Evening star., 1898-06-20
CREWS IN GOOD HEALTH
Reports Brought by Participants in Aanila's
Fight.
Difficulty In Obtaining Fresh Ment
aud vegetab1es-Heat Not
Particularly Trying.


from DE-. Kindelberger, assistant surgeon
] of the Olympia, flagship of Admiral
Dewey's squadron, and Gunner Evans of
the cruiser Boston, both of whom partici-
pated in the battle of Manila, and are the
first to arrive here to give to the officials
personal information of that famous en-
gagement. DR.. Kindelberger is on leave
and incidentally, on his way through. he
took bride at San Francisco. Gunner
Evans time expired early in April, bu.
| knowing that the battle was impending he
asked Admiral Dewey for permission to
remain at his post through the engagement
and this was readily granted, as Evans
| is such a veteran at the gun as Dewey
needed at such a time. The two men look
ed bronzed from exposure to the tropical
sun, and their sturdiness gives assurance
! that Dewey's men are not suffering at
Manila. the fact of which they assured
Secretary Long.
Gunner Evans had a long talk with
Secretary Long, describing many interest
ing phases of the battle.
Afterward he talked with a Representa-
tive of The Star.
The Battle.
On the night before the battle the off,
GERS remained awake and ready for service
constantly, while the men slept beside
their guns. The spirit of the crews was
high and they were eager for the contest.
There was no apprehension, except in
crossing over the mines at the entrance
OF Manila bay, for the fate of-the Maine
mad aroused dread lest the Spaniards had
planted mines and torpedos at the en-
trance The Olympia, with the admiral
aboard, took the lead through this un-
known danger, and when this had been
cleared there was keen eagerness to begin
the hight. There is no long dawn in the
philippines, but the transition from dark
ness to clear daylight was in a few min
uteS. 1t was shortly after ) o'clock that
this change came, disclosing the Spanish
SHIPS lying eight miles off. The American
sailors watched the hurry and confusion
on board of the Spanish ships as they pre-
pared to defend themselves. They were
practically helpless, as their fires were
banked. and beyond clearing the decks for
action and getting the men to quarters
they could not be moved. Meantime the
olympia had led the way and the Ameri-
can ships were in line of battle for their
first broadaide Evans remained Mt the
ammunition cases, serving shot and shell
as a., Iast as needed which was fast indeed
Mhen the thunder of our ships began
Inc men at the guns had stripped to the
waist Keeping on only their trousers and
shoes There was not a breath of air
SURFING and aside from the intense tropi-
cal neat, there was the heat of action and
of excitement. The story of results has
already been told, although the account
gwen by these participants gives person.
The Destructfo:, Caused.
When Evans left the Boston on May 5
the wrecks of the Spanish ships We're plain
ly visible dotting the water of Bakor bay
and the outer harbor. Only shattered por-
tons of their upper works were left, for
terrible havoc had been wrought by the
American guns and by the fires which fol-
lowed on the Spanish ships. The wooden
ShipS had been burned outright upper
works and all, while the better class of
steel ships had their sides blown out and
their upper works riddled. Evans saws the
Spanish fleet was not such lame and help
less aggregation as the people believe. The
Castillo and Duaro were the worst of the
lot, being old sea boats but the former
had fine lot of modern krupp guns on
her. The two 1slas, the Rena Christina,
the Donna Antonio and the Austrias were
all good ships, with rapid fire batteries and
heavy modern guns. But they were taken
completely unawares, were unable to move
and were literally blown to pieces before
they had an opportunity to get into the
action.
The British cruiser Linnet had arrived
al Manila before DIR. Kindelberger and
Evans left. AS they came out of the bay
a big French cruiser and another British
ship, the Immortalite We're entering The
American officers and men were naturally
elated over their victory, and entertained
no fears that Its results would be over
come with any subsequent development.
The health of the men was good and the
heat not particularly trying as thew were
used to this service
About the worst difficulty was in obtain
ing fresh meat and vegetables on board of
the ships for the Spaniards in and about
Manila and the insurgents surrounding the
place ate up every available pound of fresh
food Admiral Dewey has an abundance
of regular ships rations, but was hopeful
OF getting fresh food before long.