Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1898-12-17

volunteers, TO the material increase Oh
the navy IN both men and ships, and
TO the precautionary measures taken
for the protection Of the seaboard
cities.
The aggregate number Of mines
placed was 1885 In the principal har-
bors, from Maine to California.
Taking up chronologically the
events of the war, the president re-
views them carefully. The first en-
counter was the Smelling Of Matanzas,
on April 81. This was followed by an
engagement destined to mark a mem
orablc epoch in maritime warfare
This was Commodore Dewey's victory
at Manila, May ]. "The effect OF this
remarkable victory says the presi-
dent, upon the spirit of our people
and the fortunes of war was instant.
The prestige of invincibiIity thereby
attached TO our arms, which continued
throughout the struggle"
The president says: only reluct-
ance TO cause needless loss of life and
property prevented the early storming
and capture Of the city of Manila, and
Herewith the absolute military occu-
patton Of the whole group"
Following the memorable trip OF the
battleship Oregon from San Francisco
70 Key West and the bombardment OF
San Juan, Puerto Rico and the forts
OF Santiago, 10 which special reference
is made, the president says;
Tribute to Mcrrimac Heroes.
"rhe next act in the war thrilled not
alone the hearts Of our conntrymen,
but the world, by its exceptional hero
ism. On the night Of June 3 Lieuten-
ant Hobson, aided by seven volunteers,
blocked the outlet OF Santiago harbor
by sinking the collier MerriIRac in the
channel, under Il fierce fire from the
shore batteries, and escaping with
their lives by Il miracle, but falling
into the hands of the Spaniards. IL
was II most gratifying incident Of the
war that the bravery Of this little band
of heroes was cordially appreciated
by the Spanish admiral"
The campaign Of Santiago, result
ing in the Investment and capture of
the city, is referred TO as a brilliant
achievement.
A brief review Is then presented OF
the decisive naval combat of the war
July 3. resulting in the complete de-
struction OF Cervera's feet. Concern
ing ii the president says:
Where all so conspicuously distin-
guished themselves, from commanders
to gunncrs and unnamed heroes in
boiler rooms, each and all contribut-
ing toward the achievement, this as
founding victory, for which neither
ancient nor modern history affords a
parallel in the completeness OF the
event and the marvellous disproportion
Of casualties, II would be inyidious TO
single out anyone for special honor
Our Losses I'm the War.
AS to the success gained by the arms
Of the United States in Cuba, the presl-
dent says the earnest, lasting graft
tudc Of the nation is unsparingly due,
NOR should we alone remember the
gallantry of the living; the dead claim
our tears, and our losses by battle and
disease must cloud any eNultation at
present and teach us the awful
cost Of war, however rightful the
cause or signal the victory"
"Thc total casualties, killed and
wounded i'm the army during the war
with Spain was: Officers killed, %;
enlisted men killed, 257; total, $50;
officers wounded, 113; enlisted men
wounded. 1865; total, 1,51I. In the
navy: Killed, II; wounded, Gi; died
OF wounds, /; inyalidcd from service,
6; total, 81.
1T will be observed that while our
navy was engaged in two great bat
ties and numerous perilous under
takings in blockade and lombard
...,,. ,,.J mana t1,nrn IN non nT nnI'
troops were transported to distant
lands and engaged in assault, siege
ana battle and many skirmishes in UNI
familiar territory. we lost in both
branches Of the service a total Of 1,GGS
killed and wounded, and in the entire
campaign by land and sea we did not
lose Il gun, flag, transport or ship, II
with the exception of the Merrimac,
not a soldier or sailor has been taken
prisoner"
The president pays a fitting trib-
ute TO THE devotion Of the large pnr-
ton Of our army, which, although
eager TO he ordered to posts of great
est exposure, fortunately were not re-
Quired outside of the United States
They did their whole duty aud earned
the gratitude of the nation. The pres
then says:
in tracing these events we are con
reminded Of u obligations TO
the divine master for his watchful
care over us and his safe guidance, for
which the nation makes revcrent ac-
acknowledgement and offers a humble
PRAYER for a continuance of his ia
Peace Negotiations.
The peace negotiations which fol-
owed soon after the capitulation Of
Santiago, and the preparation and
signing Of the protocol are discussed
It length. Referring to the work Of
he peace commission in Paris, the
president says:
These negotiations have made
progress, so that | trus- TO be
lble to lay a definite treaty before
he senate, with a review of the steps
cading to it's signature.
Il do not discuss ut this time the
government or tenure of tlic new pos
sessions which will come TO the Unit
ID States as a result OF the war with
Such discussion will be APP
)ropriatc after the treaty OF peace
shall be ratified. Meantime, until
has l%egislatcd otherwise, it
will be my duty to continue the mill
airy governments which have existed
ince our occupation and give TO the
security of life and property
mder Il just and benelia2nt rule.
independence for Cuba.
AS soon as we are in possession
# Cuba and have paciiicd the island,
{ will be necessary TO give aid and
direction to its people to form Il gov
'rnment FOR themselves. This should
,e undertaken ut the earliest moment
consistent with safety and assured