07 May 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Cincinnati Commercial Tribune
Location
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
Date
May 07, 1898
Page
1
A cabinet reshuffle places a Major and two Englishmen in key roles, with a new Secretary of War replacing General Alger. The French liner Lafayette is marked for seizure after a mistaken release by a warship.
Special dispatch reports the Pope advising Queen Regent of Spain to seek European mediation to end hostilities with the United States. Austria and Franco back the move, with Europe ready to press Spain toward peace on honorable terms. The Queen Regent reportedly favors mediation but cannot propose it herself, prompting papal action in the name of humanity.
In London on May 6 the Earl of Ashburnham, Don Carlos’ English representative, says the war’s outcome matters little to the current king, that either Don Carlos or a Republic may soon prevail, and that Spain splits between Carlists and Republicans with the army ruling.
Hongkong telegram says tests show the Manila cable was cut somewhere in Manila Bay not on shore. Officials suspect Admiral Dewey controlled the bay cut the line to block communications. Repair ships delayed until Dewey signals needs. Charleston ready under Captain Henry Glass with landing party prepared.
Consul Wildman at Hongkong has been ordered to charter the fastest boat available and dispatch it to Manila to obtain news of Dewey and his squadron. The move followed the failure of the Manila cable. If the boat left Tuesday, it would take about three days each way, with Navy officials growing anxious as twenty four hours pass without further word.
London dispatch records that the US dispatch boat Hugh McCulloch, reaching Mirs Bay near Hongkong, learned of Commodore Dewey’s victory and hurried to Manila for dispatches. The vessel cannot return to Hongkong until tomorrow with potentially crucial news.
Washington on May 6 reports another day of waiting in the Navy and State Departments as the cable remains broken. No reliable source confirms what happened at Manila after the outage, but fears grow that Commodore Dewey could not subdue Cavite forts and Manila defenses immediately. Continued on Fifth Page.
Dispatch from Tampa reports Major W. D. Smith, guiding newspaper men to General Gomez’s camp, captured by Spaniards and beheaded. Colonel Dorst confirms. Smith, second in Gomez’s bodyguard, returned to Cuba after furlough to deliver official news from the Cuban Junta. English newspaper correspondents Nichols and Hare were with him. fate of they remains unknown.
In Havana on May 6 the American fleet came within close range of El Morro when a cruiser approached and Playa Chivo battery opened fire. The first shot fell short, the second went over the ship, and the third struck near the bow as the cruiser retreated at full speed. A correspondent witnessed the action but the final outcome was not learned.
Key West Fla May 6 The Lafayette a French mail steamer and naval reserve vessel was captured while attempting to run the Havana blockade after a prior warning. Ordered released, she was sent to Havana under escort, but missteps in Washington delayed proper orders. The incident ends with no French protest, and officials close the affair after confirming instructions were not delivered.
Special Dispatch to Commercial Tribune from Washington on May 6 notes Admiral Samp son expected to report news within three days and Secretary Long foresees a battle at Puerto Rico today. The Spanish flotilla of four cruisers and three torpedo boats, sailing from the Cape Verdes, may reach Puerto Rico or Cape St. Roque soon, threatening San Juan Harbor and potential decisive action to seize coal, supplies, and fortifications.
May 6 report from St Thomas says five warships were seen northbound south of the island, likely the Spanish fleet, as Sampson’s ships are not eastward yet. Puerto Rico erupts in panic with riots and famine, while preparations to resist the American squadron proceed. San Juan harbor now lined with submarine mines and Halstead, a newspaper man jailed for photographing fortifications, faces possible nine years in Ceuta. Residents flee Puerto Rico for St Thomas amid bombardment fears.
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