The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1898-08-05
AN IDEAL coALING STATION.
Of the Lsdrones Tho Trip Of
the Charleston.

SAN Francisco, Aug. 3.--The steamer
Doric, from Hong Kong, brings the
following from Manila, under date Of
JULY:
Another link was added to the chain
of territory which connects the United
States with their newly acquired for
eign possessions in the Pacific ocean,
on June 81, for, upon that date, Capt.
Glass OF the United States ship Charles
ton
Captured the Ladrons Islands,
took the governor-general, his stan and
the entire military force prisoners and
raised the Stars and Stripes over the
ruins OF the Spanish Fort Santa Crux,in
the harbor OF San Luis D'Apra.
1t was q bloodless victory. for the
war between their country aud the
United States, were taken completely
by surprise and surrendered the is-
lands, their arms and themselves with
out offering the slightest resistance.
An Ideal CoAling station.
From strategic point OF view, how.
ever. it was very important one, for
viz aAoA DOh "a A,oh AIuto ~ ~ RE0, On tl1V
west coast of the main island, Guam,
is an ideal coaling station. and, whilo
the whole group will undoubtedly
prove to be of incalculable value to
the United States, 1t commends itself
rs the most valuable Of all the newly
acquired possessions on account Of Its
situation. 1t lies 1880 miles west Ly-
south from Honolulu, 1850 miles south
east Of Yokohama and / 500 miles east
OF Luzon, the principal island OF tho
Philippine group. thus being in the con-
Meeting line between the United States
and the orient.
A Hospitabie. Peaceful and LawabIdlng
People.
Its inhabitants, who number 10000,
are a hospitable, peaceful and law
abiding people. only too anxious to
throw off the Spanish yoke. yet per-
fectly willing to shoulder another less
CALLING one.
OF the islands themselves volumes
might be written and the half not be
told. Suffice it to say that they are Of
volcanic origin, but prolific. compara-
lively healthful and only await capital
to develop their innumerable re-
sources
Cleared for Action.
For three days the Charleston's run
from Guam to Manila was without in
cident, but on June 2s. shortly after
Point Engana, the northeasterly cape
of Luzon island, had been passed a
strange steamer appeared on the
horizon. The Charleston was immedi-
ately cleared for action, and after the
convoy had fallen into line in her
wake, preparations were made for Civ
ing the stranger a warm reception
should she prove to be hostile.
Friend In strange Waters.
She turned out to be the United
States ship Baltimore. which had been
waiting for the fleet for ten days. The
ships were hove to while Capt. DYER
reported to Capt. Glass, but immedi-
ately upon his return to the baltimore
the whole fleet got under way at in
creased speed As it rounded the
north end of the island the first rough
weather of the trip in the shape OF a
southwesterly monsoon was encoun-
tered.
Anchored In Manila Harbor.
At 2 p. m, June 80, the Baltimore led
the way into Manila harbor and three
hours later the fleet anchored under
the wing of the flag ship Olympia,
within a few miies of the wrecks OF
the Spanish ships which had been
annhilated BY Rear Admiral Dcwey.