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About The Abbeville chronicle. (Abbeville, Ga.) 1896-1953 | View Entire Issue (May 5, 1898)
The Abbeville Chronicle VOL. II. l Dewey a Victor At Manila. By Hot Shot from American Guns—Vessels on Both Sides Disabled—Rejoicing at Washington. Advices received at Madrid from Manila, say that the American squad ron, under Commodore Dewey, ap peared off the hay of Manila at 5 o’clock Sunday moiming and opened a strong cannonade against the Spanish squadron aud forts protecting the har bor.' The Spanish 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 damage. A second naval engagement follow ed, in which the American squadron suffered considerable loss, the Span ish warships Mindano and Ulloa were slightly crippled. An official telegram received at a late hour from the governor general of the Philippines says that Admiral Montejo has transferred his flag to the cruiser Isla de Cuba from the cruiser Reina Maria Christina, which was completely burned, as was also the cruiser Cas tilla, the other ships having to retire from the combat, some being sunk to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy. The El Heraldo says Admiral Mon tejo changed his flagship during the engagement, or between the two en counters, in order to better direct the maneuveres. In this way he escaped the fate of the commander of the Reina Maria Christina. In the second engagement the Span ish cruisers Mindano and Ulloa suffer ed heavily. Ilejoicing at Washington. Washington went wild with enthnsi asm over reports of the magnificent official victory which Dewey achieved. No advices had been received by the president or Secretary Long, but the Associated Press bulletins telling the results of the contest were read by thousands of people, and iu all parts of the city there were those manifesta tions of enthuiasm that go with victory. At the white house the bulletins were received in tho war room and were read with great, eagerness by the president and Vice President Hobart, several members of the cabinet and a few of the president’s friends, among them Chauncey De]iew, who happened to be iu the city. As the news grew better and better, and the certainty of an overwhelming victory became evident, there was great enthusiasm in the crowd, as well as in those which lined the streets in front of the newspaper offices and the leading hotels. Officials of the navy department were reticent in discussing the conflict in the absence of official information, but they made no pretense of conceal ing their great gratification. It has been known for days at the navy de partment that a conflict at Manila was inevitable, and while no great fear of the result was expressed, there was yet a deep concern iu the heart of every official. Sunday night’s news removed a great weight from the minds of all. Five Thousand Under Nunez. General Emilio Nunez has secured the services of 5,000 Cubans at Jack sonville who have volunteered for service in the Cuban army and are now waiting orders to leave for tho island. TO BRING AWAY SPECIE. Rankers of Hons: Kong Send a Vessel To Manila. Advices from Hong Kong Btate that the steamer Esmeralda, chartered by the banking companies of that city, has gone to Manila, capital of the Philip pine islands, to bring away the specie there, as trouble is apprehended. It is understood she will be able to enter and leave Manila before the United States fleet attacks that port. She has a considerable quantity of coal on board and also has as passen ger the insurgent leader Fillipina. She is said to nave sealed orders to join the United States fleet after her sion is accomplished. ABBEVILLE, GA., THURSDAY, MAY 5. 1898. FORMER ARRIVES AT NEW YORK AND LATTER AT RIO JANEIRO. BOTH CAUSED APPREHENSION. Oregon Safely Eluded Spanish Warships. Probable blockade of Porto It!co By New Fleet. The American liner Paris arrived at New York Saturday morning from Southampton after a rough passage of seven days, seventeen hours and forty live minutes, with nine saloon, forty two second cabin and ninety-eight steerage passengers. of She also had on board 16 cases munitions of war and a small quantity of miscellaneous merchandise. The Paris left Southampton April 22d at 2:05 o’clock p. m. After clear ing the land Captain Watkins shaped his course about north and after a run of thirty miles headed for home, keep ing a distance of about thirty miles from the usual course taken in previ ous trips. Captain Watkins had no fear that a Spanish war vessel would catch his fleet steamer after she got sea room, but it was thought possible that some craft of the enemy might be lurking in the vicinity of the channel, or in the neighborhood of the Irish coast to waylay the American craft. At night