The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-12-05
REVIEW OF THE WAR.
Glowing Tribute Paid to the Achieve
ment of Dewey at Manila

The first encounter of the war, in point
of date, took place April p, when a de-
a reconnaissance in force at Matanzas,
shelled the harbOr forts and destroyed
several new works in construction.
The next engagement was destined to
mark a memorable epoch in maritime war
George Dewey, had lain for some weeks
at Hong Song. Upon the proelama ton
"a hours notice being given, it repaired
10 Marls pay, near hong Kong, whence
der telegraphed orders to capture or de-
stroy the formidable Spanish fleet then
assembled at Manila. At daybreak on
the LIST of May the American force entered
Mania pay ana AFTER rev hours en-
the Spanish fleet, consisting of ten war
the naval station and forts at Cavite, thus
annihilating the Spanish naval power in
the Pacific ocean and COMPLETELY control
ling the bay of Manila, with the ability
to take the city at will. Not life, was
lost on our ships the wounded only num-
bering seven While not a vessel was ma
terialIy injured For this gallant achieve
ton. fttingIy bestowed upon the actors
preferment and substantial reward.
The effect of this remarkable victory
upon the spirit of our people and upon the
fortunes of the war was instant. A pres
tige of invincibility therefore attached to
our arms, which continued throughout the
struggle. RenfOrcements were hurried
to Manila under the command of Major
General Merritt and firmly esta bIished
within sight of the capital, which Law
of May the government was advised off
cially of the victory at Manila and at once
inquired of the commander of the fleet
what troops would be required. The in
formation was received on the 18th day
of May and the first army expedition sail
ed May 25 and arrived at Manila June 80
Other expeditions soon followed, the total
force consisting of GAL officers and 15,05S
men.
Only reluctance to cause needless loss
OF lie and properly prevented the imme-
date stOrming of the city. and herewith
I yiS raI0 Irbtafy 0ee1PsnGy OF re
had resumed the active hostilities sus-
ss lh TRer fofd nT Hes d e
Mia from the northern and eastern side
and General Merritt from attempting an
assault It was fitting that whatever
to be done in the way of decisive op-
erations in that quarter should be accomp-
lshed by the strong arm of the United
which enJO1ns the overcoming Of the ad-
Nersary and the extinction of his power
wherever assailable as the speedy and
sure means 10 WIN peace, divided victory
was not permissible. for partition of
~ eT3flT-oa r1e,r7+ ~ n if1eF ID n fIE--,-3s7
tageOuS peace could be thought of Fol-
schene OF general attack, powerful forces
were assembled on our coast TO invade
demonstra tions were made at several ex-
posed points. On May II the cruiser Viii
We're unsuccessful in an attempt to 81
lence the ba teries at Cardenas against
men falling. These grievous fatalities
We're strangely enough, among the very
Few which occurred during naval. Op-
erations in this extraordinary conflict.
Meanwhile the Spanish naval prepara-
lions had been pushed with great vigOr A
powerful squadron under Admiral Ger
vera, which had assembled at the Cape
Verde islands before the outbreak of hos
tilities. had crossed the ocean. and by its
erratic movements in the Caribbean sea
delayed our military operations while baf-
fling the pursuit of our fleets. For a time
fears We're felt lest the Oregon and Mari
eta. then nearing home after their long
voyage from San Francisco of over Is. go
miles, might be surprised by Admiral Ger
fleet. their fortunate
dispeled the apprehension and lent much
needed reinfOrcements.
Not until Admiral Cervera took refuge
in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba. about
May O. was it practicable to plan a syste-
matte military attack upon the Antiliean
possessions of Spain
Several demonstrations occurred on the