The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1898-06-29
The WAR WITH SPAIN.

Fighting Around Santiago-Valor of the
American Troops -Rooseve1t's Rough Rid
ers in the van-They Suffer Severe Losses.
Tie story of the landing Of the American
army near Santiago is told on page two OF
this issue.
Admiral Cervera telegraphed to Madrid
the surprising Information that the Ameri-
cans had effected landing at place eigh-
teen miles east Of Santiago that he i'm
mediately mustered the crews Of his squad
ron and proceeded to the scene, and that
after sharp fight he succeeded in driving
the Americans off No mention of casual
ties on either side is made. The humor of
the admiral's statement contributed to the
gaiety Of the marines.
Immediately after landing the Americans
began their march toward Santiago. The
head of the advancing column camped at
Demajayabo Wednesday night, June g.
and on Thursday advanced to Juragua
which the enemy hastily evacuated. BY
night junction had been effected between
the main divisions of the invaders on high
ground about ten miles from the guns of
MORO castle. Beyond Juragua. the Span
iards suddenly appeared in force, expect
ing to surprise the American advance. They
were, however, discovered by a recon-
noitering party composed OF Americans and
Cubans who opened fire as they fell back
toward the head of the column, and the
Spaniards themselves fell back. Two Gu
bans were killed. On Friday morning
Roosevelts rough riders, who had asked
that they be sent to the front at once, were
ambushed by the Spaniards, sixteen of their
number killed and as many more wounded.
Among the killed were Captain Capron,
and Sergeant Hamilton Fish of the famous
New York family that furnished secretary
of State in Gen. Grants cabinet. The
young man was an athlete and was one of
many of the gilded youth of New York who
entered Roosevelt's regiment. Young Fish
was in the fore front of the fight, brave and
daring. Among the wounded was Edward
Marshall, correspondent of the New York
Journal.
The warships have kept all the coast on
either side of Santiago under their guns,
and the Notifications and the country
around the advancing columns of the
Americans are under fire. There is con-
slant fighting on the land, and day by day
the grip of the invaders is tightening around
the city and harbor that are the objects of
their operations
1t is believed that the first stand in force
will be encountered at the intrenchments
Immediately east of the city, as the United
States scouts have pretty thoroughly ex-
plored the territory between the head Of
klxo Oh av11
they report that these intrenchments are
heavily manned, but that there is no con-
siderable body Of troops east of them.
The insurgents under Gems. Garcia and
Castillo are in constant touch with the
main body of the attacking army, and are
proving source OF greatest strength.
Further particulars Of the fight on Friday
leave no doubt that the trough riders,"
who were fighting dsmounted, walked into
an ambush. The spot had been selected by
the Spaniards and Roosevelt's men were
taken at disadvantage. The severity OF
their losses, and of the other troops with
them, is attributed in part to the utter con-
tempt they showed for their Spanish foes.
The lesson will not daunt their courage in
the least but will lead the Americans to a
more prudent regard for their safety. The
gallsntry Of the troopers, under fire for the
first time, is spoken Of with highest praise
by officers and men throughout the army.
and the cool bravery of Col. Wood and
Lieut.. Col Roosevelt, who took their men
out OF bad fix with the glory Of victory,
has made them heroes.
When the nature of the resistance was
understood the men were ordered to de-
ploy and fire upon the concealed enemy
from lying position, till achievements
could come up. AS the Mauser bullets
ripped up the ground about them, the men
swore in angry Impotence. They wanted
to be up and at the Spaniards close in.
''Don't swear or you'll catch no fish," was
Col. Woods cool advice as he held the men
in check and directed the fire. When help
came the Americans made hurricane dash
for the chsparrsl. and the Spaniards were
soon scurrying through the thickst. The
auxiliary cruisers sent few rounds OF shell
after the retreating enemy, but the range
was too long and little damage was done
When the firing was over the wounded
were promptly sent to the rear. There was
AOOP oOihOW ohu ch6oA 90 eHo SoeoAo VA wax
losses began TO be learned.
The troops are having the greatest diff
Guilty in transporting the siege guns and
other heavy war material to the front. Il
was known in advance that the country was
rugged and mountainous, and covered will
tangle Of tropical underground. but {
revelation awaited them AZ to the kind Of
roads southeastern Cuba affords. The mair
road from Baiquiri to Santiago is as impas
sable to artillery in its present condition al
Maine logging road in summer time. I
is little more than a footpatb, and is over
grown with vines and shrubs and bristle
with jagged rocks. The engineers are work
ing like beavers to put 1t in shape for tn
artillery and supply trains, but in the ter
rible heat the task is hard one.
Even the infantry find the footing q ia,
on their endurance, and many Of then