Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, June 11, 1898, Page 6

By E. Kiley. GRAND RAPIDS - MINNESOTA. As to the torpedo boat Gwin, we hope it will, cee No man is modest enough to bel:eve himself overestimated by others. The wife-murderer probably gets bouquets because he is such a lady- killer. The word which went forth centuries ago has not been recalled: Blessed are the peacemakers. Our congress escaped a civil war by a narrow margin; but “it was very nearly blown up by an inside explo- sion. After Mving under Spanish rule for 300 years the people of the Philippines will look upon anarchy as the ideal of good government. A Vienna paper says the niceties of diplomacy are wasted on such people as the Americans. It is such mean re- marks as that that make us want to fight to the other fellow’s last ditch. Jewell and James went from the newspaper office to the office of post- master-general, and during their terms some pains were taken to distribute periodicals as well as letters. A lit- tle hint for Charles Emory Smith, who has had much to do with newspapers himself. The young ladies of the south who shoot men for stepping on their toes are too savage. It is a new kind of lynching, and the natural outcome of the vengeance on black men which has become such a feature of southern life But, really, they ought to let the white young men of the south escape with their lives and confine their murders to the race which is so rapidly becom- ing used to it. These days bring up memories ot "61. We didn't know much about war then, but there was a sufficiency of in- formation before the surrender at Ap- pomattox. The greater heroes of the civil war were totally unknown at the | beginning of it. Who shall win great- | ness in the struggle now on? We have t great expectations in connection with Fitz Lee and Theodore Roosevelt; but th st men may be first and the first ° May a governor play cricket? The governor of Jamaica has been taken to task for recreating himself by the game. A newspaper of his jurisdic- tion said the governor “should always be Caesar,” and even declared that “a blow in the face from a ball, or a stumble.and_fall, would spoil the dig- nity of any governor.” It is not usual to think of Caesar at the bat, but who can doubt that he would have made a home run had he tried his hand at base ball? And would he have been any less Caesar? Dignity is very well in its place; but wise men some- times unbend. So finely are the scales of nature adjusted that it is probable every de- fect has its compensation near at hand. Ma part is to find it. In Kansas and Nebraska the rainfall is insuffi- cient to supply the needs of agricul- tural vegetation. Nevertheless it has recently been ascertained that dn in- exhaustible deposit of water lies di- rectly below all the arid region; while the wind, nature’s agent to lift the water, blows during the whole sum- mer. It was from air registering one hundred degrees be’ow zero that Nan- sen, by means of a windmill, wrested the power to light and heat his ice- bound Fram. The Kansas farmers should not be slow to conquer nature as Nansen did. The National Reform association has followed the lead of the National Pris- on association by calling for “a re- construction of the ethical code of law- yers.” It is felt that the frightful in- crease of crime can never be checked so long as attorneys, who are admitted to the bar as the sworn ministers of justice, are willing to sell their serv- ices to secure immunity for the worst of criminals, not only by securing the fair trial, which is the right of every accused person, but by using their le- gal ability for the perversion of law and evidence and the misleading of juries. Is there any possible form of wrong, any dishonest combination for private or public plunder, which does not find able and willing lawyers to dress it up and parade it before the courts in the robes of innocence and virtue? Yet there have been lawyers, like Horace Binney and Abraham Lin- coln, who would not thus prostitute their powers; and we would gladly give full credit to the claim made by Hon. Joseph H. Choate for his 90,000 brother lawyers, that “you will look in vain elsewhere for more spotless hon- or, more absolute devotion, more pa- tient industry, more conscientious fidel- ity than among these.” The statesmen of Spain order a fight in Cuba and a further sacrifice of life with te idea in view of a graceful de- scent from