The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-10
PLUCK AND NERVE IN THE NAVY.
Assistant Surgeon on Flagship New
York Praises the Mems Courage.
nd Spear. in Medical News.

Dr. Raymond Spear, in Medical News.
Before the beginning of hostilities, with
Spain, when the ships company was drilled
in preparing the ship for action, the men
all took their stations promptly, ana each
part of the machinery of the great engine
of war was quickly manned, ana IN very
few minutes everything was ready Tor
action
sion with which each man TOOK MS StatlOn
seemed marvellous. If these same people
could see the actions of the same men when
reason to believe engagement is imml-
nent, they would scarcely believe their eyes
Now enthusiasm and spirit dominate every
thing. Each man knows that on the way
his work is done depends in measure the
outcome of the conflict.
When everything is made ready, ammuni-
ton hoisted guns loaded and manned, there
comes a period of suspense, a calm De1ore
the storm, so TO speak. Looking around the
there are no pale or anxious faces TO be
seen; nobody seems to be thinking or nome;
every thought is for the present. Here ana
there the ''jackes'' are cracking jokes; the
men at the guns that will be engaged seem
the most contented of all; their companions
on the unengaged side look sorrowlui IN
dropped about hard luck by them. -
A period of expectancy now ensues. Inc
nerves assume a state of tension; Wnlcn Is
relieved as soon as the gun IS hr9d. a ane
crew now settle down to work. The hrst
few Shells from the enemy cause comment;
when a puff of smoke from an opponents
gun is seen there are some that stop mo-
6m ~9r and watch for the destination of
the shell, and feel relieved when they see
column of water rise out of the sea.
When the first shell whizzes overhead al
most everybody can be seen to duck rms
is entirely a reflex act, and Is no sign OF
fear. Soon all thought or the enemy Shell
passes away and the men at the guns nave
eyes for their own shells only. They Know
that the best defense is a well-directed fire.
Each shot from the guns is noted and when
the range is accurately determined, the
Yankee craftsmanship becomes evident.
At Santiago the shooting from the New
York was wonderful in its accuracy, shell
after shell being dropped exactly in the right
spot, and the gunners and others sent up
shout each time cloud composed OF guns
and dusty Dons arose out of a Spanish Lat
terry. The excitement OF action for those who
can see what is going on dispeldS any nerV-
Gus strain that may have existed
Below the decks, down in the engine ana
fire rooms in the coal bunkers and maya
zines there are many men working away
seeing nothing and hearing only the reports
of the guns and exploding shells. If the
engagement be with ship, they cannot
tell at what moment torpedo VIII come
crashing in through the vessels side, or, If
the ship be entering harbor, at what IN
slant the ships bottom will be blown up
ward by mine. These are the people whose
nerves are put to strong test. But they
never murmur and so far no man in the
American navy has given in to fear. -.
fications reduced, there is an air OF salts
faction visible everywhere. Men can be
heard discussing the different shots and
dering when they will get some more.
When ''secpTe" is sounded and retreat
has gone the men go about their duties
as if nothing had happened. Looking around
they can be seen writing. playing cards,
reading and steering quietly.
One of the best examples of the pluck and
rerve in the American squadron was made
manifest when a crew was wanted by Hob
son to take the Merrimac into the harbor
and sink her in the channel. The fate of
the men who were to go on the expedition
seemed to be sealed, as the chances of get
ting through alive apparently were very
slim.
There was no call for volunteers none
was needed; for as soon IS 1t became known
that the MeTrimac was to so IN on its per-