HAVANA BOMBARDED.

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

HAVANA BOMBARDED.

Washington, June 2. News has been brought to Key West by the American torpedo boat Portia that Admiral Sampson's squadron made an effective attack on the forts at Havana. The vessels which took part in the attack were: The New Orleans (exAdmiral Abren). 10 guns ; the lowa, 44 guns; the Texas, 26 guns; and the Massachusetts, 36 guns. After the cannonading of the forts had proceoded for some time, the Spanish warship Cristobal Colon, an armoured cruiser of 6480 toiiß, steamed out of the harbour and took part, but the American ships concentrated their fire upon her and compelled her to retreat behind the headland. The bombardment of the forts was then resumed, and those of Moro and Socapa were destroyed, many of the garrison being killed. The naval authorities at Washington regard the attack as a mere reconnaissance to ascertain tho strength of the Havana defences. Madrid, June 2. The Government have received a despatch from General Blanco at Havana, stating that the American warships had opened fire on the forts there, firing in all 70 shots. The forts, however, were uninjured, as was also the Spanish warship Cristobal Colon, which was also fired at. General Blanco states that two shells fired by the Spaniards struck the American battleship lowa, and that a fire broke out on another of the attacking vessels, while one auxiliary steamer was damaged,