their high altitude. When their army gets out of Cuba they will Jaugh at their acuteness and bury cheir dead without tears. They remind one of the western sheriff who was proud of the success of his first hanging. “It was beautiful,” he said, with a shining face. “Jim went off like a bird.” Then his eye fell on the gaunt, haggard face of Jim. “Why, why!” he said, “1 wonder what makes Jim look so blam- ed sorry.” _|DEFENSES ARE LAID IN RUINS SCHLEYS FLEET DOES GOOD WORK AT SANTIAGO. Shot and Shell Effectively Directed Against the, Forts for an Hour and a Half, When Having Accom- plished his Object, Schley With- drew, — ‘Spanish Reports via Ha- Vana and Madrid Claim That the Americans Were Repulsed. — The Spanish Lossis Believed to Have Been Great—Morro Castle Is Said to Have Been Completely Demol- ished—One of Our Vessels Thought to Have Been Fadly Injured. New York, June 3. — An Evening Journal Special from Cape Haytien says: The torpedo boat Porter arrived at Mole St. Nicholas at 1 o'clock this morning with dispatches for Washing- ton. She left immediately, but before going to sea the following story of the bombardment of Santiago de Cuba, the refuge of Cervera and the Spanish fleet, was obtained by your correspond- ent at the Mole: Tke American squadron, augmented by the torpedo boat Porter, the auxil- iary cruiser St. Paul and the protected cruiser New Orleans, approached the entrance to the harbor of Santiago at about 12:30 p. m., the Iowa leading. Inside the entrance to the harbor Was seen one of the warships of Cer- vera’s fleet, stripped for action. As the American fleet drew near the New Orleans was detached and sent forward ahead of the Iowa, Texas and Massachusetts. One of the Forts Opened Fire. on her, and she replied, the other two ships directing their fire at the batter- ies on the Punta Gorda, within the harbor, and to the westward of the po- sition occupied by the Spanish ship. The latter replied to the fire and im- mediately became a target for all the American ships engaged in the battle. She retired behind a protecting head- land, and was not seen again during the engagement. ‘The Iowa, directed by Capt. “Fight- ing Bob” Evans; the Massachusetts, Capt. F. J. Higginson; the Texas, Capt. J. W. Phillip, and the New Or- leans, Capt. William M. Folger, kept up their terrific fire against the Morro, Socapa and Punta Gorda forts for two house, their projectiles, of enormous size, doing tremendous damage to the defenses of the harbor. The masonry of the Socapa and Mor- ro was Battered Almost Into Dust. and the forms of Spanish artillerymen and infantrymen could be plainly seen fiying to safety behind the neighboring hills. - Phe -auxilidry cruiser -which- joined Schley’s fleet just before the battle took place, was hit by shells from the forts, and it is thought she was seri- ously damaged. After seeking the protection of a jut- ting headland, the Spanish warships continued to fire projectiles over the hills toward the fleet, but they had no range ,not even direction, to their shells, and they fell harmlessly into the sea. That the number of killed and wounded on the Spanish side is enor- mous no one doubts, for time and time again the American shells hit the bat- teries squarely, and amid the fiying masonry and dismantled guns the forms of men were seen. The damage done to th eAmerican fleet cannot be learned, but it is not thought any person was killed—if in- deed anyone was wounded. eg aes ANOTHER HAVANA STORY. Stating That the, Moro Castle Was Completely Destroyed. Port au Prince, June 3.—The follow- ing additional details have been re- ceived here from a Spanish source at Havana of the engagement reported off Santiago de Cuba: The Spanish batteries at first an- swered the fire of the American squad- ron in a lively manner. After twenty minutes of firing, directed in a superi- or manner on the part of the American fleet, the Spanish battery began to weaken, and the American ships con- centrated a violent fire upon El Moro, destroying it completely. The forts at Socapa and Punta Gorda fired the last shots. The Spanish loss must have been considerable. Details are lack- ing as to the American loss. ‘The Spaniards pretend to have ‘struck the American vessels several times, but this information is accepted here un- der reserve. ercge HIT THE IOWA. Another Spanish Story of the Bom- bardment, Cape Haitien, June 3. — A dispatch from Santiago says: “The American squadron, which bombarded Santiago Tuesday, was composed of fourteen vessels, among which were recognized the Iowo, Brooklyn, Massachusetts, Texas and New Orleans, besides a gun boat and auxiliary cruiser believed to be the Columbia. The five vessels which were recognized fired on the batteries at Punta Gorda, El Moro and Zacopa, and also on the cruiser Cris- tobal Colon, which had advanced to- ward the entrance 0 of the harbor and Goschen’s Visit to Gibraltar, London, June 3.