The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1898-05-06
RECONNAISSANCE.
That was What Wednesday After
Moons Demonstration at
Matanzas Amounted To.
WE IL CALL AGAIN AFEW DAYS HENCE.
the First Landing OF United states
Troops VIII be Made, 50 That Aid Can
be Carried to the Reconcentrados
Whose Supplies Have Been Seized.

AHpDI- Al Nv hAb' ~ I'm 4ht1 -
be Carried to the Reconcentrados
Whose Supplies Have Been Seized.
WASHINGTON, April es. Intense in
terest was shown at the navy depart
ment in the published reports from on
board the flagship New York and from
Key West Of the engagements at Ma
tanzas Wednesday noon between the
shore batteries and three vessels OF Id
miral SIMPSONS fleet. The navy de-
partment itself had absolutely no re-
port from any of its agents or any Of
the officers of the block aiding fleet Of
this affair. 1t, Of course, could not be
expected that news could be had from
Havana, with IA Spanish censor man
ming the end of the cable there.
The fact that Admiral Sampson has
not made n report to the secretary
a. yet, Notwithstanding he must have
had the same opportunity to commune
cate with Key West as was enjoyed Ey
the press, leads the officials of the de-
partment to believe that the affair was
not Of great consequence. Indeed, they
say it is nconceivable that any very
SAtNI9ANt ddiiaEt todit To- otth ~
flicted upon properly placed batteries
at the distance reported. varying from
two and n half to four miles in he
short space of Is inmates, during which
it is said the engagement lasted.
A member of the strategy board, who
is. of course, thoroughly %conversant
with the plans of Admiral Sampson, so
far as they have been g~eneralized. is
authority for the statement that the
admiral had no intention whatever at
this time to lombard the MatanZas
batteries. To do So nov would be bad
strategy and of little avail. for in the
absence of any landing force. the adj
miral would be unprepared TO take adj
vantage of the victory he might gain
through a reduction of the forts, and
the Spaniards might have ample OPP
portunity Over night to repair in a
large measure the damage inflicted on
their Notifications. 1t is stated posi-
lively that Admiral Simpsons purpose
was simply to ascertain If any shore
batteries existed at Matanzas. and, If
SO, to draw their fire and ascertain
their character, and then to retire be-
yond range. In other words. it was
simply a naval reconnaissance
In the event that during his observa-
tons the admiral discovered that new
dcfcnscs were indcr construction on
shore he world. il is said. of course not
lose the opportunity to cripple them
by throwing a few shells into the earth
works and endeavoring to knock over
a gun or two. 1t is the general belief
at the department, however,
hat Matanzas is to be soon
reduced and made "a base oi
operations in the campaign against
Havana. 1t is also the presi-
dents purpose to keep in mind
throughout the awful condition of the
Gus i'm and around Matanzas. Unless
relief is extended to them they un-
doubtedly will perish during the
progress of a long-drawn-out war.
The reported seizure by the
Spanish military authorities at Matan-
gas of stores contributed by Americans
and held in trust there for the relief
Of these poor sufferers is regarded as a
clear indication that ever If the Red
Cross steamer Texas is permitted to land
her cargoof supplies at Matanzas- under
existing conditions. the food will moi
reach the reconcentrados. but will only
go to support the Spanish garrison il
their resistance. Therefore. il is be
lieved that the president contemplate
the early capture of Matanzas, no
only because of its Importance. but in
order hat he may from there hole
out "A helping hand to the starving
pcasantry. 1t is likely. Therefore
that. while there was nothing OF the
nature of a general engagement in AID
miral SIMPSONS reconnaissance o
Wednesday. he will soon take steps I,
begin,a heavier and lively lombard
, ment of Matanzas.