davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

at the office of the consignees of the
French steamer Lafayette, which leaves
here today for Vera Cruz Mexico with
this letter, which will be posted at that
port In fact an actual panic now pre-
walls, while, when the blockade began,
there was a feeling almost of serenity
among all the Glasses. But things
have changed. The grim earnestness
of the Americans is steadily forcing it
self upon the minds of even the most
hOt-headed Spanish officers, though the
latter are working vigorously at the
Notifications, which have been consid-
erably strengthened and improved since
the war began
The Spaniards, it must be admitted,
are preparing to fight as desperately as
possible under the circumstances.
Many families without means are
striving to emigrate, trying to bor-
row money from more fortunate peo-
pie in order to be able to pay their
passage. But it is hard to see how
their condition will be improved to any
considerable extent even if they do de-
eide to leave the blockaded city, for
they have been rendered pennileSS and
their chance of earning livelihood in
a foreign country is very slim There
is considerable feeling against the men
who are desirous of leaving the city.
and posted on the corners of the houses
all over town you can see such notices
as the following:
Here are sold women's shirts for the
men who are abandoning the island of
Cuba
There has been no disorder in this city
or in the provinces, so far as known,
though it is true people here are en-
tirely ignorant of what is transpirfng
at Santiago, no mail having been re-
ceived from there for some time past
and the cable being in the hands of the
government and almost exclusively de-
voted to further the military opera
tions, which are about limited to evac-
uating the interior towns and concen-
trating the Spanish forces at or about
the large cities. It is reported here that
Santa Cruz del Sur, on the south coast
of Puerto Principe, has fallen into the
hands of the insurgents If this is the
case the latter now have a port at
which their friends can land arms am
munition and supplies without interfer-
ence.
Other important events are said to
have transpired at Santa Cruz del Sur.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

The officers of the Spanish gunboat
Cuba ESpanola have reached Sancti
Spiritus, Province of Santa Clara, by
land, and are on their way to Tunas,
and from there by coasting steamer to
Cienfuegos. One report has 1t that the
commander of the Cuba ESpanola
burned or blew up his vessel In order to
save it from falling into the hands of
the insurgents. Another version Of the
affair says the gunboat may have been
captured by the insurgents.
Confirmation has been received here
that the Spanish troops have evacuat-
of Santiago de Cuba and that they
have been occupied by the insurgents.
The Spaniards say the troops destroyed
those two towns before leaving them.
from these places retreated upon Man
zanilo and some of them have reached
other coast towns by this time.
Although the prices of provisions here
are very high, it is calculated that there
is food enough obtainabIe to last about
five months, because, it is claimed, con-
siderable stores were laid In before the
blockade and no provisions are allowed
to be sent from here to the interior
towns. Eggs cost 10 cents each, glass
of milk costs from 20 to 25 cents and the
size Of the loaf of bread has been re-
duced one-half. This, however, was
done before the blockade began.
There are thousands of men from the
cigar, tobacco and other factories out
of work and the authorities are employ
ing as many of them as possible on the
Qualifications.
The number of men idle is a matter
which causes the authorities considera-
BILE anxiety. Up to the present they
have been provided with food in one
way or another, mainly by their former
employers being compelled to contrib
ute to their maintenance, but the time
must come when these men will feel
the pangs of hunger and then rioting Is
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
TERROR.

Santiago de Cuba, May 1s.-This
morning, I have without incident, en-
tered this port accompanied by squad
ron CSigned) CERVERA."
The minister of marine Immediately
went to the residence of the premier,
Senor Sagasta, and communicated this
information. He then proceeded to the
palace for the purpose of informing the
queen regent, but her majesty had al
ready retired and the news was con-
veyed to her by the Infanta IsabeII
Capt Aunon, then went to the ad-
rniralty and cabIed his congratulations
to Admiral Cervera on his arrival at
Santiago de Cuba.
Admiral Cervera, says a cable dis
patch from Santiago de Cuba, did not
sight an American ship during his vow
age. He announces that the crew of his
ships are In perfect health and enthu-
siastfc
Continuing, the dispatch SAYS: ..The
olockading vessels quickly left on the
approach of the squadron, whose ar
rival has created the greatest excite
ment and enthusiasm at Santiago. I'M
mediately crowds of people thronged the
quaFs and cheered our sailors. Haya-
mas relief at the safe arrival of the
fleet is very great, as it was feared the
American ships which left the blockade
tnere' had gone to intercept the Spanish
heet. 1t is now believed the Americans
ned in order to avoid reverse
Madrid, May 2O.-The arrival of the
Spanish squadron has caused intense
enthusiasm at Santiago.
Madrid. May 2o.-The Spanish feet on
arriving at Santiago de Cuba found
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
SAILS TOMORROW.
Charleston Ready for Three Weeks
Trip to Manila

