Hobson's Heroism.
belief that it needed but a brief execu 1 disclaim® any disposition or Intention to ’ tions. the establishment of telephonic and
tive suggestion to congress to receive im I exercise sovereignty, jurtsdictlon or con telegraphic facilities at camps at Manila,
The next act in the war thrilled not
at
Santiago
and
in
Porto
Rico.
There
w
’
ere
trol
over
said
island,
except
for
the
pacifi
mediate answer to the duty of making
alone the hearts of our countrymen, but
instant provision for the possible and per cation thereof, and assorts its determina constructed 300 miles of line at 10 great the world, by its exceptional heroism.
haps speedily probable emergency of war, tion, when that Is accomplished, to leave camps, thus facilitating military move- On the night of June 3 Lieutenant Hob-
y. H. BAK.NHAKT, Publl.her.
and the remarkable, almost unique, spec the government and control of the island j ments from those ¡»oints in a manner here- i son, aide*»! by seven devoted volunteers,
i tofore unknown in military administra- blocked the narrow outlet from Santiago
tacle was presented of a unanimous vote to it® people.”
| tlon. Field telegraph lines were estab- harbor by clinking the collier Merrimac in
Rapture of Neicotlatlons.
MeMINN VILLE...................... OREGON. of both houses on the 9th of March ap
propriating 150,000,000 “for the national de I This resolution waa approved by the ex- ■ lished and maintained under the enemy's ■ the channel under a fierce fire from the
fense and for each and every purpose con 1 ecutive on the next day, April 20. A fire at Manila and later the Manila- «■shore batteries, escaping with their lives
' as by a miracle, but falling Into the
nected therewith, to be expended at the copy was at once communicate*! to the Hong Kong cable was reopened.
In Porto Rico, cable communication was hands of the Spaniards. It is a most grat
discretion of the president.”
Spanish minister at this capital, who
That thiii act of provision came none forthwith announced that his continuance ; opened over a discontinued route, and on ifying Incident of the war that the brav
too soon was disclosed when the applica in Washington had thereby become impos j land, the purposes of cpmmanding officers ery of this little band of heroes was cor
tion of the fund was undertaken. Our sible, and asked for his passports, which were kept in telegraphic and telephonic dially appreciated by the Spaniard®, who
ports were practically undefended; our were given him.
He thereupon withdrew communication with the division com sent a flag of truce to notify Admiral
navy needed large provision for Increased from Washington, leaving the pr itection manders on four different lines of oper Sampson cf their safety and to compli
ammunition and supplies, and even num i of Spanish interests in the United State® ations. There was placed in Cuban waters ment them upon their daring act. They
bers to cope with any sudden attack from , to the French ambassador and the Aus- a completely outfitted cable ship with , were subsequently exchanged, July 7.
By June 7 the cutting of the lagt Cuban
i war cables and cable gear suitable both
the navy of Spain, which comprised mod i tro-Hungarlan minister.
ern vessels of the highest type of conti i Simultaneously with Its communication for the destruction of communications be- cable isolated the island. Ther after the
nental perfection. Our army also re i to the Spanish minister, General Wood- i longing to the enemy and the establish invasion was vigorously prosecuted. June
quired enlargement of men and muni i ford, the American minister at Madrid, ment of our own. Two ocean cables were 10, under a heavy protecting fire, a land
tions. The deJails of the hurried prepa was telegraphed confirmation of the destroyed under the enemy's batteries at ing force of 600 marines from the Oregon,
rations for the decided contingency is told text of the joint resolution and directed Santiago. The day previous to the land Marblehead and Yankee was effected at
in the reports of the secretaries of war to communicate it to the government of ing of General Shafter’s corp« at Cai-* Guantanamo bay, where it had been de
and of the navy, and need not be repeated Spain with the formal demand that it at manera, within 20 miles of the landing termined to establish a cable elation. This
' once relinquish Itn authority and govern place, cable communication was estab Important and essential port was taken
here.
It is sufficient to say that the outbreak ment in the island of Cuba, and withdraw lished and a cable station opened, giving from the enemy after severe fighting by
I of war, when it (lid come, found our na- its forces therefrom, coupling this demand direct communication with the govern the marines, who were the first organized
| tlon not unprepared to meet the conflict, with announcements of the intention« of ment at Washington. This service was force of the United States to land in Cuba.
. nor was the apprehension of coming strife 1 this government a® to the future of the invaluable xto the executive in directing The position so won was held, despite the
I confined to our own country. It was felt island, In conformity with the fourth the operations of the army and navy. desperate attempts to dislodge our forces.
| clause of the resolution, and giving Spain With a total force of over 1300, the loss By June 16 additional forces were landed
No 811 ggrHtloim Made Regarding the by the continental powers, which, on April
was by disease in camp and field, officers and strongly intrenched.
6, through their ambassadors and envoys, [ until noon of April 23 to reply.
