The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-05-13
INQUIRY IS TO Be MADE
AS TO THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR
FOOLISH ACTION
BEFORE THE RETREAT BEGAN
One Spanish Gunboat Had Been Sunk
and the Town Of Cardenas
Set on Fire

Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON. May 12.-The setback
received by the American blockading
squadron in its engagement in Cardenas
harbor yesterday and the loss of five lives
on board the torpedo boat Winslow, has
SOLDERING effect in the element in the navy
which is crying out for rapid action and
efforts at destroying batteries with un-
armored ships. There probably will be
some sort of inquiry instituted to ascer-
tain the responsibility for sending such
unprotected shells as the Winslow against
fortified ports. 1t Is miraculous, in the
opinion of the older officers at the depart
ment, that the damage and loss of life
were confined to the Winslow, for the other
boats with her were very little better off
in the matter of protection, and scarcely
any of them could resist the fire of small
rifle. 1t is likely that If such work as
was attempted at Cardenas is to be done
hereafter, the task will be assigned to more
formidable craft.
A Plucky Fight
KEY WEST, May 12-It is known that
the American boats made furious havoc
with Cardenas harbor and town. The cap
tain of the Hudson said: II know that we
destroyed large part of their town near
the wharves. burned one of their gun
boats and think destroyed two Of their
torpedo boat destroyers. We were in a
vortex Of shot, shell and smoke, and could
not tell accurately, but we saw one of
their boats on fire and sinking soon after
the action began. Then large building
near the wharf. think the barracks, took
fire, and many other buildings were soon
burning. The Spanish had masked bat
teries on all sides of US. AS soon as we got
within range of their batteries they would
move them. think their guns were field
the harbor to help us on account Of the
shallow water
The Spanish Report
MADRID, May IL, p. MA dispatch
from Havana reads: 1.-THE warships began
a furious commanding. Cardenas does not
possess defenses of any kind, and only the
little gunboats Ligera and Antonio Lopez
were in port. They replied to the attack
The Antonio Lopez was disabled, but 300
volunteers defended the town, preventing
the landing and compelling the American
ships to retire with considerable loss A
Spanish sergeant and seven soldiers were
wounded. Captain General Blanco has con-
graduated the authorities of Cardenas."
l. Evidently an Error
HAVANA May 12.-Four American ves-
sells opened fire on Cienfuegos Wednesday
| morning and attempted to land arms and
| men in barges. The Spanish troops as
sisted by the fort, drove off the invaders.
The American guns destroyed the cable
station. A second attempt to land was also
frustrated. The fighting continued for
Asr, 49,. S,,,., AnnS., .as nc
49, Caa,,,..as 80. 1890 Ao"A
The Spanish squadron
WASHINGTON. Nav 12.-The navy d.
partment has received no word Of an en-
gagement vet at Cienfueeos as reported
| from Havana, and thinks the Havana re-
ports refer to the Cardenas engagement.
Just where the Spanish flyine SQUADRON
| Is still remains in doubt and M word of
| official confirmation has come to the navy
! department of the Cadiz report Of dav he
fore yesterday that the SQUADRON is there.
Still, there are enough American scouting
Indies channel to spot any approaching
Spanish ship in short order. The people on
the New England coast have had their
apprehension aroused again lest the Span
iards appear in front of their coast and
proceed to destroy the summer resorts and
small craft there.
| Mr.. Allen, the newly indicted assistant
secretary of the navy being Massachu-
setts man had to hear the briint of scores
NJ ann,ications for nrotection that came tn
the department from all points on the coast
| SAAAS No~S- ~'@- 50 ~-o>~--o