The times., 1898-10-24
For November.

without injury of any kind, though stationed
within 200 yards. II 1900 men were here city
and fleet would be ours within forty eight hours.
Every consideration demands immediate army
| movement: il delayed city will be defended more
strongly by guns taken from heet.
What Ccrvera's Escape Meant.
In his memorandum issued on June 7,
to the commanders of the blockading
fleet, Admiral Sampson said:
again call attention TO the absolute neces-
sty OF a close blockade of this port, especially
at night and in bad weather. in'the daytime, if
clear, the distance shall not bc greater than
six miles; at night or In thick weather, not more
than four miles. The end to be attained justiies
the risk OF torpedo attack and that risk must
be taken. The escape Of the Spanish vessels at
this juncture would he serious blow to our
prestige and TO 4 speedy end of the war.
On the Sth Sampson Issued memorandum
No II. regarding the use of search
lights This was undoubtedly one of the
most important elements in making the
blockade successful, in that 1t made 1t
impossible as was stated on board the
New York by the captain of the Colon
for the Spanish squadron toleave at night.
The entrance was by this means brill
lfantly lighted so that the movements of
the smallest boat could be seen within. A
later modification kept a second battle
ship close to the Illuminating ship. so that
the first of these two should be able to
use her guns without disturbing the illu-
mination.
The Land Operations.
The following dispatches were received
by Commodore Remey- from Secretary
Long and Assistant Secretary Allen:
Washington, June l.
Deliver the following to Capt II. C. Taylor
commander of convoy: The following scheme has
been discussed somewhat, but what action the
War Department proposes 10 lake, il any is un-
known: Railroad bridge San Juan Riyer
about two nautical miles cast OF MORO OF San
tiago de Cuba and probably sheltered from its
fire. is close TO the sea spans 4 deep ravina, and
its possession would facilitate the operation OF our
amy; but it is said to be mined and guarded
by about thirty Spanish soldiers. II has been
suggested 10 send detachment of troops some
hours before the main, TO land, daybresk,
the bridge and carry by surprise holding position
until supported from the main body The landing
near bridge is said To be good for boats, and
water in the vicinity good for light vessels
though we have not absolute knowledge on these
points. II the attempt is to be, made by the
army 1t will probably ark you 10 assist ths landing
with the boats of your convoy and to cover the
attempt with some of your small vessels which
may be done, exercising due caution; hut the
department has declined TO use the seamen of the
feet TO make the attack on shore II the at
commandment chief Of naval force on North At
lantic station LONG.
Washington. June l.
Inform commanding officer OF convoy New York
Herald, June !, says that there are in the bay
OF Port Nipe Cuba, gun vessels Jorge Juan and
Ligera. There are others in other coast ports.
Keep a lookout for them. ALLEN,
Acting Secretary.
Washington June ..
Gen shafter wires Washington War Depart
ment, June !. he progressing rapidly with
leading transports, and expects to be able TO
start Saturday morning. Some American troops
to join from Mobile, making, in all. about 1900
or 10000 men lie does not state the number of
transports Inform Capt. Taylor; cooperate with
army, adding such vessels to convoy as You see
fit. LONG.
Press Boats Were barred.
Washington, June 3.
You are directed 10 prevent any press boat
leaving Key West to accompany the expedition
about to leave Tampa. II necessary. You will
place marine guard on board to insure compli-
ance You will also give the commander of con
voy order, directing him, il any such boats sue
ceed in accompanying the fleet, TO take possession
OF and compel them to remain in his company
throughout the voyage and until such time as
the senior officer present off Santiago de Cuba
shall direct release. ALLEN-
The report next describes the taking
possession of Guantanamo harbor by the
Marblehead and Yankee and the alleged
appearance of the phantom Spanish
squadron Fifteen nautical miles, one-half
east Bahia de Cadiz Light. In regard to
these sea phantoms, Sampson says: Il
placed no confidence whatever in this
information, though so specific. During
the next morning the Yosemite, Panther,
Armeria, Scorpion and Supply arrived,
the Panther bringing the First Marine
Battalion and the Armenia supply of
ammunition. The Yankee also arrived
from Mole St Nicholas, and reported
having passed a squadron of eight yes
sells, one of which was battleship.
The arrival of these ships, Sampson
adds, explained the phantom squadron
seen by the Yankee and which pursued
her.
THE Yankee had been observed by
them, and the Scorpion, which was act
ing as convoy to the Armeria and Supply,
had fired upon her, taking her for a
Spanish torpedo boat, but the Yankee was
so distant that these reports had not
been heard, and the flashes were taken
for signals. This still further convinced
me of the falsity of the Eagles report,
and shows how easily the most eXpe-
rienced may be deceived at night at sea-
Frightened by Ghost Ships.
The nautical ghost story reached Wash
ington quickly, as the following dispatch
shows:
Washington, June s.
The Spanish armored cruiser, hrst-class, torpedo
destroyers are reported by Eagle and Resolute
yesterday and last night, and therefore the army
expedition is stopped temporarily; convoy IS DIS
tributed to scour the straits and re-enforce the
blockade Of Cuba; send two Of your fastest
armored vessels to search through Nicholas Cham
mel Cuba at Key West, and thence re-
enforce convoy, too We mean TO start this as
soon as convoy is strong enough, the delay be-
ing only temporary. Are you sure all four Span
isb armored cruisers are at Santiago? Six hun
dred marines Panther, started for you last even
ing. conveyed by auxiliary No. 696 Oosemite)
ALLEN, Acting Secretary
Following this aresTnumerous dis
patches concerning the landing of the
marines at Guantanamo. embarkation of
the American army from Tampa and
the movements of the vessels of the
blockading fleet, also the proposed eX-
change of Constructor Hobson and his
men.
Commander McCalla, of the Marble
head in dispatch to Admiral Sampson,
dated June r. describes the casualties
to the marines on Guantanamo Hill,
and says: ut is possible that DR.. Gibbs
Cmarine surgeon) may have been killed
accidentally by one of our own men
during the fire which took place about
that time Il a. m)."
department Was In Doubt.