Vallejo. Cal. May 20--The work of re-
pairing the defects in the condensing tubes
on the cruiser Charleston was completed
at 5 O'Clock this morning, but the vessel
will not leave for Manila until tomorrow.
A duplicate set of condenser tubes has
been ordered from the Union Iron Works
and it will take a great portion of today
to inspect and test the new tubes. Then
the coal supply will be repleniShed, and on
the first tide tomorrow morning the
Charleston will start it's fast run to
Honolulu. It will probably take six days
for this run, and after a couple of days
spent in recoalinG. the Charleston will
proceed at a Ieisurely gait of about knots
an hour to Manila This run will take
about three weeks.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
Insurance Companies Do Not
Propose to Pay
The Insurance OnJ. 8. Collins
Life Until They Find Out
WHO KILLED HIM
If 1t Is Possible to Find Out
Who Did.
For Once Insurance Companies
VIII Have Peoples Backing.

Chief of Police Steele and Sherff
Cooke have gone away from town.
Chief of Police Steele has gone to
Texas and Sheriff Cook went to Osawa-
tonne with an insane woman.
The police force and the sherif's fCrce
are waiting for the securing of a clue
upon which to work.
Since the coroner's inquest there have
been no developments, according to
County Attorney Jetmore, who is TAX
ing great interest in the case. He is
apparently disgusted.
81 feel that things have been bungled
up" said Mr.. Jetmore. 1.-THE search
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
FORCE INCREASED.
Philippine Exped ition Will Contain
18th and 23rd Infantry

Chicago, May 20-A special to the
Journal from Washington, says:
The force assigned to the Philippines
expedition has been increased by two
regiments of infantry from the regular
army. Adjutant General Corbin last
night sent telegrapKlic orders to the
Eighteenth and Twenty-third infantry
now in camp at New Orleans to pro-
ceed at once to San Francisco They
will report to the commanding general
al that point and will embark for the
Philippines as soon as supplies and
TRANSPORTATION can be furnished them.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
KIND TO UNCLE SAM.
Polaria Abandons Trip to Havana
Complications Avoided.

New York, May 20--Emil L. Boas.
the New York agent of the New York
Hamburg line. said this morning that
the German steamer POIaria, which be-
longs to his line was not going to Ha-
vana as originally intended He added
that the report that the government
had revoked the permission granted to
the Polaria to pass the blockade was
incorrect and the abandonment of it
was solely to avoid embarrassing the
government.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

partment. It is said he has been Of
fered war munitions from many quart
ters. 1t is evident the new Spanish
cabinet intends to push the campaign
vigorously and it is said, the minister
will also negotiate actively with for
eign diplomats to protect Spain against
a combination of her enemies
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

Madrid, May 2O.-In an interview to-
day the minister of marine is quoted as
saying:
L am greatly rejoiced at the safe ar
rival Of the Spanish fleet at Santiago
de Cuba. 1t is an immense triumph
for the Spanish navy. The sailors who
executed the movement and those who
planned it, are worthy of all praise"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
PLAYING MANILA.
Levi EMIL Looked in the Cannon's
Mouth and is Blind.

