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| Los Angeles Herald, 03-May-1898 |
These items from the 02-May-2023 Alexandria Gazette contain some of the earliest reports of the Battle of Manilla Bay, which took place 125 years ago, on May 1, 1898. The spelling of Manila varied in the original article.
A NAVAL BATTLE.
A naval battle has been fought near Manilla. All advices from the scene of
the engagement come by Spanish cable, but there seems to be no doubt
that the American fleet won a victory in the two engagements which took
place. From the best sources obtainable it is learned that the American
fleet engaged the fortifications at Cavite and the Spanish gunboats at daylight
Sunday, and after a severe action, during which at least two of the largest
Spanish warships, including the Spanish Admiral's flagship, were destroyed,
retired to land their wounded and refit. After a short interval the American
fleet returned to the attack, which must have been disastrous to the Spanish
fleet. The loss of life was undoubtedly very large. The American vessels
suffered considerable damage. The captain of the Spanish flagship was
killed.
The battle took place on the morning of May 1st. which, reckoning the
difference in time, would be about 5 o'clock Saturday evening in Washington.
From the fact that the Spanish still coutrol the cable at Manila it is
apparent that the U. S. fleet has not yet taken that city.
Following are the official dispatches received at Madrid from the Governor
General of the Philippines to the minister of war, Lieut. Gen. Correa as tc
the engagement off Manila:
"Our fleet engaged the enemy in a brilliant combat, protected by the Cavite
and Manila forts. They obliged the enemy, with heavy loss, to maneuver
repeatedly. At nine o'clock the American squadron took refuge behind
the foreign merchant shipping, on the east side of the bay.
"Our fleet, considering the enemy's superiority, naturally sullered a severe
loss. The Maria Christina is on fire and another ship, believed to be the
Don Juan de Austria, was blown up.
"There was considerable loss of life. Captain Cadarso, commanding the
Maria Christina, is among the killed The spirit of the army, navy and
volunteers is excellent."
A dispatch from Havana says : Admiral Bermejo, Minister of Marine
joined the Cabinet council Saturday night and informed his colleagues that
the Spanish forces had gained a victory in the Philippines. He asserted that
he found difficulty in restraining his joyful emotion. A later official
dispatch does not mention the destruction of any American vessel, although it
says that the United States squadron finally cast anchor in the bay behind
the foreign merchantmen.
A dispatch from Madrid, dated at midnight last night, says: El Heraldo
de Madrid says that Admiral Montejo changed his flagship during the
engagement or between the two encounters in order to better direct the
maneuvers. In this way he escaped the fate of the commander of the Reina
Maria Christina. The second engagement, according to El Heraldo, was
apparently begun by the Americans, after landing their wounded on the west side
of the bay. In the latter engagement the Spanish ships Mindanao and Ulloa
suffered heavily. Ministers speak of "serious but honorable losses."
A dispatch from London says dispatches received there seem to make it
clear that the Asiatic squadron of the United States, Admiral Dewey
commanding, yesterday engaged and completely defeated the Asiatic squadron of
Spain in the harbor of Manilla, in the Philippine Islands. During the two
engagements that took place Commodore Montejo, commanding the Spanish
fleet, lost three of his largest ships. His flagship, the armored cruiser Reina
Christina and the armored cruiser Castilla, were burned and the cruiser Don
Juau de Austria was blown up. Several other Spanish vessels were badly
damaged.
Under the protection of the guns in the fortifications the Spanish warships
opened fire on the American fleet. For several hours the harbor resounded
with the roar of guns.
A shot reached the iron cruiser Don Juan de Austria. A terrific explosion
followed and the ship was blown up causing great loss of life.
There was a heavy loss of life among the Spanish. The captain commanding
the Reina Christina was killed. Commodore Montejor, commanding the
fleet, shifted his flag from the Christina to the Isle de Cuba, a much smaller
steel-protected cruiser, just before the Christina sank. Commodore Dewey's
squadron left Subic bay, a few miles from Manilla, about four
o'clock Saturday afternoon and proceeded toward Manilla. Under the
cover of darkness he entered the harbor of Manilla, passing the forts. The
batteries at the forts announced his arrival.
Both fleets lined up for battle about daybreak. The guns of the American
warships began firing on the fortress of Cavite and the arsenal of Manila. Then
the battle raged.
The American squadron about 9 o'clock in the morning drew off to one
side of the bay and took refuge behind some foreign vessels. The ships had
evidently suffered considerable damage. After some hasty repairs they returned
to the conflict.
