The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1898-12-10


parzcalIariy to the erlistment of the
solnnteers.SStO the material increase OF
the nAvysin both inen and ships. and
to the precautionary measures taken
for the protection OF the seaboard
cities @8 %
The aggregate number of mines
placed was 1,535 In the principal har-
bors, from Maine to California.
Taking up chronologicalIy the
events OF the war, the president re-
views them carefully. The first "
counter was the shelling of Matanzas,
on April "a. This was followed by an
engagement destined to mark a mem
orable epoch in maritime warfare
This was Commodore Dewey's victory
Mt Manila. May i. ..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 invincibility thereby
attached to N arms, which continued
throughout the struggle"
The president says: "Only reluct-
once to cause needless loss of life and
property prevented The early storming
and capture of the city of Manila, and
Herewith the absolute military occn-
patton Of the whole group"
Following the memorable trip Of the
battleship Oregon from San Francisco
to Key West and the bombardment of
San Juan, Puerto Rico and the forts
of Santiago, to 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 eve volunteers,
blocked the outlet of Santiago harbor
by sinking the collier Merriraac in the
channel, under q fierce fire from the
shore batteries, and escaping with
their lives by a miracle, but falling
into the hands of the Spaniards. 1t
was a 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 q brilliant
achievement.
A brief review is then presented of
July }, resulting in the complete de-
%struction of Cervera's fleet. Concern
ing it the president says:
Where all so c%onspicuously distin-
guished themselves, from commanders
to gunners and unnamed heroes in
boiler rooms, each and all contribute
ing toward the achievement, this as
founding victory. for which neither
ancient 10 modern history affords a
parallel in the completeness of the
event and the marvellous disproportion
of casualties, 1t would be invidious to
single out anyone for special honor"
Our Losses in the War.
AS to the success gained by the arms
of the United States in Cuba, the presi-
dent says the earnest, lasting graft
tude of the nation is unsparingly due,
NOR should we alone remember the
gallantry of the living; the dead claim
our tears. and losses by battle and
disease must cloud any eNultation at
present and teach is the awful
cost OF war, however rightful the
cause or signal the victory"
'Hrhe total casualties. killed and
wounded in the army during the war
with Spain was: Officers killed, "a;
enlisted men killed, 257; total, $50;
officers wounded, 113; enlisted men
wounded, 1,465; total, 1877. In the
navy: Killed, II; wounded, 81; died
of wounds, 1; invalided from service,
g.; 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
1nent, and more than $4,000 of our
troops were transported to distant
lands and engaged in assault, siege
and battle and many skirmishes in un-
familiar territory, we lost in both
branches OF the service q total of 1,6GS
killed and wounded, and in the entire
campaign by land and sea we did not
lose a gun, fiug, transport or ship, and
with the exception of the Merrimac,
not q soldier or sailor has been taken
prisoner"
The president pays a fitting trib-
ute to "the devotion Of the large por-
ton of our army, which, although
eager to be ordered to posts of great
est exposure, fortunately were not re-
4 ouASlNS VI j
They did their whole duty aud earned
the gratitude Of the nation. The pres
ident then says:
In tracing these events we are con-
stantly reminded of Il obligations to
the divine master for his watchful
care over lie, and his safe guidance. for
which the nation makes revcrent nc
acknowledgement and offers n humble
!, 49, - k--+ "a g.
vor.
Peace Negotiations.
The peace negotiations which fol-
lowed soon after the capitulation Of
Santiago, and the preparation and
signing Of the protocol are discussed
at length. Referring to the work of
the peace commission in Paris, the
president says:
"These negotiations have made
hopeful progress, SO that l trus5 to be
able to lay q definite treaty before
the senate, with a review of the steps
leading to it's signature.
II do not discuss at this time the
government or tenure Of the new pos
sessions which will come to the Unit
ed States rs a result of the war with
Spain. Such discussion will be up
propriate after the treaty OF peace
shall be ratified. Meantime. until
congress has legislated otherwise, it
will be my duty to continue the mill
tary governments which have existed
since u occupation and give to the
people security of life and property
under a just and benefiaen, rule.
Independence for Cuba.
"As soon as we are in possession
of Cuba and have pacified the island,
it will be necessary to give aid and
direction to its people to form u gov
eminent for themselves. This should
be undertaken ut the earliest moment
consistent with safety and assured
success. 1t is important that II re-
~lations with this people be of the most
friendly character and our commercial
relations close and reciprocal. 1t
should be our duty to assist in every
proper way TO build mp the waste
places of the island. encourage the in
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