—The Madrid corre- spondent of the Daily Mail says: Sen- or Sagasta has informed me that he attaches no importance to the visit to Gibraltar of George J. Goschen, first lord of the British admiralty. The government is hot aware of any in- crease in the British garrison at that place. Neck Broken. Spokane, Wash., June 3. — Leonard Gould, aged seventeen, fell from a gal- loping horse and broke his neck, le from the high sea. The Americans fired projectiles of 382 centimeters, and the batteries, as well as the Colon, kept up an incessant re- sponsive fire. Two shots landed on the after part of the Iowa, causing damage. On the Spanish side the damage was insignificant. The Amer- ican squadron withdrew at 6 o’clock. Yesterday morning the American squadron reappeared off Santiago, but contented itself with firing two shots, which are believed to have been sig- nals agreed upon with the insurgents who, numbering 2,000 or 3,000, are said to have concentrated three or four miles from Santiago. Great events are expected hourly at Santi- ago. The Spanish authorities have taken extraordinary precautions, and have placed in the narrow passage at the entrance of the harbor special con- trivances which permit the closing and opening of the port at will.” fa CONCEDED BY OFFICIALS. They Admit Tlat 2n Engagement May Have Taken Place. Washington, June 3.—The naval of- ficials have been considerably mysti- fied throughout the day by the reports of an engagement off Santiago. At the outset there was complete skenti- cism and a disposition to treat the re- ported action as a myth. Gradually, as the day advanced, the corroborative evidence coming from many quarters, including the official announcement from Havana and Madrid, léd the of- ficials to concede that some engage- ment had taken place, although they did not regard it as a serious one. No bulletins were issued by the depart- ment during the day, and at the close of office hours it was stated that no dispatches from Commodore Schley had been received during the day. There is reason to believe, however, that the department received indirect advices through the state department, possibly not bearing out the detailed press dispatches, but sufficient to indi- te that an engagement of some ind occurred at Santiago. The im- pression obtained during the afternoon that an execution of the general in- structions to all United States naval commanders on the Cuban coast to prevent the construction or strength- ening of batteries by the Spaniards, Commodore Schley observing work of this kind going on at Moro castle had drawn his fleet up close enough to stop it. It is not believed for an in- stant that he made any real attempt to enter the harbor, although it is entire- ly conservable that while engaged in the task of shelling the shore batteries, finding the Colon in range he could not resist the temptation to try a few shots at her. AGAINST SANTIAGO. First Military Expedition Believed to Be on Its Way to Cuba. Washington, June 3.—It is confident- ly expected that the first military ex- pedition into Cuba under Gen. Shafter, will invade Santiago de Cuba and at+ tack Admiral Cervera’s fleet from the land early next week. Rear Admiral Sampson has concep- trated a formidable fieet of armor clads, protected cruisers and torpeto eraft off Santiago and has arranged for a strong convoy of lighter vessels to eceompany the troaps..so inere will be no escape for Admiral Cervera by sea, and operations can be com- menced as soon as the military expe- dition has been landed. There is a strong probability that the army has already left American soil and is fairly on its way to the point of debarkation near Santiago de Cuba. The main invasion of Cuba will probably leave the United States as soon as all preparations for such an expedition can be made. This army will be of overwhelming strength, and will consist principally of volunteers. The authorities are now taking steps to provide all the necessary transports for this army, and it is confidently ex- pected that the invasion will be be- gun within a short time. In all probability Maj. Gen. Miles will command this invading army in person. The policy of the United States will in future be most aggres- sive. With an army in Puerto Rico and another in Cuba it is expected that Spanish rule in those two islands will soon be ended. CERVERA WASN'T THERE. Spanish Admiral Was Away From Santiago During the Bombardment (Copyright, 1898, by Associated Press.) (from a Spanish Correspondent.) Havana, June 3.