12 May 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
May 12, 1898
Page
1
A terse report details clashes at sea between American and Spanish vessels amid rising tensions. It notes maritime engagements with casualties and strategic maneuvers, underscoring the brewing conflict between the two nations.
In a naval engagement off Cardenas near Me Yeneny on May 11 the U S cruiser Wilmington torpedo boat Winslow and gunboat Hudson faced Spanish gunboats and shore batteries. Five sailors died including Ensign Bagley and four others. several were wounded. The Winslow suffered heavy damage and was towed out with the Hudson aiding. Commander Bernadou of the Winslow was wounded but not seriously. The battle ended with the Winslow and Hudson delivering wounded and dead to Key West.
Official Navy report from Key West dated May 12 lists casualties from the May 11 clash at Cardenas harbor. On the torpedo boat Winslow Ensign Worth Bagsey John Warvers Oiler J Denefe Fireman first class Elijah B Tunnel Cabin cook George B Meek were killed. Wounded are J B Berdandou William Patterson Daniel W McKeon. Dead and wounded arrived aboard USS Hudson. burial planned today. Vessels blockading Cardenas were Machias Foote Winslow and revenue cutter Hugsin.
Sad news reaches the Navy Department from the Cuban coast as Ensign Worth Bagley, a North Carolina native, is confirmed killed in action. The Hudson has arrived at Key West with his body amid anxiety to identify other victims. Bagley, a Naval Academy graduate, was appointed in 1691 from North Carolina and hailed from Raleigh.
Secretary Long received a telegram from Key West announcing the Hudson arrived with the bodies of Ensign Bagley and three Winslow crewmen killed in action at Cardenas Cuba yesterday. Names given include Varvaris Denese Meeks and Tune badly wounded. Lieutenant Bernardow said injured but not seriously. Also notes James Lewis named private secretary to Governor Keefe succeeding BE Little.
Washington May 12 The Spanish spy George Downing arrested here days ago died by suicide this morning at the barracks where he was confined. A terse report confirms his death by hanging while in custody.
In Gallatin Missouri Mrs Edna Whitney Lane once famed as the Queen of Labor is back in the cigar factory after marrying J B Lane a Stuttgart Arkansas druggist three months ago. The couple separated three weeks ago and the local community is stirring over her renewed notoriety.
A Fort Defrance Martinique dispatch reports an American squadron of nine ships bombarding San Judas in Porto Rico, signaling ongoing naval action and military activity in the Caribbean during the period.
A Key West dispatch reports that the Cape Verde Squadron was crushed by the Spanish fleet east of Haiti. The Vicksburg's captain relayed that the blockading fleet heard of a naval action where Rear Admiral Sampson’s squadron engaged the Spaniards, resulting in a crushing defeat.
Four American vessels opened fire on Cienfuegos on Wednesday morning and tried to land men and arms in barges. Spanish troops with the fort drove off the invaders. American guns destroyed the cable station. A second landing attempt failed. The fighting lasted eight hours and reports say Americans suffered heavy losses with 14 Spaniards wounded.
Cheyenne Wyoming May 12 Colonel Ww J Torrey authorized to raise one rough riders regiment has headquarters here and is rapidly forming five complete troops ready for service in Colorado Nevada Utah Idaho Wyoming recruits fill the quota twice over for Wyoming seven corps are allocated to the state height limit for cavalrymen extended to over six feet to recruit taller men troopers will be armed with Krag Jorgensen carbines revolvers and sabers finest western horses are being chosen for the unit.
Dispatch from Capt. Remey reports Winslow badly damaged and to be sent for temporary repairs. Governor Leedy honors a requisition from Illinois for William Schierer and a sheriff heads to Great Bend seeking custody. A second requisition orders George Skaggs held in Arapahoe county for assault.
Scranton Pennsylvania May 12 The Riverside breaker in Archboro veh was destroyed by fire last night at So'clock It was run by the Ontario and Western Beltway company Several men were in the shaft on the night shift but they got out safely The fire caused an estimated 775000 and the origin is unknown Editor Page Dead Boston May 12 Col Cyrus A Page publisher of the Boston Beacon is dead
The dedication of four monuments and markers by the state of Tennessee at Chickamauga park on Snodgrass Hill occurred at 10 o clock. James D Porter former governor spoke as the monuments were turned over to the government and accepted by Gen. A P Stewart. Generals Thurston Boynton Brooks Wheeler gave eloquent addresses as a large regional crowd gathered. A veterans campfire tonight at the city auditorium wraps the Blue and Gray tribute.
