The times., 1898-08-10

Nothing Dut noiloW ditcn on the
left side of the road had saved the
American troops, for the trees showed
that the fire had been blistering hot
Leaves and boughs had been torn away
by the Spanish shots,
For the greater part of two hours the
Americans lay in the ditch, the Span
iards meanwhile directing a hot fire
against them, but not attempting to
charge them.
Lieut. wardmnn's Bravery.
A stampede was started in Company
c by the collapse of Capt. Biddle. who
was prostrated by the heat. When he
fell. it was generally believed that he
had been shot, and the effect on the
men might have been serious had it not
merely a staff officer, assumed ccm-
mand of the company and fought gal
lantly through the engagement As
soon as the re-enforcements arrived he
pressed on with his men to the top of
the hill
Some time before this, the enemy had
stopped their cross-fire, bat as soon as
the Americans climbed the hill the
Spaniards opened a hot fire from the
blockhouse. The Americans rushed
through the hail of bullets toward the
blockhouse, and the Spaniards started
to retreat
The Dynamite Guns in Action.
Just at this time the dynamite guns
got into action. The first shell land
ed at one side of the blockhouse and
exploded with a terrific roar.
The Spaniards may be able to stand
rife and artillery fire, but dynamic
is too much for them.
They were simply thrown in-o a STATE
of panic by the explosion of the shell,
and We're seen fleeing from the hill at
top speed in all directions. except to-
ward the Americans.
They could hardly be derided for
evincing such a pressing desire to get
out OF range. The shell tore hole
in the ground for a distance of fifty
feet and the shock of the explcsi n
could be felt where the Americans
stood
From the place in the read where
the guns were fired. the sight was a
beautiful one. All up the hill the Amer
lean soldiers, their brown hats silhout-
ed against the sunlight. kept volley ng
away at the enemy and chatting at the
lar troops.
The spaniarls in Full Retreat
After the third shot from the dyna :
mite guns the Spaniards were in full
retreat.
The Americans then retired to Quay
anna for the night. They found the
houses still closed as tight as traps.
Not until the dynamite guns appeared
would the natives even open their
WINDOWS. Then one by one they strag-
gled out, shouting Long live the
Americans and displaying the Amer
ican colors.
The fighting of our trops was anna
teurish. but in most cases hearty. Capt.
Biddle had just left the hospital, and
was scarcely in condition to command
his company.
That the Spaniards intend to put UP
a fight to prevent the advance of the
Americans is evident. Natives report
this morning that 400 infantry and
$50 cavalry camped within four miles
of Guayama last night. r-hey alsC
report that there are heavy artillery
intrenchments within five miles of the
town. There was no artillery or cav
airy employed in today's fighting.
The Bridges Not Mined.
The Americans crossed three br.dg s.
and upon examination found that mons
of them was mined or otherwise tam
pered with.
The country where the fighting tooE
place is exquisitely beautiful, the grea:
rolling hills running down to the sea
interspersed with dales and filed with
the luxuriant growths of the tropics.
The troops are in prime condition,
and all are enthusiastic over the brac-
ing climate, which is vastly different
from the sultry and fever-producing at
Inosphere of southern Cuba.
At the churches yesterday the priests
spoke Of the new regime in guarded
words. but in friendly spirit.
Gen. Brooke has gone to Ponce
where he is trying to persuade Gen
Miles to let him have Squadron A and
the Philadelphia City Troop Of caval
ry. 1t is doubtful whether he will
succeed, as Gen. Miles wants to keep
these men for his own escort.
A Sergeant Read the Service.
Private Huffman, CT the Third OhiC
Regiment, who was shot by an Amer
ican picket Friday night, and who
died from the effects of his injuries