The Mena star., 1898-07-13
CLARK'S REPORT.
Oregon's Commander Gives His Yer sion of the Great Naval Battle.

sion of the Great Naval Battle.
 He Says It Was His ship That Prevented
 the CristobaI Colon's Escape-shafter
 Will Not Turn Santiago Over
 to the Cubans.
 OFF GUANTANAMO, July 11.--Capt. Clark, of the United States battleship oregon, which did such remarkable work at the naval battle off Santiago de Cuba that resulted in the destruc- ton of Admiral Cervera's squadron, says in his official report of the en- gRgement to Rear Admiral Sampson:
 The Spanish fleet turned to the westward ana opened irc, to which our ships replied wig orously. For short time there was an almost continual flight of projectiles over the ship. out when our line was fairly engaged the ene- my's fire became defective As soon as 1t was evident that the enemy's ships were trying to break through and escape westward we went ahead at full speed with the determination of carrying out to the utmost our instructions: 'f the enemy tries to escape, the ships must close and engage him as soon as possible and endeavor to sink his vessels or force them to run ashore"
 We soon passed all of our vessels except the Brooklyn At first we used only the main bat tery. but when 1t was discovered that the enemy's torpedo boats were following the ships we used our rapid-fire guns as well as the six inch guns upon them with telling effect As we ranged up near the sternmost of their ships she headed for the beach evident ly on fire We raked her as we passed, rushing 0p for the next ahead using our start board guns as they were brought to bear; and before we had her fairly abeam she. too was making for the beach. The two remaining vessels were now some distance ahead but our speed had increased to 16 knots and the Vizcaya was soon sent to the shore in flames
 Only the Cristobal Colon was left, and for a time it seemed as if she might escape But when we opened with our forward turret guns and the Brooklyn followed, the Colon began to edge ill toward the coast and her destruction was assured As she struck the beach her flag went down The Brooklyn sent a boat to her. and when the admiral caught up with the New York Texas and Vixen. the Cristobal Colon was taken possession of. I cannot speak in too high terms of the bearing and conduct of all on board this ship When they found the Oregon had rushed to the front and was hurrying to a succession of conflicts with the enemy's vessels. If they could be over taken and would engage, the enthusiasm was intense. As these Spanish vessels were so much more heavily srmored than the Brook lyn they might have concentrated upon and overpowered her.
 Consequently am persuaded that. but for the officers and men on the Oregon. who steamed and steered the ship and fought and supplied her batteries, the Cristobal Colon and perhaps the Vizcaya would have escaped.
 Cubans Not to Control Santiago.
 WARRINGTON, July 1.-The state ment telegraphed the press from the army in the field to the effect that the Cubans under Garcia have undertaken to designate governor for Santiago after it falls has attracted good deal of attention here. The dispatch went on to state that the man chosen for the place was Col. Demetrio Castillo, of Garca's army, and that Gen. Shaf- ter, upon being notified of the choice, had referred the matter to Washing ton. No such reference has been made, and the officials here do not expect for an instant that Gen. Shafter will make it. If Santiago falls under his at- tack, Gen. Shafter and no one else would assume command of Santiago and retain that command as long as he stays in that vicinity and until he is relieved by orders from Washington.
 How to Feed santiago.
 WASHINGTON, July l2 The author ities are now concerning themselves seriously with the great problem of feeding the destitute population of Santiago as soon as it capitulates, as we'll as the Spanish prisoners of war who may surrender. It has been ex- tremely difficult, as shown by Gen. Shafter's reports, to supply the Ameri- can troops with what they need, and of course the difficulty will be in- creased enormously by this large ad- dition to hungry mouths
 Guantanamo Could Be Easily Taken.
 GUANTANAMO, July 12.-Advices re- ceived bv Commander McCalla, of the Marblehead, from the city of Guantan- amo. show that the deaths from star vation there average 15 daily. Gen. Perez. the commander of Guantanamo has given up succor, and the town could readily be taken, were it worth while to risk the lives of the Amerl- can troops.