El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1898-07-05
NEWS OF THE WAR.
The Story of Progress Told In Dis
DatCheS

The Story of Progress Told in Dis
patches.
SIBoNEY July 4, Via Kingston, ia
maica, July 4, 6 a. m.-The men at the
front, manning the batteries that frowr
down upon Santiago from the heights
around the city, await eagerly the sig
nal to begin the bonn mbardment.
| After the receipt of the Spanish
generals refusal to surrender, it was
decided by Gen. Shafter that nc
time should be lost tomorrow in carry
ing into effect his threat to lay
siege to the city. There
are rumors.to .reinforcements hav-
ing reached Santiago. In
consequence it would not be surprising
If sortie were made by the Spaniards
in desperate hope of dislodging us
from our positions.
PLAYA DEL ESTE, July 4.---To Ma
jor General N. A. Miles, commanding
the army of the United States, Wash
ington: Headquarters Fifth Army
corps near Santiago; July al thank
you in the name of the gallant men
1 have the honor to command for the
splendid tribute of praise which you
have accorded them. They bore them
selves as American soldiers always
have. Your telegram will be publish
ed at the head of the regiments.
This morning 1 feel I am master of the
situation and can hold the enemy for
any length of time. l am delighted to
know that you are coming, that you
may see for yourself the obstacles
which this army had to overcome. My
only regret is for the great number OF
gallant souls who have given their
lives for our country's cause.
SHAFTER.
WASHINGTON, July 5.--If it is pos
sible to save any of the ships of Ger
vera's squadron they will be added to
the American navy. Secretary Long
has csbled to Sampson asking that
the exact condition of the vessels
be ascertained. He will take action
Immediately upon the receipt of in
formation. The authorities are hope
full of saving At least one ship, the Cris-
tobal Colon.
NEW YORK, July 5.-The Evening
Telegram published q Kingston dis
patch giving the story of the naval
battle off Santiago yesterday Some
details are at variance with
those of former dispatches, es-
pecislly in regard to the order in which
the ships were destroyed and the dis
tances from Santiago in which this
was accomplished. The dispatch says
the flagship New York wss cruising to
the east when Cervera made his dash,
and only returned in time to see the
finish of the fight and fire shot or two
at the shattered torpedo destroyers.
WASHINGTON. July 5.---Following is
the. Spanish reply to Skaters dem
and for the surrender of Santiago:
Santiago de Cuba, 2 p. IN. July 3.
His excsllency, the general COM
manding the forces of the United
States, San Juan River.
Sir: 1 have the honor to
reply to your communication of today
written at $50 q. M, and received p.
M, demanding the surrender of this
city, and in contrary case announcing
to me that you will lombard the city,
and thatI should advise foreign women
and children, that they must leave
the city before 10 o'clock tomorrow
morning.
''It is my duty to say to you that this
city will not surrender, and thatI will
inform the foreign consuls and in
habitants of the contents of your mes
sage. Very respectfully, JOSE PoRAL,
Commander in Chief Fourth Corps"
WASHINGTON, July 5.-According
to the declared determination of Gen.
Shafter, Santiago will be in ruins be-
fore nightfall, unless the Spanish gov
ernor shall have concluded to surren-
der before noon today.
The American flag will certainly
float over the city, even though it
failed to display it's glorious colors on
the Fourth of July.
Shafter seems no longer Respondent
and uncertain. His dispatches as they
Gaze pouring into the war department
yesterday were full of enthusiasm and
hope. He believed that Santiago
would surrender. He stated positive.
ly that General Pando could not get
into the city, and he ended q pictures
que report of the destruction of the
Spanish fleet by saying that all his
men, though soaked in rain. were
gloriously happy.
Late in the afternoon he was re.
quested by the president through
Adjt. Gen. Corbin to wire his recon-
mcndations regarding promotions, sc
that he has some idea of the honort
that are in store for his brave men.
LONDON, July 5.-The newspapers
here in commencing the destruction ot
Cervera's fleet advise Spain to accep
the inevitable before worse happens
The Times says the Spsnisrds were
overpowered after heroic defense
The only course for Spain to take nov
is to seek peace. The Standard say!