—Admiral Cervera, it is reported here, was not at Santiago de Cuba during the bombardment by the American squadron. Had he been there the Spanish warships would have entered the combat against the Amer- icans, confident of a victorious out- come. The Spanish troops have orders to make an energetic, a slight, or no re- sistance, according to circumstances, with a view of favilitating the landing of American forces, so that the latter may go into the interior of the country, where the Spaniards are convinced they will be able to defeat them. The Spanish army and navy are anx- ious to measure arms with the Amer- leans, and desirous that a propitious occasion may soon present itself, trust- ing for the result to the courage of the Spanish soldiers and sailors, to their better organization, and to the greater skill of their commanding officers, Unloading the Restormel, Key West, June 3. — Admiral Cer- yera’s coal ship, the big British steam- er Restormel, has been moored at the naval station dock, where her cargo of picked Welsh coal will be unloaded. Naval officers have an idea they will find something besides coal in her hold. “It was the Restormel’s failure to reach Santiago that made it impossible for the Spanish squadron to escape, May Be Col. Bryan. Washington, June 3.—Secretary Al- ger has telegraphed the governor of Nebraska that he will be given an op- portunity to furnish an additional full regiment of infantry. This will per- mit the governor to appoint W. J. Bryan as colonel if he so desires, Lincoln's Son-in-Law Enlistn. Des Moines, Iowa, June 3.—Warren Beckwith, the baseball player who eloped with the daughter of Robert T. Lincoln, has enlisted with the Iowa -Natiynal.Guard, - CONFIRMED, BY SCHLEY GFFICIAL REPORT OF THE BOM- BARDMENT AT SANTIAGO. Press Dispatches Telling of the Fir- ing on the Fortifications at San- tiago Are Confirmed—Heavy Fire Concentrated on the Spanish De- fenses—The, Question That Inter- ests Aimy and Navy Officials Is, How Is Sempson Going to Dispose of the Mines in the Channel—Hol- land’s Proposition Deelined by the Department. Washington, June 5.—A brief bulle- tin telling of Commodore Schley’s reconnoisance at Santiago on Tuesday was all the information the navy de- partment had to contribute to the press yesterday. The bulletin went to confirm the press dispatches which told of the firing on the fortifications at Santiago, but which have been so steadfastly discredited ever since the first report. It appears from the bulletin given out that Commodore Schley concentrated a pretty good fire upon the Spanish defense, and it seems probable that had he found con- ditions mere propitious than they were he would have resolved the re- connoisance into an assault in force. The great natural strength of the Spanish position and the formidable character of their batteries as indi- cated by Commodore Schley have con- firmed the naval officials in the be- jlief that they have been wise not to ‘direct any such reckless assault upon jthe place in the absence of proper forces as has been advocated in some quarters. The problem would be simplified were it known that there were no Mines in the Channel. As it is the problem presented has enlisted the active interest of the army engineers as well as of the naval of- ‘ficers here. Kt is the duty of the army engineers in this country to lay just such mines as are supposed to be in place in Santiago harbor, and they are curious to see how their brothers in the navy propose to go about the work of destroying them. A good deal has been written in the text books about countermining and many theories have been brought forward to show how this can be done. But on fhe authority of one of our engineer officers, these theories have never | been satisfactorily tested, and there is no case on record of successful coun- termining against modern improved electrical mines. It remains to be seen how