Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
BEFORE SANTIAGO.
The Authorities Without Definite
News Concerning the Situation.
ANOTHER FLAG OF TRUCE IS SENT.


or navy at Santiago had reached the
department so far as the public was
informed Though the possibility OF
interrupted cable communication was
suggested as an explanation for the
lack of advices, IL was announced
at midnight that nothing had been
filed at Playa del Este for the
officials here. Both Secretaries Long
and Alger were at the white house
during the evening, but returned
to their residences early and gave
no outward sign OF anxiety or ex-
pectation of startling news. The
arrival OF Gen Miles and the confer
ence between him and the command
ing officers OF the army and navy is
taken by some to indicate that
II fighting occurred yesterday 1t
was not of a serious character,
for with a heavy engagement
progressing it was hardly pos
sible that Admiral Sampson or Gen.
Shafter would find time for confer
ence. 1t Is thought that possibly the
arrival OF Gen. Miles caused suspen-
sion Of active operations, in order that
the entire situation might be dis
cussed. But this view OF the situa.
ton is speculation and without def
mite advices no one can say exactly
what the day has brought forth at
Santiago. officials contend that de.
lay OF "a day or two can only result in
lettering the position of the Amer.
can forces, give opportunity for the
achievements TO 60 to the front and
allow the newl y.arrived artillery to
be .placed in advantageous location.
1t Is believed that II the conflict WAS
not resumed yesterday final attack
Is not far distant
The officials here are satisfied that
what appears to be delay on the part
OF Gen. Shafter was really caused by
his efforts to carry out strictly
the presidents injunction to pre-
vent the Spanish army from escap-
Ing from Santiago. He mighthave at
tackled the town several days ago,
with the result that II the Spanish
were overcome they would have re-
treated without obstruction to the
northwest, beyond the reach Of
our soldiers to follow. His dispatch,
written late Sunday night, indicates
clearly that he has been trying to CON.
plete his line OF Investment so as to
prevent such an escape, and as he ap-
pears to feel satisfied that he has &C.
complished this the final assault will
not be delayed much longer Gen.
Ehafter Is disposed to save every life
possible In the war, probably having
In mind the particularly large proper
ton Of killed, wounded and missing,
compared to the total strength OF his
army, in the battle Of Caney, which
the official figures, promulgated yes
terday, show was exceptional in mod.
ern warfare. 1t Is TO save our troops
that he desires to make free use OF
artillery before the assault proper be-
gins and also secure the cooperation
Of the navy in the attack.
ANOTHER FLAG OF TRUCE SENT.
OFF SANTIAGO DE CUBA, July Ia
At $3.50 yesterday morning, after sew
eral range-hnding shots over the ridge
protecting Santiago from the sea, the
United States cruiser Newark opened
fire into the city with her eight-inch
guns. The signal corps officers sta
TONED on top Of the ridge reported the
effect of the shots The New York,
Brooklyn and Indiana participated in
the firing at intervals Of five minutes
The bombardment lasted for two
hours, when Gen. Shafter reported that
the shells were mostly falling in the
bay and doing but little damage, The
iast shot' however, struck proml'
nent church IN the heart OF the
CITY, which was heavily stored with
powder ana ammunition, causing u
tremendous explosion Inc extent OF
the damage is not yet known When
the warships ceased firing, and before
zen smarter began land attack a
nag oil truce was seen coming from the
CITY, Inc OBJECT oil THIS was not known
yesterday at noon AT two o'clock
IN the afternoon the auxiliary cruiser
iale, win uen' Nelson A. Miles, and
the united states protected cruiser
Ooinmo'a arrived hear Admiral
sampson visited ten. Miles Immediate
y y" us s, arfiva' anu ,nen 'ne rae
wen' W o,ooney' uel' Miles ana MS