The record-union., 1898-06-08

the American ships, and could also see
the battle plans of the Spaniards.
For two hours says Mr.. Loud, the
steady thunder OF cannon was kept up.
The roar was something terrible. A
terrific IRE was kept up from the forts
and the Spanish ships upon our fleet.
It looked to US from the McCulloch
that our vessels could not possibly sur
vive the awful fusillade. Heavy shells
and solid shot fell around them like
hail from the clouds, and many ex-
pleded Immediately over the ships.
"At one time I really thought we
would be beaten. This was after the
fire had been kept up for an hour. It
looked like every gun on the Spanish
ships had turned loose on us all to-
gether, and the shore line was a ver-
liable blaze Of fire from the batteries.
The din was simply indescribable. Tons
upon tons of shot fell over our ships.
Yes, there was steel enough to have
sunk our entire fleet.
Our salvation was in the bad marks
manship of the Spaniards. The ham
died their pieces like boys. Nearly all
Of their shot went wide Of the mark.
Most were high, flying over the fleet
and falling into the bay beyond. Some
Of the batteries, however, were better
trained. Several guns maintained a
raking fire on the fleet. Nearly all of
our ships were struck by both large
and small shot, but no damage Of con-
sequence was done.
I'VE left Manila on the 5th. At that
time Commodore Dewey was in pos
session of the shore forts and arsenal.
Considerable ammunition and some
fair guns were captured. Ali Of the
Spanish vessels were resting easy on
the bottom of the bay Several were
burned to the waters edge, and. as
you know, one was blown up.
Manila, on the opposite side Of the
bay, had not been taken; 1t was not the
purpose OF Commodore Dewey to do so
at that time. OF course the city and
it's suburbs were completely at the
mercy Of our guns, and we could have
laid it in ruins in very short time.
But the force on the warships is too
small TO land and take possession.
When the troops arrive from San
Francisco Commodore Dewey will de.
mand the immediate surrender of the
city and the, troops stationed there. II
a refusal is given, fire will at once be
opened from the warships. and forcible
possession will be taken at once.
There will be no difficulty in hold
ing Manila and the Philippines. Com
plete subjugation Of the Spanish forces
in the group will be accomplished with
out trouble, and with very little danger
to American life. The insurgents are
very friendly. and at the time we left
were besieging the town in large forces.
They are acting under the orders Of
Comomore Dewey"
DR.. Kindleberger gives graphic ac-
count Of the terrific fight. He was on
the Olympia through it all.
I'm the first assault" he says, 1.-The
flagship took the lead, the other YES
sells following in her wake at four ships
length The Spanish fleet was ap-
preached by laps each turn bringing
the contestants nearer together. By
this plan the American vessels fire.
quently poured broadsides into the enc
my, but were themselves more exposed
to the fire.
''At one time the smoke became so
dense that it was necessary to draw
aside, allowing the cloud to lift. The
vessels were examined. and it was dis
covered that they had sustained no
damage. Breakfast was served to the
men, and in a few minutes they re-en-
tered the fight with the greatest en-
tllusiasm. The second fire was even
more fierce than the first. It was in
that that the Baltimore was struck.
During the first fire the Spanish Ad-
miral's ship steamed bravely out to