Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1898-05-06
jALL 0YER THE WORLD.
FIRST SEA FIGHT.
ADMIRAL Dewey's Bold Work In Manil
Harbor Brings q Great Victory.

Admiral Dewey's Bold Work In Manila
Harbor brings Great Victory.
LONDON, May AT Manila yes
terday Commodore Dewey's Asiatic
squadron met and practically destroy
ed the Spanish Philippine squadron.
Two engagements were had, one be-
ginning at S p. III. and the other at 0 u.
IN. The cruiser Reina Maria, Chris
tina hagship), the cruiser Castella
and the cruiser Dan Juan de Austria
were completely destroyed, the cruiser
Don Austonio de Ullas was badly in
jured, and the Spanish captain gener-
al, reporting losses says: "Other
Spanish ships were forced to retire,
some being sunk to avoid their falling
into the hands of the enemy The
loss of life is said to be great. Command
err Cadarzo, of the Maria Christina, be-
ing among the killed. Admiral Mon
tejo changed his flagship from the
Maria Christina to the Isla de Cuba
during the engagement, thereby es-
Gaping the fate of the commander of
the Maria Christina.
The fight took place inside the har-
Dor at Manila. Under cover of dark
ness Admiral Dewey sailed boldly into
the harbor, passing the batteries on
each side of the entrance and success
fully avoiding the mines with which
the hartor was filled.
-
are from Spanish sources, but the
Spaniards are remarkably frank in
confessing that their ships have been
destroyed. Although they announce
that the fight is a victory for the Span
iards they make no claims of losses to
the American fleet, simply saying the
fleet was badly damaged. There can
be no reliable information until dis
patches are received by way of Hong
Kong.
New YORK, May "A London special
to the Journal says: Further reports
from Madrid admit that Admiral
Dewey landed his men under a strong
guard, after the first engagement was
fought, preparatory to making a COM
bined lana and naval attack on the
forts. The Spaniards admit that the
American ships are now anchored to-
gether inside the bay, and although
some are damaged none are badly dis
ab]ed. The Spanish report says five of
their ships were badly disabled, and
SAYS the American fleet was compelled
to retire. The Spanish boats sought
refuge under the guns of Caville forts.
The Castillo was burned to the waters
edge. Several boats of the Spanish
fleet were sunk to prevent them from
falling into the hands of the
Americans.
WASHINGTON. May 3.-News from
Manila yesterday was conflicting and
indefinite. The cable between Manila
and Hong, Kong was cut or seized yes
terday and no information could be
obtained direct. A few messages left
the Philippine islands from the Straits
settlement cable office, but it was not
definite. Sufficient has been learned
to show that Admiral Dewey gained
an overwhelming victory and is now
in complete control of the situation.
The Spanish squadron has been either
entirely destroyed or rendered useless
Dewey has given the Spanish COM
nander at Manila twenty-four hours
to surrender possession of his coal and
munitions of war, ami the ultimatum
will be complied with. Considerable
fighting was done yesterday and Adj
miral Dewey was victorious. Some
Indebtedness exists as to the precise
object of attack by the American fleet
was RACED. and the other Notifications
of Manila were bombardcd. 1t is also
reported that the town proper was
bombarded, but military authorities
think genuine bornbardment was
hardly necessary. A few shells would
set fire to the flimsy buildings and
serve to intimidate the garrison.
The Spanish government admits an
overwhelming defeat and the destruc-
ton of the Spanish fleet. Fear of
riots and possible revolution when the
populacc learns Of the extent of the
Spanish loss caused the ministry to de-
clare martial law in Madrid last night.
In London and Washington it is
thought Dewey's victory indicates a
short war; Another decisive blow or
two, it is believed, would bring Spain
to terms. In line with this comes the
news that the invasion of Cuba by an
American force has been temporarily
postponed, and that Admiral Samp-
sons fleet has important work to do.
Independent bodies of acclimated Cub
ans will be armed and equipped and
assisted to make a landing in Cuba i'm
mediatly. They will take supplies to
the insurgents.
Lord Salisbury proposes a collective
note from the powers to Spain notify
ing her that she must sue for peace.
1t is believed that Spain will take the
view that her honor is satisfied and
make terms. The Madrid populace
demands revenge.
New York Fires Three Shots.
KEY WEST, May 3.-The Associated
| pracS cnrrocponIant on hoard the Hou.