Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-05-12
THE GREATEST NAVAL FEAT
Commodore Dewey Destroyed the
Spanish Fleet and Did Not
Lose Single Man.
EARLY AID WILL BE SENT TO DEWEY.
a Large Body to BE Disnatched from Cali
fornia to Hold the Philippine Islands
A Steamer Has Already Been Chartered
What the London Spectator Says
About the Matter.

| WASHINGTON, May s-Commodore
Dewey's victory is considered as the
| greatest naval achievement in the his
tory of the world. He entirely de-
stroyed the Spanish fleet, killed
$50 of the enemy and did not lose
| one man. In his dispatch Dewey says
he cut the cable himself and hence
had no immediate way to communal
cate with his government. At present
the American fleet has complete con-
troll of Manila from the sea and could
| land men at any time if he had the
| troops. Secretary Long and Secretary
AIger are now making active pre- para
tlons to get the expedition off from
San Francisco. 1t is the purpose of the
United States to hold the islands at
any cost. Dewey states he can easily
hold his position until troops arrive
from America.
Secretary Roosevelt is much pleased
and was greatly affected while read
ing the message. When he came to
the place where Dewey says not an
American sailor was killed he nearly
broke down with joyful emotion.
Dewey will immediately get all the
men he wants.
After Secretary Long had read the
contents of the second cablegram, re-
celved from Hong Kong, in which the
future admiral said that no American
sailor was killed and only a few were
wounded. he said: 1T was a most
wonderful battle achievement and re-
fleets the greatest credit on both
officers and men. The fire from our
ships must have been SO rapid and eff
fective that the Spaniards were in a
manner stunned. They never recov-
cred themselves until the battle was
lost"
Early Aid to BE Sent to Dewey.
WASHINGTON, May S.-A large body
of troops will be immediately sent to
aid Commodore Dewey in holding the
Philippines. President Mckinley. Sec
rotary Long and Secretary Alger had
long conference as soon as the dis
patch from Dewey arrived, and it is
thought that the entire plan of opera
ton was decided upon. The four COM
panies of the Fourteenth infantry and
as many regiments of light artillery
as can be safely spared from the regu-
lars of California will be sent with
about 5000 voluntee to Manila Gen.
Merriam, a present commander of the
department of California, will lead the
expedition.
Steamer Chartered Take Troops
SAN FRANCISCO, May S.-The official
report of Adm. Dewey's triumph at
Manila created the widest enthusiasm
here. 1t is now regarded certain that
troops will be sent from here to aid
Dewey and preparations will soon 90
on with a rush. The first regiment of
volunteers has already been sworn in
and is in camp at the Presidio The
Seventh regiment will arrive from
Los Angeles this afternoon, making
in all 1000 volunt GERS immediately
available The steam er City of Picking,
which has been chartered to take the
troops to Manila, is due here to-day.
Upon her arrival she will land her
passengers, then be taken to Mare
island navy yard and loaded with am
munition and supplies for Dewey's
fleet.
What the London Spectator Saws.
LONDON, May S.-The Spectator in
an article to-day urges America to keep
the Philippine islands, to raise a col
ored army Of 20, 600 men land with this
effective army hold the Philippines,
Hawaii and Porto Rico, paying the
army Of occupation out of the local
revenues" Continuing the Spectator
says: with such a garrison these
islands would be as safe as drawing
room and as full of business as Broad
way or the Strand. We hope the
Americans will keep the Philippines,
and that they can keep them there is
no doubt whatever, Europe. to put the
truth in its most brutal form, cannot
attack them without our permission.