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Newspaper
Renwick Times
Location
Renwick, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 19, 1898
Page
6
American naval forces bombarded San Juan while the Sampson task group pressed gunfire against Spanish batteries. The sustained bombardment aimed to suppress coastal defenses and support land operations in the theater.
Antiquated Morro Fort in Porto Rico is quickly leveled to a help of reins as authorities seek to reinforce defenses. The move signals a rapid, concerted effort to modernize coastal fortifications amid ongoing security concerns.
Washington reports Admiral Sampson led American ships in a decisive attack on San Juan, Porto Rico. One New York sailor killed, seven wounded. Iowa Indiana monitors Amphitrite Puritan and cruisers New York Montgomery Detroit bombarded the town, destroying walls and fortifications as Spanish defenses fell. Locals fled as the harbor and city endured a fierce 13 inch shelling with heavy damage and casualties.
Dewey leads Corregidor batteries as Montejo is found near Manila. The fleet forms for battle with Indiana, New York, Am phitrice, and Puri in pursuit of the Spanish fortress castle known as the Castle of Sandwan. The New York fires salutes and Evans answers with heavy gunfire as ships close in.
Report recounts the naval bombardment of San Juan de Puerto Rico during the Spanish American War. Iowa Indiana New York and other ships blasted the castle walls while shore batteries answered. Spaniards fought bravely though outgunned as smoke hid the battle and shells turned forts to ruins.
The cruiser Charleston at San Francisco is ordered to Manila with ammunition for Admiral Dewey’s squadron. Troops will sail on the City of Pekin to seize Manila, while operations in Cuba and Porto Rico continue. The War Department reports 75,000 volunteers mustered, with 25,000 regulars, totaling about 100,000 available for occupation and defense as plans expand to 125,000 volunteers and 70,000 regulars.
The government pledges to maintain order in Manila. If 12,600 troops are insufficient, 12,000 more will be sent. Miles issued orders for troops from six western states to move toward San Francisco. Merritt leaves for the Philippines to lead the expedition reinforcing Admiral Dewey, accompanied by Otis.
The text describes the assault on San Juan during the war, noting Spanish defenses on Morro fort, the rapid fall of the city by 6 PM, and American gunfire with ships like the Lowa and Detroit contributing heavy bombardment. General Merritt is named military governor as the occupation begins.
Starvation grips Havana as prices for food soar to Klondike levels. Bianco’s army tightens control, with confiscations, looting, and new batteries along the water front. Thousands flee, and residents face hunger while authorities fortify defenses.
Reports from Milan describe Sunday violence with bread riots spreading through Via Somatra and Via Torno. About 8000 troops occupy the city as law courts, schools, and offices close under guard. Martial law spreads to 25 of 69 provinces.
Reports from Shanghai describe massacres near Manila by insurgents as Spanish forces suffer setbacks. Admiral Montejo, said to have fled Carite with his sons, was reportedly killed by locals. San Roque Hospital allegedly burned by shells, with Sisters of Charity killed while aiding the wounded. A Hong Kong cablegram notes a clash between a Spanish gunboat and the US gunboat Concord, with the Spanish ship sunk but Concord unharmed. Only two Spanish vessels remain in waters, one in dry dock at Hong Kong. Boston assists in pursuit. Official Madrid dispatch says Cavite and the arsenal fell after the squadron’s destruction, with a thousand sailors arriving from the defeated fleet.
Key West report details a fierce harbor engagement at Cardenas Cuba with the gephoats Wilmington Hudson and torpedo boat Winslow facing Spanish gunboats and a masked battery. The Winslow suffers critical damage. Lieut Bagley and several sailors are killed. the Wilmington supports the rescue and bombardment as Spanish batteries are silenced. President Faure noted as a tireless worker afterward.
President McKinley and advisers approve immediate invasion of Cuba with sixty thousand troops. Units move to Tampa New Orleans and Mobile while the transport Gussie sails from Yampa bearing rifles muskets and hospital supplies. Possible expansion of Dewey’s duties and limited censorship on overseas messages.
A fragmentary excerpt discusses French and German dishes, restoration of taste, and the appeal of Paris fashion. It includes observations on Parisian beauty, theater, and social life, contrasting with English and American manners. A minor digression recounts a poker anecdote about a six card hand and a ham sandwich.
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