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Newspaper
Graettinger Times
Location
Graettinger, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 19, 1898
Page
6
Reuters dispatch reports US Navy artillery under Admiral Sampson preparing sustained bombardment to reduce Spanish coastal batteries at San Juan atop strong fortifications, aiming to disable defenses and support land operations in the Caribbean theater.
An antiquated Morro fort was quickly leveled to a heap of ruins signaling a dramatic collapse of fortifications and a shift in control of the capital under a swift military action.
Admiral Sampson leads American fleet in bombardment of San Juan de Puerto Rico. Iowa and Indiana fire thirteen inch shells, causes massive breaches in city walls. One New York sailor killed, seven wounded, minimal ship damage. Spaniards flee as forts fall, town shelled from sea.
Ships and monitors led by the New York engage the San Juan de Porto Rico castle as American volunteers and crews fire from shore and sea. The Town, Indiana, Am phyrite and Paecitan bombard the fort, while Spanish guns reply in muffled volleys. Sailors remark the Maine slogan bolstering resolve during the bombardment.
The cruiser Charleston at San Francisco is ordered to Manila at once with ammunition for Admiral Dewey's squadron. Troops will go aboard the City of Pekin to Manila to seize and hold it. Looting and break-ins target local provision stores amid the broader campaign in the Philippines, Cabo Verde, and Porto Rico.
Reports state the government will be responsible for order and peace in Manila with additional troops if needed. Major General Miles issued orders for swift mobilization of troops from western states to San Francisco. Major General Wesley Merritt, leading the fast department, heads the expedition to reinforce Admiral Dewey and is joined by General Otis in the Philippines.
American ships bombard Morro fort and surrounding batteries destroying guns and silencing defenses. Spanish defenders resist bravely but are overwhelmed as post office and governor’s palace fall. Havana endures starvation with prices soaring as authorities confiscate supplies for Blanco’s army.
The War Department reports 75 000 volunteers mustered with 25 000 regulars in the field, totaling 100 000 ready for service. Additions will form a 125 000 volunteer and 70 000 regular force to cover Cuba, the Philippines, and Porto Rico, with 15 000 to 20 000 expected for the first Porto Rico division.
Sunday in Milan Italy saw bread riots erupt into violent battles in Via Somtra rie and Via Torino. Authorities report about 300 killed and 1000 wounded as eight thousand troops guard closed courts and offices. Martial law spreads to 25 of 69 provinces.
Shanghai advices report massacres outside Manila where insurgents killed Spanish women and children. Admiral Montejo allegedly slain by Manila mob after fleeing Cavite with his sons. Hospital of San Roque and Sisters of Charity casualties noted amid shellfire from the Boston.
Official dispatch to Madrid from Gen. Augustin governor general of the Philippines via Laban Borneo reports enemy seizure of Cavite and the arsenal after the Spanish squadron was destroyed. A thousand sailors arrived yesterday from our destroyed squadron with 618 losses.
The naval board of construction is expediting plans for many war vessels funded by the latest naval appropriation. Four monitors have progressed enough to warrant a circular soon inviting bids from builders for proposals.
Key West reports a battle at Cardenas Cuba as gunboats Wilmington and Judson and torpedo boat Winslow clash with Spanish vessels and shore batteries. The Winslow suffers a direct hit, boiler explosion, and loss of Lieut Bagley with four crew. Wilmington endures heavy fire while aiding Winslow. several Spaniards are killed or wounded. Spanish gunboats retreat after their batteries are silenced.
President McKinley and his advisers at a cabinet meeting decided on an immediate invasion of Cuba. Sixty thousand troops will be landed as soon as transport, ammunition, and provisions are arranged. The army at Chickamauga Park is ordered to the front, with the First and Tenth Cavalry to New Orleans.
The Gussie transported the first regular US troops to Cuban soil as infantry and support units departed Tampa for Cuba. The voyage carried rifles, muskets, powder, hospital supplies, and 22 Cubans in US uniforms. Government bans coded or open messages with Spanish officials or West Indies routes were issued during the war.
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