BOMBARDMENT OF SANTIAGO.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 314, 14 July 1898, Page 2

BOMBARDMENT OF SANTIAGO.

(BY ELECTRIC TKLEGRArH.—COrYEIGHT) Washington, July 12. News from Cuba states that the United States warships Brooklyn, Texas and Indiana commenced the bombardment of Sautiago de Cuba ; but owing to the high cliffs and the distance of the city from the coast, the shells fell short. The vessels, on going closer in shore to laud artillery forces, engaged in a mild artillery duel with the Spanish ; but the general attack will be deferred until the reinforcements under General Henry reach the front, thus enabling the Americans to better block the passes to the westward. General Linares, the Spanish Commander, offers, if his army is allowed an unmolested start of twenty miles, not to burn the shipping or injure the city or ports. ' Most of the American generals favoured the acceptance of the offer, but the authorities at Washington vetoed it. The fennsbardment of Santiago is still ineffective, most of the shells falling into the harbour. One struck a church where a large quantity of ammunition was stored, and the latter exploded. Blanco has ordered the troops to fight to the last. General Miles, who has arrived at Siboney, on the outskirts of Santiago, takes the entire command. Madrid, July 12. The Premier, Senor Sagasta, has resigned, owing to irreconcilable differences in tho Cabinet with regard to making overtures for peace. He advises a stronger infusion of the military element into the Cabinet.