Government of Our New Territories— ; addressed to the executive an expression
i June 22 the advance of the invading
The demand, although, as above shown, ; and men Included, only five.
made known to the Snan- I The national defense fund of $50,000,000 army under Major-General Shafter landed
Foreign Relations Generally Hutis- of hope that humanity and moderation officially
expended in large part by the at Daiquiri, about 15 miles east of Santi
might mark the course of this govern I«h envoy her*»., was not delivered at M »d- was
factory —Hawaiian Annexation.
After the instructions reached Gen- ; army and the navy, and the objects for ago. This was accomplished under great
ment and people, and that further nego i rid.
'
eral
Woodford
on
the
morning
of
April
21,
which it was used are fully shown in the difficulties, but with marvelous dispatch.
tiations would lead to an attempt, which,
but before he could present them, reports of the several secretaries. It was On June 23 the movement against Santiago
To the Senate and House of Representa while securing the maintenance of peace, the
Spanish
minister
of otate
no a most timely appropriation, enabling the was begun.
tives: Notwithstanding the added burdens would affirm all necessary guarantees for tified
On the 24th the first serious engagement
him
that
upon
the
presi- government to strengthen its defenses and
rendered necessary by the war, our people the re-establishment of order in Cuba.
I
dent
’
s
approval
of
the
joint
res
to make preparations greatly needed in took place in which the First and Tenth
In responding to that presentation I
rejoice in a very satisfactory and steadily
cavalry and the First volunteer cavalry,
olution the Madrid government, regarding
increasing degree of prosperity, evidenced also shared the hope which the envoys had j the act as “equivalent to an evident dec- case of war. This fund being inadequate General Young’s brigade of General
by the largest volume of business ever expressed, that peace might be preserved | laration of war,” had ordered its minister to the requirements of equipment and for Wheeler’s division, participated, losing
recorded. Every manufacture has been , in a manner to terminate the chronic con- [ in Washington to withdraw, thereby the conduct of the war, the patriotism of heavily.
By nightfall, however, ground
productive, agricultural pursuits have I ditlon of disturbance in Cuba, so lnjuri- 1 breaking off diplomatic relations between : congress provided the means in the war ■within five miles of Santiago was won.
yielded abundant returns, labor in the ous and menacing to our interests and i the two countries and ceasing all official revenue act of June 13 by authorizing a The advantage was steadily increased.
fields of industry is better rewarded, rev | tranquillity, as well as shocking to our i communication between their respective 3 per cent popular loan, not to exceed On July 1 a severe battle took place, our
$400,000,000, and by levying additional im
enue legislation passed by the present I sentiments of humanity; and, while ap- countries.
forces gaining the outer works of Santiago,
General Woodford thereupon
congress has increased the treasury’s re | predating the humanitarian and disinter- demanded his passports and quitted Mad posts and taxes. Of the authorized loan, | and El Caney and San Juan were taken
.. 10,000,000 w as offered and promptly taken,
ceipts to the amount estimated by its ; ested character of tin* communication they rid on the Fame day.
' the subscriptions so far exceeding the after a desperate charge and the invest
authors, the finances of the government had adopted on behalf of the powers, I
Spain, having thu« denied the demand of
ment of the city was completed. The
have been successfully administered and stated the confidence of this govern the United States, and initiated that com call as to cover it many times over. 1 navy co-operated by shelling the town
its credit advanced to the first rank; while ment on Its part that equal appreciation plete form of rupture of relations which i While preference was given to the small- J and the coast forts.
Its currency has been maintained at the would be shown for its earnest and un attends a state of war, the executive pow ’ er bids, no single allotment exceeded .
IJeMtruction of the Armada.
world’s highest standard. Military serv selfish endeavors to fulfill a duty of hu ers authorized by the resolution were used ! $5000. This was a most encouraging and I
ice under a common flag and for a manity by ending a situation, the indefi by me to meet the enlarged contingency of i significant result, showing the vast re- I On tlm day following this brilliant
righteous cause has strengthened the nite prolongation of which had become actual war between Spain and the United sources of the nation and the détermina- , achievement of our land forces, July 3,
tion of the people to uphold their coun occurred the decisive naval combat of the
national spirit and served to cement more insuff« rable.
States.
war. The Spanish fleet, attempting to
PropoMal of on Armistice.
closely than ever the fraternal bonds be
On April 22 I procla’med a blockade of try’s honor.
leave the harbor, was met by the Ameri
Still animated by the hope of a peace the northern coast of Cuba, including
tween every section of the country.
