Gilpin observer., 1902-09-04
ARMY SEEMS VICTOR
FORT GUNS ouTPoINT THOSE OF
ATTACKING FLEET.
Admiral HiGeinson's Squadron seIzcs
Martha's Vineyard ard Block lsIano
and Captures Telegraph and Cable
stations-Cpera.ors Escape.


and Captures Telegraph and Cable
stations-Cpera.ors Escape.
Fort Trumbull, New London, Head
quarters Army OF Defense, Sept. O.
At just 1920 last night the big guns
Of Forts Wright. Terry and Niche
belched forth almost simultaneously
and there was no longer doubt that
tho first attack in the war game wa.s
in effect. For an hour the cannonad-
ing continued and the result from the
army standpoint is best stated in this
official bulletin, posted at headquar-
ters at 12:20
"Movement to pass through the
race began at 1920 p. IN. Forts
Michie, Wright and Terry engaged
fifty minutes. Apparently the ships
entering have been put out of action
by points scored by the army guns"
The result, however, will be deter
mined later by the board of arbitra-
tion. All was quiet at army headquar-
ters. when suddenly the reports of the
big guns were heard and General Mac
Arthur listened attentively. The at
tack was on, but it came sooner than
was expected by the major general
commanding.
When the booming Of the big guns
signalled the beginning of the attack,
for the moment all communication
with the forts being cut off by tele-
graph and telephone. General Mac
Arthur boarded his yacht Kanawha and
proceeded to Fort Wright. Far out in
the races. the ships commanded by
Admiral Higginson were sighted. 1t
seemed the fleet of the enemy had
been divided, the squadron under Ad-
miral Coghlan not being seen during
the first attack. Admiral Higginson
came from the east to the race and
there the fight commenced with all
tual war. The ships lights were out,
and it was evident the admiral hoped
he could get nearer the forts before
he was discovered. but in this ne was
foiled. SO the army officers. claim. and
his ships, including the Massachusetts
and Indiana, were put out of action.
the ships hurrying to the westward
out of the firing zone.
Just before midnight four vessels
tried to storm Prices Neck signal sta
ton, and their gunfre against that
point was followed by ninety-six shots
from Fort Adams. So well placed were
the latter that 1t is believed at the
fort that two Of the vessels were put
out of action. The vessels retired
toward the westward.
Admiral Higginson did not long de.
lay after the declaration of hostilities
to cut out work for the jaclies and
marines Of his feet. accomplishing
by daylight. but under cover of fog
army had anticipated. These were the
seizure of Martha's Vineyard and
Block island and the capture OF the
army's signal station at each place.
The army officers here were kept
posted in regard to the movements Of
the enemy, even after the signal sta
tions at Woods Hole and Block isl
and had been captured. The detach.
ment of signal men at Block island
was in charge Of signal officer Of the
Connecticut National guard, who es-
capped with all of his men but two.
He afterwards established a concealed
station and sent information of valus
to the defending forces. Information
was also received from Woods Hole
by a line other than that which was
supposed to be destroyed by the
enemy. thus showing the efficiency OF
General Greeley's corps of signal men
and the completeness Of their work in
preparation for the game Of war now
on.
General Macarthur informed an As
ISOLATED Press representative last
evening Of his extreme satisfaction
with the working Of the wireless tele
graph. The messages received were
by that system, this being the FIRST
time the system had been used In the
maneuyers.