Emporia May A.-News comes from
Americus that the 11-year-old son of Levi
Emil has met with very painful acci-
dent there The boy and a companion were
playing with a toy cannon 1t failed to
go off on time, and young Emil peeped
into the muzzle to see what was the mat
ter. The gun was discharged and his
face was badly burned. 1t is thought
that his vision was completely destroyed
A doctor was called in consultation from
this city.
The boys were acting out the battle Of
Manila when the accident occurred.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
5000 LEAVE.
Grim EarneStnesS of American
Blockade
Creates a Panic Among Hava-
mas Citizens.
SHIPS OVER CROWDED
Hot Headed Spaniards Realize
the Situation.
Attempt to Cheer Up the De-
pressed People.
Copyrighted, 1898, by the Associated
PreSS7

LCopyrighted, 1898, by the ASSOCIATED
Press.1
Havana, May 9.-Via Vera Cruz,
Mex, May 13.-The weight of the block
ade is beginning to be felt here. Busi-
ness is almost at complete standstin
and there is hardly any movement in
the streets, which have a sort of a hol-
iday appearance The parks are al
most deserted and there are very few
people to be seen on the Plaza de
ArmaS at night, although the band
plays there and everything possible is
done to keep up the spirit of the people.
There is a feverish desire to leave
the island and over 5000 people, booked
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
PLUTON.

ing steamers and scfooners are at the
wharves.
A few days a German steamer
brought 5000 bags of rice to Santiago
de Cuba. Rice and sardines are the
principal food supplies. The Adoula
brought 255 passengers.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
MEDUSA LOST.
Water Logged Hulk AAoat-Carried
Crew of 20.

New York May 20-The World says:
1t is feared that the crew of 20 men
of the Norwegian bark Medusa have
been drowned. She sailed from Darien,
Ga, on April 25, for Grimsby, under
command of Captain Hansen. On May
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
Extra Nos
AT SANTIAGO.
Spanish Squadron Found at
Last.
Arrived in Port at 10 O'Clock
Last Night.
QUEEN REGENT HAPPY
Admiral Cervera's LacOnic An
nOuncement.
Spanish Residents at Santiago
Enthusiastic.
QUEEN REGENT HAPPY
Admiral Cervera's LacOnic An
nOuncement.
Spanish Residents at Santiago
Enthusiastic.

Madrid. May 2O-At 10 o'clock last
evening the minister of marine, Capt.
Aunon, received a dispatch from Ad-
niraI Cervera in command of the Cape
Verde squadron of the Spanish fleet.
It read:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

ve1t and McAdoo, and later has been
connected with the strategy board, has
been appointed private secretary to
Gen. Merritt and will accompany him
to the Philippines.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

there two American warships which re-
tired with all speed. The queen regent
has cabIed congratulations to Admiral
Cervera-
Kingston, Jamaica, May 2o-Two Amer
lean warships whose names were not dis
cernible from the shore appeared off San
tiago de Cuba yesterday, while the
steamer Adoula, which has arrived here
from that port with refugees, was in the
harbor. They approached and drew the
fire from the batteries at the harbor en-
trance. 1t is not certain whether the
warships replied to the fire
The firing continued from noon to 1
o'clock Captain Walker of Adoula, when
coming out, could not see any marks on
Morro castle, and inferred that the Ameri-
can ships drew the fire of the batteries to
learn the range.
There was much excitement in the
city. The regulars and volunteers
were called out and new earthwork bat
teries erected on each side of the har-
bor entrance. The number and calibre
of the guns are unknown, but it is
pedoes in the channel electrically con-
nected with the shore.
The cruiser Mercedes, whose boilers
are disabled, has been anchored so she
can rake the channel for three hundred
yards.
The merchant ship Mexico, of BARGE
Iona. mounting four small quick firing
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
Rough Riders Increase.

special 20 the Dispatch says: Colonel
Grigsby's cowboy regiment left here to-
day for San Antonio.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

Madrid, May 2O.-AdmiraI Camara,
the commander of the Cadiz squadron
is here receiving instructions relative
to the destination of his ships, which it
is explained, depends upon the re-
quirements of the war;
The new minister of marine has in
jeeted the greatest activity in his de-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

r. the water-logged and abandoned
hulk of the bark was passed in latitude
34-O2 and longitude 72.04 by the schoon-
er Susie NJ Pumner.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20
DEWEY, BEWARE! )!
10000 Spanish Soldiers Leave
Barcelona.
Pride of Provinces Selected For
This Expedition.
TO RECOVER MANILA
Spain Now Massing All Hel
Strength
For a Desperate Onslaught
on the Philippines.

Barcelona, May 2O.-Between 5000 and
10000 Spanish troops drawn from Ca
taIonia andAndalusia, ,Aragon and Valen-
cia are embarking here for the Philip
pines.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

lcontinued on Sixth Page.l
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

Madrid. May 2O.-The Spanish feet on
arriving at Santiago de Cuba found
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-05-20

Madrid, May 2O-The arrival of the
spanish squadron has caused intense
enthusiasm at Santiago.
The Lamar register., 1898-06-01
Comet. for tho Y-Ar.

