Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-28
LIEUT.. HOBSON HERE AGAIN
Navy Department Conference Over Raising
the Colon.
Experience of the Hero of the Mer-
rimac Described by Some
of His Friends.

Lieut.. Hobson returned to Washington
last night and called at the Navy Depart
mont today to see Assistant Secretary
Allen in connection with the prosecution Of
the work Of raising the Spanish cruiser
Cristobal Colon. Mr.. Allen Immediately
called meeting Of the naval board, compos-
ed of himself, Capt Bradford and Construc-
tor Gilmor, to go over the propositions that
Mr.. Hots brought with him from the
wreckers at New York, and more than an
hour was spent in consultation. Mr.. Hob
sons recommendation in brief Is the pur
chase of all the pontoons to be had in this
country, some six in number, and an ex-
penditure of S20,O 600 for air bags to assist
in lifting the ship.
Hobson in Spanish Hands.
1t has developed that Hobson had hard
time of it portion of the time he was In
the hands Of the Spaniards in Santiago.
He does not care to talk on this phase OF
his imprisonment but some of his friends
are not so reticent.
Immediately after the capture of Hob
sons men by Admiral Cervera the Span
iards looked upon him with amazement as
hero whose gallantry far exceeded any
Spanish conception of what a man might
do for his country, and it was with great
chagrin that Admiral Cervera was pre-
vented by the Madrid authorities from re-
turning the heroic young officer and his
brave men to Admiral Sampson, but was
compelled to deliver them to the military
authorities ashore as prisoners of war. Gen.
Lnares deliberately placed Hobson and his
men in Moro Castle as shield against the
fire of SIMPSONS squadron, and he was
locked up there for five days in solitary
confinement in a filthy dungeon, under
conditions which must have soon resulted
in his serious illness and perhaps in death.
The treatment he received and the scanty
food given him were no better than those
accorded to a criminal condemned to exc
cution.
An Effectual Protest.
This punishment, however, was of short
duration, On account of the vigorous pro-
test which was made through a neutral
power to Spain. coupled with Admiral
Simpsons notice to the Spanish admiral
that he would be held personally respon-
sible for Hobson's welfare. Under these
circumstances Admiral Cervera interposed
his influence with General Linares, and
Hobson and his men were transferred TO
the barracks in the city. Here his solitary
confinement continued, but he could look
out of the window to the hills, with the
consolation that his captivity would be of
short duration. The food given to him
was of a wretched character, probably be-
cause the Spaniards themselves could spare
no better, but the British consul frequent
ly brought him delicacies from his own
table. A Spanish official was invariably
present, however, during these visits to
prohibit conversation, and no news of oc-
crrrences around him was permitted TO
reach Hobson. In this manner he was kept
in ignorance of the destruction of Ger
vera's fleet until his exchange was COM
pleted and he had entered the American
lines.
Lieut.. HObsOn ut the Treasury.
Lieutenant Richmond P. Hobson made a
call today upon Third Auditor of the Treas
ury William Youngblood at the Treasury
Department. Upon the fact becoming
known the clerks quickly left their desks
and assembled to obtain a glimpse and to
shake the hand of the hero of the Merri-
mac. Colonel Youngbiood took Lieutenant
Hobson and introduced him to the Secre-
tary and assistant secretary of the treas
ury. The crowds became SO great that
Lieutenant Hobson had to excuse himself
and rush through side door.