PROGRESS OF THE CONFLICT.
can squadron under command of Commo
A review of the relations of the United ful solution and obeying the dictates of ports on said coast between Cardenas and
dore Sampson. In less than three hours
States to other powers, always appropri i duty, no effort was relaxed to bring about Bahia Honda and the port of Cienfuegos,
Brilliant
S«»rieH
of
Victories
for
all the Spanish ships were destroyed.
ate, is this year of primary importance, a speedy ending of the Cuban struggle. on the south coast of Cuba; and on the 23d
Two
torpedo-boat® were sunk and the Ma
American
Arms.
in view of the momentous issues which Negotiations to this effect continued I called for volunteers to execute the pur
ria Teresa, Almirante Oquendo, Vizcaya
have risen, demanding in one instance the l actively with the government of Spain
pose
of
the
resolution.
and Cristobal Colon were driven ashore.
ultimate determination by arms ami In 1 looking to the immediate conclusion of a
It is not within the province of this The Spanish admiral and over 1300 men
The Declaration of War.
volving far-reaching consequences which six months’ armistice in Cuba with a
message to narrate the history of the were taken prisoners. While the enemy’s
Ry my message of April 25, congress was
will require the earnest attention of the | view to effect the recognition of her peo
extraordinary war that followed
the loss of life was deplorably large, some
ple's right to indep'’iid<’lir<’. IP sides tills,
Informed of the situation, and I recom
congress.
In my last annual message, very full the instant revocation of the order of re- mended formal declaration of the exist Spanish declaration of April 21, but a 200 perishing, on our side but one man
consideration was given to the question concentration was asked, so that the suf ence of a .state of war between the United brief recital of its more salient features was killed and one man seriously wounded.
of the duty of the government of the ferers, returning to their homes and States and Spain. Congress accordingly is appropriate. The first encounter of the Although our ships were repeatedly struck,
United States toward Spain and the Cu aided by united American and Spanish voted on the same day the act approved war in point of date took place April not one was seriously Injured. The men
ban insurrection, as being by far the effort, might be put in a way to support April 25, 1898, declaring the existence of 27, when, a detachment of the blockading also conspicuously distinguished them
most important problem with which we themselves, and by orderly resumption of such war from und including the 21st day squadron made a reconnoissance in force selves, from the commanders to the gun
were called upon to deal. The considera the well-nigh destroyed productive ener of April, and re-enacted the provision of at Matanzas, shelled the harbor fortifica ners and the unnamed heroes in the
tions then advanced, and the exposition gies of the island contribute to the res the resolution of April 20, directing the tions and demolished several new works boiler-rooms, each and all contributing
toward the achievement of this astound
of the views therein expressed, disclosed toration of its tranquillity and well-being. president to use all the armed forces of the in construction.
ing victory, for which neither ancient nor
my sense of the extreme gravity of the
Negotiations continued for some little nation to carry that act into effect.
Dewey at Manila.
modern history affords a parallel in the
time at Madrid, resulting in offers by the
•It nation.
Due notification of the existence of war
The next engagement was destined to completeness of the event and the marvel
Setting aside, ns logically unfounded Spanish government which could not but as aforesaid was given April 25 by tele mark a memorable epoch in maritime war
or
practically
inadmissible,
r<>cogni- be regarded as inadequate. It was pro graph to all the governments with which fare. The Pacific fleet, under Commo ous disproportion of casualties. It would
tion of the Cuban insurgents as belliger posed to confide the preparations of peace | the United States maintained relations, in dore George Dewey, had lain for some be Invidious to single out any for special
ents, recognition of the independence to the insular parliament, yet to be con order that their neutrality might be as weeks at Hong Kong. Upon the colonial honor. Deserved promotion has rewarded
of Cuba, neutral intervention to end the vened under the Autonomous decrees of i sured during the war. The various govern proclamation of neutrality being issued the mere conspicuous actors—the nation’s
w . h by ImpoH.iig a rational coin promts.)
November, 1897, but without impairment i ments responded with proclamations of and the customary 24 hours’ notice being profoundest gratitude is due to all of those
brave men who by their skill and devo
between the contestants, intervention in In anywise of the constitutional powers I neutrality, each after its own method.
It given, it repaired to Mirs bay, near Hong
favor of one or the other party and the of the Madrid government, which to that I is not among the least gratifying incidents Kong, whence it proceeded to the Philip tion in a few short hours crushed the sea
forcible annexation of the island, I con end would grant an armistice, if solicited j of the struggle that the obligations of pine islands under telegraphic orders to power of Spain and wrought a triumph
whose decisiveness and far-reaching ef
cluded It was honestly due to our friendly by the insurgents, for such time as the
capture or destroy the formidable Span fects can scarcely be measured. Nor can
relations with Spain that she should be general-in-chief might see fit to fix. How neutrality were impartially discharged by
ish
fleet
then
assembled
at
Manila.
At
all,
often
under
delicate
and
difficult
cir
we be unmindful of the achievements of
given a reasonable chance to realize her and with what scope of discretionary
daybreak on May 1 the American force our builders, mechanics and artisans for
expectations of reform to which she had powers the Insular parliament was ex cumstances.
entered
Manila
bay,
and
after
a
few
hours'
In
further
fulfillment
of
International
their skill in the construction of our war
become irrevocably committed.
pected to set about the “preparation of
engagement effected the total destruction ships.
