Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-13
SIEGE OF SANTIAGO.
SHIPS THROW SHELLS INTO THE
CITY FROM THE SEA.
TORAL PRACTICALLY SURROUNDED.
sbnfter Points Out the Situation,
and Again Demands UncOndit itional
Surrender, Which Demand Is Re-
ferred to Madrfd-Miles at Front.


| Copyright, 1898 by the Associated Press
SIBONEY, July II, Z u. NJ, via KINGS
TON. JAMAICA. July II, 11:30 A. MA
concerted movement has been made by
the United States army and navy against
the city Of Santiago de Cuba, during the
past twenty-four hours, which the Amer,-
can officers here believe will result in the
almost immediate fall n the city.
The feet lying Off Aguadores. three
miles east of Moro Castle, began the
bombaslment of Santiago on Sunday af-
ternoon, and continued it this morning.
Notwithstanding the fact that our ships
had to fire at an extreme elevation. and
that the range was nearly five miles, the
aim was SO accurate that many of the
shells fell in the city, and set fire to it
in four places. One shell struck St.
Michael's church, in which a quantity or
powder and ammunition was stored, and
blew 1t TO pieces.
ARMY CLOSES IN.
During the bombardment from the sea
the army extended its lines, and drew in
closer to the city. so that at noon to-day
every road and trail leading out of the
city was guarded, and the escape of the
Spanish soldiers seemed impossible. The
only way they can get out of the city is
to ferry across the bay on the western
side of the harbor, and, even then, they
could not get into the interior without
encountering American troops.
During the time the warships were bonn
harding Santiago this morning the bat
teries of artillery on the hills facing the
city sheled the Spanish entrenchments,
and received but light response.
The American sharpshooters also sent
in a deadly fire, but the Spaniards fell
back to their last entertainments, offer
ing but little resistance. The Americans
suffered no loss.
SHAFTER AGAIN DEMANDS SUR
RENDER.
At about neon to-day General Shafter
communicated by signal with Rear-Admi-
raj Sampson, requesting the latter to
cease firing. Then the General sent Cen
eral Wheeler into the Spanish lines, un-
der a flag Of truce, with message to
General Toral, the Spanish commandeT,
reciting the fact that the American ships
had given complete demonstration that
they could throw shells into the city and
destroy It at will; that the American
troops had the city practically surround
ed, and that there were 1900 Spanish and
Cuban refugees starving to death at III
Caney, and also pointing out that our
army had no means Of feeding them. Cen
eral Shafter demanded the unconditional
surrender Of the city, and coupled this de-
mand with the statement that unless
General Toral acceded, the assault upon
the city, both by the land and sea forces,
would be renewed at once.
Several hours elapsed before any reply
was received from General Toral, and
then he sent message to General Shaf-
ter to the effect that the matter was Of
such great Importance that he had been
obliged to refer it to tho Madrid Govern
ment, and he would send his final answer
as soon as he could receive instructions
from Madrid. 1t was then late in the af-
ternoon, and General Shafter gave or
ders to all the troops to get as much rest
as possible, and TO be prepared to resume
the attack at any moment. No other an
swer had been received from General
Toral up to o'clock this evening.
ARRIVAL OF MILES.
During the time the negotiations were
pending Major-General Miles arrived Off
Aguadores, on board the Yale, from
Admiral Sampson went on
board the Yale and held a conference
with General Miles, then the latter went
10 Siboney, landed for a short while, and |
held a telephone communication with |
General Shafter, seven miles away. Gene |
raj Miles will go to the front tomorrow