every light on board of the Paris was extinguished aud dead lights were covered. Strict watch was maintained to detect the approach of vessels. Not less welcome than the news of the arrival of the City of Paris was that conveyed by cable to Washington of the arrival in Rio de Janeiro of the long lost battleship Oregon. The Oregon, which had been with the Asiatic sqadron, was detailed to replace the Philadelphia at Honolulu. Later she was relieved by tli9 Balti more and steamed homeward, making first for Valparaiso, during two weeks of which were eventful with history. Sho put to sea again from that port, ac companied liy the gunboat Marietta, without knowledge that wav had been declared between the United States and Spain. It was feared at the navy department that she would be inter cepted by the Spanish flagship Tema rario, which happened to be at Monte video. The news received shows that the Oregon has passed the danger point and is now in safety in the port of Rio. Between her present position and Sampson’s fleet no enemy can inter pose. Captain Barker was greatly astonished when told of the events which had happened and the perilous escape which he had made. He stated, however, that his ship could have put up a good fight. Another strange development is about to culvi.uate in Rio. The Nicthe roy, which was purchased from the Brazilian government, was started on its way severel days ago for delivery, accompanied by a Brazilian warship. For some strange reason, covered un der the plea of returning for repairs, the vessel returned to port. An ex planation is now furnished of a some what startling nature. Anticipating the certain arrival of the Oregon, this government directed the return of the Nitcheroy to Rio. Now there are gath ered at that port: Barker; The battleship Oregon, Capt. the gunboat Marietta, Commander Symonds; the Nitcheroy, dynamite gun. to be oflic. red. Probable lilockade of Porto Kico. This of itself makes a formidable fleet. The official staff for the Nicthie roy can be recruited from the Oregon and the Marietta, and ns for seamen, there will ho no trouble in surrepti tiously shipping as many as may be ready. This fleet may join Rear Ad miral Sampson directly, or, as is more probable, it can blockade San Juan, the capital of Porto Rico, receiving further supplies and men by trans port, which can meet it there. Press Boys Have New Boat. The Kate Spencer was chartered at Jacksonville, Saturday, by the Associ ated Press as a dispatch boat at Key West. She is a mate of the Daunt less, now in service, and will aid the Associated Press iu getting news from the scene of blockade, being a fast boat. HURRIED TO PENITENTIARY. Two Self-Confessed Wisconsin Murderers Given Life Sentences. William Bestor and William Fuller, two robbers arrested at Waukesha for the murder of an aged couple and the burning of the bodies at Black Earth, Wis., Wednesday night, pleaded gnilty Saturday to the crime at Madison. They were sentenced to life impris onment and were taken to Wappun prison immediately. They landed iu prison thiriy hours after the crimo was committed. Both made a full confession io the sheriff and district attoiney. They admitted everything, but each puts tho actual killing on the other. Philippines May Be Given Up. > C Dispatches From Madrid Admit Disaster and State That Four Hundred Spaniards Were Killed Outright. A YVashington special says: Presi dent McKinley received official infor mation Monday afternoon that the na val battle off the Philippines was a complete victory for the United States squadron, the Spanish squadron be ing completely annihilated. The president and cabinet also re ceived information that the governor general of the Philippines had sent a flag of truce to Commodore Dewey. It was stated the British consul car ried the proposition, which was to surrender Manila without a bombard ment. Official advices received at Madrid from Manila removed the last hope of the Spaniards, aud it is being admit ted on all sides that the Spanish fleet was completely destroyed. All Spain was greatly demoralized over their loss. Additional dispatches received at Paris from Madrid estimates the Span ish loss at four hundred men killed. No Spanish warship surrendered and the majority perished. The greatest anxiety is felt as to the casualties sustained by the American fleet. From the stubborn defense made by the Spaniards it is feared that before they burned, blew up or sunk their ships they maunged to in flict severe damage upon Commodore Dewey’s squadron. armored ship in There was not one Commodore Dewey’s fleet. The Olympia had some coal protec tion around the sides and an arched steel deck calculated to protect the vitals of the ship. The other vessels of the fleet save those recently