Within a few weeks previously she peace” did not appear. If it was to be duty, I Issued, April 26, a proclamation an
of
the
Spanish
fleet,
consisting
of
10
war
nouncing
the
treatment
proposed
to
be
ac
With the catastrophe of Santiago,
had
announced comprehensive
plans by negotiation with the insurgents, the |
which it was confidently asserted would i.Msue seemed to rest on the one side with corded to ves.«< Is and their cargoes as to ships and a transport, besides capturing Spain’s effort upon the ocean virtually
the
naval
station
and
forts
at
Cavite,
thus
ceased. A sriasmodic effort toward the
be efficacious to remedy the evils so a body chosen by that faction of the elec blockade, contraband, the exercise of the
deeply affecting our own country, so In tors in the districts under Spanish con right of subjects and the immunity of neu annihilating the Spanish naval power in end of June to send her Mediterranean
the
Pacific
ocean
and
completely
control
tral
flags
and
neutral
goods
under
the
fleet, under Admiral Camara, to relieve
jurious to the true interests of
the trol, and on tlie other, with the insurgent
mother country, us well as to those of population holding the interior country, enemy’s flag. A similar proclamation was ling the bay of Manila, with the ability Manila was abandoned, the expedition be
to
take
the
city
at
will.
Not
a
life
was
ing recalled after it had passed through
made by the Spanish government. Jn the
Cuba, and so repugnant to the universal unrepresented in the so-called parliament,
lost on our ships, the wounded number
sentiment of humanity.
and defiant at the suggestion of suing for conduct of hostilities, the rules of the ing only seven, while not a vessel wag the Suez canal.
declaration
of
Paris,
including
abstention
Surrender of Santiago.
peace.
Failure of Autonomy.
For
this
gallant
from resort to privateering, have accord materially injured.
The capitulation of Santiago followed.
Authority to Intervene.
achievement congress, upon my recom
The ensuing months brought little sign
ingly
been
observed
by
both
belligerents,
The
city
was closely besieged by land,
Grieved and disappointed at this barren
of real progress toward the pneltleatlon
although neither was a party to that dec mendation, fitly bestowed up >n the actors while the entrance of our ships into the
preferment and substantial rt ward.
of Cuba. The autonomous administra outcome of my sincere endeavors to reach laration.
The effect of this remarkable victory harbor cut off all relief on that side. After
tion set up In the capital and some of a practicable solution, I felt it my duty to
Meeting th«' IbnerR-ency.
truce to allow of the removal of the
upon the spirit of our people and upon the a
the principal cltle* npp» nred not to gain I remit the whole question to congress. In
Our country thu.9. after an interval of fortunes of the war was instant. A prestige noncombatants, protracted negotiations
the favor of the Inhabitants nor to be the message of April 11, 1898, I announced
continued
from July 3 until July 15. when,
half
a
century
of
peace
with
all
nations,
of invincibility thereby attached to our
able to extend their Influence to the largo that with thiw last overture In the direc
menace of immediate assault, the
extent of territory held by the Insurgents, tion of immediate peace in Cuba and its found itself engaged in deadly conflict with arms which continued throughout the under
preliminaries of surrender were agreed
while the military army, obviously unable disappointing reception by Spain the ef a foreign enemy. Every nerve was strained struggle. Reinforcements w« re hurried to
to cope with the still active rebellion, fort of the executive was brought to an to meet the emergency. The response to Manila under the command of Major-Cen- upon. On the 17th General Shafter occu
pied
the city. The capitulation embraced
I again reviewed the alternativo the initial call for 125,000 volunteers was eral Merritt and firmly established within
continued many of the most objectionable end.
and offensive policies of the government course of action which I had prepared, Instant and complete, as was also the re sight of the capital which lay helpless be the entire eastern end of Cuba. The num
On the 7th day of May ber of Spanish soldiers surrendered was
that bad preceded It. No tangible relief concluding that the only course consonant sult of the second call, of May 5, for 75.000 fore our guns.
was afforded the vast numbers of un with international policy and compatible additional volunteers. The ranks of the the government was advised officially of 22,000, all of whom were subsequently con
happy reconccntrados. despite th,1 reit witli our firmly set historical traditions regular army were increased to the limit the victory at Manila, and at once inquired veyed to Spain at the charge of the
erate»! professions made In that regard was intervention as a neutral to stop the provided by the act of April 23. The en of the commander of our fleet what troops United States. The story of this success
The information was re ful campaign is told in the report of the
and the amount appropriated by Spain lo war and check the hopeless sacrifice of listed force of the navy on the 15th of were required.
that end. The proffered expedient of life, even though that resort involved August, when it reached its maximum, ceived on the 15th day of May, and the secretary of war w’hich will be laid be
sones of cultivation proved Illusory: In “hostile constraint upon both part lee to numbered 24,123 mon and apprentices. One first army expedition sailed May 25 and fore you.