Sampson is going to solve this problem, whether by the use of the Vesuvius with her dynamite projec- tiles, by the aid of divers or by re- sort to the old method of dragging for the mines with small boats as in cable- cutting operations. The owners of the Holland submarine boat, who had pro- posed to go to Santiago harbor and Destroy the Spanish Warships, have come forward with a request for a practical test by the naval officers of their craft. The navy department was obliged to decline to entertain the first proposition as it smacked of pri- vateering and it was in violation of international law. The principal ob- jection was that, the boat could not be in regular commission and in command of a naval officer. Besides they con- tended she had never been thoroughly tested. Now the boat’s owners pro- pose that a naval officer or officers be designated to go down in the Holland when she is commissioned. Notwith- standing the rather positive statement coming from Jamaica to the effect that the second Spanish fleet from Cadiz has crossed the Atlantic and is about to join Cervera at Santiago, the of- ficers of the navy department refuse to be frightened at what they declare to be a bugaboo. It appears that the basis of their confidence is a tele- graphic report of as late as yesterday declaring that the Cadiz fleet is still at Cadiz. Moreover they know there is not so many as sixteen warships in - that fleet. MUM'S THE WORD. Censorship at Tampa More Strict Than Ever Before. ‘Tampa, Fla., June 5. — The censor- ship at Tampa, which relaxed enough to permit of chronicling with certain restrictions the arrival of volunteer troops at this point, has been tightened to even a greater extreme than before. No comments whatever will be allowed on the movements of the regular or volunteer troops, either to or m this point, nor will anything bearing on any phase of the situation here be permit- ted. Correspondents are prac limited now to the veriest camp gossip. Nothing in the nature of information or reports of embarkation of troops at this point, or any ‘comment which might indicate a movement will be al- lowed. Not only is the telegraphic news censored, but secret service men are said to be watching very carefully the mails from Tampa. and any suspi- cious letter will probably be confiscat- ed. The orders for the tightening of the censorship came directly from Gen. Greeley at Washington. of a Pioneer. Pierre, 8. D., June 5. — Mrs. T. B. Andrews, one of the old residents of this city, died yesterday of cancer ot the stomach. She came here from Sioux City about fifteen years ago. Haii at Chambertain. Chamberlain, 8. D., June 5.—A se- vere hailstorm struck the central part of this ‘county last evening and swept eastward over quite a wide extent of country. At Pukwana nearly every pane of glass in the town was broken. When and Where? Gibraltar, June 5.—It is announced here that the Spanish Cadiz squadron has sailed, but the date of its sailing was not mentioned, nor was the des- . tination of the warships given. DAMAGED BY STOR! Brainerd Suffers Considerable Dam- age From Wind. Brainerd, Minn., June 4. — This city was visited by a terrific wind storm, accompanied by rain and hail, doing thousands of dollars of damage to property. The wind swept through the residence portion of the city, wrecking outbuildings, uprooting shade trees, demolishing glass store fronts and tearing off tin roofs. The city wagon bridge, connecting the business portion with East Brainerd, was completely wrecked and is lying in the bottom of the ravine, as is also a bridge spanning the ravine owned by C. N. Parker and used for the electric street car line. The city park is ruined, not one-fifth of the trees remaiinng standing. No fatalities are reported. FIVE INJURED By a Small Twister Which Strikes Near Cemstock. Moorhead, Minn., June 4. — A small cyclone swept across the country three miles north of Comstock, and several persons were injured, one of them probably fatal. Five farm hands were in Carl Hick’s new house, which was razed by a twister, and all were in- jured, two of them seriously, and one is not expected to live. Considerable damage to property is reported, and the lumber from the yard at Comstock is strewn over the prairie, while sey- eral small buildings here and at Hick- son, on the North Dakota side of the river, were blown down and larger ones unroofed. In Moorhead and north of the city a severe hail storm did