Almost every one Is interested in
comets, and might be on the Iookou.
for them IL they knew when these curl
Gus celestial bodies we're likely to
make their appearance Eucke's com
ct is nearest to the sun in May. bur
Will be seen to the best advantage from
the earth in July and August Dem
ny's comet 1881 v comes late in May,
and viii be invisible from the same
cause. as viii also the comet 1883 vi
VOLTS comet Is ,iue in June. but VIII
be visible in the latter part Of May as
well Brooks comet comes IN August
but its position is not favorable for
observation In addition TO these are
the Temple l. comet, which is nearest
the sun in October. and also a very
faint one that astronomers hope 10 get
a sight OF some time during the sea
son,
The Lamar register., 1898-06-01

the thundcrlng surscs OF the Csriheoan.
and on the other guarding the placid
waters OF q hssutifnl and almos; land
locked harhor. This harbor Is ene OF
the fnest IN the wcst indies. large.
sheltered. and capable o. accommodate
ing any number OF the largest ships.
giving anchorage in from three 10 elk
fathons
Though thb main portion o., San
Juan Il iHeiosed within the wallis.
through which entrance Is enly ob,ain-
ed by well-guArded gateways. yet there
Is small town by itself in the Ma
rinA, between the sortiaestions and tise
wharves. Herr Is fine public garden
and pleasure space. vita booths and
restaurants, as well zs the pablo cock
pit. where battles royal are frequently
waved The tRlldings ot The Inner
city are ot stone. massive and saestan-
tial. like these OF Hay4aa and the CltF
OF Mexico. In fact. o, the old-werld
type. and 10 esse of homts-dmeas there
would be iittle danger OF couaHErA-
tioa-
The Lamar register., 1898-06-01

hundreds Of feet from the Tesror. The
shells OF the spaaiards on exploding
would fling columns of water aixty feet
high.
The heavy swell somewhat affected
the aim OF the gunners Of the Terror.
for some OF it's shells struck the sea In
front OF the forts. Finally the Terror
seemingly grew tired and slowly with
drew. firing as Il steamed away. Then
the spaniards became almost frantic
with excitement aud blazed away at the
monitor until IL was long out Of range,
oountias the cs.a.itie-
After the battle the dispatch beat
went among the nect to inspect the
damage done The sailors we're calm
ly cleaning the decks and polishing
the guns. On toard the Iowa a beat
was struck and caught are. al exhaus,
pipe was dented. the bridge railing was
shattered. aud three men were slight
ly wounded All thls was done by tae
solitary shell which struck the iowa.
One shell which exploded on the New
York killed nan. wounded fouF o h
ers. shattered two searehiIEhts. spin
tered cutter. tore three holes In
ventilator. and broke small dSyli
arm. The Sew YORK was hit only
once In addition 20 the man killed
on board the NeN York. a g0snsr's
mate on board the monitor Ampai;rits
died from The elects of the heat or
the New York's four wounded men on
~ two vere seriously enough injured
10 call Tor their transfer to the hossitai
ship Solace. which subsequently, 5oIscd
the fleet The New York fired esa
shots. Il Is Eafd. during the attack.
The only war vessel OF foreign
power at snn sasn during TIE attack
was the snsall French cruiser Rirauit
de Gsnouilly. II had its rtgEfnE cut
by pieces Of she'll After the bonhard
msnt the Freedman icIt far the island
OF ST Thomas. where its coGmtntsr
told Captain Converse Of the MoniEom
cry that the American operations we're
The Lamar register., 1898-06-01
Storlning Of the Forts at San Juan.
Accurate Description OF the Naval Victory at Porto
Rco'S Capital
Rios lapital.

