The Progress., 1898-12-03
ANNUAL. NAVAL REPORT,
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY ISSUES A
LENGTHY DOCUMENT.
The Brilliant Exploits of the Navy---The
Victories at Santiago and Manilla---Hob-
sons Heroic Deed. spanish. Americ
War Veterans to be Given Preference.


War Veterans to be Given Preference.
WAsH1NGToN.-The annual report OF
the secretary of the navy is much
longer than the usual report.
"For the first time since its rehabi-
tation, the navy has been put to the
supreme test of war. Years of patient,
persistent training and development
have brought it to point of high eff
fciency which resulted in the unpar-
alleIed victories at Manila and Santi-
ago-victorie which have given the
names of our naval commanders world
wide fame and added al additional
page to the glorious naval history of
our country"
The report describes in rapid order
the steps that were taken to CONSOLE
date the squadrons and put the navy
in readiness for hostilities. Sigsbee's
famous telegram asking a suspension
of public opinion in connection with
the blowing up of the Maine is quoted,
and the secretary says:
'This judicious telegram did much
to secure in the public mind dispas-
sionate view of the disaster"
The story of Dewey's victory at Ma
Mia is told and Of it the secretary says:
aside from the mere fact of having
won without the loss of single life,
such brilliant and electrifying victo-
ry at the very outset of the war, with
all the confidence which it infused
throughout the country and into the
personnel of every branch of the SER
vice, it remove all apprehension from
the pacific coast. The indirect pecu-
mary advantage to the United States
in the way of saving an increase of
insurance rates and in assuring the
country of freedom FROM attack on that
coast is incalculable."
The shows that the flying squadron
under Commodore Schley was ordered
10 Cienfuegos upon notice that Cerve-
ra's squadron had been seen off Guerra
Goa; but on May. 20, the department
having heard that Cervsra was at San
tiago, advanced Sampson to order
Schley to proceed off that port.
By the Marblehead, Schley was in
structed to proceed to Santiago.
On the 2Sth the Spanish squadron
was sighted inside. On June the
Merrimac was sunk, and of this Secre-
tary Long says:
'This attempt, although unsuccess-
full in its object, was daringly exc
cuted. It is now one of the we'll
known historic marvels of naval adj
venture and enterprise, of which
Naval Constructor Hobson and his
men won undying fame"
The report deals next with the seiz-
ure Of the harbor Of Guantanamo and
the gallant three-days' fight of the mo
rines, with the conveying of the Shat
ter expedition from Tampa to Santi-
ago, and with the conference that took
place between Sbafter and Sampson in
the effort to secure cooperation of the
army and navy in the reduction of
Santiago. The story Of the operations
at this stage involves the recital of the
destruction OF the Spanish feet, which
is told. however, in the most concise
official form.
Many devoted officers and crews
from the beginning of the war until
the end rendered most valuable and
conscientious service without opportu-
nifty for winning distinction in battle.
High praise is awarded to the marin.
corps for their work throughout the
campaign. In view Of the prospective
increase in the navy and necessity for
guarding the naval stations, which will
be needed in newly acquired territory
OF the United States, and especially in
view Of the general efficiency displayed
by the engineers corps, the secretary
says that it should be increased to
five thousand and the necessary officers.
Secretary Long gives complete list
OF all the merchant vessels and yachts
that were acquired by the government,
with price Of each. There were 10 Of
the vessels, including the warships
bought abroad. The secretary sub
mits estimates for the next fiscal year
aggregating s45, 09S, 251, an increase
OF SO, 1896. IT'S over last year. Of the
new items the most important is ST.
$50, $40 for yards and docks. This is
also an increas of 81, 62O on account
OF the naval academy.
In reference to the employing of la
Dor at the navy yards, the secretary
says it will now be the policy 10 give
preference in appointments to veterans
OF the Spanish American war.
Captain Sigsbee IOudIv Chearad