The Portland daily press., 1898-05-03
GOOD CATCH.
Spanish Steamer With Arms
and Munitions Taken,

Key West, Fla, May 2.-One OF the
most imporatnt captures made since the
outbreak of hostilities was that OF the
Spanish steamer Argonauta by the gun
boat Nashville last Friday, news OF which
reached here tonight when the warshlp
arrived. The Argonauta had on board
Col. Coriio of the Third Spanish cavalry
his First Lieutenant, Surgeon Major,
seven other lieutenants and ten privates
and on-commissioned officers All were
held as prisoners of war. The steamer
also carried large cargo of arms and
Mauser ammunition. She was bound
from Satnbanao, Spain, for Cienfuegos,
stopping at Port Louis, Trinidad and
NlanZanillo. He capture was exciting
and occurred in this way:
The Nashville, Marblehead and the
Eagle left the station of the North coast
last Monday to blockade Cienfuegos, ar
irving at the latter place on Thursday.
They spent the day accommodating and
the next morning (Friday) in order tc
get better information, steamed close tc
the mouth of tie harbor of Cienfuegos.
The Eagle was to the eastward and in
the van. The Marblehead was slightly in
the rear and the Nash Vile to the west.
ward.
All were cleared for action. At about
ten O'Clock in the morning smoke was
seen rising on the western horizon and
the Nashville because of her position put
on all steam in that direction. Twenty
minutes later she put two shots across
the bow of the coming steamer, which
promptly hove to. Ensign Kuenzli was
sent with prize crew of nine and tool
possession of the Spaniard. Learning tina,
Spanish soldiers were on board, word was
given to send them to the Nashville im
,nediately as prisoners of war. and this
was done. Arrangements were ther
made to transfer the passengers and non
combatants to the Shore The women
and children were placed in the first boat
soon bound toward the entrance to Glen
fuegos. A second crew took the other
passengers and landed them about H. lC
O'Clock.
The Eagle hoisted a signal conveying
the intelligence that she had been fired
river. The Eagle Immediately returned
the fire with her six FOUNDERS ard held
her ground until the Marblehead came
mp. Both vessels then fired broadside
after broadside up the entrance to tn
river. The boats coming down were two
f0ry.adcr hCn md ton do n,
stroyer. After twenty minutes firing by
tho Eagle, the last two of which were
participated in by the Marbehead III,
Spanish boats ceased firing and it is con
sidered certain they were damaged.
The Nashville brought N the prisoner
D, war tonight and the Marblehead il
Don7oying the prize which, with her con
voy il expected to arrive late tonight o.
early in the morning.
The report that Yglesias, the suspected
sailor ON the Puritan had been court
martials and sentenced to be shot, is al
Invention from whole cloth. This il
stated 90 the authority of high Officer
OF the ship who gave the information tx
the Associated Press correspondent THU
evening. According to this officer full
Investigation was made and no evidenc,
of criniinality was found. Yglesias wa
seen near the magazine but he made NJ
overt attempt. He had made however
indirect threats against the ship and tt,
crew were much incensed against him
For this reason it has been decided to pu
him ashore quietly tomorrow at the tim
the steamer leaves for the north, advisins
him to sail on her. This is done to avoi(
possible violence on the part of the GREY
who firmly believe the treason story
Yglesias Is regarded as irresponsible bu
harmless
Two hundred and eighty eight Cubal
volunteers who left on the steamer TO
Tampa, after torchlight procession thi
evening, will go with the troops to Cuba
The prizs court of inquiry sat today t,
investigate the case of the Catalina. I
was said after the sitting that the priz
will probably be surrendered
WnOnFOPn