added to the navy, like the McCulloch, have lighter steel decks of this character, but in all cases w r ith the exception of some shields slight protection in the shape of gun the person nel of the ships was exposed to the fire of the enemy. The News in London. The details of the battle of Manila wore received at the British colonial’s office at London. They came in two cable messages, received Sunday even ing, the substance of which was fur nished to the Associated Press by the officials of the colonial office Monday. The first cable dispatch announces that the United States fleet entered Manila harbor at daybreak Monday, stationing itself opposite the city. A fort opened fire upon the American ships, whereupon they shifted their position to one near Cavite, in Manila bay, engaging in a fierce fight against both the forts and Spanish fleet. Tho engagement lasted two hours and resulted in tho annihilation of the Spanish fleet. how There is no official report as to many of the Spaniards were killed at Manila. While they report only 400, it is highly probable that this number of casualties is greatly exceeded. Sad Day in Spain. The newspapers of Madrid comment ing upon tlio utter defeat of the Span ish fleet at the battle of Manila, agree in saying that Sunday was a “sad but glorious day for Spain.” They urge the peoplo ^o be calm, and to allow nothing to shake their confidence in future triumphs of the Spanish arms. REWARD FOR EMBEZZLERS. Two Kunsians Who Stoic Big; Money Arc Padly Wanted. The police of Chicago are searching for Gabriel Rihine and Theophilo PriziliriRki, who are said to be fugi tives from Russia. Ribine is accused of embezz'ing $900,000 from a Russian estate while he was employed in the Russian court of wards. Prizilinski is charged with stealing $75,000 from the Russian government in 1897. Both men are known to he in the United States. Rewards of $15,000 are offered for their arrest. LEAVES CAPE VERDE ISLANDS AFTER A LONG STAY. PRESUMABLY HERDED FOR COBH. They Sturt lu a Westerly Direction and the Move Is Regarded as significant. The London Evening News publish ed a private dispatch Friday afternoon from St. Vincont, Cape Verde Islands, saying the Spanish cruiser Maria Teresa, Al-Mirante Oquendo, Vis caya and Christobal Colon, accom panied by the Spanish torpedo boat destroyers Pluton, Terror and Furor, had, at the hour the dispatch was tiled (9 o’clock a. m.) just sailed in a west erly direction, presumably going to Cuba. The Evening News, commenting on s dispatch from St. Vincent, says: The import of the cablegram is that the wholo effective fighting force of the squadron has been dispatched west, while the non-effectives and the non-combatants are proceeding to an other anchorage. “Well informed naval authorities are aware that the torpedo boats could not traverse the Atlantic at the present time, as they have not sufficient coal capacity for a voyage to Cuba, aud the risk of coaling in mid-ocean is too great. “This long delayed move is most significant. Its significance is the fact which can hardly bo emphasized, that it is practically the first of Spain’s real moves since the outbreak of hostili ties.” MANY IUJMORS UNFOUNDED. Our Government Officially Notified Spanish Movements. A Washington special says: was a day of alarming rumors all way from the blowing up of the monitor to the detection and ment of traitors, but all of them turn ed out on inquiry to he without foun dation. Actual events of importance were few in number, The news of the day of most interest was the de parture from Cape Verde of the Spanish fleet. fleet Tho stay at St. Vincent of that has been a source of anxiety on the part of the officials here because it seemed to indicate that the sympathy of Portugal for Spain might lead her to wink at a violation of neutrality laws in favor of Spain. Late Friday afternoon a cablegram reached the state department from Cape Verde, bearing no signature, announcing that four battleships and three torpedo boats had started north and some of the transports for Cuba, and that the northern fleet returned shortly, having been in collision. Be cause there was no signature attached the officials did not know what im portance to attach to this message, as these are not times to accept what ap pears to be information without close scrutiny. Captain Sampson sent a telegram ralative to the firing at the Matanzas forts,but it was disappointingly lacking in detail, but the few words contained in the dispatch went to confirm the official view that the affair was noth ing more than a naval reconnoissance. No news was received during the day from Admiral Dewey’s squadron on its way to the Philippines to do bat tle with tho Spanish fleet. One offi cer pointed out that if Admiral