The herald., 1898-04-29
mo REPORT MADE
TO OFFICIALS OF THE NAVY
Department
MATANZAS BOMBARDfD
JUST ENOUGH TO DESTROY THE
NEW DEFENsES
SIMPSONS RECONNAISSANCE
Accepted as Proof That Matanzas Will
Be Good Place to Effect
Landing
Associated Press Special Wire

WASHINGTON, April 2S.-Intense inter-
est was shown at the Navy Department
today in the published reports from on
board the flagship New York and from
Key West Of the engagements at Matan-
zas yesterday noon, between the shore
| batteries and three vessels Of Admiral
| SIMPSONS fleet. The Navy Department
itself had absolutely no report from any of
its agents or any of the officers Of the
blockading fleet Of this affair
The fact that Admiral Sampson has not
made any report to the President as yet,
Notwithstanding he must have had the
same opportunity to communicate with
Key West as was enjoyed by the press.
leads the officials to believe that the affair
was not of great consequence. Indeed,
they say it is inconceivable that any very
extensive damage has been inflicted upon
properly placed batteries at the distance
reported, varying from two and one-half
to four miles, in the short space of eighteen
Gnutes, during the time it is said the en-
.agement lasted. A member of the STRAIT
egy Board, who is of course thoroughly
conversant with the plans Of Admiral
Sampson, so far as they have been gen.
eralized, is authority for the statement that
the Admiral had no intention whatever at
this time to lombard the Matanzas bat
terry. To do so at this time would be bal
sence of any landing force the admiral
would be unprepared to take advantage of
the victory he might gain through reduc-
ton of the forts, and the Spaniards might
have ample opportunity over night to re-
pair in a large measure the damage in
ficted on the fortiications.
1t is stated positively that Admiral
SIMPSONS purpose was simply to ascer-
tain if any shore batteries existed at
Matanzas, and if so, to draw their fire
and ascertain their character and then to
retire beyond range. In other words, it
was simply a naval reconnaissance. In the
event that during his observations the
Admiral discovered that new defenses
were under construction on shore he
would, it is said. of course not lose the
opportunity to cripple them by throwing
few shells into the earthworks and en-
deavoring to knock over a gun or two.
1t is the general belief at the depart
ment, however, that Matanzas is to be
tions in the campaign against Havana. 1t
is also the Presidents purpose to keep In
mind throughout the war the awful con-
dition of the reconcentrados, who are
most numerous in and around Matanzas.
Unless relief is extended to them they
undoubtedly will perish during the prog
ress of a long drawn out war The re-
ported seizure by the Spanish authorities
at Matanzas of stores contributed by
Americans and held in trust there for the
relief of these poor sufferers is regarded
as a clear indication that even If the Red
Cross steamer Texas is permitted to land
her cargo of supplies at Matanzas. under
existing conditions, the food will not
reach the reconcentrados but will only go
to support the Spanish garrison in their
resistance. Therefore it Is believed that
the President contemplates the early
seizure of Matanzas, not only because of
it's Importance but in order that he may
from there hold out helping hand to the
starving peasantry. 1t is likely, there
fore, that while there was nothing Of the
nature of a general engagement in Ad-
miral SIMPSONS reconnaissance of yester-
day, he will soon take steps to begin a
,l1o nd &c
tanzas.