The times., 1898-07-10
SPANISH VESSEL Destroyed.
How the AIforso XII Was Wiped Out
Of Mariel.


Key West, July "Details of the ex-
citing action whichsresuited in the sink
ing of the vessel Supposed to be the AL
fonso XII have Just, come in.
The story is told by officers, and they
obtained 1t from the flagship. On Wed
nesday night. while the Hawk was patrol
ling off the north coast-of Pinar del Rio.
a large Spanish steamer was observed
hugging the shore and steaming rapidly
In the direction of HAVANA. The Hawk
fired shot across the strangers bow and
endeavored to head her off. AT the same
time she signaled the other vessels for
assistance.
The steamer paid no attention TO the
shots from the Hawk, but increased her
speed, piling on fue5 which was evident
from the dense black smoke and forks Of
flame issuing from her smokestacks
plainly discernibie III the bright moon
light.
T, Signals from the Hawk were seen by
the Castine and the Prairie. which were
also patrolling that vicinity These YES
sells FASTENED to assist the Hawk
Meanwhile the Spaniard. which was a
vessel of more than 5000 tons. with two
tunnels and four masts, was rapidly dis
tancing her little pursuer when the Cas-
tine and the Prairie hove in sight ahead
and opened fire with their superior bat
teries. The Spaniard. seeing further ad-
vance cut off. and without any chance of
escape. never for a moment wavered. but
put her wheel hard to starboard and head
ed for shore. where she was beached with
in sight of Mariel The three American
vessels stood off and kept up an incessant
firing at close range, the Castine doing
the more effective work, every shot tell
ing with destructive effect.
Three distinct explosions took place
aboard the Spaniard, evidently from her
magazine. throwing mountains of debris
high IN the air and leaving the vessel
complete wreck on the beach. The crew
is believed to have been nearly all killed
the few who escaped the hail of shot
and shell aboard by jumping into the sea
being drowned while attempting 20 reach
shore.
The government tug which 'eft the Gu
ban coast several hours later than rhe
gunboat has arrived here. Sue -cports
that the monitor Amphit1.e wss sent To
the place where the Spaniard was neat n
ed near Mariel 20 complete the woIl. of
destruction. but retI..3 Il last night Nhh
the information to the commodore off
Havana that II was unnecessary as the
vessel was a complete wreck, having been
set on fire before being finally deserted.
and was then ablaze and burned to
waters edge.
The gunboat reports that while patrol
ling off Cardenas, several days since, she
encountered the English steamer VIC
toria, from Progresso fer New York
with cargo of hemp. The Victoria was
boarded and examined, information iav-
ing been received before her departure
from Mexico that she might attempt to
run the blockade. Nothing cGntrabs nd
being found aboard, she wa; permitted TO
proceed.
The gunboat also reports that while
cruising on Tuesday last to the westward
of Cardenas she saw a large number of
Spanish troops gatherd around what ap-
peared to be new Notifications She stood
in to a safe distance and threw several
shells among the Spaniards. plowing
great burrows along the beach and max
ing the nemy take shelter in the woods,
some distance back. No attempt was
made to return the fire.