28 Apr 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Indianapolis Sun
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Apr 28, 1898
Page
1
A St. Vincent dispatch reports cipher orders from Madrid to the Spanish admiral, suggesting a fleet departure on Thursday to break the U S blockade. Speculation centers on capturing the Philippines and the political impact on Cuba, with senators weighing sale or value and moral outcomes.
In St John’s on April 28, observers noted possible moves by the Spanish Cape Verde squadron toward the coast to coal. Consul Perez pursued terms for a charter of coal steamers. The plan would leverage abundant coal and safe harbors along sparsely populated shores for shelter and refit.
Hong Kong dispatch reports April events as a proclamation issued by Gen. Augusti mocking the approaching American fleet under Admiral Dewey. The brief item notes prior to naval movement, the proclamation circulated amid tensions.
Cadiz reports Spain sending a fleet led by destroyer Structor and torpedo boats Barcelona Habana and Retamosa toward Tarifa and Ceuta to retaliate for U S captures by seizing American yachts in the Mediterranean. Vessels include the Victoria, Proserpina, and Osada with engines being boosted and coal stocks tight. A proclamation to arm and rally the people is cited.
Naval officers believe the Spanish squadron will be intercepted and the Philippines captured swiftly. The report notes expectations of an easy victory as April dates and naval actions are discussed in the war context.
Reports from Manila describe a siege where rebels refused surrender and eight to ten insurgents were killed, about 40 wounded, and others captured. General Primo de Rivera shows discontent with reforms, and Madrid insists the uprising is controlled.
Advices from Manila report nine ships of the Spanish fleet sailing from Manila Monday to Subig bay to await and capture American warships and merchant vessels. Commodore Dewey’s fleet will pass there on its route to Manila. Acetylene gas offered for country houses and stores by C. H. Walcott in Indianapolis.
Advertises dining at The Kershner located at 110 E Market with claim of finest in the city. Also notes funeral carriages priced at $2.00 and references Strawmyer Nilius at 87 Monument Place offering best harness for the money.
The monitor Terror captured the Guido off Key West after firing on the Spanish steamer during a Florida Strait chase. The Guido carried provisions for the Cuban blockade and a 35 man crew. pilot house and hull sustained damage. Sampson instructs to maintain the advantage by preventing remounting of batteries at Matanzas.
The War Department nearly completes plans to land 5,000 troops to escort 50,000 Winchester rifles and machine guns to Cuban insurgents. Admiral Sampson will supervise the landing and a fleet demonstration near Havana to draw Blanco’s attention. The State of Texas is to reach Matanzas with the relief column.
Admiral Sampson has sent a full report on the Matanzas bombardment to the navy department. He states he carried out the assigned task and notes reconnaissance indicated Spanish defenses at Matanzas were being improvised.
General William Shafter reached Washington to confer with army leaders on the proposed Cuba expedition to establish a coastal supply base. He met with General Miles and later with Secretary Alger to discuss the operation described as the largest filibuster expedition the Cuban insurgents would receive.
Reports say at Matanzas on April 28 the New York and Puritan bombarded Spanish forts Rubalcaya and Maya for 20 minutes. Ninety to hundred Spaniards were killed or wounded. American ships suffered no casualties. The action demonstrated strong naval firepower and effective range finding.
Rumor circulates that General Shafter will command the initial military expedition to Cuba though the conference details remain private. The report notes the assignment would place Shafter in charge of an early project in the campaign.
A Lisbon dispatch reports the Portuguese government has halted public telegraphic updates on warship movements, signaling closer cooperation with Spain. It notes President McKinley warned that if the Spanish fleet does not depart Cape Verde, the U S will regard Portugal as an ally of Spain and act accordingly.
Telegrams from London dated April 28 report Spain shipping war munitions in foreign ports as tensions rise. The dispatch notes naval movements and questions the origins and destinations of cargo as ministers assess risks and potential repercussions.
Consuls in England inform the American embassy that vessels loading arms and ammunition for Spain are departing hourly. The U S can request Singapore to halt loading, but must capture the ships herself to prevent shipment to Spain.
Great alarm exists in Porto Rico with reports of preparations to resist an American fleet. Martial law is in effect and all able-bodied men have been called into service as the harbor is planted with mines and torpedoes.
In Tampa Clara Barton arrives, plans to meet the State of Taxa at Key West to transfer Red Cross supplies for starving reconcentrados in Cuba. The Fern ferrying ammunition to Havana fleet and gunboat Annapolis escort indicate active military support, with troop movement rumored to begin soon.
Classified notice advertises private family sewing work at 885 Mulberry and 535 Tacoma addresses. Furnished rooms available at 723 E. Chi o Street with light housekeeping and rent terms. Horse feeding and oats offered. consult The Sun's Wanted Help column for details.
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