The individual valor of officers and sol
deed. no less practical nor more delusive the contest, ns well to enforce a truce as hundred and three vessels were added to arrived at Manila June 30. Other expedi
the navy by purchase, one was presented tions soon followed, the total force con diers was never more strikingly shown
promises of succor could well have been to provide for eventual settlement.”
than in the several engagements leading
The grounds justifying that step were to the government, one leas« d and four ves sisting of 641 officers and 15,058 men.
tendered to the exhausted an.l destitute
to the surrender of Santiago, while the
people, stripped of all that made life ami the Interests of humanity; the duty to sels of the International Navigation Com-
No Divided \ ictory.
prompt movements and successive victo
home dear, und herded In a strange re protect the life and property of our citi pany.
St.
Louis,
the
Paul,
St.
Only reluctance to cause needless lot’s
gion among unsympathetic strangers zens in Cuba; the right to chick injury to Nt w
Paris,
were
char- of life and property prevented the early ries won instant and universal applause.
Y’ork
and
our commerce and people through the dev tered.
hat ally leas necessitous than tlumselves
the storming and capture of the city, and To the.®* who gained this complete tri
addition
to
these ,
In
end of J leeember the mortality astation of the island, and, most impor revenue cutters and lighthouse tenders therewith the aiieoiute military occupation umph which established the ascendency
lly the i.™
of the United States upon land as the fight
among them had frlglilfully Increaavd. tant, the med of removing at once and were turned over to the navy department of the whole group.
The insurgents, ■
Conservative estimate* from Spanish fore\er th«' constant menace and the bur and became temporarily a part of the aux meanwhile, had resumed the active hos off Santiago had fixed our supremacy on
sources placed the deaths among these dens entailed upon our government by the iliary navy. The maximum effective fight tilities suspended by ’he uncompleted the seas, the earneat and lasting gratitude
nt over to |>er eent from uncertainties and perils of the situation ing force of the navy during tlie war, sep truce of December. 1897. Their forces in of the nation is unsparingly due. Nor
distressed pc. iple
.
should we alone remember the gallantry
tenera! Weyler ’s deeree of caused by the unendurable disturbance arated into classes, was as follows:
the time General
vested Manila on the northern and east of the living; the dead claim our tears,
reconcentration was enforced. With the In Cuba. I said: “The long trial has
Four battle-ships of the first class, 1 bat ern sidd, but were constrained by Admiral and our losses by battle and disease must
...■null SI ern e of the Spanish authorities, a proved that the object for which Spain tle-ship of the second class, 2 armored Dewey an ! General Merritt from attempt-
■ , • * -- —-tl.-F 1... ..Illlt-llll
scheme was mloptec il for relief by charitn- I has waged the war cannot be attained. cruisers. 6 coast-defense monitors. 1 ar ; ing an assault. It was fitting that what- cloud any exultatipn at the result anti
ble contribution» ralsed in this country | The tire of Insurrection may flame or may mored ram, 12 protected cruisers, 3 unpro j ever was to be done in the way of de- teach us to weigh the awful cost of war,
however rightful the cause or however
i'Teetion of the smolder with varying seasons, but it has
and distributed, under the din
tected cruisers, 18 gunboats. 1 dynamite ■ cisive operations in that quarter should be ,
consul-general und the several consuls. I not been and It is plain that It cannot be cruiser, 11 torpedo-boats, 14 old vessels of accomplished by the strong arm of the ! signal the victory.
Invasion of Port«» Rico.
by noble and earnest Individual effort .’Xtlneuished b\ the present nu’^od The the old navy, including monitors.
I Unite«! States alone.
organised
With the fall of Santiago, the occupa
through the ct®-
“--* ‘ agencies of the I only hope of relief and repose from a con
Auxiliary cruisers—28 converted yachts. | Obeying the stern precept of war, which
Thousands
of
Ilves
dition
which
can
no
longer
be
endured
American Red Gross.
27 converted tugs, 19 converted colliers. •» i enjoins the overcoming of the adversary » tion of Porto Rico became the next strat
were thus Kuvril. but many thousand» Is the enforced pacification of Cuba. In revenue cutters, 4 lighthouse tenders and and the extinction of his power wherever , egic necessity. General Miles had pre
more ware IniMSeewlble to euch form» of tho name of humanity, In the name of 19 miscellaneous vessels.
| assailable as the speedy and «ure means , viously been assigned to organize an ex
civilisation, In behalf of endangered Amer
aid
Much alarm was felt along the entire to win a peace, divided victory was not pedition for that purpose. Fortunately,
war
continued
on
the
old
footing
ican
interests
which
give
us
the
right
The
he was already at San iago, where he had
—«73 plan, developing and duty to .«peak and to act, the war in Atlantic seaboard lest an attack might be I permissible, for no partition of the rights arrived on the 11th of July with reinforce
without comprehensive
made by the enemy. Every precaution i and responsibilities attending the enforce
asmodic
encounters. l»nr- Cuba must stop.”
only the same spasm«?
‘
ments for Gt neral Shafter’s army. With
ment
of
a
just
and
advantageous
peace
result,
that had marked
In view of all this congress was asked to was taken to prevent possible injury to could be thought of.
yen of strategic rvsu
..............
t
these troops, consisting of 3415 Infantry
the course of the earlier 10 years rebel authorize and empower the president to our great cities lying along the coast.
