The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-07-02
JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE

Copyrighted, 1898, by Associated Press.)
With the United States Army, Five
Miles East of Santiago de Cuba, Thurs
day, June 80. (noon), via Playa del Este
Santiago de Cuba, June 30, EVENING"
The American forces, now numbering
nearly 1900, still occupy a position in a
long line, five miles east Of Santiago de
Cuba, but no forward movement has been
made during the past twenty-four hours
owing to the difficulty experienced in for
warding sufficient supplies from the base
at Juragua and the fact that it has not
been possible up to the present to send
light artillery and siege guns to the front
from Baiquiri.
Major General Shafter is at the front
and conducting the reconnaissance in per-
son.
The American troops have made no at
tack as yet upon Aguadores or on the
coast near the left wing of the invading
army, where the new base may be es-
tablished later.
The town of Caney, which commands
the land entrance into Santiago de Cuba,
lies close to the American right wing and
will probably be taken without difficulty
soon, as it is held by only a small guard
of Spanish troops. American scouting
parties have been within thousand yards
of Caney without being attacked and the
roads in that vicinity have been repaired
and improved by our troops, indicating
that artillery will be moved in that direc-
ton. 1t is believed that the investment
of Santiago de Cuba will follow the cap
ture of Caney.
There are about 5000 Cubans operating
with the American army at the front and
the Spanish force defending Santiago De
Cuba is estimated at from 1900 TO 10000.
In addition as already cabled, General
Pando, the Spanish military commander
in-the-field, is marching from Manzanillo,
some 127 miles west. with 5000 men and,
unless checked by the small force Of
Cubans holding the mountain passes, he
ought to reach Santiago. in his efforts 10
support General Linares, ma few days.
The American camps have been soaked
with the recent rains and the roads are
in bad condition, but our officers and men
are confident they will be able TO make
a general attack soon and that Santiago
will fall before them.
The cable was placed in operation this
morning at Juragua, Altares and Siboney,
and communication is now open between
the invading army and Washington.
copyrighted. 1895, by Associated Press)
OFF Juragua, Province Of Santiago de
Cuba, June 80. 2. m, per the Associated
Press Ditpatch Boat, Wanda. via Port
Antonio. Jamaica, July /, a. n, and
Kingston. Jamaica, July l. a. m--Over
Is. 00o American soldiers, including all the
regular troops now operating n Cuba and
three volunteer regiments, supported by
four thousand Cubans under General Gar
cia. lie tonight within view Of the Spanish
intrenchments, north and east Of Santiago
de Cuba. ready for a forward movement
in the morning which they may lead i'm
mediately TO a general assault upon the
CITY. The advance viii be made by Gen
eral Lawton's division forming the right
wing. and If the SPaniards show signs
OF retreating or circumstances otherwise
warrant it, General wheeler's division
and General Keat's division doubtless VIII
Join in the advance, and endeavor 10 drive
the Spaniards before them and enter the
city. While the movement may not reach
this extent tomorrow. its purpose Is 70
force the 500 men OF General LAYTON :
command two miles further forward than
they are now. take the Ht;ls village Of
Csney and occupy the ridge overlooking
tn, city and haroor. from which our az
tsi.ery FIRE can be rsined upon the Span
ISL in,renehments II front OF The city
and upon the large body Of Spanish SOL
diers holding them
Il may be tha; the Americans may be
satisfied TO accomplish a u,ovezaen; ia o7e
day and then postpone further advance
uasi the light artillery and siege guns
can be placed in position on the ridge
and preparations can os made 20 pour a