Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1898-05-04

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squadron under Commodore Dewey ap-
peared off the Bay of Manila at o'clock
this morning and opened a strong can
nonade against the Spanish squadron and
forts protecting the harbor. The Span
ish second class cruiser Don Juan de
Austria was severely damaged and her
commander was killed.
Another Spanish vessel was burned
The American squadron retired, having
also sustained severe damages.
A second naval engagement followed in
which the American squadron again suf-
fered considerable loss and the Spanish
warships Mindano and Ulloa were slight
ly damaged.
During this engagement the Cavite forts
maintained steadier and stronger fire
upon the American squadron than in the
first engagement.
Admiral Bermejo, the minister of mar
inc, has expressed himself as highly
pleased with the heroism OF the Spanish
marines and has telegraphed the congrat'
ulations b. Admiral Montejo and the val
orous crews Of the Spanish squadron un-
der fire Of superior warships.
Straight From Manila.
p. m.--Following is the text of the
official dispatch from the governor gen
eral Of the Philippines to the minister of
war, General Corea, as to the engage
ment off Manila:
Last night, April 30, the batteries at
the entrance to the forts announced the
arrival of the enemy, forcing a passage
under the obscrrity Of the night. At
daybreak the enemy took up positions
opening with "A strong fire against Fort
Cavite and Tardenal. Our fleet engaged
the enemy in brilliant combat, protect.
ed by the Cavite and Manila forts They
obliged the enemy. with heavy loss, to
maneuver repeatedly.
"At o'clock the Americans took refuge
behind the foreign merchant shipping on
the east side OF the bay. Our fleet, con
sidering the enemy's superiority, natur-
ally suffered severe loss. The Maria
Christiana is on fire and another ship
believed to be the Don Juan de Austria
was blown up. There was considerable
loss of life. Captain Cardaroza. com
manding the Marie Christiana, is among
the killed.
81 can not now give further details
The spirit of the army, navy and volun-
teers is excellent"
Montejo Admits His Defeat.
Madrid, via Paris, May 1.-The time Of
the retreat Of the American squadron be.
hind the merchantmen was 1880 Il. m
The naval bureau at Manila sends the fol.
lowing report signed Montejo, admiral.
"In the middle Of the night the Ameri'
can squadron forced the forts and before
daybreak appeared off Cavite. The night
was completely dark. At 1880 o'clock
the bow of the Reina Marie Christina
took fire and on after the poop also was
burned. At 8 o'clock, with my staff, !
went on board the Isle of Cuba. The
Reina 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 num-
erous, notably Captain Cardarzo, a priest
and nine other persons
Claim "a Victory"
London, May 1.-The Madrid correspon
dent Of the Financial news telegraphing
this morning says:
The Spanish ministry Of marine claims
a victory for Spain because the Ameri-
cans were forced to retire behind the mer-
chantmen. Captain Cardarzo, in com
mand of the Reina Maria Christina
went down with the ship. The Spaniards
fought splendidly. There is great anxiety
for further details.
Crushing Defeat of Spain.
London, May dispatches received
from Madrid state that serious fighting
has occurred off Cavita, Philippine isl
ands. While it is quite clear that the
Spanish squadron has suffered crushing
defeat, the dispatches leave unclear the
intensely interesting question whether the
American squadron has suffered material
damage. All news thus far comes from
Spanish sources, but it seems evident that
Commodore Dewey has not captured Man
liza. Unless he is able to make another
attack and capture the town, he will be
in an awkward position, having no base
upon which to retire and tn refit.
Probably, therefore, the United States
squadron will be obliged to make for San
Francisco, as the entrance TO Manila bay
was heavily mined with torpedoes.
Dewey's Great Pluck.
Acting Admiral Dewey displayed great
pluck and daring in making for the inner
harbor. According to private advices re-
ceived from Madrid. the United States
crui. ers Olympia, Raleigh and two other
vessels, the names of which are not given
entered the harbor.
No dispatches give details as to the yes
sells actually engaged on either side.
II appears to be incorrect that the
American ships finally anchored behind
the merchantmen on the east side Of the
bay. It should be the west side.
Probabilities point TO the second en-
gagement occurring through the Span
iards trying to prevent the landing Of the
American wounded.
Reliable details can not be had until
Commodore Dewey's squadron is able To
communicate with Hong Kong. There
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