The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-06

batteries were, drawn from the volunteer
force. About y 600 troops were thus en-
pioyed. The coast signal service was es-
tabdshed for observing the approach of
an enemy's ships TO the coast of The United
States and the life saving and the light
house services .co-operated, which enabled
the navy department to have all portions
of the Atlantic coast. from Maine 10 Tex
as, under observation.
The auxiliary navy was created under
the authority of Congress and was Of
ticered and manned by the naval militia
of the several states. This organization
patrolled the coast and performed the duty
of a second line of defense.
other War Preparations.
Under the direction of the chief of en-
gineers submarine mines were paced at
the most exposed points. Before the out
break of the war permanent mining case
mates and cable galleries had been con-
structed at nearly all important harbors.
Most of the torpedo material was not TO
be found in the market and had to be spe-
cially manufactured.
Under daie of April 10, district officers
were directed to take preliminary meas
ures, short of the actual attaching of the
loaded mines to the cables, and on April
p. Geographic orders were issued to place
the loaded mines in position.
The aggregate number Of mines placed
was 1885, at the principal hnrbors from
Maine to California. The preparations
were also made for the planting of mines
at certain other harbors, but owing to the
early destruction Of the Spanish fleet these
mines were not placed.
The signal corps was promptly orgauiz-
ed and performed service of the most diff
flcuIt and important character. It's opera
tons during the war covered the electrical
connection of all coast Notifications, the
establishment of telephone and
Geographic facilities for the camps at Ma
Mia, Santiago and in Porto Rico. There
were constructed 300 miles of line a ten
great camps, thus facilitating military
movements from these points In a man
ner heretofore unknown in military admin
istraton. Fled telegraph lines were es-.
tablished and maintained under the enc
my's fire at Manila and later the Manila
Hong Kong cable was reopened.
in Porto Rico cable communications were
opened after discontinued route, and on
land the headquarters of the commandins
officer was kept in Geographic or tele-
phonc communication with the division
commanders on four different lines of OPP
eratlons.
There was placed in Cuban waters a
completely Quilted cable ship, with war
the destruction of communications belong
ing to the enemy and the establishment
of our own. Two ocean cables were de-
stroyed under the enemy batteries az SAN
tiago. The day previous to the landing of
Gen. Skaters corps at Caimanera within
twenty miles of the landing place, cable
communications were established and
cable station opened, giving direct com
munication with the government at Wash
ingtons = THIS service was sinvaluable to
the executive in directing the operations
of the army and navy. With a total force
of over 1900 the loss was by disease in
camp and field, officers and men included,
only five
The national defense fund of $4,000 600
was expended in large part by the army
and navy and the objects for which IL
was used are fully shown in the reports
of the several secretaries. It Was most
Timely appropriation, enabling the govern
ment to strengthen it's defenses and make
preparations greatly needed in case of war.
This fund being inadequate TO the re-
quirements OF equipment and for the con-
duct of the war, the patriotism OF Con-
Sress provided the means in the war reVe-
nue. act Of June 10 by authorizing per
cent. popular loan not to exceed 500 COO 600
and by leyying additional imports and
taxes. OF the authorized loan, S200 .000 90
was offered and promptly taken the sub
scriptions so far exceeding The call as 10
cover it many times over, While prefer
ence being given to the smaller bids no
single allotment exceeded $1,000 This was
a most encouraging and significant result.
showing the vast resources Of the nation
and the determination of the people so up
hold their countrys honor,
Salient Features OF the War.
1t is not within the province Of this mes
sage TO narrate the history of the extra
ordinary war that followed the decara-
lion of April o. but brief recital of Its
more salient features is appropriate
The first encounter of the war IN poin;
of date took place April q, when de-
tachment Of the blockading squadron made
a reconnaissance In force at Matanzas,
shelled the harbor fcEts and demolished
several new works in construction.
The next engagement was destined 20
mark memorable epoch in maritime war
fare. The Pacific feet. under Commodore
George Dewey had lain for some weeks
at Hong Kong. Upon the colonial proc
lamation Of neutrality being issued and
the customary twenty-four hours notice
being given, IL repaired to Mrs bay. near
Hong Kong, whence 1t proceeded to the
Philippine Islands under te.egraphed or
ders 10 capture or destroy the formidable
Spanish feet then assembled at Manila.
Al daybreak on the first Of May the Amer
lean force entered Manila bay and. after
few hours engagement, effected the
total destruction Of the Spanish feet con-
s.sting Of ten warships and a transport,
besides capturing the naval station al
Cavite, thus annhilating the Spanish ma
val power in The Pacific ocean and com
pletely controlling the bay Of Manila with
the ability to take the city at will Not
life was lost on our ships the wounded
only numbering seven, while not a vessel
was injured For this gallant achievement
the Congress. upon my recommendation,
fifty bestowed upon the actors prcferment
and substantial reward
The effect Of this remarkable victory
upon the spirit Of our people and upon
the fortunes Of the war; was instant.
prestige Of inyincibillty thereby attached
to our arms, which continued throughout
the struggle. Reinforcemenis were hur-
ried to Manila, under the command OF
Mai Gen Merritt and firmly established
within sight of the capital, which lay help
less before our guns.