The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-07-23
H0DSOy RETURNS HOME
lhe Hero of the Merrilnac in Wash
iEgtOn On Business.


this morning on the cruiser ST. Paul. He
left the ST. Paul at Tompkinsyille and
took the Staten Island ferry boat for
New York, where he arrived at 9.45 this
morning. He was accompanied by two
men, who carried several hand bags and
the party at once took carriage and 1t
is presumed proceeded AT once to Wash
Ingtoa by the way of the Pennsylvania
railroad. 1t is possible that Hobson is
the bearer of Admiral SIMPSONS report
of the naval engagement off Santiago.
When Robson left the ferry boat at the
foot of Whitehall street it took but few
moments to learn of his identity and a
crowd soon gathered and cheered the
young hero of Santiago bay. Accom- pany-
ing Lieutenant Hobsou was Congressman
]. W. Wadsworth, of Geneseo, NY, who
was at the surrender of Santiago.
During the trip across the Hudson river
to the Pennsylvania station, the lieuten-
ant said he had inspected the wrecked
Spanish warships and he is certain, if
prompt action is taken, two of them, the
Chistobal Colon and Maria Teresa can be
saved. The Oquendo is total wreck
The Vizcaya is not quite as bad as the
Oquendo and some of her guns may be
secured. ''ShouId gale spring up"
added Lieutenant Hobson, "an the work
of the wreckerslwould go fer naught and
the Colon and thesTeresa would be lost to
us. That is why I am hurrying to Wash
ington to explain to the officials the ne
cessity of making contracus at ONCE for
the raising of the warships. They doubt
less win do SO when they understand the
situation as I can explain it,
The lieutenantstook occasion, to say that
while in Admiral Cervera's custody, he
and his companions had been well treated
and he expects. to visit Annapolis and I'M
der different circumstances, thank the
distinguished prisoner for his kindness.
While in charge of General Toral, Lieu
tenant Hobson says he did not fare so
we'll, until after the American troops had
surrounded Santiago. Then he was visit
ed by several Of the prominent military
officers and was better treated.
Lieutenant Hobson said that he expect
ed to remain in Washington for couple
of days and that there is likelihood
that he may be ordered to Santiago to
look after the raising Of the Spanish
warships as soon as the contracts have
been made. Word that the hero of the
Merrimac was aboard the Washington
express soon passed among the passengers
on it's journey the big depot rang with
the cheering.
THE PURPOSE OF HIS VISIT.
Washington, July 22.-The last and
most agreeable event of the day was the
arrival at the Navy Department of Lieu
tenant Hobson. The officials were not in
formed of his approaching visit except
through the newspapers. Consequently
when he reached the railway ,station here
at $50 this afternoon there was no official
there to meet him and ibis reception was
truly democratic. He succeed in escap-
ing observation as he passed through the
Train shed, coat and umbrella in hand,
but before he emerged from the station
some one spied him, a hurrah went up
from one throat close by and In moment
shouting. The cry of "Hobson, Hobson'
rang out and the crowd closed about him
shaking his hand and pushing him about
until he was rescued by the police and
escorted to his carriage.
AS he approached the Office of the Secre-
tary of the Navy, there ensued demon
stfation. A large crowd had gathered
about the doorway and the hearty well
come 1t gave the young officer brought
bushes to his cheeks. Secretary Long
came out Of his private office and grasp
ing Hobson with both hands said with
sincerity, "Lieutenant, I am glad very
glad to see you" Then he drew him into
his office, where the lieutenant was intro
duced to Assistant Secretary Allen and
was greeted by Capt. Crowninshield,
Capt. Bradford and Pension Commission
er Evans, who happened to drop in. He
spent half an hour in conference with the
secretary and then went to the club to
rest. Secretary Long stated that Hobson
did not bring the long expected report
officers on the destruction of the Cervera
lieu. Inc exact purpose OF his visit was
explained by the order under which he
had come to the United States.
80. S. Flagship New York, first rate,
OF Santiago de Cuba, July II, 1898.
"Sir:-You will proceed north in the
st. Paul to New York. Thence you will
proceed to Washington and report to the
Secretary of the Navy and acquaint him
with the object of your visit as set forth
in my letter to him of this date regard
ing the work upon the Cristobal Colon.
Explain to him fully the position and
condition of that ship and receive his in
structions regarding it.
''Second-Be as expeditions as possible
IN bringing the matter to termination
in order that, If it is practicable to do so.
this fine ship may be saved to the United
States navy.
"Third-When this duty is completed
you will ask for orders from the Secretary
of Navy, otherwise you will return to
duty On board this ship