SPAIN WANTS PEACE

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 297, 4 June 1898, Page 3

SPAIN WANTS PEACE

BRITISH OFFICER STONED. (r.Y KLKCTHIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT) (Received June 3, 9.10 a.m.). Paris, Juno 2. The Spanish Government has commissioned Signor Leon Castillo, Ambassador at Paris, to request tho intervention of the European Powers to bring about a condition of peace. Madrid, June 2. A mob of Spaniards stoned MajorGeneral J. B. Richardson, commander of the Royal Artillery division stationed at Gibraltar, whilst walking at San Koque, the summer residence of English families in Spain. [The following messages were published in our Special Edition yesterday.] Washington, June 1. News has reached here from Hayti to tic effect that a naval engagement has been fought at the entrance to the harbour of Santiago de Cuba, between the vessels of the Spanish fleot, commanded by Admiral Cervejas, and the American squadron, commanded by Admiral Schley. The information is not yet officially confirmed, but according to the intelligence to hand Admiral Schley commenced operations by bombarding the Spanish forts guarding the entrance to the harbour. Washington, June 1. The attack subsequently developed into a severe fight with the Spanish fleet at Santiago de Cuba, the battle, it is said, raging for two hours, after which the Spaniards retired. No details are given, nor are any particulars to hand regarding the effect of the bombardment of the forts cr the damage inflicted on dither side in the naval battle. Further details have been received of the fighting at Santiago de Cuba. It is stated that fourteen American ships were engaged under Admirals Sampson and Schley. The American Navy Department, however, discredits the report. On Sunday, at midnight, the American battleship Texas discovered two Spanish torpedo boats stealiug from Morro Castle, near Havana, in tho direction of Admiral Schley's fleet. When revealed by the aid of the searchlight, the torpedo boats made a simultaneous dash towards the Texas and the battleship Brooklyn. The boats came within fivo hundred yards, but the rapid firing guns compelled their retreat. Washington, June 1. It was officially announced in Washington at ten o'clock this morning that if the bombardment of Santiago had occurred, the engagement was not important.