The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-12

and at the first alarm believed that a
torpedo boat attack was going on The
shore batteries opened up and the ships
used their rapid fire guns. The dynamos
were not going however. and we had no
gearch-ights. so that we could not find
the object We could not sink her with
out batteries or our mines. she sunk her
self with her own torpcdoes by blowing
out her bottom. Admiral Cervera In maxi
ing a tour Of the shore batteries 10 a
steam launch ID little later found HObsOn
swimming in the entrance and trying 10
get out 10 sea. He had on a life pre-
server. and when picked up, asked that
they save his companions. THIS was
done. all OF the men being In the water
and none on a raft as has been said
When Mr.. Centrores began the most In
teresting part Of his narrative that re-
latng 10 the movements of Cervera. lie
said:
OPPOSED TO a FIGHT.
Admiral Ccrvcra. after the arrival OF
a great American fleet. did not believe 70
wise 10 go out and try TO fight IT, lie
argued that the best policy for the fleet
was 10 hold the barbor against the enemy
and De ready by an cnhlading fire over
the hill tops TO drive back the invading
army. At FIRST the people in Santiago
believed this too. bat provisions ran
short and dispatch after dispatch came
from Madrid and It was found that pub
lie sentiment demanded naval battle.
HELD A CONFERENCE.
on Saturday last conference was
called on the flagship Marin Teresa aud
all the officers Of The fleet We're present
Admiral Cervora announced his intention
Of going out and 90 was decided 10 Try
It that night just after dark. and after
the ships had got mp their anchors ready
10 start beach lights We're seen 900 Ohio
western hin. and 10 was decided that tho
American fleet had been warned Of our
intention. and would close in ON u.s. I'm
addition 90 the hin light. 80 waL found
that soarchlights were flashing rapidly
from ship 90 ship.
II was afterwards too Into. leaned chat
tho supposed signal lights were insur-
gents burning up block-houscf
THE DASH MADE.
"The order of coming ont and the
tactics 10 be employed were these. The
Maria Teresa. Carrviu~ Admit Crr. o-
ra's flag was 10 go first. and then was
10 follow the Nizcaya. the OQuend0 and
the Crisiobal Colon The torpedo boat
destroyors Furor and pluton were 10
come out last and run inside the ships.
which were 10 hug the shore fo thr west
The west end Of tho blOck4ling station
was chosen because # was Thought that
the Brooklyn being light in protection
would be easiest 90 sink and as she was
fast would Doe best ont or the way"
Then one OF the other cfHcors added:
1--WE never thought that The Brooklyn's
battery was so terrible or That sho would
attempt TO fight am of ug She was
frightful sight when AN of her guns were
going"
Continuing. Che commander said: "On
Sunday Ipornng the lo0kout8 reported
that the Massachusetts. New Orleans and
New York were not iu sight, and DO was
concluded that 10 was O. good time to
make the start We were tho last shin
out, and we saw az once that thc Brook
Ign. Texas and oregon were doing dread
mi work with the Two leading shus.
That is an ! know of the battle, except
that two inch shells from tine Brook
lyn went through ua. and i#-.ucl ahnN
from the OREGON hit us in tne stern. We
saw no other ships than those 500 the
last two hours but we had to make such
"a long detour in going our chat We
thought best 90 surrender.
Then he waited Tor moment and pro-
ceedcd. "BrI-.cy's Naval Mammal puts
the Oregon down at fifteen knots. out
She was doing more than that when she
chased u.s.