The record-union., 1898-07-19

waiting for orders 1t is probable that
every vessel did the same. In fact,
every account received from whatever
source tells of each vessel acting on her
own responsibility and to destroy the
enemy. There is no question that the
commander of the Gloucester exercised
his individual option without instruc-
tions. He waited for the torpedo de-
stroyers and finished them up, to the
surprise of every vessel in the fleet. He
rescued the sailors firm TIE Spanish
flagship and captured the Spanish Ad-
miral when all the other vessels ex-
cept, perhaps, the Iowa, We're out of
sight. He did some of the most remark
able and effective service in the engage
ment on his own responsibility. All
the evidence goes to show that each yes
sci acted on the quick Judgment, cour-
age and discipline of its commanding
| officer. Each did its full duty. All
deserve credit and will receive it-both
official and popular.
THE AUXILIARY FLEET
San Diego Union: The splendid rec
ord made by the auxiliary vessels of the
navy has proven the wisdom of the
plan providing for the construction of
merchant ships and pleasure steamers
with view to their possible use in the
event OF war. Just prior to the begin
ming of the struggle with Spain the
auxiliary feet of the navy numbered
over a score of subsidized steamers
which complied with the Act of 1891 as
to adaptabilty to naval service. When
it became evident that war must come,
and the emergency fund of 500 10000
was placed in the hands of the Presi-
dent, the work of pressing into the serv-
Ice each available vessel began. Every
| craft that was swift and could carry
guns was in demand. Some people, espe-
clally in Europe, We're inclined to smile
at the idea Of improvising navy with
such material. The result, however,
has shown the wisdom in fitting out the
auxiliary fleet
MARINE COLLISIONS
Los Angeles Times: Whatever other
, results may arise from the sinking of
La Bourgogne by the Cromartyshire,
! the behavior of the French and Italians
on board the doomed vessel was such
that hereafter few men will be willing
to travel, or allow their families to tray-
el, on ships which carry steerage pas
Sengers. At the same time there seems
| to have been a most fearful lack of dis
cipline on board the French vessel.
When the Central America was sunk off
Cape Hatteras, in 1857, she had quite
as many souls on board as the Bour-
gogne; and yet not a man offered to
get into boat until every woman had
been sent safely to the rescuing vessels.
But those men We're Californians, thor
oughly Injured to every sort of danger,
and filled with the rude chivalry so no.
ticeable in our pioneer days
AN INSPIRING SIGHT.
Los Angeles Express: This united
country to-day is an inspiring sight. 1t
is sublime thought which lifts the
dullest soul heavenward The war may
cost US half a billion dollars, but this
one result at home is worth it ALL
There is just here and there a weak
and pitiful voice which scarce makes
its piping heard, but which creates a
discord in this grand paen of national
enthusiasm. 1t is not so pronounce. :,
the ''doughfaced" opposition of the six
ties. Indeed, it is so weak and insigni-
ficant as TO almost merit silent con-
tempt 1t catches al straws. it carps at
little or nothing, it sees some mole hill
IL
ceals an i'll spirit which is of more ac-
count than its hardly outspoken words.
1T does those who give it feeble utter
ance more harm than its annoyance
amounts to to the rest of us.
1t is more in compassion than in an
ger we speak Of it. Out of many let
us be absolutely one. Let there be but
a single thought in the minds of 10
UG0G00 Americans. Let there be but
one aspiration in all these hearts. Al
little points with freedom. You are in
a hopeless minority. Your voice is bare
ly heard Listen to the response Ore
gon has sent down to those who think
the Administration is at fault, and that
the war is not being properly fought.
Be timely wise.
ARMY DENOMINATIONAL
Tulare Register: That the denomin
ational character of the Chaplains
should approximately represent the
UNCONVENTIONAL character Of the men in
the service is perhaps fair but any
discrepancy that may exist in such
ratio does not warrant the prec:pjta-
tion of religious controversies into army
circles. The business of the army and
navy is to whip Spain and the army
and navy are attending to that busi-
ness very patriotically. Let US be con-
tent with that. The War Department
no Ct a n the religious he