The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1898-12-07

the war in point of date took place
April 27, when a detachment OF the
blockading squadron made a recon-
naissance in force at Matanzas, shelled
the harbor forts and demolished sew
eral new works in construction.
DEWEY'S MAGNIFICENT VICTORY
The next engagement was destined to
mark a memorable epoch in maritime
warfare. The Pacific fleet, under
Commodore George Dewey, had lain
fer some weeks at Hongkong. Upon
the colonial proclamation of neutrality
being issued and the customary "a
hours notice being given, it repaired
to Mrs Bay, near Hongkong, whence
1t proceeded to the Philippine Islands
under telegraphic orders to capture or
destroy the formidable Spanish fleet
then assembled at Manila. At day
break on the lst of May the American
force entered Manila Bay, and after a
few hours engagement effected the
total destruction of the Spanish fleet
consisting of ten warships and trans
port, besides capturing the naval sta
ton and forts at Cavite, thus annihi-
lating the Spanish naval power in the
Pacific ocean and completely controll-
mig the bay of Manila, with the ability
lost on our ships, the wounded num-
bered only seven. while not a vessel
was materially injured. For this gal
liant achievement the Congress, upon
my recommendation, fifty bestowed
upon the actors preferment and sub
stantial reward.
The effect of this remarkable victory
upon the spirit of our people and upon
the fortunes of the war was instant. A
prestige of invincibility thereby az-
tached to our arms, which continued
throughout the struggle. Reinforce
ments were hurried to Manila under
the command of Maj. Gen. Merritt,
and firmly established within sight of
the capital. which lay helpless before
our arms.
On the 7th day of May the govern
ment was advised officially of the vic
tory of Manila, and at once inquired
of the commander Of our fleet what
troops would be required. The infor-
nation was received on the 18th day
Of May, and the first army expedition
sailed May %, and arrived off Manila
June 30. Other expeditions soon fol-
lowed. the total force consisting Of GAL
officers and 15,05S 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 whole group. The
insurgents meanwhile had resumed
the active hostilities suspended by the
uncompleted truce of December. 1897.
Their forces invested Manila from the
northern and eastern side, but were
| constrained by Admiral Dewey and
Gen. Merritt from attempting an as
saut. 1t was fitting that whatever
] T. . - IL -.
tions in that quarter should be ac
complshed by the strong arm of the
United States alone. Obeying the
stern precept of war which enjoins the
overcoming of the adversary and the
extinction of his power wherever as
sailabe as the speedy and sure means
/ to win a peace, divided victory was
not permissible, for no partition of the
rights and responsibilities attending
| the enforcement of a just and advan-
tageous peace could be thought of.
THE BLOCKADE OF CUBA.
Following the comprehensive scheme
| of general attack, powerful forces were
assembled at various points on our
coast to invade Cuba and Porto Rico.
Meanwhile, naval demonstrations were
made at several exposed points. On
May II the cruiser Wilmington and
torpedo boat Winslow were unsuccess-
full in an attempt to silence the bat
teries at Cardenas, a gallant ensign,
Worth Bagley, and four seamen fall
ing. These grievous fatalities were,
strangely enough, among the very few
which occurred during our naval
operations in this extraordinary con-
flict.
Meanwhile the Spanish naval pre-
para tions had been pushed with great
vigor. A powerful squadron, under
Admiral Cervera, which had assembled
J at the Cape Verde Islands before the
outbreak of hostilities, had crossed
the ocean. and by its erratic move
ments in the Caribbean sea delayed
our military plans, while battling the
pursuit of our fleets. For a time fears
were felt lest the battleship Oregon
and gunboat Marietta, nearing home
after a long voyage from San Fran
cisco of over $4,000 miles, might be
surprised by Admiral Cervera's fleet
but their fortunate arrival dspelled
apprehensions and lent much needed
reinforcement. Not until Admiral Ger
vera took refuge in the harbor of San
tiago de Cuba, about May 10, was II
practicable to plan systematic nava
and military attack upon the Antillear
possessions of Spain.
Several demonstrations occurred or
the coasts of Cuba and Porto Rico ir
preparation for the larger event. Or
May 13 the North Atlantic squadron
shelled San Juan de Porto Rico. Or
May 30 Commodore Schey's squadron
bombarded the forts guarding the
mouth of Santiago harbor. Neither at
tack had any material result. 1t wa:
evident that we'll ordered land opera.
tions were indispensable to achieve {
decisive advantage.
The next act in the war thrilled no
alone the hearts of our countrymen
but the world, by its exceptional hero
ism. On the night of July Lieut.
Hobson, aided by seven devoted volun
teers, blocked the narrow outlet from
Santiago harbor by sinking the collier
Merrimac in the channel, under fierce
fire from the shore batteries, escaping
with their lives by a miracle, but fall
ing into the hands of the Spaniards
1t is a most gratifying incident of the
war that the bravery of this little bant
of heroes was cordially appreciated by
the Spanish admiral who sent flal
of truce to notify Admiral Sampson o.
their safety and to compliment then
on their daring act. They were subse
quently exchanged July 7.
By June the cutting Of the last Gu
ban cable isolated the island. There
after the invasion was vigorously
prosecuted. On June 10, under heavy
protecting fire, landing of 600 marine!
from the Oregon, Marblehead anC
Yankee was effected in Guantanamo
bay, where it had been determined t
establish a naval station. This i'm
portant and essential port was taker
from the enemy after severe fighting
] Al, . h. G,.-A