Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-12

WASHINGTON, July n.-General Shat
ter's report from siboney, sent just before
Midnight last night caused the officials of
the War Department TO wait all day in
the expectation Of hearing that the bonn
bardment Of Santiago had begun. No
word 10 that effect came, however. UP to
the time the department closed, and
though there IS little reason to doubt that
ths General carried out the programme
Of which he had notified the department,
it was regarded as possible that he had
consented to a further extension, under
the flag Of truce. in view Of certain signs
Of weakening on the part of the Spanish
commander.
FIRE FROM THE SHIPS.
Tests made recently of the naval ord
lance gave very unsatisfactory results,
when DO was attempted to project shells
over the high hills from the open sea into
Santiago city. Possibly better results
may De attained tomorrow. if the attack
IS resumed then; but there is much likel-
hood that the main reliance will be upon
such OF the light-draught vessels of Admi-
lal SIMPSONS fleet as may succeed in
getting close 10 the shore and in better
position than the heavy battleships.
SKATERS APPARENT DELAY.
The officials here are satisfied that what
appears to be delay on the part Of Cen
eral Shafter was really caused by his
efforts TO carry out strictly the Presidents
Injunction to prevent the Spanish army
from escaping from Santiago. He might
have attacked the town several days ago,
With the result that If the Spanish were
overcome they would have retreated with
out obstruction TO the northwest, beyond
ta- ability OF our soldiers TO follow His
dispatch. written late last night. indicates
clearly that he has been trying to COM
pete hts line Of investment so as to pre-
vent such an escape. and as he appears
70 feel satisfied that he has accomplished
his. the final assault will not be delayed
much longer.
TRYING TO SAVE LIFE.
General Shafter IS disposed TO save
every lie possible in the war 1t is to
save OUT troops that ne desires TO make a
Tree use Of artillery before the assault |
proper begins. and also to secure the CO.
operation Of the navy i'm the attack. The !
Hlue artillery duel Of yesterday appears
70 have been more serious in it's results |
man was al first suspected by General |
shaiter himself for during the afternoon |
he was obliged to report as ore result the |
Death OF Captain Charles w. Rowell, !
second Infantry one Of the most gallant |
and popular officers Of the regular es-
Enlistment.
COMMUNICATION CLOSE.
Tho cable communication between
Washington and General Skaters head
quarters has now been gotten into ex-
'eIeut condition. so that II has been pos
sibe 20 receive at the department mes
,age within % minutes after 1t had been
DISPATCHED by General shafter.
colonel Allen. who IS IN charge OF Gene
ial Skaters end OF the line has report
90 70 the department that he is now en-
tased in laying a cable from Guanta-
hamo 20 Playa del Este, which will still
further reduce the time required for the
Exchange OF communications.
ENSIGN PALMER'S REPORT.
The appearance at the Navy Depart
hent this morning at an early hour Of
Ensign Palmer. one of the officers OF the
o. Louis, which arrived at Portsmouth
Yesterday, led the officials 10 believe that
ne mad brought with him the reports Of
s"o American naval commanders on the
S"''le which resulted in the destruction