Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1898-12-08
BATTLE OF JULY THIRD.

BATTLE OF JULY THIRD.
son the day following this brilliant
achievement of our land forces, the third
of July, occurred the decisive naval COM
bat of the war. The Spanish feet, at
tempting to leave the harbor, was met by
the American squadron under command
of Commodore Sampson. In less than
three hours all the Spanish ships were de-
stroyed, the two torpedo boats being sunk
and the Maria Teresa, Alminrante Oquen-
do, Vizcaya and Cristobal Colon driven
ashore. The Spanish admiral and over
1900 men were taken prisoners, while
the enemy's loss of life was deplorably
large, some 600 perishing. On our side
but one man was killed on the Brook
I'm and one man seriously wounded. Al
though our ships were repeatedly struck,
not one was seriously injured. Where oil
90 conspicuously distinguished themselves,
flom the commanders to the gunners and
the unnamed heroes in the boiler rooms,
each and all contributing toward the
achievement of this astounding victory,
for which neither ancient nor modern his
tory affords parallel In the completeness
of the event and the marvellous dispropor-
ton of casualties, it would be invidious to
single out any for especial honor De-
served promotion has rewarded the more
conspi .;uous actors-the nations pro-
foundest gratitude is due to all of these
brave men who by their skill and devo'
ton in few short hours crushed the sea
power of Spain and wrought a triumph
whose decisiveness and far reaching con-
sequences can scarcely be measured. Nor
can we be unmindful of the achievement
of our builders, mechanics and artisans for
their skill in the construction Of our war;
ships"
The President recommends a military
government for Cuba until there is COM
plete tranquility in the island and stable
government inaugurated.
With the exception of rupture with
Spain he says tie intercourse OF the
JGted States with the great family OF
nations has been marked with cordially.
The final disposition Of the Philippines
is left for future discussion.
Reference is made to the necessity for
the construction of the Nicaragua canal,
and immediate legislation looking to that
end is urged
Attention is called to the need Of legis'
lation that will aid in expanding the east
ern trade, and the vast good that will ac-
crue to the country if there is wise legisla-
ton along that line.
Hawaii and Its condition as annexed
territory is discussed and recommends
tions made for its future government.
The standing appropriations are re-
commended and the necessity Of this
country obtaining adequate representa-
tion at the international exhibition of the
Belgiaus is pointed out.
The unjust restrictions placed on oul
cattle and meats by European nations, he
hoped would be modified
Congress is requested to take actor
with view to the immediate construc
ton Of the Nicaragua canal, which shoulc
be controlled by this government.
Appropriation is asked for commission
to study the trade conditions of the fal
east.
An increase to one million dollars o
the $3.50, 900 appropriation for the Pari
exposition is recommended.
The restrictions placed by European ma
tions upon various exports are expected
to be modified,
Reciprocity negotiations are being car
r4ed on with several nations, and al
agreement already having been close'
With France, is being noted as advanta
geous. :.
Congress is expected to provide a suit