Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1898-05-05

Baltimore entered the bay under COW
er of darkness by the smaller and
safer Bocachica channel. The forts
of Corregidor island gave the alarm
by firing on the intruders, but they
seem to have inflicted no serious
damage. The American squadron
moved up the bay, and at 8 o'clock in
the morning appeared before Cavite.
Here, lying under the shelter of the
forts, was the Spanish squadron.
admiral Montejo, few days be-
fore, went to Subic bay to look for
the enemy, but, learning that they
were vastly superior in force, had
prudently returned and placed his
ships under the protection of the
forts. This was HIS only chance OF
meeting the enemy on something like
equal terms; and it did not suffice.
"Soon the Americans opened fire.
The Spaniards replied vigorously,
and the combat continued without in.
corruption for four hours, during
which the Don Antonio De Ulloa was
mnk, the Castillo and Mindanao were
vet on fire and the Reina Maria Chris
tina and the Don Juan De Austria
we're seriously damaged. One or two
If the smaller crafts were seuttled by
heir crews to escape capture. 9th
srs took refuge in a nsighboring
creek emptying into Baker bay,
where, presumably, the American
ships were unable to follow them.
But not one surrendered"
1t appeared that Admiral Montejo
was taken altogether by surprise and
that the Spanish authorities gener-
ally were i'm state of utter unreadi-
less. The forts were not completed,
the harbor not mined, there were no
Searchlights, and the American
squadron was only sighted after it
lad already passed the outer and
principal forts.
Little additional news has arrived
rom Manila but the cardinal fact is
hat Commodore Dewey is now in pos
session of Manila bay, and can GER
sainly take possession of COrregidor
island, even if he finds difficulty in
affecting the capture of Manila itself,
owing to the absence of "a necessary
landing force. Ha ng thus secured a
naval base he win have no difficulty
N securing supplies of coal.
AS the Times remarks to-day:
4There is a mere question of money
Ind organization. The belligerent who
3 strong in certain waters will gem
erally be able to obtain coal. TO de-
clare coal contrahand is no obstruc-
lion to private enterprise if the risks
Of transport are moderate and the
pecuniary inducemCnt sufficient"
On every side in ENGLAND is heard
praise of the skill and daring display
I'd by Commodore Dewey, in situa-
ion where, if anything had miscar-
ried, he would have been caught in a
most desperate position. At the same
time, credit is give Admiral Montejo
who had a wretchcd feet and stood
no chance except from the assistance
he might receive from the forts.
The American vessels. however, by
moving to and fro. were easily able to
avoid the badly dir 'rttd fire from the
forts, and looking 20 all the circum-
stances, it is apparent that the Amer
lean fleet could have received but
slight damage.
The moral influence of the first
great victory is incaculable, and. al
though it is practically certain that
Spain will not yield until she has
tried conclusions in the Atlantic,
where she hopes for better luck with
her really frst-class fighting squad
ron, it is believed that similar vic
tory in Cuban WI RS would produce
signs of revolution in Spain, COM
Oelling an endeayor to come to terms.
The Times says:
"The measures advised by the Unit
I'd States naval strategic board seems
well conceived to meet any possible
contingency"
The sending of three German men
Of-war to the Philippines is much
criticised.