considerable damage to garden truck. SEVERE WIND STORM Does Considerable Damage at West Superior. West Superior, Wis., June 4. — The worst wind storm so far so far this season passed over this city and con- siderable damage was done. The city hall was struck by lightning and Po- | lice Secretary Carpenter was badly burned. ‘Three horses were killed at the East end and several houses and barns unroofed. No casualties re- *| sulted, although one man was badly injured by a section of the roof fall- ing on him, Ate Their Prisoners. San_ Francisco, June 4. — Mail ad- vices from Australia contain a brief account of the cannibal outrage in New Guiana. A number of native prisoners held at Mombare escaped and fied to the bush in the neighbor- hood of Mombare. They gathered a strong force and returned to Mombare. They attacked a peaceful village be- low the police camp, whose people they suspected of treachery, and car- ried off all the women. They returned and captured and killed eighteen men, ten of whom they ate. Insurgents Reject Their Leader. Hongkong, June 4. — A rumor of doubtful authentictty is current here that Gen. Aquinaldo has been rejected by the rebels and has sought safety on an American cruiser. According to the same report, his cousin, Baldemers, has been made general by the Span- iards at the headquarters at San Fran- cisco de Malebon, where Acquinaldo had expected to engage the Spaniards with his rebel force. White Earth Indian Celebration. White Earth, Minn., June 4—Prepar- ations are being made to celebrate on a grand scale the thirtieth anniver- sary of the settlement of the Ojibwas on the White Earth reservation, on Tuesday, June 14. Native games and dances, races and the solemn initiatory feast of the white deg will form fea- tures of the day’s programme. Gen, Grant in Command. Chickamauga, June 4. — Brig. Gen. Frederick D. Grant has assumed charge provisionally of the First di- vision of the Third army corps. He has completed arrangements for a re- view and inspection of this division, which will take place to-day. The in- spection will be made by Gen. Breck- inridge and staff. Scorcher's Victim. Casselton, N. D., June 4. — While crossing the street Mrs. Fred Aleith was run into by a scorcher snd knocked down, breaking her right arm in two places. The young man re- mounted his wheel and rode away without inquiring into the damage done. Lutherans Adjourn. Grand Forks, N. D., June 4. — The Lutheran state Sunday school conven- tion has adjourned. Rev. John Of- stedahl of Grafton was elected presi- dent and Rev. Louis Marvick of Hat- ton, secretary and treasurer. The next convention will be held at Northwood. Lakota Has a List. Lakota, N. D., June 4. — Lakota’s patriotism seems to have been sleeping up to the present time, as not a man has gone from here to join the army, but the boys are waking up and have sent in a list of forty-two who are anxious to take up arms against Spain. Fire at Sioux Rapids. Sioux Rapids, Iowa, June 4. — The Sioux Rapids roller mills and electric light plant is burned to the ground. No cause is known. Loss about §20,- v0. Persion Surgeon. Washington, June 4. — Dr. J. D. Haynes has been appointed member of the board of pension examining sur- geons at Stillwater. Timely Rain. Stephen, Minn., June 4, — A good soaking rain fell here—just what was needed. Grain of all kinds looks fine. Spain Getting Ammunition. London, June 4. — A letter received here from Paris says that considerable quantities of large and small ammu- nition are traversing the Pyrennes into Spain, and that there is no at- tempt to stop the traffic. Town Almost Wiped Out. © Vincennes, Ind., June 4. — The town of Bicknell, in this county, was visited by fire which almost completely de- stroyed its business portion. At least twenty-four stores and buildings were destroyed. } excitement in the ci AT SANTIAGO! AMERICAN SQUADRON AGAIN BOM— BARDS THE FORTIFICATIONS. Spaniards Send Out a Story From Santiago of a Second Attack by the American Squadron in Which. They Claim the Collier Merrimac: Was Sank While Trying to Force- an Entrance Into the Harbor—An, Officer, an Engineer and Six Sea-- men Were Captured—The Number of Victims Not Known. Port au Prince, Haiti, June 5.