The Owosso times., 1898-12-09

The first encounter os the war In point of
date took place April "a. when a detach-
ment OF the blockading squadron made
ssa ns sbHr in s Sse ad az
several new works In construction.
Dewey's Victory.
The next engagement was destined to
mark memorable epoch in maritime war
George Dewey, had lain for some weeks at
Hong-Kong. Upon the colonial proelama-
tion Of neutrality being issued and the
repaired to Mrs bay. near Hong-kong.
whence Il proceeded to the Philippine is
lands urder telegraphic orders to capture
assembled at Manila At daybreak on the
LIST OF May the American force entered Ma
Mia bay and after few hours engage
ment effected the total destruction OF the
Spanish fleet consisting of ten warships
and transport, besides capturing the
naval station and forts at Cayltet thus an. AT,
initiating the Spanish power in the Pacihc
ocean and completely controlling the Bay
of Manila, with the ability TO take the city
e will Not @ life was lest on our ships: t',.
not vessel was materially injured. For
this gallant achievement the congress, up
on my recomm endation. fifty bestowed up
on theactors present permanent and sub
The effect OF this remarkable victory
spl 9f War amt
tige of invincibility thereby attached to
our arms. which continued throughout the
Manila Manila under dVs the Command Of Maj. Gen. n
Merritt, and firmly established within sight
of the capital, which lay helpless before
government was advised officially OF the
victory Of Manila. and at once inquired OF
the commander Of our feet what troops
received on the 18th of May, and the first
rived of Manila June 50: Other expeditions
Of S4l Officers and l5o5s men. '' 'os
Only reluctance to cause needless loss
Of life and property prevented the early
tSerewith the Absolute military rye ocoSpancy sg ne
meanwhile had resumed the active hos
Of December. 1897. Their forces invested
Manila from the northern and eastern side,
but we're constrained by Admiral Dewey
eault.. It was fitting that whatever was
done In the way Of decisive operations in
the strong arm Of the TniteS sates sons
enjoins the overcoming Of the adversary
assailable. as the speedy and sure means
to win a peace, divided victory was not
permissible, ,ti, fer no partition Of the rights
ment of a just and advantageous peace
could be thought of.
Following the comprehensive scheme Of
general attack powerful forces were as
sembled 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 torpedo boat Winslow
were unsuccessful In an attempt to silence
the batteries at Cardenas, against Matan-
zas, Worth Bagley and four seamen fall
Ing. These grievouS fatalities were strange
ly enough among the very few which oc-
CURED during our naval operations In this
extraordinary conflict
Advance of Cervera's Fleet.
Meanwhile the Spanish naval prepara-
tions had been pushed with great vigor. A
powerful squadron under Admiral Cervera,
which had assembled at the Cape Verde
islands before rhe outbreak of hostilities,
had crossed the ocean and by its erratic
movements In the Caribbean sea delayed
our military operation while battling the
pursuit of our fleets. For time fears were
felt lest tho Oregon and Marietta. then
nearing homie after their long voyage from
be surprised by Admiral Cervera's fleet
but their fortunate arrival dispelled these
apprehensons and lent much needed reen-
forcements. Not until Admiral Cervera
took refuge in the harbor of Santiago de
Cuba about May was 1t practicable to
plan systematic. military attack upon the
Antilean possessions Of Spain.
Several demonstrations occurred on the
coasts of Cuba and Porto Rico in prepara-
ton for the larger event. on Nay l2 the
de Porto Rico. On May 80 Commodore
Schley's squadron bombarded the forts
guarding the mouth Of Santiago harbor.
Neither attack had any material result. 1t
was evident that well-ordered land opera
tions were Indispensable to achieve a de-
cisive advantage.
HObsOn's Band of Heroes.
The next act In the war thrilled not alone
the hearts of our countrymen but the world
by its exceptional heroism. On the night
of June Lieut.. Hobson, aided by seven
devoted volunteers, blocked the narrow
outlet from Santiago harbor by sinking the
collier Merrimac in the channel, under a
fierce fire from the shore batteries, escap-
ing with their lives as by a miracle. but
falling into the hands Of the Spaniards. 1t
Is a most gratifying incident OF the war
heroes was cordially appreciated by the
Spaniards, who sent a flag Of truce to notify
Admiral Sampson of their safety and to
compliment them on their daring act. They
were subsequently exchanged July7.
Fall of Guantanamo.
BY June the cutting Of the last Cuban
cable isolated the island. Thereafter the
invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On
June 10, under a heavy protecting fire. q
landing of 600 marines from the oregon,
Marblehesd and Yankee was effected In
Guantanamo bay, where II had been deter
mined to establish naval station. This
important and essential port wa, was taken
the marines, who were the first organized
force Of the United States to land In Cuba.
The position SO won was held, despite des-
perate attempts to dislodge our forces. BY
June Is additional forces were landed and
strongly intrenched. On June % the ad-
vance of the invading army under Maj.
Gen. Shafter landed at Baiquiri, about IL
miles east Of Santiago: This was accom-
plished under great difficulties, but with
marvellous dispatch.
,r.,..