The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1898-08-06
AN IDEAL COALING STATION
Some Interesting Facts About the Capture
of the LadrOnes-The Trip of
the Charleston.

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 3.-The steamer
1oric, from Hong Kong, brings the
following from Manila, under date of
July 1:
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 tho Lsdrone Islands,
took the encouragement. his staff and
the entire military force prisoners and
raised the Stars and Stripes over the
ruins of the Spanish Fort Santa Cruz,in
the harbor of San Luis D,Apra.
1t was a bloodless victory, for the
Spanish, not vet having heard of the
war between their country and 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 CoaIIng Station.
From a strategic point of view, how
ever, it was a very important one, for
the harbor of San Luis D'Apra, on the
west coast of the main island, Guam,
Is an ideal coaling station, and, while
the whole group will undoubtedly
prove to be of i~ncalculable value to
the United States, it commends itself
as the most valuable of all the newly
acquired possessions on account of Its
situation. 1t lies $500 miles west-by-
south from Honolulu, 1850 miles south
east of Yokohama and l 800 miles east
of LuzOn, the principal island of the
Philippine group, thus being in the con-
Meeting line between the United States
and the orient.
A HosPltabIe, Peaceful and L~awabiding
People.
It's inhabitants, who number l0,0O0,
ere 4 hospitable, peaceful and law
abiding people, only too anxious to
throw off the Spanish yoke, yet per-
fectiy willing to shoulder another less
calling n
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, compare
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 %, shortly after
Point Engana, the northeasterly cape
of Luzon island, had been passed a
strange steamer appeared on the
horizon. The Charleston was immedi.
ateIy 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.
A Friend In Strange Waters.
She turned out to be the United
States ship baltimore, which had been
waiting for the feet 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
scuthwesterly monsoon was encoun-
tered.
Anchored In Manila Harbor.
At . p. m, June 80, the Baltimore led
the way into Manila harbor and three
hours later the feet anchored under
che wing of the flag ship Olympia,
within a few miles of the wrecks of
the Spanish ships which had been
aunhilated by Rear Admiral Dewey.