Following the adoption of a comprehen and artillery, two companies of engineers
lion. a« well as the present Insurrection take measures to secure a full and final Temporary garrisons were provided, drawn sive scheme of general attack, powerful and one company of the signal corps, Gen
from Its start. No alternative save physi termination of hostilities between Spain from the state militia and infantry, and forces were assembled at various points on eral Miles left Guantanamo July 21. Wav
cal exhaustion of either combatant, ami and the people of Cuba ami to secure to light batteries were drawn from the volun our const to invade Cuba an«l Porto Rico. ing nine transports convoyed by the fleet
then withal the practical ruin of the Isl the Island the establishment of a stable teer force. About 12.(*M) troops were thus Meanwhile, naval demonstrations were under Captain Higginson, with the Mas
and. lay In sight, but how tar distant no government, capable of maintaining or employed. The coast signal serv re was made at several exposed points.
May 11 sachusetts (flagship). Dixie. Gloucester,
one could venture to conjecture.
der ami observing its international obli established for observing the approach of i the cruiser Wilmington an«! torpedo-boat Columbia and Yale, the two latter carry
gations. in securing peace and tranquil an enemy’s ships to the coast of the Unit j Wlns’ow were unsuccessful in an attempt ing troops. The expedition landed at
Destruction of the Maine.
At this juncture, on th® 15th of Febru lity and the security of Its citizens as ed State® and the lighthouse service co . to silence the batteries at Cardenas, in Guanica July 25. which ¡»ort was entered
ary last. occurred the destruction of the well as our own. anti for the accomplish, operated, which enabled the navy depart Matanzas. Ensign Worth Bagley and four with little opposition. Here the fleet was
battle-ship Maine, while rightfully lying ment of those ends to use the military and ment to have all portions of the Atlantic seamen falling. These grievous fatalities joined by the Annapolis and Wasp, while
In the harbor of Havana on a mission of naval forces of the United States aa coast from Maine to Texas under observa were strangely enough among the very the Puritan and Amphitrite went to San
I few which occurred during our naval Juan and joined the New Orleans, which
international courtesy and good will, a might be necessary, with added authority tion.
The auxiliary navy was created under ; operations In this extraordinary conflict. j was engag'd in blockading that port. The
catastrophe the suspicious nature and to continue generous relief to the starv
the authority of congress, and was offi
Meanwhile, the Spanish naval prepara major-general commanding was subse
horror of which stirred the nation’s heart ing people of Cuba.
The response of congress, after nine day« cered and manned by the naval militia of tions ha<! been pushe«! with great vigor. quently reinforced by General Schwann’s
profoundly. It is a striking evidence of
of
earnest
deliberation,
during
which
the
the
several
states.
This
organization
pa
A powerful squadron under Admiral Cer- brigade of the Third army corps, by Gen
the poise and sturdy good sense dlstln
gulshing our national character that this almost unanimous sentiment of your body trolled the coast and performed tlie duty vera. which ha 1 assembled at the Cape eral Wilson with a part of h!s division,
was
developed
on
every
point,
eave
as
to
of
a
second
arm
of
defense.
Verde
islands before the beginning of hos- and also by General Brooke, with a part
sho< king blow, falling upon a generous
I
1 tilitles, had crossed the Atlantic ocean and of his corps, numbering in all 16 973 officers
people already deeply touched by pre the expediency of coupling the pr »p
Defense of the Coast I.ine.
action
with
a
formal
recognition
of
the
ceding events In Cuba. did not move them
Under the direction of the chief engi by its erratic movements in the Caribbean and mtn. On July 27 he entered Ponce,
to desperate resolve to tolerate no longer republic of Cuba as the true and lawful neer. submarine mints wa re placed at the sea lelayed our military operations, while one of the most Important points in the
i
government
of
that
Island
i
proposition
For a island, from which he thereafter directed
the existence of a condition of danger and
m<*t t xposed |K»ints. Before the war baffling the pursuit of our fleets.
disorder at our doors that made possible which failed of adoption, the congress, permanent mining casemates and cable time fear® were felt lest the Oregon and operations for the rapture of the island.
after
a
conference
on
th<>19th
of
April,
by
With the exception of encounters with
such a deed by whomsoever wrought.
galleries had been placet! in all important Marietta, then near.ng home after their
Yet the instinct of justice prevailed, and a vote of 42 to 34 In the senate and 311 to harbors. Most of the torpedo material long voyage from San Francisco of over the enemy at Guayama. Htrmiguerez.
I 6 In the houas. passed the memorable joint
15.
