Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-06-28
REWARDS FOR HEROES.
cial Messages to Congress Rec
OmmendinE Suitable Action.

ffesiuent mckinley SENDS TWO Spe.
cial Messages to Congress Rec
ommendins Suitable Action.
WASHINGTON, June H.-President Me
kinley to-day sent to congress two special
messages. one recommending that the
thanks of congress be extended to Lieuten-
ant Hobson, and the other recommending
medals for Lieutenant Newcomb and the
crew of the Hudson. who distinguished
themselves at Cardenas. and the retirement
on full pay of Captain Hogsdon, Of the
Hugh McCulloch. The messages, in part,
are as follows:
ITO the Congress of the United States:-
On the morning of the 3rd of June, 1898, AS
sistant Naval Constructor Richmond P
Hobson, United States navy, with volun-
teer crew of seven men, in charge of the
partially dismantled collier Merrimac, en-
tered the fortified harbor of Santiago,
Cuba. for the purpose of sinking the col
mel. and thus interposing serious obstacle
to the egress of the Spanish fleet, which
had recently entered that harbor. This en-
terprise. demanding coolness Judgment and
bravery amounting to heroism, was carried
into successful execution in the face of a
persistent fire from the hostile fleet. as
we'll as from the Notifications on shore
The members of the crew who were
with Mr.. HObson on this memorable oc-
casion have already been rewarded for
their services, which. under the provisions
CT law and regulations. the secretary of
hlp 49,
nomination to the senate of Naval Cade.
Powell. who in steam launch followed
the Merrimac on her perilous trip for the
purpose of rescuing the force after the
sinking of that vessel. to be advanced in
rank to the grade of ensign. has been pre-
pared and will be submitted Cushing
with whose gallant act in blowing up the
ram Albemarle during the civil war, Ad-
niral Sampson compares with Mr.. Hob
sons sinking of the Merrimac, received
the thanks of congress, upon recommended
tion of the president, by name. and was, in
consequence. under the provisions of Sec
ton 1903 of the Revised Statutes, advanced
cne grade. such advancement embracing
fffty-six numbers. The section cited. ap-
plies. however, to line officers only, and
Mr.. HObsOn. being a member of the staff
of the navy. he could not, under its pro-
visions. be so advanced.
In considering the question of suitably
rewarding Assistant Naval Constructor
Hobson for his valiant conduct on the oc-
casion referred to, have deemed it proper
to address this message to you, with the
recommendation that he receive the thanks
of congress, and, further that he be trans
ferred to the line of the navy and promoted
to such position therein as the president, by
and with the advice and consent of the SEN
ate dafarnine Mr. HnhS0n'c
from the construction corps to the line is
fully warranted, he having received the
necessary technical training as a graduate
of the naval academy. where he stood num-
ber in his class; and such action is rec
commended, partly in difference to what is
understood to be his own desire, although,
he being now a prisoner In the hands of the
enemy. no direct communication on the
subject has been received from him, and
partly for the reason that the abilities dis
played by him at Santiago are of such a
character as to indicate especial fitness for
the duties. of the line.
The second message was as follows:
TO the Congress of the United States:-
On the 11th of June, 1898. there occurred
a conflict in the bay of Cardenas, Cuba,
in which the naval torpedo boat Winslow
was disabled, her commander wounded and
one of her officers and a part Of her crew
killed by the enemy's fire.
In the face of most CALLING fire from
the enemy's guns, the revenue cutter Hud-
son. commanded by First Lieutenant
Frank H. Newcomb. rescued the disabled
Winslow, her wounded commander and re-
mGining crew. The commander of the
HuGson kept his vessel in the very hot
test fire of the action, although In con-
stant danger of going ashore on account
OF the shallow water. until he finally got
a line made fast to the Winslow and
towed that vessel out of range of the
enemy's guns, a deed of special gaIlantry
Il recommend that, in recognition of the
signal act of heroism of First Lieutenant
Frank H. Newcomb, United States reve.
nue. cutter service. above set forth. the
thanks of congress be extended to him
and to his officers and men of the Hudson
and a gold medal of honor be presented
Lieutenant Newcomb, silver medal OF
honor to each of his officers and a bronze
medal OF honor to each member of his
crew who served with him at Cardenas.
1T will be remembered that congress by
appropriate action, recognized the several
commanders of ships of war for their serv-
ices in the battle of Manila, May ]. 1868
The commander of the revenue cutter
Hugh McCulloch,' present and in active CO.
operation with the fleet under Commodore
Dewey on that occasion (by executive or.
der under the provisions of section 2T5 Re
wise Statutes) is the only commander Of
a national ship to whom promotion or ad
vancement was not and could not be giver
because he already held the highest ranl
known to the revenue cutter service.
II now recommend that, in recognition OF
the efficient and meritorious services o
Captain Daniel r. Hogsdon, United State.
revenue cutter service. who commanded ths
Hugh McCulloch' at the battle of Manila
tthat officer being now in the s3d year o.
his age and having served continuously
for thirty-seven years. be placed upon thu
permanent waiting orders on the retired
list of the revenue cutter service on th'
full duty pay of his grade
The president also sent the following
special nomination to congress:
ITO the senate Of the United States:
nominate Naval Cadet Joseph H. Powell Il
be advanced two numbers under the pro
visions of section 1906 of the Revised Statute!
and to be an ensign in the navy, for ex
| traordinary heroism. while in charge o
the steam launch which accompanied thu
| collier .Merrimac' for the purpose of res
cuing her gallant force when the vesse
was under the command of Naval Con
| structor HobsOn, run into the mouth of tn
| harbor of Santiago de Cuba on the 3rd in
sfant and dexterously sunk in the chan