Dewey succeeded in defeating the Spanish fleet the Spanish officials who control the cable connecting tho island with tho rest of tho world in all probability may suppress the news or distort the facts into a Spanish victory. DISPATCHES SHUT OUT. Spain Defuses to Allow Deli very of Ca bles Kegarding Bombardment. The New York correspondent of tho Fabra News Agency of Madrid re ceived uotico from the cablo company that the government would not permit delivery of his dispatches about the bombardment of Mantanzus. This would seem to explain the impression prevailing among the newspapers and peoplo of Madrid that American ves sels were compelled to retire, which information was obtained through the Spanish official version of the bombard ment. ___________ MEXICANS ARE NEUTRAL. Altltovgh Many Prominent Paper* Dean Toward Spaniards. The Mexican government has cau tioned all employees to observe in act and conversation entire neutrality regarding the American-Spanish war. The masses of the people are un doubtedly for Cuba, but the Liberal party papers, like the Universal and National, as well as Diario del Logar, are for Spain and show an unconcealed dislike for Americans. Their course creates much comment and it is suspected that Spanish influ ence is actuating their policy so dis tint from the Liberal party papers. The clerical papers are naturally hostile to the United Stotes. TRANSPORTS ARE READY. Vessels Are at lnui|m to Carry Over Troops to Cuba. Two hundred native Cubans, who were quietly enlisted in New York city by General .Tulio Sanguilly, ar rived in Tampa, Fla., Monday night. They'will he formed into leadership a cavalry regiment and under the of the famous Cuban, who enlisted them, will probably embark for Cuba with the American troops. The rest of the regiment will bo mado up of Cubons from Tampa and vicinity. For the enlistment forty two recruiting offices were opened at Tampa Monday. The New Yorkers created a sensation as they marched down the street in a body. They were followed for blocks by a mob of ex cited Cubans. The Plant system gave formal no tice to the government that, its steam ers Olivette, Florida and Maseotte were at the disposal of the government for use as troop ships. Other vessels in readiness are the Alamo and Comal, of the Mallory line - , the Aransas and possibly the Lam pasns, of the Morgan line, and the Al legheny and Berkshire, of the Mer chants’ and Miners’ line. These boats have been contracted for and have a carrying capacity for about (J.000 troous. SOUTHERN PROGRESS. Industrial Developments For Fast Week Very Encouraging. The milling industry, in number of new plants, loads slightly among the new industries reported for the last week in April. A 50-barrel flouring and grist mill in Alabama, a large grist mill in Geor gia, a $10,000 grain olevator in Ken tucky, two small roller mills in North Carolina, a large one iu Tennessee, and a grist mill in West Virginia, suow general activity in that line. Lumber follows with a sawmill in Alabama, a saw and planing mill and a $45,000 spoke and bonding works in Kentucky, a planing mill in South Carolina, a how factory and a $15,000 handle factory iu Tennessee—tho lat ter to replace one recently burned. Alabama, Georgia and South Caro lina each report a new cotton mill, and North Carolina a knitting mill and a large ginnery. Electric light plants at North Caro lina aud Florida points, a marble quarry in Tennessee, a mineral oil company and a $50,000 irrigation plant in Texas, make up the more im portant of the week’s items.—Trades man (Chattanooga, Tenn.) U N1()L E BOHR A RDM E NT. Spanish Cavalry Draw Fire From Rattle ship New York. A Key West special says: Admiral Sampson’s flagship, the New York, had a unique brush with Spanish cavalry men Friday afternoon just before sun set, off Cabanas. The big warship, accompanied liy the torpedo boats Porter and Ericsson, left the squadron about noon for an inspection of the const, and at about 6 o’clock -in the evening anchored off Cabanas. Shortly afterward, from an elevation on the eastern portion of tho harbor, came the sound of sharp and rapid firing. Though thoso on deck could discern no figures in the distance, hail of bul lets, which fell far short of tho vessel, indicated that the attack was from small arms. Both the admiral and Captain Chadwick did not want to lose tho opportunity for impressing a lesson on the dons, and the port gun was immediately manned and a four inch gun trained on tho space just iu front of a hycienda. The first shot tore uj) an immense plot of earth and several succeeding shots thoroughly discomfited the Spaniards. TROOPS LEAVE CHICKAMAUGA. Unilwr Kush Orders They Arc Hurried to Tampa, Fla. Friday was a day of activity and hurried farewells among