The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-16
SPANISH ROUTED.
Marines From Crest Hill At
tack Enemy's Camp.
Spaniards Fled, Leaving Forty
Dead on the Field.
CUBANS COOPERATE
And Lose Two Killed and Four
Are Wounded.
One American Marine is Slight
ly Wounded.
CUBANS COOPERATE

Copyright. 1898, by Associated Press)
United States Camp, Guantanamo
Bay, June 14.-By Associated Press
Dispatch Boat Wanda, via Kingston,
Jamaica, June 16.-The United States
marines under Lieutenant Colonel
Robert w. Huntington, made their first
aggressive movement against the Span
ish guerrillas today and completely
routed the enemy.
The force of marines was under Cap
tain Elliott and the cooperating Gu
bans were under Colonel Laborda. The
combined forces RACED a Spanish camp
about five miles from the American po-
sition, destroying the only we'll in the
vicinity, and killing about 40 Spaniards.
One American marine was slightly
wounded. Two Cubans were killed and
four wounded.
Tt is impossible to estimate the num-
Der of Spaniards engaged, owing to
their guerrilla methods of fighting but
it is believed there were at least 400.
The marines behaved splendidly,
their craftsmanship being excellent,
even under the severe fire of the enemy.
The captured camp lies about five
miles southeast of the rifle pits of the
marines, and was an important base for
the enemy, as it contained the only we'll
within six or seven miles. Lieutenant
Colonel Huntington decided on the at
tack early in the day, and at about s
o'clock the force started across the
mountain. The march up and down the
steep hiIlsides under the glaring tropical
sun was a severe test of endurance for
the marines, and before the battle
ground was reached p men had re
ceiVed medical attention. All were able,
however, to reach the position before
the fighting ceased.
oil
in single file, following the mountain
trail. Meanwhile the Cubans darted
backward and forward, to right and left
on the scout.
1t was noon when from hilltop the
Americans caught sight of the Spanish
camp on a ridge below them. It con-
sisted of one large house, the officers
''shacks,'' and houses, all clustering
about the precious we'll.
The Americans began a cautious ad-
vance and were within 200 yards of the
enemy before the crack of a rifle from
the Spanish lines announced that the
Spaniards had discovered them. The
troops quickly moved into line of battle
with the Cubans on the left flank. The
enemy's bullets were whirling viciously
over the Americans, but the marines
settled down to their work as uncon-
ceFnedIy as though at target practice.
Very few Spaniards were in sight
They were lying behind the huts and
brush but the puffs of smoke revealed
their pOSlIlOnS ana enabled the An6rl-
cans to do effective work. For 20 min
uteS both sides maintained a terrific
fire. The Spanish shots were generally
wild and spasmodic, while the Ameri-
cans fired away, aiming carefully and
shooting to kill. For the most part the
Americans firing was done individual
ly, but at times the officers would di-
rect firing by squads always with tel
ling effect. 1t was beginning to look as
though bayonet charge down the slope
would be necessary to dislodge the en-
envy, when suddenly the latter began to
break for thicket hundred yards
further on. Little groups could be seen
fleeing from the camp, separating, dart
ing through the brush and zigzaging
to escape the bullets. 1t was then the
American fire became most deadly.
Man after man could be seen to fall in
a vain rush for shelter, and the fire
from the Spanish became scattered and
almost ceased.
Two Cubans lay dead and four
wounded, and private Walker, of COM
pany D, had to limp to the rear with
a slight wound in his ankle.
The easy victory put the command in
high spirits. The little black Cuban
warriors waved their machetes and
hurled curses at the Spanish in savage
fashion. Their firing had been wild
throughout but they all displayed the
utmost contempt for the Spanish bull
let's, apparently being absolutely with
out fear.
AS the enemy began breaking camp,
the Dolphin, which lay out at sea, was
signalled and began pitching shells
toward the thicket for which the Span
iards were making.
Meanwhile Lieut.. McGi11 was seen
coming with 40 men as reinfOrcements,
and Capt. MahOney was on the way
with a hundred more, but before either
could reach the scene the trouble was
over.
AS the Spanish reiterated the Ameri-
cans moved slowly forward, firing as
they went, and by the time the camp
was reached the enemy had all got
away, taking their wounded and prob
ably many of their dead. Fifteen bod
les were found scattered through the
brush but the Americans were unable
to examine the spot where their firing
had been most deadly. No time was
lost in burning the buildings and fill
ing the well with earth and stones.
The Dolphin landed water and am
Enunition, as an attack was expected on
the return march, but none was made
Evidently the SpaniardS were too thor
Oughly beaten to attempt further fight
ing The marines did not reach the
American camp until after nightfall
aud as they had been without food
since the early morning, they were
thoroughly exhausted.
Col. Huntington believes the destruc-
ton of the camp and well will seriously
cripple the bushwhacking operations of
the enemy.
THE VESUVIUS WELL NAMED.
Whan in Ernption She Proves tn Re