Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1898-07-29
H0BS0N IN WASHINGTON
re Thinks the Colon and Two O,h.r.
Gun BE Saved.

Washington, July 22.-By far the most
PHEASANT feature of Yesterday was the
ARRIVAL at the navy department of the
hero OF the Merrimac. Secretary Inny
."i''e OUT OF his private office and grasp.
ing Hobson with both hands. said with
sincerity: Lieutenant, | am clad, very
glad. to see YOU
linen he drew him into his office, where
the lieutenant was introduced to Assist
ant Secretary Allen, and was greeted by
captain Crowninshield. Captain Bradford
and Pension Commissioner Evans. who
happened to drop III. He spent half an
houf IN conference with the secretary and
then returned to the club for rest.
Secretary Long stated that Hobson did
not bring the long expected report from
Admiral Sampson and his brother Off.
Gers on the destruction of the Cerve,a
fleet
The exact purpose of Hobson's visit
was explained by the following order
under which Lieutenant Hobson had
come to the United States:
limited States Flagship New York,
first rate, off Santiago de Cuba, July II,
lS9s.-Sir: You will proceed north on
the st. Paul to New York, thence yo,,
will proceed to Washington and report
to the secretary of the navy and acquaint
him with the object of your visit, as set
forth in my letter to him Of this date
regarding the work upon the Cristolal
Colon. Explain to him fully the posi-.
ton and condition of that ship and re-
ceive his instructions regarding it.
50 BE as expeditions as possible in
bringing the matter TO termination, in
order that if it is practicable to do 80
this fine ship may be saved to the United
States navy.
80. When the duty is completed you
of the navy. Otherwise you will return
to duty on board this ship. Very respect
fully, w. T. SAMPSON,
Rear Admiral, L. S. n, Commanding
L. S. Naval Force, North Atlantic
Squadron.
NAVAL Constructor r. P. Hobson, U
S. n, L. S. S. New York.
Called ON the President.
At 5:3 o'clock Lieutenant Hobsor
went to the white house to pay his re
spects to the president. Secretary Long
accompanied him. The president receiv
ed them in the cabinet room. He CAV,
Lieutenant Hobson most cordial greet
ing and paid him high tribute for wha
he regarded as one OF the most conspic
nous acts of gallantry in the history o
naval warfare.
Three Vessels May He Saved.
While discussing the object of his visi
here, Lieutenant Hobson informed Secrc
tary Long that two of the Spanish YES
sells of Cervera's squadron, the Rein;
! Mercedes and the lnfanta Maria eTres
would be saved certainly and he express
ed the utmost confidence that the CristO
bal Colon would be saved also. With re
spect to the Colon, Lieutenant Hobsol
differs from the wreeking experts VIII
were sent from the United States to floi
the vessel If possible. They are of tn
opinion that the Colon can aot be saved
They think she is so badly damaged, bot
by the shots from the fleet and by havin
been run on the shore that efforts to saw
her would be time and money wastet
Lieutenant IIobson is confident, however
that ii the proper appliances are emplo!
ed that the ship can be tloated and II
stored completely.
He is particularly anxious that ever
possible effort be made with the Colo
as he regards the ship as the finest I
her class that was ever constructed.