New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-21
THEY FOUGHT AT MANILA BAY.
DR. KINDLEBERGER AND EVANS. GUNNER.
THE FIRST TO TELL THEIR EXPERT
ENCES IN AMERICA

Washington June 20-secretary Long re-
ceived call to-day from Or. Kndeberger. as
sistant surgeon Of the Olympia. flagship OF Ad-
miral Deweys squadron. and Evans. gunner Of
the cruiser Boston. both OF whom participated
in the battle OF Manila. They are the first 10
arrive here to give To the officials personal in
formation Of thas famous engagement. DIT
Kindleberger IS on leave and incidentally on his
way through took a bride at San Francisco
Evans's time expired early In April. but. know
ing that the battle was impending. he asked
Admiral Dewey for permission TO remain at his
post through the engagement. and this was
readily granted. as Evans is veteran at ths
guns such as Dewey needed. The two men look
bronzed from exposure to the tropical suns. and
their surdiness gives assurance that Dewey's
men not suffering at Manila. fac; Of which
they gave Secretary Long verbal assurance
Evans had a long talk with the Secretary. de-
scribing many interesting phases Of the bate
Afterward he talked with a representative of
the Associated Press. on the night before the
battle the officers remained awake and ready
for service constantly. while the men slep, be-
side their guns The spirit Of the crew was
high and they were eager for the contest There
was no apprC henson. except in crossing over
the mines at the entrance Of Manila Bay. for the
fate OF the Maine had aroused dread lest the
Spaniards had planted mines and iorpedoes at
the entrance The Olympia. with the Admiral
aboard took the lead through this unknown
danger. and when this had been cleared there
was keen eagerness TO begin the nghtng
There is no long dawn in the Philippines. the
transition from darkness TO clear daylight com
ing In few minutes. It was shortly afier ,
o'clock that this change came. disclosing the
Spanish ships lying eight miles off. The Ameri-
Fffcf on
board the Spanish ships they prepared TO
defend themselves. They were practically h'lp-
less. as their fires were banked. and beyond
clearing the decks for action and getting the
men 10 quarters. they could not be moved Mean
time the Olympia had led the way. and the
American ships were in line Of battle for their
first broadside.
Evans remained at the ammunition cases.
serving shot and shell as fast az needed. Inc
men at the guns had stripped to the waist
keeping on only their trousers and shoes. Ihere
was not a breath OF air stirring and the uop-
ical heat intense
When Evans lef, the Boston on May the
wrecks OF the Spanish ships were plainlj Visi-
bio dotting the water Of Bakor Bay ana the
outcr harbor Only shattered portions OF their
uprer works were left. for terrible havoc had
been wrought by the American guns and by the
fires which followed on the SpaHlsh SIiPS' i"'
wooden ships had been burned outright upper
works and all while the better class oi steel
shlps had their sides blown out and their up
per works riddled Evans says the spanish
fleet was not such lame and helpless aggresa-
ton as the people believe The Castillo ana
Duaro were the worst Of the lot. being old boats
but the forine. had fine lot OF modern krupp
guns on her The two Is.as, the Reina Cristna
the Donna Antonio and the Austrias were all
good ships with rapid-fre batteries and heavy
modern guns. But they were taken completely
unawares were unable to move and were 1T
orally blown 10 pieces before .they had an op-
portunity TO get into the action.