The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1898-05-05

No real bombardment will be necessary
to destroy Manila, if the shells are of
such a description as viii set houses on
fire, the bulk of which are of wood or
bamboo. Only the public buildings are
built of stone while the brick built old
town Is incapable of resisting artillery.
Captain Cadarso of the cruiser Reina
Maria Christina, who was killed on the
bridge of his vessel, was one of the most
brilliant officers in the Spanish navy.
lis ship was d model of order and eff
ficiency. He read and wrote a great
deal, especially with reference to naval
and colonial matters, and he was so out
spoken that he often came into collision
with the authorities
1t appears that Admiral Montojo was
taken altogether by surprise and that
the Spanish authorities generally were
in state Of utter unreadiness. The
forts were not completed, the harbor was
not mined there were no searchlights
and the American squadron was only
sighted after 1t had already passed the
outer and principal forts.
The moral influence of the first great
victory is incalculable. and, though it is
practically certain that Spain will not
yield till she has tried conclusions in the
Atlantic, where she hopes for better luck
with her really first classfighting squad
ron. 1t is believed that a similar victory
in Cuban waters would produce signs of
revolution In Spain, compelling an en-
deavor to come to terms.
A message was received yesterday
afternoon announcing the surrender of
Manila. 1t lacks confirmation. but is
credited here because of the alternative.
Under the protection of the guns of the
Manila Notifications, the Spanish war
ships opened fire on the American fleet
For several hours the harbor resounded
with the roar of guns. the crashing of
steel and timbers. the shrieks and groans
OF the wounded. Thick clouds of smoke
at times almost obscured the opposing
fleets from each other. Soon a well di-
rected shot reached the iron cruiser Don
Juan de Austria, a vessel of 100 tons. A
terrific explosion followed, and the ship
was blown up.
All the time during the first engage
ment the American ships were under
way. their maneuvering being intended
to render the craftsmanship of the
Spanish gunners less effective.
There was heavy loss OF life among
the Spanish. Captain Cardase, COM
manding the Maria Christina, was killed.
Commodore Montito, commanding the
feet, shifted his flag from the Maria
Christina to the Isla de Cuba, much
smaller steel protected cruiser just be-
fore the Christina sank.
The naval bureau at Manila sends the
following report, signed "Montijo," Ad-
miral:" "In the middle of the night the
American squadron forced the forts and
before daybreak appeared off Kavite
The night was completely dark. At 1880
the bow of the Reina Maria Christina
took fire and soon after the poop also
was burned. At 8 o'clock with my staff
l went on board the Isla de Cuba. The
Relna Maria Christina and the Castillo
were then entirely enveloped in flames
The other ships. having been damaged
retired into Baker bay. Some had to be
sunk to prevent their falling into the
hands of the enemy. The losses are
numerous. notably Captain Cardase. a
priest and nine other persons