The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1898-12-07

April 81 when detachment OF the
| blockading squadron made a recon-
iiaissance In force at Matanzas, shelied
the harbor forts and demolished sew
eral new works In construction.
DEWEY'S MAGNIFICENT VICTORY
| The next engagement was destined to
mark memorable epoch In maritime
warfare; The Pacific fleet, under
| commodore George Dewey. had lain
for 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
II 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 1st of May the American
force entered Manila Bay, and after a
lew 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 contrull-
mig the bay of Manila, with the ability
to take the city at will. Not life was
lost on our ships, the wounded num-
bered only seven, while not n vessel
was materially injured. For this gal
my recommendation fitly 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 at
tached to our arms. which continued
throughout the struggle. Reinforce
ments were hurried to Manila under
the command of Mai Gen. Merritt.
and firmly established within sight of
the capital, which lay helpless before
our arms.
on the 9TH day of May the govern
inent was advised officially Of the vic
tory of Manila, and at once inauired
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 25. and arrived of Manila
June 30. Other expeditions soon fol-
lowed. the total force consisting of 641
officers and 15,05S men.
Only reluctance to cause needless
loss of life and property prevented the
early storming and capture OF the city.
ana 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.
iheti iorCes Invested mania from the
northern and eastern side. but were
constrained by Admiral Dewey and
Gen. Merritt from attempting an as
sault. IL was fitting that whatever
was done in the way OF decisive opera
tions In that quarter should be ac-
compllshed 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
sailable as the speedy and sure means
to win peace. divided victory was
not permissible. for no partition OF the
rights and responsibilities attending
the enforcement of 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
tCrredo boat Winslow were unsuccess-
full In an attempt to silence the bat
teries at Cardenas. 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-
1ict.
Meanwhile the Spanish naval pre-
tions had been pushed with great
vigor. A powerful squadron, under
Admiral Cervera, which had assembled
at the Cape Verde Islands before the
outbreak of hostllities. 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 time fears
were felt lest the battleship Oregon
and gunboat Marietta, nearing home
after a long voyage from San Fran
cisco of over $1,000 miles, might be
surprised by Admiral Cervera's fleet.
but their fortunate arrival dispelled
apprehensions and lent much needed
reinforcement. Not until Admiral Ger
vera took refuge I'm the harbor of San
tiago de Cuba. about May 10. was II
practicable to plan a systematic naval
and military attack upon the AntilIean
possessions of Spain.
Several demonstrations occurred on
the coasts of Cuba and Porto Rico i'm
preparation for the larger event. on
May IL the North Atlantic squadron
shelled San Juan de Porto Rico. On
May 30 Commodore Schley's squadron
bombarded the forts guarding the
mouth of Santiago harbor. Neither at
tack had any material result. 1t was
evident that well ordered land opera
tions were indispensable to achieve a
decisive advantage.
The next act in the war thrilled not
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 i'm the channel, under a fierce
fire from the shore batteries, escaping
with their lives by a miracle. but fall
ing into the hands of the Spaniards.
IL Is n most gratifying incident of the
war that the bravery of this little band
of heroes was cordially appreciated by
the Spanish admiral, who sent a flag
of truce to notify Admiral Sampson of
their safety and to compliment them
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 a heavy
protecting fire, landing of 900 marines
from the Oregon, Marblehead and
Yankee was effected in Guantanamo
bay. where II had been determined to
establish a naval station. This in
portant and essential port was taken
from the enemy after severe fighting
IL. II. u.