The War.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 283, 3 May 1898, Page 3

The War.

NAVAL BATTLES AT MANILA.

SPANIARDS CLAIM A VICTORY. ENGAGEMENT RENEWED. COMPLETE DEFEAT OF THE SPANIARDS. SEVERAL VESSELS SUNK. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT). Hong Kong, May 2. A brilliant battle has taken place at Manila. The Spaniards claim a victory, but admit heavy losses. London, May 2. A stubborn naval engagonient has taken place at Manila. Several Spanish vessels were disabled. The Governor of the Philippines telegraphs that the American warships are refuging behind merchantmen. Hong Kong, May 2. Tho Americans renewed the engagement against the Spanish fleet at Manila, completely defeating the Spaniards. A number of tho Spanish vossels were sunk. PARTICULARS OF THE FIGHT. SINKING OF THE SPANISH VESSELS. Hongkong, May 2. In the engagement in which the Americans were victorious,the Castilla, a wooden cruiser, took fire and was burnt, and the Mindanoa, a small wooden gun-boat, and the Don Antonia de UUoa, an iron cruiser, were considerably damaged, A number of other vessels were sunk in order to avoid capture by the Americans. THE FIRBT ENGAGEMENT. FURTHER DETAILS. GREAT LOSS OF LIFE. WILD ENTHUSIASM IN MADRID. REPORTED VICTORY FOR SPAIN CABLED CONGRATULATIONS. Madrid, May 2. The details of the first engagement, as telegraphed by the Governor of the Philippines, show that the American squadron forced the entrance of the Bay of Manila at night, and at daybreak opened a strong fire on the arsenal. The Spanish fleet assisted the forts, and obliged the American ships after four hours' fighting to take refuge behind some merchant vessels in the Bay, in order to land their wounded. The cruiser Reina Christina was burnt, and th« commanding officer, Captain L. Cadazso, killed. The cruiser Don Juan De Austria, commander J. De La Coucha, was blown up, and there was much loss of life. There was great enthusiasm in Madrid over the victory. The Minister of Marine informed the Cabinet of the victory, and cabled congratulations to the Vice-Admiral, P. Montigo, who is in command of the Spanish Squadron.