The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-08-04
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Bears the AIh8 Kind You Have Always Bought
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CAPTURE OE HE LADRONES

San Francisco Cal, Aug. 2.-The steam
er Doric, from Hong Kong, today brings
the following letter from the correspond
ent of the Associated Press al Manila,
under date of July /:
On June q another link was added to
the chain of territory which connects the
United States with their newly acquired
possessions in the Pacific ocean, for upon
that date Captain Glass, of the United
States ship Charleston, captured the La
drone islands. took the governor general,
his staff and the entire military force
prisoners and raised the stars and stripes
over the ruins of the Spanish fort of
Santa Cruz in the harbor of San Luis
D'Apra. 1t was a bloodless victory for
the Spanish, not having heard of the war
between their country and the United
States, were taken completely by sur
prise and surrendered the islands, their
arms and themselves without Offering the
slightest resistance.
From a strategic point of view, how
ever, it was a very important one, for the
harbor of San Luis, on the west coast Of
the main island of Guam. is an ideal coal
ing station. and while the whole group
W TIA Undoubtedly DiNNt ~ nc u liltdANul-
able value to the United States, it COM
mends Itself as the most valuable Of ali
the newly acquired possessions on account
of its situation. It lies $500 miles west
by south of Honolulu, 1850 miles south
east of Yokohama and 1900 miles east of
Luzon. the principal island of the Phifp-
pine group, thus being the connecting link
between the United States and the Orient.
Its inhabitants. who number 1000 aye
a hospitable. peaceful Iaw-abiding people,
only too anxious to throw off the Spanish
yoke for a less CALLING one. OF the islands
themselves volumes might be written and
not the ham told. Suffice 1t to say that
they are of volcanic origin, but prolific,
comparatively healthy and only need cap
ital TO develop their innumerable re-
sources.
For three days the CharIeston's run
from Guam to Manila was without Incl
dent. hut on June 2S. shortly after Point
Ensana. the northeasterly cape of Luzon
island. has been sighted, a strange steam
er appeared on the horizon. The Charles
ton was Immediately cleared for action
and after the convoy had fallen in behind
preparations were made for giving the
stranger a warm reception should she
prove TO he hostile.
She turned out 10 he the United States
ship Baltimore. however, which had been
awaiting the fleet for ten DAYS The ships
were hove 10 while Captain Dyer reported
10 Captain Glass, but Immediately upon
his return to the Baltimore the whole
fleet again got under way. As il rounded
the north end Of the island the first rough
weather OF the entire trip, in the shape
of q southwester.N monsoon, was en-
countered.
At . p. N. on June 50 the Baltimore led
the way into Manila harbor and three
hours later the fleet anchored under the
wing Of the flagship olympia within
few mics Of the wrecks Of the Spanish
ships. which had been annihHated by Ad-
miral Dewey two months earlier.
\ large fleet of foreisnu men-of-wsr lay
"a anchor Just above Manila. most Of
whom were Germans. and an addition was
made 70 the feet by the arrival Of he
Ksiserin Augusta, which followed the
transports into the harhor from small
cove iust outside.
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