During this engagement the guns of Cavite maintained a steadier and
stronger fire upon Admiral Dewey's ships than in the first encounter,
but the American guns were used with teliing effect. As the smoke
lifted it was seen that the flagship Reina Christina was on fire. This
vessel was completely burned.
The cruiser Castilla, next to the flagship the largest and most powerful of
the Spanish squadron, was burned. The cruiser Don Antonio de Ulloa and
the Mindanoa were badly damaged in this encounter.
That the American squadron received serious damage in the engagement
cannot be doubted. Early reports had it that five of Dewey's ships had been
sunk. Later advices from Madrid put the number at two. The latest reports
received from Madrid make no mention of any American ship being destroyed.
There were undoubtedly heavy losses in men on both sides. One apparent
trust-worthy report states that the Spanish had two hundred killed
and four hundred wounded.
Trustworthy details of the American loss of life will hardly be obtainable
until Admiral Dewey has taken Manila or sent a vessel with dispatches to
Hong Kong.
TO-DAY'S TELEGRAPHIC NEWS
The Victory at Manilla.
London. May 2 -- The afternoon papers to-day comment upon the
victory of the U. S. fleet at Manilla. The Pall Mall Gazette says: "The earlier
Spanish stories left no shadow of doubt that the Spanish fleet had been smashed
and the later information this morning places it even beyond the possibility of
a Spanish denial." The newspapers all discuss the ultimate fate of the Philippine
Islands as a question in which the European powers are vitally interested
and they agree in saying that another element of discord has been introduced
into the far Eastern scramble.
A Madrid dispatch to the Evening News says the Queen Regent, who, it
appears, had already heard of the reverse, declared that while the loss of
so many ships was a misfortune, there was "satisfaction in the reflection that
the Spaniards had covered themselves with honor." A dispatch to the Mail
received from Madrid this morning says: "The Americans are now moving
on Manilla, but there has beeu no capitulation yet."
The British governor of the Straits Settlement has sent a cable dispatch to
the colonial office here saying the United States fleet "annihilated" the
Spanish fleet in a two hours' engagement. ? The dispatch adds that Commodore
Dewey last night demanded the surrender of all the torpedoes and guns at
Manilla and the control of the cables, under pain of bombardment. General
Augusti, the Spanish Governor General, refused to surrender them, and, it
is supposed, the bombardment of Manilla is now procending.
London, May 2. -- The details of the battle at Manilla have been received at
the British Colonial office. The dispatch announces that the United States
fleet entered Manilla harbor at daybreak yesterday, stationing itself
opposite the city. A fort opened fire on the American ships, whereupon they
shifted their position to one near Cavite, in Manilla bay, engaging in a fierce fight
against both the forts and the Spanish fleet. The engagement last
(sic - JT) two hours,
and resulted in the annihilation of the Spanish fleet. This dispatch adds that
the American ships withdrew to their t magazine vessel, in the centre of the
roadstead, for the purpose of coaling. One American vessel, the name of
which is not mentioned, is said to have been disabled.
Berlin, May 2. -- The news of the victory of the United States fleet at
Manilla was received here, except in government circles, with general
incredulity. The newspapers expressed doubts as to its reliability. They said
it was "derived mostly from American sources and, doubtless, had been grossly
exaggerated or was baseless."
From Madrid.
MADRID, May 2. -- A dispatch to the Liberal from Manila says Admiral
Montijo, the Spanish commander, acknowledges that the Spanish fleet
has been completely demolished. He adds that the crew of the Spanish
warship Mindanao has been saved. A member of the Cabinet this morning
stated that the account of yesterday's naval battle sent by the Governor
General of the Philippine Islands had been compietely born out by later
dispatches. The last shot was fired at 11:30, when the American warships
steamed off. The newspapers express a determination to avenge the defeat of
the Spanish fleet. The conduct of the Spanish admiral in sinking the remnant
of his fleet in order to prevent its capture is highly extolled by the press.
The Imperial advises the government to arm all the available shipping
for the purpose of capturing and destroying American merchant vessels.
Further advices from Manila say the United States fleet has taken up a position
in front of Manila and has established a blockade of the port. The
population of Manila is fleeing from the city. A bombardment of the town is
expected to take place to day.
The authorities here have adopted the most extreme military precautions
to check the increasing public indignation at the disaster to the Spanish fleet.
Martial law will be proclaimed if the government is "provoked over hostile
demonstrations" in the streets. The feeling of discontent is everywhere.
The military feel equally with the civil elements the effects of the disaster, in
which, according to one announcement, "our inferior war craft, although they
fought pluckily, perished through lack of foresight in responsible quarters.
It is now raining which may prevent he Second of May procession, as well
as the bull fight. Both gatherings are liable to result in demonstrations.
