The record-union., 1898-06-24

blockade position at Baiquiri, and the
New Orleans, Detroit, Castine and
Wasp could be seen family. Shortly
fire. An explosion occurred ashore,
and soon columns of smoke We're seen
ascending from Baiquiri, standing
white against the green background of
the rugged mountains that rise from
the waters edges. The shell had evil
IDENTITY set the buildings on fire, but the
thick haze of smoke and mist made it
hard to see exactly what was occurring
at Baiquiri
Before o'clock the Texas, proceed
ing -close inshore, proceeded to Ca
banas, two and half miles west of El
Morro, to make a feint at landing
troops there. The transports which
We're to have accompanied the Texas
We're still far out of position. Suddenly
a puff of smoke shot out from the
western battery, showing that the
enemy was devoting some attention TO
the Texas. The battleship replied
promptly. firing at the western bat
teries with her twelve and six-inch
guns, and with her smaller guns at a
block house in small inlet at Cabanas.
Texas and the forts continued. The
most spectacular event so far in the
war, it was The craftsmanship of the
Texas was marvellous. Though over
two miles away and in an awkward
position. she dropped shell after shell
right on to the ridge of the hill, where
the enemys guns lay. Clouds Of dust
raised high in the air. The crew of the
flagship greeted each of those with loud
cheers. Puffs Of white smoke shot
through the yellow canyon. These were
shots from the enemy. They stuck to
their guns well, but their aim was wild.
the shots falling, some a mile ahead
and some a mile astern Of the Texas.
Finally the enemy's shots became few
and far between. They had probably
been driven from their guns.
All the other battleships in the Uni
ted States squadron lay in a semi
circle watching the wonderful work of
the Texas, not wishing to distract the
enemy's attention from the successful
feint. On land still further to the west
ward General Rabi and 500 Cubans
We're making military demonstration
to assist in making the Spaniards con-
centrate their troops to the west Of
Santiago.
Meanwhile a lively naval attack was
in progress east Of the harbor at Aqua
dores, a village two or three miles east
of FL Moro. The Eagle and Glou-
cester commenced to fire at the block
houses there shortly after s O'Clock.
The bluff was peppered with the smoke
clouds of these exploding shells.
A few miles further to the east the
Hornet, Helena and Bancroft We're in
de los Altaros, banging away at two
blOCkhouses on the side of hill which
rises above the deserted village. The
heavy swell caused these craft to roll
considerably and the surf broke vi
ciously against the rocks. The sun
shone bright. light breeze blew and
the gunboats half enveloped in white
smoke, nestled in these fine harbors,
forming a picturesque sight. They were
feinting more than fighting.
From Cabanas to Baiquiri, fourteen
miles off coast the ridge was dotted
with the smoke Of American shells. The
battery west of Ell MORO was the only
point where the enemy appeared tc
make any serious attempt to reply. The
sharp reports Of the batteries on the
smaller boats filled the air, the echoes
dying away into the great hills behind.
The officers and crews of the ships
not engaged watched the shore eagerly
At 1:3O the New York ran down from
FL MORO to Baiquiri, the real seat of
operations.