The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-12-05

Nyack
The Lancaster, recently attached to the squadron is
hor return the United States The following points
have been Waited during the year:vaparaso, Calao,
and the commercial ports between those points, the
Chincha Islands, Paytay Guayaquil, Panama and the
Straits OF Magellan
Events transprng on the coast OF Peru and Chile have
rendered presence Of the greater part of the Pacific
squadron necessary In that vicinity. In the absence o.
Rear Admiral Pearson on cruise 70 the sandwich
Islands. was declared and entered into between
these Powers and Spain. Information Of this fact was
despatched Rear Admiral Pearson with orders pro-
coed without loss Of time 10 Peru and Chile Those did
not reach him until his return to San Francisco With
little delay possible he proceeded 70 execute the
orders he received but before he arrived at Valparaiso
tho Spanish feet had bombarded the city nctng great
damage.
In anticipation Of active hostities between Spain and
the southern republics whereby American interests and
especially the shipping interest a. the Chincha Islands,
might be put In jeopardy the department had akep the
n the PscCoy sending thither special force consisting
OF the turretcd ronclad Monadnock and the steamers
Vanderbilt Tuscarora and Powhaan, under the COM
mand Of Commodore John Rodgers This officer reached
Valparaiso previous TO the bombardment Of that city,
and, apprehcndlng the Vows Of the department,
trymsn until tho arrival Of Rear Admiral Pearson The
appearance OF 20 distinguished commander, with for
midabe squadrc on the eve OF 80 important an occa-
0pportune and Fortunate
Inc courss pufsusd by Commodore Rodgers In pro.
tecting American interests and In observing and pre-
serving neutrality in the harbor, met with approval.
Whatever may have been his opinions or feelings as
CARDS the course which the Spanish admiral thought
force against or for either party. As the armed
representative Of this government, which was on
friendly terms with each Of the bellgerents, Il
became his duty while endeavorng TO mitigate the
harsh seventies Of war; to maintain strict neutrality
His friendly Offices In the Of humanity mani
tested long they could be effective; but the officers
OF other neutral powers having declined 70 unite In any
decided steps 70 protect the city, no alternative remained
for him pursue consistently with the position OF this
government towards tho parties than that which he
adopted.
place on tho 3lst OF March, the Spanish hsct retired
from before tho city and proceeded Callao Roar Ad
mral Pearson who reached Valparaiso on the l1th OF
April also proceeded 70 Caao. and present during
the attack on defences Of that port on ID day OF
May. No presented for him 70 depart from
the neutral position which had been takcn and which
has been strictly observed throughout shs contest,
towards these beligorents.
0UII SQUADRON.
Anhin Of public policy required that an organized
squadron should be continued In the Gulf Of Mexico.
Commodore John A. Winslow selected for that COM
mand and entered Upon his duties the tn day Of
May, 1894 Tho vsssels Of this squadron consist Of
GsnaR Zfms