Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-06-20
SHELL SPANISH GUERRILLAs.
Marines at Camp McCaIia Des-
perately OverwOrked.
C0pyriEht, 1895. by thc Arsociated Press,

'1pyfikni, ihss, by thc AsTociateJ preerD
CAMP MCALLA, NEAR GUANTANA-
MO, CUBA. June II. noon, BY DISPATCH
BOAT, FILED KINGSTON, June 10. D..
m.-For several days past small bodies OF
Spaniards had been hanging around the
northern end of the harbor of Guantana-
mo and annoying the gurboats and launch
es by occasional firing. They had been
coming from a small b!ockhouse about
five miles back from that part of the har-
Dor in which the American warshps have
been lying.
This morning the gunboat Suwanee led
the way up the channel, followed by the
Marbehead and the launches on both ships,
and opened heavy fire on bodies of gIer-
rillas seen at short distance from the
shore line. The shots were not effective
at first but the Spanish infantry made
frantic burst for cover while the shells
pursued them. striking all around The
Dolphin Joined in the firing and for twenty
minutes heavy fire was kept up, when the
signal to cease firing was hoIsted. The
Suwanee steamed close In shore for long
distance but was not able to see any signs
OF the Spanards while no reply OF any kind
was made to the American fire.
The Spanish less could not have been
heavy, as the enemy ran too fast for cover
at the first shots. Later in the day the
Oregon sent several shots at the block
house. damaging It badly and causing Il
to burn for q short time.
Lieutenant Colonel r. w. Huntington.
commander of the marines In Camp Me-
Gala. has been making every preparation
during the last few days for an assault
by the Spanish infantry. which is consid-
cred near at hand. The quiet which has
prevailed since Captain Elliott and Cap
tain Spicer defeated the Spaniards in the
early part Of the week IN considered omi-
nous. as tending to Indicate that the
Spaniards are massing their forces to at
tack the American position. The intrench-
mehts have, therefore, been greatly
STRENGTHENED and a sharp watch is kept
during the night.
The Cubans are generally of the opinion
that the Spaniards have had enough for
the time being, and that no further attack
Will be made at present. Yesterday Ma ior
General Perez, of the Cuban army, COM
| mandlng the insurgent forces in the prov-
ince Of Santiago. paid an official visit TO
the fleet, and, for the first time during
the war, a Cuban flag was seen at the
Tnsthead OF an American warship and
saihfed. AS General Perez boarded the
Marblehead a salute OF honor was fired and
he was received by guard of honor
After landing from the Marblehead
General Perez made short address
to the troops, entolling the action
| of the United States in taking up the Gu
ban cause. He returned to his post this
| morning after passing the night on the
Marblehead.
According TO the report of General Perez.
the condition OF the Spaniards at Guanta-
namo and In the neighborhood is very bad.
He says they are eating horses and mules
and that other food is very scarce. He
does not believe they will be able to stand
"a vigorous attack by one-half their num-
ber. He said there were $500 Cubans In
the province, most Of them holding the
roads to prevent the Spaniards getting sup
plies into Guantanamo.
In his opinion the American forces can
easily take Guantanamo and from that
point operate against Santiago with every
| prospect OF success.
The marines who few In number and
| desperately overworked, are looking anx-
| lousy for the appearance of the army
| transports which have been expected every
| day for a week. The men are In good
| spirits and determined to do their best,
| but they feel they too small force
| to withstand an attack by the entire Span
ish force