Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1898-12-09

tween Spain and the people Of Cuba and
to secure to the island the establishment
of IL stable government capable of MAIN
taining order and observing it's interna-
tional obligations, insuring peace and
tranquility and tho security of it's citi-
Zcns as our own, and for the accomplish
ment of those ends to use the military and
naval forces of the United States as might
be necessary, with added authority to
continue generous relief to the starving
people Of Cuba.
The president then reviews the debate
in congress upon the Cuban resolutions,
the notification sent to Spain and the
presenting of his passports to General
Woodfori. The proclamation of O state
Of war; the blockade of Cuban ports, the
calls for volunteers and tho response
thereto, the fitting out of auxiliary cruis-
crs, tho alarm felt along tho Atlantic
coast, the inauguration of the coast sig
nal service, the mining of hurbors is de-
tailsd. Tho work of the signal corps,
under which a. large mileage of military
telegraph lines was constructed is cspe-
cially praised. Tho authorization of bonds
to tho amount of si00,00O,000 and the loan
OF 2OO,0OOOOO, and the prompt manner in
which it was subscribed are mentioned.
Brief Recital Appropriate.
1t is not within the province of this mes
sage to narrate the history of the cxtraor-
dinary war that followed tho Spanish dec
laration Of April 2lst, but IL brief recital
OF its more salient features is appropriate.
The first encounter of the war, in point of
date, took place April ~, when u det,ch
mcnt of the blockading squadron made Il
reconnaissance in force at Mantanzas,
shcllcd the harbor forts and demolished
several new works in construction
The Engagement at Manila Bay.
The next engagement was destined to
mark memorable epoch in maritime
warfare. The Pacific fleet, under Commo-
dore George Dewey had lain for some
weeks at Hong Kong. Upon the colonial
proclamation of neutrality being issued
and tho customary 24 hours notice being
given, it repaired to Mrs bay near Hong
Kong, whence it proceeded to tho Philip.
pine islands, under telegraphic orders to
capture or destroy the formidable Spanish
fleet then assembled ut Manila. At day
break on May the American force
entered Manila buy, and after few hours
engagement effected the total destruc-
tion of the Spanish fleet, consist
ing of 10 warships and q transport,
besides capturing tho naval station and
forts ut Cavite, thus annihilating the
Spanish naval power in the Pacific ocean,
and completely controlling the bay of
Manila, with tho ability to take the city
at will. Not q life was lost on our ships,
the wounded only numbering seven, while
not vessel was materially injured. For
this gallant achievement the congress,
upon my recommendation, fifty bestowed
upon the actors preferment and substan-
tial recognition. The result of this re-
marlable victory upon the spirit of our
people and upon the fortunes Of the war
was instantaneous. A prestige of invinci-
bility thereby attached to our arms
which continued throughout the struggle.
Reinforcements were started to Manila
under the command Of Major General
Merritt and firmly established within
sight of the capital, which lay helpless be-
fore our guns. On tho eth day of May
the government was advised officially of
the victory at Manila and ut once in
quired Of the commander of our fleet what
troops would be required. Tho informa-
ton was received on the 18th day of May
and the first army expedition sailed May
25 and arrived off Manila June 30. Other
expeditions soon followed, the total force
consisting of 641 officers and s5,05s men.
Only reluctance to cause needless loss
of life and property prevented the early
storming and capture of the city, and
Herewith the absolute military occupancy
Of the group.
Following the comprehensive scheme Of
general attack, powerful forces were as
sembled ut various points on our coast to
invade Cuba and Porto Rico. Meanwhile
naval demonstrations were made at sew
eral exposed points.
On May 13, the North Atlantic SOUND
ron shelled San Juan dc Porto Rico.
On May 80, Commodore Schley's squad
ron bombarded the forts guarding the
mouth of Santiago harbor. Neither at
tack had any material result. It was evi-
dent that well ordered land operations
were indispensable to achieve q decisive
advantage.
The preliminary Cuban campaign is
next detailed, including the blockade Of
Santiago harbor, with Ceryera's fleet in
side. The heroism of Hobson and his
companions is especially mentioned as
thrilling the hearts not only Of A1neri-
cans, but Of the world as we'll" Tho
landing Of Shafter's army and the de-
oUl uCtAOA VI OCAS 1CCVS uI0 UCIoGly
though comprehensively reviewed
The destruction of the fleet of Cervera' S
vessels virtually broke Spain's sea power
and only spasmodic effort was made to
revive it. The attack on Santiago and
the surrender Of that place quickly fol-
lowed the achievement of the Atlantic
squadron. Following this came the oc-
cupation of Porto Rico, the remarkable
feature being the cordihlity with which
the American troops were received by the
native population of that island.
Second Battle of Manila.
The last scene of the war was enacted
at Manila, it's starting place. On Aug. Is,
after brief assault upon the works by
the land forces, in which the squadron as
sisted, the capital surrendered uncondi-
tionally. The casualties were compare
lively few. BY this victory the conquest
Of the Philippine islands, virtually accom-
plished when the Spanish capacity for re-
sistance was destroyed by Admiral Dew
ey's victory of May /, was formally sealed.
10 General Merritt, his officers and men,
for their uncomplaining and devoted