viii take NJ positions Just Gu side the
harhor, the Monigomery to the east
ward and the Detroit 10 the westward
with their batteries ready ard the meE
AZ the guns They viii show no lights.
The other ships In Succession will
sweep the entrance Of the hartor and
the channel leading into the anchorage
with searehlishis to keep the torpedo
boat destroyers from coming oat. n
case the enemy shoaid attempt to es-
cape from the rort NE Is TO be eonten-
trated on the leading ship. should the
attempt be made at night the Eearch-
lights In use are TO be turned on its
bridge and coming tower and are to ts
held there .
The feet assembled CT san Iuaa
about o'c'ock and prepared tor battle.
stripping the decks and getting tho
guns. ammunition and appliances for
handling the wounded ready
sampson ,ioyrs 10 the Ie~s-
Rear Admiral sampson had trans
ferred hIs tag 20 the Iowa. aad the al
tack on the forts began az 5.Is. and
lasted three hours.
The plans os the admiral we're thor
oushly carried out The Feet steamed
majestically into the hsrbor. and in DIRE
course OF time opened tremendous
nre upon the fortiheatiouA
Three times the warships made the
circuit outlined IN the official plan.
The forts withstood the nTst round.
but tae Montgomery from IFS s,aticn
The Lamar register., 1898-06-01
rse bland OF ror,o Rico.

The island OF Porto Rico is one OF
the richest Of Spains coloaies lts
name means In English, -Rich pert.
II Is q trihe smaller than Jamaica. be
Ing the fourth in sire OF the Antilles.
but the fertility OF is soil and the sz-
luhrity Of its climate have led 10 It's
being given the name Of tho gem OF
the Antilles" II lies 20 the east OF
Hayti A range OF mountains runs
through the Islands from east 10 west.
In the interior are hsalthful and exteu-
siye uplands. and along the ocas.s ars
tracts OF fertile land Nearby the
whole OF the north coast Is linsd with
navigahle iagoons, some CT them ten
miles long. There are also numsrouJ
bays. creeks and rivers. which are nayl-
gable: but the north shore Is sutjgei
TO tremendous ground seas which beat
against the cliffs with great violence.
Only three harbors are safe--GuanIos
and Hovas on the south shore and San
Juan on the north There are no STR
pents or reptiles on the island II IL
wholly an agricultural island. rroduc-
ing sugar. rum, molasses. coffee. cotton.
tobacco, live stock. timber. rice. etc
Szu JN11 uE tue
pal city and seaport of the Island o:
Porto Rico. capital OF the colony. and
OF the Province OF Bayamon. situatsd
on narrow peninsula of the north
coast. Is connected with Cayuss an is
land town twenty-three miles distant.
by good masadamized road. Its pop
uIation is about $3.50. 1t is fortified
and walled. regularly laid out. well
drained and one of the best and health
lest towns in the West indies. The
principal ediflces are the bishops pal
ace and seminary. the Royal military
hospital. old Government HouEe a larze
cathedral. custom house. town house.
with a fine hall, handsome theater.
arsenal and jail, The town is the seat
of government and superior courts OF
the island. and of many schools,
Harbor of San Juan.
The peninsula upon which the Nor
ro and the lighthouse stand is thrust
out into the sea. on one side breasting
The Lamar register., 1898-06-01

near Canueio Fort wrought complete
destruction. With slzsses the octcers
of the Montgomery could sEe The oc5u-
pants OF the fort jumping over the
walls and running away The Detroit
which went nearest TO MORO, had 10
train its guns at biSh angis. Its shots,
directed at the north side OF the Nor
TO. cut deep furrows In the face OF the
fortifcations. The Iowa. leading the
feet. delivered It's deadly missiles With
great accuracy upon Morro's n.rthern
walls The rest Of the iieet tared in
order. first on Morro aad then on san
Carlos. according 70 position. On the
second round the Spanish gunners were
thoroughly awakened. ard stood hY
their guns braveIy, keeping up a turi-
ous, but aimless hre. From their frD
foundation ard high elevation they had
a splendid opportunity 10 cripple cur
feet. but the Spanish gunners seeme1
TO flre regardless OF aim ard as IL only
desirous Of emptying their magazines.
Terror Plays Lone Hand.
At the end of the third round the
monitor Terror failed to understand
the order 10 Withdraw and engaged
MORO castle alone for half an hour.
The Terror moved in as II intending to
ram the forts and the Spanish gun
ners evidently became much excited at
It's behavior. for they fired rapidly and
evidently without taking any aim, for
the Terror was no; touched. Every
shot fired by the Spaniards could be
seen. The flash and smoke OF the bat
teries were followed by great splashing