The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-18
FH1eH. $40 to $50


palace, between lines Of people from wall
to curb.
The interview took place in the grand
salon OF the palace under massive gold
framed portrait of the Queen Regent and
the youth for the protection Of whose crown
been waged The call lasted scarcely ten
minutes, most of the time being occupied
in introductions. Admiral Schley who
speaks Spanish fluently, engaged the cap
tain general in conversation after the intro
auctions were completed and the principals
had seated themselves with the members
of their staff ranged behind them. General
Brooke spoke through the official interpre-
ter, Notwithstanding the suspicion that he is
spanish scholar of no mean ability.
snowy than ours. The captain general was
arrayed in a dark blue coat, resplendent
and insignia of rank. His trousers were
deep crimson polished gentleman of
KINDLY countenance in most trying posi-
ton, he placed everyone at his ease by the
grace and sauvity with which he greeted
those who practically came as conquerors
to claim prize won. The captain general,
with his staff, rode to-day to the Hotel
Ingleterra, at which Admiral Scbley is
stopping and returned the admirars visit
Pledras. This does not complete the list of
official visits. The Spanish commissioners
must call on the American commissioners,
and the latter must return the visit before
the first preliminaries of the work in hand
can be entered upon.
Pending our, assumption of possession
droning on Everyone appreciates the
fact that the curtain is about to
yet is changed. General diego, who is in
active command of the Spanish troops,
makes his daily tour of inspection of the
forts, batteries and barracks as if Spain
was to continue in control forever. The
military band plays three times week in
the Plaza de Alfonso Kill while the prom
enaders discuss what will happen when the
Americans assume control, and especially
whether military band will be provided
for them The SentrieS at the forts still de-
cline to allow Americans or others entrance
just as they have for years. Even the CEN
sorship of the cable is still vigorously en-
forced and American correspondents must
take all their dispatches to the palace,
where they must receive the Endorsement
of the secretary Of the captain general be-
fore they will be accepted by the cable COM
pany
Rear Admiral Simpsons bombardment of
San Juan in the first week of the war, al
though it dismounted no guns at Moro
Castle, against which the principal fire was
directed, and killed and wounded less than
markable accuracy of our gunners. The
MORO and the buildings on the high ground
in its rear and the high scarp which is
built up from the sea, are simply riddled
Great craters are blown out in places by the
u and 1S-inch shells, and the walls are
pitted by the hail of smaller shells. One
entire building was blown to pieces and a
whole section of the Quartet lies in ruins.
The fact that many of the shells were
wondered at, because the parapet has en-
braZures for guns, and from the place
where our ships lay would naturally be mis-
taken for sea battery.
There were very few modern guns, either
in MORO or the more. pretentious fortifica-
ton known as San Cristobal. A few Krupp
guns comprised their equipment, the re-
mainder being muzzle leaders Of ancient
pattern. Most of the latter were mounted
over parapets of masonry. The de-
lenses of the town might have been
considered impregnable forty years ago
To-day they are not even formidable. And
yet in what would be considered in a des-
perate fashion, If it were not so manifestly
hopeless, Captain General Macias had pre-
pared to make a show of resistance even
after his whole army had been driven back
into the capital The two bridges over
which one must pass to reach the. city.
which is situated upon rocky island, had
been mined, and probably would have been
blown up Macias would have left himself
and 10000 people starving on a rock in the
sea- The water of San Juan comes from
Rio Pedro. eight miles away. 1t the main
were cut the city would not have a drop of
water, save such as could be caught on the
rocks.