The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1898-04-28

that news could be had from Havana, |
with a Spanish censor manning the end
of the cable there.
The fact that Admiral Sampson has not |
made any report to the Secretary as yet
notwithstanding he must have had the
same opportunity to communicate with
Key West as was enjoyed by the press,
leads the officials of the Department to
believe that the affair was not OF great
consequence. Indeed they say it Is in
conceivable that any very extensive dam
age could have been inflicted upon prop
erly placed batteries at the distance re-
ported, varying from two and a half to
four miles, in the short space of eighteen
minutes, during which it is said the en-
gagement lasted.
A member Of the Strategy Board who
is, OF course, thoroughly conversant with
the plans OF Admiral Sampson, 50 far as
they have been generalized, is authority
for the statement that the Admiral had no
Intention whatever at this time to bonn
bard the Matanzas battery. To do so now
would be bad strategy and Of little avail,
for. III the absence of any landing force
fhe Admiral would be unprepared TO take
advantage of the victory he might gain
through reduction of the forts and the
Spaniards might have ample opportunity
over night to repair in large measure
The damage indicted on their foriifica-
TONS
It Is stated positively that Admiral
Sampson's 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 re-
tire beyond range. In other words, it was
simply a naval reconnaissance. In the
event that during his observations the
Admiral discovered that new defences
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.
Ii is the general belief at the Depart
ment, however, that Matanzas is to be
soon reduced and made base of opera
tiolls 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 un
doubtedly will perish during the progress
of long drawn out war.
| military 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 Tex
| as is permitted to land her cargo OF sup
plies at Matanzas, under existing condi-
| tions, the food will not reach the re-
concentrates but will only go to supply
/ the Spanish garrison in their resistance
! Therefore it is believed that the Presi-
! dent contemplates the early seizure OF
i Matanzas not only bcause OF its mill
/ tary Importance but in order that he
may from there send out helping hand
/ to the starving peasantry.
| 1t is likely, therefore, that while there
was nothing of the nature of general
i engagement in Admiral SIMPSONS recon-
noissance of yesterday, he will soon take
i steps to begin a heavier and lively bonn
bardment of Matanzas.
Senator Money of Mississippi was one
of the early visitors at the Navy Depart
! nent today He took special interest in
| the report of naval engagement at Ma
tanzas, as he was there only a month ago,
and took occasion at that time to make
! close observations of such defensive works
4 as the Spaniards have established. From
4 his personal inspection, Senator Money
says the defences We're exceedingly
meagre and antiquated, not being entitled
to rank as modern Notifications
"Matanzas harhor is funnel-shaped. .
said the Senator, with the city of Ma
tanzas at the extreme inner end of the
funnel Back of the city sweeps a range
/ of high hills, almost reaching the dig
nifty of mountains, which make COM
piete circuit of the funnel, except where
the Umari River passes through. I went
to the top of these high hills, which COM
manded a fine view of the hafbor and
such defenses as existed and later went
by train and by foot around the harbol
to get general view of the situation.
"Only one fort was in existence at that
4 time. 1t was San Saverino, at the right
4 of the entrance of the harbor. There were
no short batteries or defences at or ad-
jacent to Matanzas, nor were there any,
SO far as I could observe, ON the left OF
the entrance to the harbor.
.sSan Saverjno is an old time Spanish
fort, completely out of date. in point OF
arrangements and equipment. It is OF
masonry which has stood hundred years
or more and at best is only small af-
fair. This was the only thing observa-
BILE in the way of a defense. There wer-
N oearthworks or block house forts al
that time.
They are in the habit of throwing to-
gether a small square block house ane
| calling it a fort but it has none of thu
characteristics of a modern fertilization
and while good enough to repel insurgen
infantry and cavalry, would amount t
absolutely nothing against the big guns
of warship. But even these had no
been started month ago. Since theI
!. trough earthworks may have been thrown
up hastily, but little could be accomp
lished in month, and certainly no for
tifications of masonry could have beel
! erected.
II never heard of Fort Rubalcava, men
/ toned in the reports of the reduction Q
the defences at Matanzas, and no sucl
fort existed when was there a montl
ago. This, however, may be one Of tn
J inpromptu defences which the Spaniard
style forts The camps of the reconcen
trados are on the sweep of hills back Q
s | Matanzas and on the side opposite Sal
4 / Saverino There are two of these camps
{ | one on the highest ground and anothe
, ! further down. where are huddled togethe
| the poor Cuban sufferers.
..Judging from my observation I woul'