kingston. Jamaica, July Is, 10 a. NJ
All the negotiations for peaceful sur
render of Santiago ended i'll utter failure
today and the city must fall by the
sword.
General Toral, the Spanish command
or, has finally and definitely refused
General Shafter's proposal for an UNI
conditional surrender and the American
army now only awaits the word of its
general to begin the final struggle.
Just when the attack will begin de-
pends upon the time which will ensue
before General Randolph can land his
batteries at the front as it is definitely
settled that the forward movement VIII
not begin until the army is fully backed
up by the big guns, the absence of
which cost so many lives during the pre-
yious engagements.
General Randolpl's movement began
early this morning but tonight out of
the ten batteries. one of four guns had
succeeded in making its way over the
almost impossible trail to the trenches
at the front This. with the four bat
N'iih7'N'Ni
by the American commander as suffi-
Gent and probably twenty-four hours
more will clapSe before the general en-
gagemcnt begins. General Lawton's on
tire division was moved to the north
ward a mile and n half. his extreme right
being placed ut Caimer on the border of
the harbor. This movement places he
American forces in Il semi-circlc entirely
surrounding Santiago and cutting off
the retreat of the Spaniards. except by
water rs our TANKS rest at the waters
edge.
The late arrivals of volunteers were
moved up from .Juragua and the First
linois, the Eighth Ohio and the rcgi-
ment from the District of Columbia were
loca ted in the trenches vacated by Law
tons men.
Hines battery was swung around TO
the north closely connecting with Law
tons forces. and now occupies bluff
from which it can fire directly into the
heart Of the city. This is Il most inn
portdnt move, as it enables the Ameri-
can forces to shell the city without in
juring the hospitals and public build
ings. which are flying the Red Cross
flags. the present position being such
that shells can be thrown over all the
buildings. thus protected from assault
The little town of Caimenes was cvac-
uated by the Spanish troops yesterday.
and is now occupied by the Cuban troops
with Il few companies of regulars.
THE AMERICAN CRESCENT.
Its occupation is most important to the
American forces, rs it completes the
semi-circle from water line to water line
a nd InmG cifU in 4
blunder on the part of the Spanish to
desert the place without a struggle, as
with it General Lawton TANKS them
completely. Near this point the Span
ish left lies and this flank has been
known to be the weakest portion of their
lines. During the weeks truccthey have
been strengthening it; bIt their en-
trenchments at this point have been
constructed raggcdly and apparently
without definite plan.
General Lawton anticipates little diff
Guilty in driving the Spaniards from
their positions.
Under the present plans the American
army and navy will begin the attack at
the same time. The fleet will hurl shells
into the city, while the great coil of
American soldery will gradually tight
on about the Spanish positions, the di-
visions advancing from all along the
line AS the semi-circle narrows, the
batteries III the rear will maintain
heavy fire.
The American officers feel confident
that the city can withstand this terrible
assault but a short time.
General Miles went to the front today
and will probably remain there the
greater part of tomorrow. The General
was accompanied by Troop \, of the
Second cavalry, the only mounted troop
of General Skaters army.
1t was raining heavily when the start
was made.
Owing to the deep mud it was almost
dark when he reached the front.
TO the correspondent of the Associated
Press who accompanied him to the front.
General Miles said:
II have not come down here to take
command and shall probably remain but
n few days. 1t is too late to make any
changes i'll the plan of campaign, even
if | desired to do so. But, ] have no
complaint to make. Things seem to be
moving in good shape. | intend to look
over our lines and positions and study
the situation thoroughly; but, | will not
interfere in the conduct of the campaign
his Is likely 10 be the only TRIP L snail
make to the front"
The last two days have been the worst
of the campaign. so far as the weather
is concerned. Fierce tropical thunder
storms have been frequent, with an al
most continuous downpour of rain. The
rifle pits and trenches at the front have
been flooded and last night few men in
the besieging army were able to sleep.
owing to the amount of water on the
ground.
The already heavy hardships endured
have been greatly increased and much
illness is likely to result, as no adequate
shelter is possible.
A FRIGHTFUL TRAIL.
The trail to the front is in frightful|
I'll no fEhn sfrnans and tho fnrI.. nrn