The National tribune., 1903-07-23

ly to the fire of our ships, which was
concentrated on the Vizcaya. The Texas
was firing at a range of 6,4O0 yards.
This rather dispirited fight continued for
about seven miles. The Viscaya must
have suffered severely from the fire of
these four ships, the Brooklyn, Oregon,
Texas and Iowa. At 1885 the ViZcaya
sheered in towards the beach, on fire for
ward and aft, and in a very short time she
hauled down her colors Q1:05). She was
enveloped in clouds of thick smoke that
came from her decks and sides: through
the smoke patches of fame could be seen.
Her men were to be seen lowering boats,
and many jumped overheard. The Texas
was abeam of the Vizcaya about IL 80.
About this time there was terrific ex-
plosiOn on the Vizcaya, and our men burst
into cheers. The ViZcaya went ashore at
Acerradero. about 10 miles west of the
Moro. The Iowa dropped out of the
chase here, and remained to pick up the
officers and men of the ViZcaya; she was
out of the fight from this time, as was
also the Indiana. The New York was
gaining slowly and coming up astern, in
creasing her speed all the time.
The Colon had increased her lead and
was now doing her best to escape. She
was closely followed by the Brooklyn and
miles astern of the Oregon. The speed
was about 1G knots, and at times it must
have run nearly two knots higher. The
Brooklyn shaped her course so as grad
ually to force the Colon to run ashore.
The Brooklyn was about n mile farther
offshoree than the Oregon. which held
parallel course. The Texas was headed
for the Colon. The Brooklyn was firing
from her S-inch guns. The greater num-
ber of the shells fell short, few going
over the Colon. The chase continued from
30 until 1:2O, the Brooklyn gradually
edging the Colon in towards the beach and
the Oregon hauling up. astern. As there
sight, and as the Brooklyn was heading
directly for it, it soon became evident that
the Colon must turn out seaward or run
ashore on this point, if the Brooklyn did
not intercept her before the point was
reached. After the Vizcaya was beached.
and we had ceased firing on her, there was
no further firing until about 12:4o. We had
been gaining on her all the time, even the
Texas being in the push. About 12:45 the
Oregon fired two heavy shells at the Co
Ion. which fell short. The Oreg0n's next
shot fell very close. The Brooklyn tried
Il few Shots which fell far short on ac-
count of the great distance from the Co.
Ion. 1t is probable that the commanding
officer of the Colon had decided that the
game was up and was simply looking for
a good place to beach his ship. His case
was hopeless. The shells from the Ore
gon was splashing close around his ship.
the New York was coming up rapidly
astern and the Brooklyn could have head
ed him off had he turned to seaward. So
the Colon was seen to slacken her speed
about ! o'clock, and at 1:20 she ran on
the beach and surrendered. The Texas
hoisted the signal, 1.-The enemys vessel
has surrendered" and Captain Philip call
ed all hands aft for silent prayer. The
Colon surrendered to Commodore Schley,
who signalled to the New York; I'VE have
gained a great victory; details will be
communicated later"
CTo be continued.)