New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-25
PRICE THREE CENTS
ON SIMPSONS FLAGSHIP.
EXCITING ADVENTURES OF THE NEW
YORK BEFORE HAVANA.
THE FIRST SPANISH FIRING SEEN AND HEARD
on FRIDAY NIGHT-CAPTAIN cHADwIcK's
CONTEMPT FOR IT-LIvELY CHASE

AFTER THE PEDRO.
On Board the Flagship New-York. off Havana,
April 23.-2:00 a. m-Morro Castle opened nre
on the fighting squadron Of the United States at
ii o'clock last night About ten shots were sent
in the direction Of our ships. but not of them
took effect. and no shots were fired in return.
The Spaniards had apparently the lights Of
the New-York while the latter was signalling to
a ship of the squadron.
The firing reported by the officer Of the
deck Ensign j. r. Edie. to Captain Chadwick.
who was asleep at the time. The young officer
asked the captain in somewhat excited tones
whether the New-York had not better dscon.
tinue signalling
NO" muttered Captain Chadwick. with the
utmost coolnass There is no necessity for
stopping the signals Go ahead"
A little later Captain Chadwick was on the
forward bridge, whence he watched the tongues
Of flame shoot out from MORO Castle. He
glanced in the direction OF the Spanish for
tiflcations for a few seconds. and then turned
his back on them in silent contempt and went
back to his bed, perfectly certain the Spaniards
could do no damage at five miles, which was
then the approximate distance Of the flagship
from MORO Castle.
SPANISH MARKSMANSHIP DERIDED
Another officer said: THE Spaniards probs<
ably became nervous and decided they could not
sleep without some fireworks. They can't HE
anything anyway"
There was no excitement board the hag-
ship during Morro Castles futile attempt at
gunnery. The discipline really splendid.
In fact, at this hour many people on board tho
flagship do not know that Spans first guns OF
war have been fired and that the New-York
was their target
The United States cruiser Cincinnati. Captain
c. NJ. Chester, reported to the flagship at mid
night: Il have prizes" 1t is therefore evident
that other ships besides the NewYork have
been busy during the night. The extent or value
of the captures made by the Cincinnati Is not
known at this writing
MORO Castle light, which was burning bright
ly all the evening put out at midnight.
The Spaniards evidently realized. though rather
late that the sole of MORO light up to that
time had been TO serve 4 guide for the fleet
Of the United States.
SIMPSONS HUNTING PARTY.
The capture Of the Spanish steamer Pedro
and the incidents attending on the squadron's
appearance before Havana already reported
briefly in these dispatches, form an interesting
initial chapter Of the history OF the war About
4:30 p. m. yesterday, when Havana was hfteen
miles distant. the squadron was signaled into
/ battle formation or double column, the NeW-
York leading the battle-ships end the Cincinnati
leading the cruisers and gunboats. Just as the
evolution was completed the following signal
was hosted on the flagship Disregard move
ments Of Commander in Chief Simultaneous
", Captain Chadwick sent Chief Engineer C. ].
Mcconnell this message: Get up all the steam
you can steamer has been sighted and tho
Admiral wishes TO capture her." few mo-
ments later smoke was pouring from all three or
the New-York's tunnels. and she stood away
10 the southeast The squadron. led by the
Iowa. continued its course, heading In
southwesterly direction. The NewYork was
soon tearing through the water al a rapidly In
creasing speed and was fast leaving the squad
ron in her rear
Away in the distance close under the mist
covered hills Of Cuba. midway between Havana
and Matanzas could be seen he outlines OF q
large steamer heading to the eastward. Then
the old cry Of "A chase." "A chase. echoed
fore and aft, and the officers and crew OF the
New-York gathered on her decks. eagerly
watching the flagship churn through the blue
water foaming white at her stern until ST was
making about eighteen knots. The Admiral
paced the forward bridge calmly as II watch
Ing a potato race