0W
miles,
might
be
surprised
by
Adm
ral
Coamo
and Yauco, an«! an attack on a
the nation anxiously awaited the result
was not to be found In the market, anti
Cervera’s fleet, but their fortunate arrivxl force landed at Cape Sa:i Juan, there was
ef the searching Investigation at once set , resolution declaring:
had to be specially manufactured. Under dispelled
“
First
That
the
people
of
the
island
of
the apprehensions and lent much no serious resistance. The campaign was
on foot. The finding of the naval board
date of April 1. district officers wers di
of Inquiry established that the origin of Cuba are, an.l by right ought to be. fre® rected to take all preliminary measures, needed reinforcements. Not until Admiral prosecuted with great vigor, and by th®
an«l
Independent.
Cervera
took refuge in the harbor of 12th of August much of the island was in
the explosion was external by a subma i “Second Th U It Is the duty of the Unite! short of the actual attaching of the kad-
Santiago de Cuba, about May 9. was it
rine mine and only halted, through lack
eit mines to the cable, and on April 22 practicable to plan a systematic military our possession, and the acquisition of the
I
States
and
the
goiernment
of
the
XTnited
remainder was only a matter of a short
©f posithe testimony, to fix the responsi Rtatva hereby demands thtt the govern telegraphic ordars were issued to place the
attack upon th® Antillean possessions of time.
bility of its authorship.
ment of Spain at ©nee relinquish Its au- loaded mines In position. The aggregate Spain.
At most of th*' points In the island our
: thorlty tn the Island of Cuba and with number of mines placed was 1355, at tbs
PKI-1P IH vnoxs FOR U IH.
Several demonstrations occnrr*d on the troops were enthusiastically welcomed.
draw It* land and naval forces from Cuba principal harbors from Maine to Califor coast of Cuba and Porto Rico In prepara Protestations of loyalty to the flag and
nia. Preparations w« re also made for the tion for thA larger event. On May 13 the
Cowgrees* Appropriation «»f Fifty Mil an I Cut»an water*.
gratitude for delivery from Spanish rule
“Third That the president of the United planting of mines at certain other harbors, North Atlantic squadr-'n shelled flan Juan met our command- rs at every stage.
lions for National Defense.
| gtate* b® and is hereby directed and rm- but owing to th® early destruction of the de Porto Rico. On May 3»> Commodore
As a potent Influence toward peace the
1 powered to use the entire land and naval Spanish fleet the mines were not placet!.
flchl*v a squadron bombarded the forts outcome of the Porto Rican expedition
All thos® things carried conviction to K'rces of the United States and the militia
The signal corps was promptly organ guarding the mouth of Santiago harbor. Is due to those who participated in it.
the most thoughtful, even before the of the several states to such extent aa ised and performed servic® of the most
Neither attack had any material reeult. It
finding of the naval court, that a crisis may be necessary to carry these rvaulu- difficult and Important character.
Vkst Battle nf the War.
Its was evident that well-onlered lan«! opera- ,
in our relations with Spain and toward | tiona Into effect.
operations during the war covtrtd th® tlon® w*re Indispensable to achieve a de- . The last seen® of th® war was enacted
Cuba was at hand. Sc strong was this
“Fourth That the United States hereby •l®ctrical connection of all coast fort 1 flea - ( elded advantage.
at Manila. Its starting place. On August
I 15, after a brief assault upon the works
by the land forces, in which the squadron
assisted, the capital surrendered uncondi
tionally. Th- casualties were compara
tively few. By this conquest of the Phil
ippine islands.
virtually accomplished
when the Spanish capacity for resistance
was destroyed by Admiral Dew’ey’s vic
tory of the first of May. the result of th®
war was formally sealed. To General
Merritt, his officers and men. for their un
complaining and devoted services, for their
gallantry in action, the nation is sincerely
grateful. Th« Ir long voyage was made
with singular success, and the soldierly
conduct of the men. of whom many were
without previous experience in the mili
tary service, deserves unmeasured praise.
Yamhill County Reporter
I Ml MESSAGE
Total CuNualtieM.
I
|
OUR LATE WAR A FEATURE
:
,
The total casualties in killed and wound
ed in the army during the war was as fol-
lows:
Officers killed, 23; enlisted men killed,
257; total, 280; officers wounded, 113; en
listed men wounded. 1464; total, 1577.
Of the navy, killed, 17; wounded, 67;
died as result of wounds, 1; invalided from
service, 6; total, 91.
It will be observed that w’hile our navy
was engaged in two great battles and in
numerous perilous undertakings in th®
blockades and bombardments, and more
than 50,000 of our troops w’ere transported
to distant lands and engaged in assault
and siege and battle and many skirmishes
in unfamiliar territory. wre lost in both
arms of the service a total of 1668 killed
and wounded, and in the entire campaign
by land and se-a we did not lose a gun or
a flag, or a transport or a ship, and. with
the exception of th** crew’ of the Merri
mac, not a soldier or sailor was taken
prisoner.
On August 7. 46 days from the date of
landing of General Shafter’s army in
Cuba, and 21 days from the surrender of
Santiago, the« United States troops com
menced embarkation for home, and our
entire force was returned to the United
States as early as August 24. They wore
absent from the United States only two
months.
