THE OPPOSING FLEETS.

Manawatu Herald, 19 May 1898, Page 2

THE OPPOSING FLEETS.

-Some American experts belie\e that the Spanish fleet is steering for Oienfaegoi, ia the South of Cuba,

bat is not likely to reach that port before the American fleets under Admiral Scbley and Captain Samp* son have effected a junction. Others interpret the delay of the Spanish fleet at Curacao as evidencing an intention on the nart of the Spaniards to intercept the America battleship Oregon (10,288 tons) and a the gunboat Marietta (1200 tons) on ™ their way from San Francisco. The cruiser Nichtheroy (7080 tons), purchased from BrafcU by the United States Government, left I Bahia on the 9th inst. for Key West. I Admiral Schley's squadron put into Charleston, South Carolina, on Sunday, and received instructions^ proceed immediately to Key West. The fleet under Admiral Cerveras, at the request of the Dutch authorities, left Curacao on Sunday. The strategy of Admiral Genreras and the secrecy observed as to the movements of his squadron have disconcerted the navals experts at Washington and upset far-WMhinr plans. ; ■ Ah It ia reported that three additional Spanish cruisers have been lighted off Martinique, the Frenoh possession io the Windward Islands, Lesser Antilles. They are belisaed to be the armoured cruisers Admiral Ciaaeros (^Cardinal Cisneros.) 7000 tons, 20 knots, 6 ll.inoh and 10. 6- inch Q.F. guns), Prlnoess de Asturias (7000 tons, 20 knots, 2 11 -inch and 10 6-in Q.F. guns), and Catalima (7000 tons, 2 11-inch and 10 6-in Q.F. 8 un8 )» ■