BATTLE OF MANILA.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 292, 24 May 1898, Page 4

BATTLE OF MANILA.

[Reprinted from our Special Editions of Saturday and Monday] I Pokt Darwin, May 20. Hongkong files to hand to-day contain the following details of the battle of Manila : The American fleet entered the channel leading to the harbour by moonlight. Though there were no searchlights the Spanish forts on the island opened fire. The Americans replied, but held on their course, cruising off Manila till daylight. When the Spanish fleet was sighted off the fortified harbour of Cavite, eight mihs from the town of Manila, it comprised 10 ebips drawn up in line, backed by the Cavite batteries. The Spaniards fired the first shot. The Americans reserved fire till within two miles and a half, and then crossed the Spanish forts and fired broadside and turret guns. This was repeated six times, and the fleet then hauled off for breakfast, victory being considered assured. One Spanish vessel was on fire, and seemed crippled; another was ashore, while two smaller ones had been driven to take shelter behind the breakwater. A torpedo boat attempting to attack the American colliers was blown to pieces by the quick-firing guns. The range was too long for the Spanish guns. After breakfast the Americans engaged the forts, and in half-an-hour silenced all the guns ashore. The cruiser Antonio de TJlloa bravely fought on after ber decks had been swept of every soul, but still her lower guns kept up a fire. The hull was eventually riddled, and she suddenly sank with every man on board. Three American ships made for the navy yard, intending to destroy it and any vessels likely to give trouble, but found the work already done by the Spaniards, who had sunk and burned the gunboats and stores. The arsenal was shelled and almost obliterated. The Americans signalled for the flag to be hauled down at Cavite, and the garrison surrendered in the even Later in the day the Americans anchored off Manila. It is stated that not a single American was killed, though six were slightly injured by the explosion of ammunition, and none of the ships were injured. • The Spanish killed and wounded is stated at 4000, besides which the shore batteries suffered badly, but the exact account of their loss is not obtainable. Next day two American warships visited Cavite, and arranged the surrender of tho forts at the entrance of Manila Bay, and on May 4 the victors were in full occupation and tending the sick and wounded. Unavailing efforts were made to induce the Spanish authorities at Manila to capitulate without bombardment befora the naval action was entered upon. These details were received from Manila by steamer, and when the despatch boat left the terms of the surrender of tho city had not been ettled. ANOTHER ACCOUNT. Port Darwin, May 21. Another account of the battle of Manila gives the Spanish loss as four hundred killed and six hundred wounded, besides losses sustained ashore. Graphic descriptions are given of the destruction of the Reina Christina, the Spanish flagship. The Christina having got up steam, advanced to attack the American ship Olympia. On the movement being observed, all the guns in the American fleet were signalled to concentrate their fire upon her, and the signal was obeyed with telling effect. Before the Christina reached anywhere near the Ulyinpia, she was forced to retire, and as she did so gave the Olympia a grand opportunity for raking shots. The Olympia sent huge eight-inch shells through the stern of the Chris* tina, raking her through her entire length, and exploding her boiler. As she drifted helplessly away, she was discovered to be on fire. A single shell killed the captain and sixty men. Altogether the Christina had 140 killed and many wounded.