Senor Robledo, the conservative leader and former minister of justice, is
expected to inaugurate a sensational debate in the chamber to-morrow, in
which he will be backed up by the carlists and republicans. General Weyler,
whose popularity is increasing, will also provoke a debate in the Senate.
Preparing for Action.
Key West, Fla., May 2. -- A demonstration by the fleet off the coast of
Cuba is hardly expected to-day but it is understood a movement has been
planned. A howling gale is now blowing and the sea is running high. There
was a long conference on board the flagship New York yesterday, between
Rear Admiral Sampson, Captain Evans, Captain Taylor and Captain Chadwick,
the purpose of which could not be ascertained. Early yesterday morning
tugs were then sent out, calling in all the other vessels of the fleet in that
vicinity and at noon the ships were lying off the batteries, west of Havana and
within eight miles of the shore. After the ships had remained in this position
for several hours it became evident that no immediate movement was contemplated,
as the fleet opened out and returned to their various stations along
the coast.
News of the engagement between the United States and Spanish fleets at
Manilla has not yet reached the Cuban blockading squadron, but they probably
will be advised of it this morning.
The Blockade of Havana.
Key West, Fla., May 2. -- The blockade of Havana continues. The United
States fleet is lying about ten miles off Morro Castle. The weather is fine and
a stiff breeze is blowing. The British steamer Strathdee, from Progresso to
Sagua la Grande, in ballast, was made to heave to at 1.30 this morning, after
two shots had been fired from the flagship. The Strathdee proved her identity
and was allowed to proceed, as Sagua la Grande is not a blockaded point.
Captain Currie said he was stopped twice before during the night.
War Bulletins.
Madrid, May 2. -- The British consul at Manilla has had a conference with
Commodore Dewey.
Hong Kong, May 2. -- It is announced at the cable office here that the
transmission of messages to Manilla or from that place is interrupted.
London, May 2 -- It is believed that the Spaniards have cut the cable at Manila.
London, May 2. -- A cable message has been received at the foreign office
here from the British consul at Manilla announcing that the bombardment lasted
an hour and a-half and that the Spanish lleet was practically annihilated
by the fleet of the United States.
London, May 2. -- The Parnellite members of parliament have sent the
following dispatch to President McKinley: "In the names of millions of
Irishmen, the Parnellite members of the House of Commons send you their
congratulations on the brilliant victory of the American fleet.
(Signed) "John Redmond."
Portland, Maine, May 2. -- The United States cruiser Columbia arrived
here this morning.
DENVER, Col , Mav 2. -- According to Col. W. J. Volkmar," Adjt.-Gen'L of the
department of the Colorado, volunteers raised in the States west of the Missouri
river will probably be sent across the Pacific ocean to hold the Philippine Islands.
New York, May 2. -- A Hong Kong dispatch says: The bombardment of Manilla has begun. The inhabitants
are fleeing to (he country. The operators in the cable station in the midst of
the forts have fled to save their lives.
Block Island, R. I., May 2. -- The cruiser New Orleans passed here at 10 o'clock bound east.
PROVINCETOWN, Mass., May 2. -- The cruiser San Francisco steamed into this harbor at
9:27 this morning and dropped anchor near the Katahdin.
As Heard at Paris.
Paris, May 2. -- A dispatch from Madrid says that, according to the
latest dispatches, the British consul at Manilla, in his visit to Commodore
Dewey, made representations, in behalf of the consular corps, against the
bombardment of the town. The dispatch also says: "French, British and German
war vessels are off Manilla. No Spanish warship surrendered and the
majority perished. Two Spanish commanders were killed while resisting to
the last, moment. The Spanish losses are estimated at four hundred men
killed, including many natives. The American squadron attacked furiously
both the Spanish squadron and Cavite, where it caused great damage."
Commenting on the battle, the Temps says: "The United States put into the
balance a too crushing superiority of resources and forces to leave a doubt as
to the result." Later the Temps says: "Directly Castilian honor has received
the satisfaction it demands, will not the moment have come for Europe to
say its word, and take as a basis for its mediatory action the wise advice of the
Duke of Devonshire in his speech of Saturday evening?"
Foreign News.
London, May 2. -- The Evening Standard commenting on the American
victory says: "Everyone will hope this prompt and decisive blow
to the Spanish forces will lead to an early termination of
hostilities, a hope which has been encouraged by the remarkable language
of Senor Silvela in the Cortes, when he declared the Cuban problem is reduced
to a question of honor for Spanish arms."
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| San Francisco Call, 27-January-1895 |
Commodore George Dewey's flagship, the Olympia, is preserved at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia.
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