The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1898-12-08
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WAR.
Leading Engagements and Thrilling
Achievement RecOunted.

1t Is not within the province of this mes
sage to narrate the history of the ex-
traordinary war that followed the Spanish
declaration of April q, but brief recital
date took eq paee Hpr e. when a 1 Getsc1 5
ment Of the blockading squadron made
shelled the harbor forts and demolished
several new works in construction.
Devey's Victory.
The next engagement was destined to
mark memor r epoch In MARITIME var IT.
Hong-Kong. Upon the colonial proclama-
customary "a hours notice being given. it
Whence it proceeded to the Philippine is.
The pen
assembled at Manila. At daybreak on the
LIST of May the American force entered Ma
ment Effected the total destruction Of the
Spanish fleet, consisting of ten warships
and a transport, besides ca turing. the
Initiating the Spanish power in the Pacific
ocean and completely controlling the Bay
of Manila, with the ability to take the city
the wounded only Numbering seven, While
not a vessel was materially injured. For
this gallant achievement the congress, up
on on theactors present permanent and sub
The effect Of this remarkable victory
fortunes a Of the war 1 was instant. < pres e
tige of Municipality thereby attached to
our arms, which continued throughout the
Manila under the command of Maj. Gen.
Merritt, and firmly established within sight
OF the capital, which lay helpless before
government was advised officially Of the
victory of Manila, and at once inquired of
the commander nm a Of our o feet i what troops
received on the 18th Of May, and the first
rived off Manila June 90. Other expeditions
Of GAL ofiicers and 15,c5s men,
Following the comprehensive scheme of
general attack powerful forces were as
invade Cuba and Porto Rico Meanwh anvil lie
| naval demonstrations were made at several
exposed points. On May II, the cruiser
were unsuccessful in an attempt to silence
the batteries at ,Cardenas. against Matan-
zas, Worth Bagley and four seamen fall
ly enough among the very few which oc-
| Cured during our naval operations in this
extraordinary conflict.
Advance of Cervera's Fleet.
Meanwhile the Spanish naval prepara-
lions had been pushed with great vigor. A
powerful squadron under Admiral Cervera,
which had assembled at the Cape Verde
before the outbreak Of
! movements in the Caribbean sea. delayed
our military operations while battling the
pursuit Of our f,eets; For Or time fears were
bearing home after their long voyage from
San Francisco of over 5,0o0 miles, might
but their fortunate arrival dispeiled these
forcements. Not until Admiral Cervcra
sboS tine 1as OF dc
plan q systematic military attack upon the
Antillean possessions of Spain.
coasts Of Cuba and Porto Rico in prepara-
North Atlantic squadron shelled San Juan
schiey's squadron bombarded the forts
guarding the mouth of Santiago harbor.
Neither attack had any material result. 1t
lions. were Indispensable to achieve a de-
scisive advantage.
HObson's Band Of Heroes.
The next act in the war thrilled not alone
the hearts of our countrymen but the world
it's aided 5y
devoted volunteers, blocked the narrow
outlet from Santiago harbor by sinking the
collier Merrimac in the channel. under a
| ing with their lives as by a miracle, but
falling into the hands of the Spaniards. It
is most gratifying incident of the war
heroes was cordially appreciated by the
| Spaniards, who sent a flag of truce to notify
Admiral Sampson of their safety and to
compliment them on their daring act. They
were subsequently exchanged July Z.
Fall of HlsuantanamD.
BY June Z the cutting Of the last Cuban
cable isolated the island. Thereafter the
invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On
June 10. under heavy protecting fire. q
landing Of GOO marines from the Oregon.