Word from Dewey dated May 12 notes little change, transferring steel breech loading rifles from sunken ships and stores from the arsenal. He maintains a strict blockade and marks Argos among destroyed vessels, with El Correo and possibly El Cano. The dispatch indicates cable communication with Manila has been restored.
Surgeon General Sternberg telegraphed Governor Leedy directing Dr. L. Grubbs and Dr. J. P. Stewart to begin examinations of Kansas regiments’ surgeons without waiting for army surgeons. No army surgeons were available. The two doctors, appointed by Governor Leedy, started with the Twentieth regiment this afternoon.
Washington May 12 A Senate session saw passage of a bill by Senator Stewart to remove all disabilities of persons who engaged in insurrection or aided the enemy under the Thirteenth Amendment. The measure, read without debate, was followed by executive-session proceedings amid war department urgency.
Washington May 12 Secretary Longe at 1 o'clock said no word had been received from Sampson. This stamps as untrue reports that word had been received that Sampson had bombarded San Juan.
Tampa May 12 A second expedition with the same aim and route as the Gussie is expected to slip from Port Tampa within 24 hours loaded with arms ammunition and supplies for Cuban insurgents The Florida a government chartered transport has loaded Springfield rifles and ammunition and port loading stalls for horses and mules are ready The ship lies at the dock with full steam up and loading work continues all last night and today Navy funds also sent to aid Dewey s sick and wounded with clam juice lemons beef extract and jellies via San Francisco and sourced by the National Society of Colonial Dames.
Washington May 12 The house committee on foreign affairs has agreed to report the resolution for Hawaiian annexation.
May 12 Manila reports say insurgents are uncontrollable and anarchy reigns as Rear Admiral Dewey struggles to restore order. Spanish authorities refuse submission and the defenders claim ample supplies while awaiting possible European intervention. Warships from Britain France Germany Japan and a Russian vessel are noted nearby.
The St James Gazette warns that Europe faces unrest and growing aggression abroad and at home. It notes Russia’s loan efforts and Japan’s push for a 15 million pound rapprochement while the Bank of England tightens reserves. The piece predicts a transatlantic clash involving America, Britain, and European powers with potential wars in both Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
Washington May 12 The Gomez to Palma courier travels slowly via Tam an as Nunez meets Tampa officials. Cuban authorities and war department agree on Gomez and Garcia strength, with about 40,000 in total and 15,600 lacking arms. Cuban forces employ guerrilla tactics across 3,000 square miles. Gomez favors prudence and fears large US forces on Cuban soil.
Gen Garcia is reported to move seven bands totaling about 15000 men toward a junction near Crieticabie. Lt Bowes is expected to arrive at Key West after a daring landing in Colom and inland to Garcia camp. Lieut Rowan claims Cuban towns in Garcia district vacated by Spain are now under Cuban administration, a sign of progress toward a Cuban republic with Massa remaining in the western area and cabinet ready to seize a western seaport city.
Major General Merritt commander of the Department of the East with headquarters at Governor's Island travels to Washington to confer with the president. Rumors place him as a potential military operator of Mant and possibly governor of Porto Rico. Merritt declined to confirm or deny when asked.
The Twentieth Kansas volunteers have been mustered as soldiers of the United States except for the Leavenworth company which is mustered in this afternoon. If equipment is ready the regiment could move by tomorrow night. Companies were lettered A through M with city associations and captains listed.
A Washington dispatch reports that Rear Admiral Dewey is instructed to destroy or capture any remaining Spanish vessels in the Philippines to prevent harassment of American ships. The note suggests sinking antique fortifications and a few small gunboats possibly still at large, with limited risks to U S forces.
Washington May 12 The senate in executive session confirmed all military nominations except Captain D Baldwin fifth infantry to inspector general with rank of lieutenant colonel and Fred M Alger of Michigan to the assistant adjutant general with rank of captain.
Supplies and men will be sent to Manila from Mainl San Francisco. May 12 five steamers chartered by the movement to be used as transports to Manila. Names include City of Sidney City of Peking Australia Connemaugh Ohio. The Monterey was reported ordered to Manila.
San Francisco May 12 The chamber of commerce held a special meeting to raise four thousand dollars for the Red Cross Society of California. Many prominent citizens were present, all members of the chamber, contributions totaling about four thousand with more expected. Arrival From Honolulu San Francisco May 12 The United States ship Manican arrived here this morning after leaving Monostao April 9.
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