Little Falls weekly transcript. (Little Falls, Morrison Co., Minn.) 1894-19??, 1898-12-09


weeks at Hong Kong. Upon the colonial
proclamation Of neutrality being issued
and the customary - hours notice being
given, it repaired to Mrs bay near Hong
Kong, whence 1t proceeded to the Philip
pine islands, under telegraphlc orders to
capture or destroy the formidable Spanish
feet then assembled at Manila. At day
break ON May / the American force
entered Manila bay, and after a few hours
engagement effected the total destruc-
ton of the Spanish fleet, consist
ing of 10 warships and transport,
besides capturing the naval station and
forts at Cavite, thus annihilating the
Spanish naval power in the Pacific ocean.
and completely controlling the bay of
Manila, with the ability to take the city
at will. Not q life was lost on our ships,
the wounded only numbering seven, while
not vessel was materially injured. For
this gallant achievement the congress,
upon my recommendation, fifty bestowed
upon tho actors preferment and substan-
tial recognition. The result Of this re-
markable victory upon the spirit of our
people and upon the fortunes of the war
wis instantaneous. A prestige of invinci-
bility thereby attached to our arms,
which continued throughout the struggle.
Reinforcements were started to Manila
under the command of Major General
Merritt and firmly established within
sight Of tho capital, which lay helpless be-
fore our guns. On the 9TH day of May
the government was advised officially of
the victory at Manila and at once in
quired of the commander of our feet VIII: t
troops would be required. The informa-
ton was received on the 18th day of May
and the frat army expedition sailed May
q and arrived of Manila June 80. Other
expeditions soon followed, the total force
consisting Of 64l officers and 21,G-a men.
Only reluctance to cause needless loss
of life and property prevented tho early
storming and capture Of the city, and
Herewith the absolute military occupancy
of the group.
Following the comprehensive scheme of
general attack, powerful forces were as
sembled at various points on our coast to
invade Cuba aud Porto Rico Meanwhile
naval demonstrations were made at sew
eral exposed points.
On May 10, the North Atlantic squad
ron shelled San Juan de rorto Rico.
| On May 30, Commodore Schley's squad
ron BON barded the forts guarding the
mouth Of Santiago harbor. Neither at
tack had any material result. It was evil
dent that we'll ordered land operations
were Indispensable to achieve q decisive
advantage. X
The preliminary Cuban campaign IL
next detailed, including the blockade of
Santiago harbor, with Cervera's feet in
side. The heroism Of Hobson and his
companions is especially mentioned as
Thrilling the hearts not only Of Ameri-
cans, but of the world as WELL" The
landing of Skaters army and the de-
s,ruction of Cervera's fleet. are terse!y
though comprehensively reviewed
The destruction Of the fleet of Cervera' 8
vessels virtually broke Spain's sea power
and only spasmodic effort was made to
revive it. The attack on Santiago and
the surrender OF that place quickly fol-
lowed the achievement of the Atlantic
squadron. Following this came the &C.
cupation Of Porto. Rico, the remarkable
feature being the cordiality with which
the American troops were received by the
native population Of that island.
+ Second Battle of Manila.
The last scene of the war was enacted
at Manila, its starting place. On Aug Is,
after brief assault upon the works by
the land forces, in which the squadron as:
sisted, the capital surrendered ,uncondt-
tlonally. The casualties were compare
lively few. BY this victory the conquest
of the Philippine islands, virtually accom-
plished when the Spanish capacity for re-
sistance was destroyed by Admiral Dew
ey's victory Of May /, was formally sealed.
10 General Merritt, his officers and men,
for their accomplishing and devoted
r., thx,;w tn ~,
nat on is sincerely grateful.
The president here recapitulates the
casualties of tho war, and eulogizes the
heroism of those who fought, and not less
OF those who were not needed in actual
warfare.
The overtures of Spain for peace through
the French ambassador, the drafting of
the PROTOCOL the suspension of hostilities
and the appointment OF the Paris peace
commission are also detailed.
viii Discuss New Possessions Later.
The negotiations have made hopeful
progress, so that trust soon to be able to
laya definite treaty of peace before the
senate, with . review Of the steps leading
to It's signature.
I do not discuss at this time the govern.
ment or the future of the new possessions
which will come to US as the result of the
war with Spain. Such discussion will be
appropriate after the treaty Of peace shall
be ratified. In the meantime and until
the congress has legislated otherwise, it
will be my duty to continue the military
governments which have existed since our
occupation. and governments of the people,
security in life and property and encour-
kaement under q just and bene1cent rule
l.. A Government for Cuba.
As soon as we are in possession Of Cuba
and have pacifed the islanI it will be
necessary to give aid and direction to its
people to form government for them
selves. This should be undertaken at the
earliest moment consistent with safety
and assured success. It is important that
onr relations with these people shall be Of
the most friendly character, and our COM
mercial relations close and reciprocal. It
should be our duty to assist in every
proper way to build up the waste places
49, hr{ ~ ~~A A.. -