The evening times., 1898-07-26
OUR POOR MARKsMANsHIP.
An Alfonso XII Survivor Says That
Ship Was Scuttled.

Ship Was Scuttled.
Playa del Este. Guantanamo Bay. Cuba.
July 26.-The following is a translation
from newspaper of Cienfuegos of the
loss of the Spanish steamer Alfonso XII
which was driven ashore on the coast of
Cuba by the United States auxiliary gun
boat Hawk: -
Yesterday. says Ell Correo. of Havana
there arrived here the survivors of the
fine transatlantic steamer Alfonso XII,
which was scuttIed in the waters of Mar
iel. With natural desire to obtain In
formation which would calm the anxiety
of the public, we interviewed the surviv-
ors and ascertained that they were rem
dered nearly insensible by fatigue and
anxiety. Their feet were sore from walk
ing from the head of the Valley Of Mariel
to Guanajay, and their hands were badly
lacerated in violent and futile efforts to
save the cargo.
We will faithfully relate that which
occurred, reserving what, in our judg-
ment, 1t is not permitted to give to the
public and which might serve as advice
TO our enemies"
In the account that follows the per-
son who talks is not named. The story
goes on with this interview:
THE Alfonso XII was fitted out in Ca
diz with six cannon, the necessary crew.
three companies of marines and other
necessary articles. In twenty days 1
hoped TO make port and land the cannon
and troops Immediately. navigated
the Alfonso XII with hope in God and in
the valor OF my own crew. I ran with
all possible speed toward Cienfuegos,
where came out three cruisers of the en-
emy. Seeing them the Alfonso XII took
flight toward the Isle of Pines, in which
waters l lost sight of our pursuers
Believing myself now free from pur-
suit. / laid my course directly toward
Havana, with the full intention of max
ing that harbor. When eight miles dis
tant, my course was interrupted by three
other cruisers. which was unable to en-
counter. The American cruisers took
positions on my port and starboard and
toward Mariel, where / hoped TO enter
ahead / then steered the Alfonso XII
with the exclusive object of disembark-
ing. decided to save the cargo, as the OBJ
ject in coming was to land provisions
and the cargo on the island.
Il saw an embarrassing situation The
Yankees began throwing shells, which
landed in all directions around the ship.
which proves what we have said thous-
AMI times-that the Americans are not
artillerists and the Christs Of the earth.
OF the hundreds Of proJectiles thrown at
the Alfonso XII only eight struck the
ship.
This corrobora.es our opinion of their
bad training. Then Capt. Moret ordered
the cargo to be thrown overheard. in
order that some portions might be float
ed to the shore, which was only a pistol
shot distant. We go. out a boat and
prepared to torpedo the ship. / saw the
Americans would not delay destroying
the fine ship, and therefore / placed an
explosive bomb between the torpedo fun
nels.
ut instantly blew up the ship in a
umn of smoke SO dense and so black that
1t appeared like an immense cloud. OBJ
scuring the atmosphere and making
breathing difficult.
I'm this moment of detection corrosive
fire enveloped the ship and Tapped up the
wood like a hungry serpent. The crew.
being hopeless. had only time to jump
into the water to escape this fiery l.
mace.
Thus had been consumed the best
shin of the Trarsa tIantic Company, and
the pride Of the heet-s