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Newspaper
Mitchell Capital
Location
Mitchell, South Dakota, United States of America
Date
May 20, 1898
Page
11
The old Morro Fort in the port of Porto Rico was leveled into a heap of ruins in a swift demolition. Authorities cited safety concerns and the strategic obsolescence of the fort in the an era of modernization. The destruction marks a turning point in local defense and urban development plans.
Washington special reports Admiral Sampson and American warships led a bold assault on San Juan Porto Rico. The New York and supporting vessels shelled the old Morro fortress while land defenders suffered heavy losses. One sailor died and seven were wounded among the fleet, as American gunnery breached walls and forced a dramatic capitulation under the daring morning bombardment.
The battle tale recounts ships firing at Harene Castle with the Iowa and Indiana exchanging broadsides. Spanish defenses on the wall crumble as Monitors near the fort and Puritan pummels the defenses while cruisers support. The Charleston sails to the Philippines carrying ammunition for Admiral Dewey and Manila expedition forces.
Government will preserve order in Manila and transport plans unfold as Major Generals Miles and Merritt shift troops from western states to assist operations. General Otis travels to the Philippine Islands with an expedition to reinforce Admiral Dewey. Rumors speak of subversions, Spanish-initiated chaos, and Cuban family dangers amid a night of darkness and gas shutoffs.
Reports describe the bombardment and surrender of San Juan as American ships Iowa and Detroit fired on Morro fort and surrounding defenses. The town capitulated by 8 p.m. after the fleet's bombardment and land assaults, with government buildings and the governor's palace damaged and post office in ruins.
Describes Havana during Bianco's siege with widespread famine and confiscations. Prices for beef and flour skyrocket while meat, bread, and essentials become unaffordable. Looting of provision stores, Bianco commanding Mariena battery, and Perrado fortifying Guanabacoa amid mass displacement and sand-battery construction along the bay.
The War Department reports an available force of regulars and volunteers for occupation duties in Cuba and the Philippines. With rapid mobilization, about fifteen thousand men are slated for Porto Rico first division, with more likely needed to secure the island amid significant Spanish troops.
A Sunday bread riot in Milan, Italy, sparked by violent clashes in Via Somatrie and Via Torino. Reports tally at least 300 killed and 1,000 wounded as eight thousand troops guard the city with law courts and schools closed under martial law across twenty-five of Italy’s sixty-nine provinces.
Reports of mass killings in Manila by insurgents target Spanish civilians and soldiers. Admiral Montejo and two sons reportedly evacuated to Cavite. San Roque Hospital fire set by shells. Sisters of Charity killed while aiding the wounded. A Manila battlefield and a sinking Spanish gunboat off Iloilo are described. Augustin says 618 killed as Cavite arsenal falls and blockade tightens.
A fierce battle near Cardenas sees Spanish gunboats and shore batteries fire on American ships, including the Wilmington and Winslow, with heavy casualties. Concurrently President McKinley orders 60,000 troops for Cuba as Chickamauga troops march to front and Dewey may get new East Asia duties amid war. The Gussie sails with regulars and supplies to Cuban soil, while US cables are restricted to block enemy communications.
The article outlines U.S. trade with Spain in the 1897 fiscal year, noting total imports and exports, with agricultural products dominating. It cites a trade value around 24.7 million dollars, a deficit favoring the U.S. in earlier years, and references to wine and tobacco as significant Spanish exports and the shifting share of agricultural items over the decade.
News recounts Spanish action off Cuba as vessels press a cable cutting raid. Four boats and crews fight in trenches while fires burn. Two killed and four seriously wounded. cables to Jamaica and Haiti severed, isolating Havana from Madrid and Spanish forces outside Cuba.
The dispatch boat Hugh McCulloch arrived with orders from Manila to Admiral Dewey’s squadron. Reports describe a stable but tense situation. food shortages persist in Manila and Spanish forces remain scattered on the southern islands. Consul Williz at Cavite greeted Dewey after insurgents evacuated, while public sentiments in Manila and elsewhere show anti British feelings fueled by English papers.
The collection notes varied editorials from New York Journal St Paul Dispatch Washington Post Kansas City Journal Kansas City Star Cleveland Plain Dealer New York World and Boston Globe reacting to Spanish American tensions. They reflect praise and critique of naval strategy leaders American victory hopes and public sentiment toward peace and Dewey.
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