the troops at Gamp Thomas, Chickamauga Park. Batteries of artillery were all on tho go all day as fast, as they could get away and it was a hard day with them. The railroad from tho park was ut terly unable to handle the soldiers as they should have been. The troops that left were rushed to Port Tarnpa as fast as the railroads could got them there. There is evi dently some urgent reason for wishing to have them at that point. But if any of the officers at the camp know that reason they will not divulge it. MUSTER OFFICER FOR GEORGIA. Captain Oscar Drown Appointed to the Position. Captain Oscar J. Brown has been appointed muster officer of the state nv Georgia to muster the Georgia volun teers into the service of the United States army. Atlanta was named as the rendezvous for the volunteers of the state and all troopb will bo mus tered into the service in that city. The appointment of Captain Brown as muster officer will not oonflict with his other appointment as colonel of one of the regiments, as ho will sim ply hove to rocieve the volunteers in to the service and will then take chavgo •af his regiment. no. in. For Operation of Our Forces. It Is Conlcniplnted That These Plans Will Protect Our Flag and Eventually Reduce Spaniards. A Washington special says: It is stated on the highest authority that as the newly formed preparations for actual hostilities stand they contem plate these operations: 1. The opening of ingress to Cuba for the relief ship which is to carry supplies to the reeonceutrados in Cuba and the co-operation of the United States naval forces with those of the Cuban forcos. This invasion which is to bo conducted purely as a relief expedition may land at Matan zas. The Sampson squadron is to be urged to make way for and to protect the relief expeditions. 2. The preventing of the Spanish floet now at Manila, in the Philippines, from joining forces with the Spanish fleets at Cape Verde Islands and iu Cuban waters. The instructions to Commander Dewey are not to shell Manila unless the fortifications assail the American fleet. A rigid blockade, similar to that established at Havana, is to be enforced against Manila. En gagements, if any occur, will be pre cipitated by the Spaniards’ fleet under command of Arniral (Fighting) Mon tejo. •I- The Flying Squadron is to he held at Fort Monroe as a reserve fleet, but is to be drawn upon if necessary, to protect unfortified cities. The Squadron may reinforce the Sampson Squadron. This is the original plan mapped out more than three weeks ago by Assistant Secretary of Navy Roosevelt. 4. The gnarding of the approaches to cities on the north and middle At lanta coasts by regular warships and auxiliary cruisers. The original plan contemplated the performance of this duty by vessels manned by naval re serves, hut a change was compelled by advices of the sailing of a Spanish fleet from Cadiz with instructions to bombard unprotected cities of the northern Atlantic coast. Hence, the dispatching Friday of the auxiliary cruisers New Orleans and San Fran cisco to guard approaches to the Mas sachusetts and New York coasts. 5. Hurried preparations for the transportation of tho land forces now at Chickamauga to either Tampa or New Orleans for embarkation to Cuba. 6. The maintenance of the state militia forces which have reported “ready” in advanced organized condi tion, with tho view of callinor them to follow tho regular army forces now mobilized at Chickamauga. PORTUGAL IN NEUTRAL. Reports to tlie Contrary Were Without Foundation. The Official Gazette (Lisbon) pub Iished the neutrality decree of Portu gal in tho war between Spain and the United States Friday. It is similar to the decree issued at the time of the outbreak of the Franco-Prussiari war and contains six articles. 1. Forbids the equipment of priva teers in Portuguese waters. 2. Forbids the entry of privateers into Portuguese waters. 3. Permits belligerents to make a short stay at Portuguese ports. 4. Defines legitimate trade as re ganls belligerents and forbids trading in goods which may be considered contraband of war. 5. Warns Portuguese and foreigners in Portugal against actions contrary to the security of the state. 6. Refuses protection to any in fringers of the decree. ACTIVITY IN FRANCE. Suspicious Preparations In Military and Naval Circles Are Going On. The Auroro (Paris) announces that extraordinary activity prevails in naval and military circles throughout France. At Brest there is much com ment on the fact that work at the arsenal continues until a late hour every night and the workmen are em ployed all day Sundays. Large orders for war materials of all sorts have been placed and all the coast batteries have been supplied with provisions and munitions snffi -jieut for several months.