—Yes+ terday morning at 8 o’clock the Ameri-- can squadron again began a bombard- ment of the fortifications of Santiago de Cuba and a lively cannonade en- sued for two hours which silenced the Spanish batteries. An American ves- sel, the Merrimac, described in the ad- vices from Santiago de Cuba, as an auxiliary cruiser, making a dash to force the entrance, succeeded in pass- ing the first line of defenses, but was terpedoed about 500 feet up the chan- nel. She went down “perpendicular- ly.” An officer, an engineer and six Seamen were taken prisoners. The number of victims is unknown. Only the funnel and mastheads of the sunk- en vessel can be seen. There is great y. A part of the population assisted in the fighting on the heights. Everybody is astounded at the audacity of the Ameriacn yes- sel. The American squadron was cruising all the while in the offing. Told by Spaniards, Cape Haitien, Haiti, June 4. — The American fleet, according to advices received by cable from Santiago de Cuba, the cable being under Spanish control, opened fire again yesterday morning on the fortifications and war- ships. One of the United SCtates aux- iliary cruisers “well armed,” attempted to force the passage into the harbor. ‘The Spanish allowed her to cross the first line of torpedoes, but before she arrived at the second line they dis- charged at her a torpedo which broke a great hole in her side and caused her to sink almost immediately, bow first. The name of the vessel is not known, nor is the number of victims reported. One officer, one engineer and six sail- ors were made prisoners by the Span- iards. A later dispatch from Santiago says that the vessel sunk is understood to be the Merrimac. Only the extremi- ties of her funnel and masts are vis- ible above water. The Santiago advices to Cape Hai- tien refer to the sunken yessel as an auxiliary cruiser, probably mistaking her character. The Merrimac is a col- lier and always has been a collier. Washington, June 5.—The navy de- partment, up to an early hour this morning had received no additional ad- vices from either Admiral Sampson or Commodore Schley. The department has no information respecting the en- gagement reported to have taken place Thursday. wig LAST CABLE CUT. Cuba Entirely Cut Off From Com- munication With Madrid. Off Santiago de Cuba, June 5.—By the Associated Press Boat Wanda, via Kingston, Jamaica.—Rear Admiral Sampson, with the cruiser New York, his flagship, accompanied by the bat- tleship Oregon, the cruiser Mayflower and the torpedo boat Porter, joined Comodore Schley’s squadron off San- tiago de Cuba Wednesday morning, and their combined commands have the Spanish fleet securely locked in the harbor. Admiral Sampson did not as- sume command and amalgamate the squadrons upon his arrival. Each squadron retains its separate entirety and Commodore Schley his single- starred pennant on the Brooklyn. The American fleet off Santiago now num- bers twelve fighting ships, two colliers and a cutt-in ship. There is every in- dication that active operations will be- gin at once. The last cable which binds Cuba to Madrid and the outside world has been cut. Pending the exe- cution of Admiral Sampson’s plan of campaign our ships for a cordon about the entrance of Santiago harbor to prevent the possible egress of the Spaniards should Admiral Cervera be foolhardy enough to attempt to cut his way out. Communication has also been had with the shore. The moun- tains and hills which surround Santi- ago are in full possession of the Cu- ban insurgents, and in certain contin- gencies the latter may be enabled to render effective aid. CHARGES WERE UNTRUE. Ofteers of Prize Vessels Say They Were Trented With Courtesy, Key West, June 5.—After a thorough investigation Judge Locke, of the United States district court, has filed a decision in the matter of the charges made by Cadet Needham L. Jones, of the flagship New York, through En- sign Christy, the prize commander of the Castalina, accusing the deputy marshals in charge of the Spanish ves~ sels of brutality to prisoners and the- theft of silverware and other articles of value from the prize ships.. The masters and officers of the prize ships. said they had been treated with all respect and courtesy, and nothing whatever had been improperly taken: from the ships. Judge Locke thereup- on dismissed the case and now it is: said that charges - will be preferred against Cadet Jones, although it is: considered that the whole ugly affair: will be dropped. F mnd Dead tr Bea. Winona, Minn., June 5—F. A, Lam= bin of Clinton, Iowa, was found dead in his bed at the Merchants hotel. Heart disease is supposed te have been: the cause. ‘