The Red Cross.
j
|
'
j
|
j
,
[
|
In this connection it is a pleasure for
me to mention in terms of cordial appro
bation the timely and useful work of th®
American National Red Cross, both in
relief measures preparatory to the cam-
paigns, in sanitary assistance at several
of the camps of assemblage, and, later,
under the able and experienced leadership
of the president of the society. Miss Clara
Barton, on the fields of battle and in the
hospitals at the front in Cuba. Working
in conjunction with the government
authorities and under their sanction and
approval, and with the enthusiastic co
operation of many patriotic women and
societies in the various states, the Red
Cross has fully maintained its already
high reputation for intense earnestness
and ability to exercise the noble purposes
of Its organization, thus justifying the
confidence and support w’hich it has re-
ceived at the hands of the American peo
ple. To the members and officers of this
society, and all who aided them in their
philanthropic w’ork, the sincere and last
ing gratitude of the soldiers and the pub
lic is due and is freely accorded.
I’EAC’E NEGOTIATIONS.
Spain*® Overture® for a Cessation of
Hostilities.
The annihilation of Admiral Cervera’s
fleet, followed by the capitulation of San
tiago, having brought to the Spanish gov
ernment a realizing sense of the hopeless
ness of continuing a struggle now becom
ing wholly unequal, it made overtures of
peace through the French ambassador,
who, with the assent of his government,
had acted as the friendly /representative
of Spain’s interests during the w’ar. On
the 26th of July, M. Cambon presented a
communication, signed by the Duke of
Almodovar, the Spanish minister of state,
inviting the United States to state th®
terms upon which it would be willing to
make peace. July 30, by a communication
addressed to the Duke of Almodovar, and
handed by M. Cambon, the terms of this
government were announced substantially
in the protocol, afterw’ards signed. On
August 10, the Spanish reply dated August
7 was handed by M. Cambon to the sec
retary of state. It accepted uncondi
tionally the terms imposed as to Cuba,
Porto Rico, and an island of the Ladrone
group, but appeared to seek to introduce
inadmissible reservations in regard to our
demand as to the Philippines.
Conceiving that discussion on this point
could neither be practicable nor profitable,
I directed that, in order to avoid mis
understanding. the matter should b®
forthwith closed by proposing the em
bodiment in a formal protocol of th®
terms in which the n* gotiations for peace
w’ere undertaken. The vague and inex
plicit suggestions of the Spanish not®
could not be accepted, the only reply be
ing to present as a virtual ultimatum a
draft of the protocol, embodying the pre
cise terms tendered to Spain in our not®
of July 30, which added stipulations of
details as to the appointment of «com
missioners to arrange for the evacuation
of the Spanish Antilles. On August 12,
M. Cambon announced his receipt of full
powers to sign the protocol as submitted.
Term« of tlie Protocol.
Accordingly, on the afternoon of August
12, M. Cambon as the plenipotentiary of
Spain and the secretary of state, as the
plenipotentiary of th«' United States,
signed the protocol providing:
’Article 1. Spain will relinquish all
claim of sovereignty over and title to
Cuba.
“Article 2. Spain will cede to the United
States the island of Porto Rico and other
islands now under Spanish sovereignty in
the West Indies, and also an island in
the Ladroqes to be selected by the United
States.
“Article 3. The United States will occu
py and hold the city, bay and harbor of
Manila, pending the conclusion of a treaty
of peace, which shall determine the con
trol. disposition and government of th®
Philippines.’’
The fourth article provided for the ap
pointment of joint commissions on th®
part of the United States and Spain to
meet in Havana and San Juan, respective
ly. for the purpose of arranging and car
rying out the details of the stipulated
evacuation of Cuba. Porto Rico and other
Spanish islands in the West Indies.
The fifth article provided for the ap
pointment of not more than five commis
si ners on each side to meet at Paris not
later than October 1. ar.d to proceed to
the negotiation and conclusion of a
treaty of peace, subject to ratification ac
cording to the respective constitutional
forma of the two countries.
The sixth and last article provides that
upon the signing of the protocol, hostili
ties between the two countries shall be
suspended, and that notice to that effect
should be given as soon as possible by
each government to the commanders of
its naval forces.
•
Immediately upon th*» conclusion of the
protocol, I issued the proclamation of Au
gust 12, suspending hostilities on the part
of the United State®. The necessary or
ders to that end were at once given by tel
egraph. The blockade of the p rts of Cu
ba and of San Juan d.- Porto Rico was ia
l.ke manner raised. On August 18. the
muster-out of lft).<)00 volunteers, or as near
that number as wm found to be practica
ble, was ordere«]. On December 1, 101,655 of
ficer® and men had been mustered out and
discharged from the eervlce;
m:re w.il
be mustered out by the loth of the month;
a^o a corresponding number of generals
and general staff off! ers have been hon
orably discharged from the service.
The military commissions to superintend
the evacuation of Cuba, Porto Rico and
the adjacent islands wer® forthwith ap
pointed:
For Cub«—Major-Gmrra! Jam*«
F.
V»aJr, Rear-Admiral WUlam T Sampao«,