St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1898-12-07

the port of Cienfuegos on the south coast
of Cuba. and on the 23rd called for
to execute the purpose OF the
BY my message OF April 70
the congress was informed of the situa-
ton and recommended formal declara-
tion of the existence of state OF war pc
tween the United States and Spain. Inc
accordingly voted on the same
day the act approved April 20, 1898. de-
claring the existence Of such war from
and including the 21st day OF April, ana
re-enacted the provision OF the session Oh
April 20, directing the president 10 use
oil the armed forces OF the nation u cariy
that act into effect.
Due notification of the existence OF war
as aforesaid was given April 20 by tele-
graph to all the governments with whlch
the United States maintain relations, In
order that their neutrality might be as
sured during the war. The various gov
ernments responded with proclamatiohs
of neutrality, each after Its own metnoos.
In further fulfilment Of international
duty I issued, April 26, 1898, proclama,,
ton announcing the treatment proposed
to be accorded to vessels and their car
goes as to blockade, contraband, the
exercise of the right OF search, and the
immunity of neutral flags and neutral
goods under enemy's flag. A similar
proclamation was made by the Spanish
government.
Our country thus after an interval OF
half century Of peace with all nations,
found itself engaged in deadly conflict
with a foreign enemy. Every nerve was
strained to meet the emergency. The
response to the Initial call for 125, 00o vol
unteers was instant and complete, as was
80 20
25 for $4,000 additional volunteers. The
ranks of the regular army were increased
to the limit provided by the act of April
26, 1898.
The enlisted force Of the navy on Aug.
Is, when it reached its maximum, num-
bered 24,123 men and apprentices. One
hundred and three vessels were added to
the navy by purchase, one was presented
TO the government, one leased, and the
four vessels of the International Navi-
cation company, the st. Paul, st. Louis,
New York and Paris were chartered. In
addition to these. the revenue cutters and
lighthouse tenders were turned over to
the auxiliary navy.
The signal corps was promptly organ
lied and performed service Of the most
difficult and important character Its
operations during the war covered the
electrical connection Of all coast fortif1-
cations, the establishment of telephone
and telegraphic facilities for the camps
at Manila, Santiago and In Porto Rico.
This service was invaluable to the execu-
tive in directing the operations of the
army and navy. With a total force of
over 1900 the loss by disease in camp and
field, officers and men included, only FIVE
The national defense fund Of $50, 900 O0(
was expended in large part by the army
and navy, and the objects for which IL
was used was fully shown In the re-
ports of the several secretaries. 1t was
a most timely appropriation. enabling
the government to strengthen its de-
lenses and make preparations greatly
needed In case of war.
This fund being inadequate to the re-
quirements of equipment and for the
conduct of the war, the patriotism of the
congress provided the means In the wal
revenue act of June 13 by authorizing a
3 percent popular loan, not to exceed
$400, 100000, and by levying additional
imposts and taxes. OF the authorized
loan 5000, 900, 900 was offered and promptly
taken, the subscriptions so far exceeding
the call as to cover 1t many times over
This was a most encouraging and signi-
flcant result, showing the vast resources
Of the nation, and the determination OF
the people to uphold their country's
honor.
1t Is not within the province Of this
message to narrate the history of the
extraordinary war that followed the
Spanish declaration of April 81, but g
brief recital of Its more salient feature.
is appropriate.
The first encounter of the war in point
of date took place April 81, when a de-
tachment of the blockading squadron
made a reconnaissance in force at Ma.
tanzas, shelled the harbor forts and
demolished several works in course oil
construction.
The next engagement was destined tc
mark memorable epoch in marine war
fare. The Pacific fleet, under Commo-
dore George Dewey, had lain for some
weeks at Hong Kong. Upon the colonia
proclamation of neutrality being issued
and the customary "a hours notice heine
given, it repaired to Mrs bay near Hong
Kong, whence 1t proceeded to the Philip.
pine islands under telegraph orders tc
capture or destroy the formidable Span.
tsh fleet then assembled at Manila
At daybreak on May the American
force entered Manila bay and after few
hours engagement effected the total de-
u,
of 10 warships and transport besides
capturing the naval station and forts a
Cavite, thus annihilating the Spanisl
naval power in the Pacific ocean ant
completely controlling the bay of Ma
Mia, with the ability to take the city
will. Not life was lost on our ships
the wounded only numbering seven
while not vessel was materially injured
For this gallant achievement the con
gress, upon my recommendation, fiji,
bestowed upon the actors permanent an,
| substantial reward.
The effect of this remarkable victor,
upon the spirit of our people and upol
the fortunes of the war was instant.
prestige of invinciblity thereby attache
to our arms, which continued Throughout
the struggle. Reinforcements wer
hurried to Manila under the command O
Major General Merritt and firmly estab
lished within sight of the capital. whic
lay helpless before our guns.
On May the government was advise
officially of the victory at Manila and a
once inquired of the commander of ou
fleet what troops would be required. TIL
information was received on the 18th c
May and the first army expedition sale
May 25 and arrived off Manila June 81
Other expeditions soon followed tn
total force consisting of GAL officers an
1908 enlisted men.
Only reluctance to cause needless los
of life and property prevented the earl
storming and capture of the city, an
Herewith the absolute military occu
pancy of the whole group.
The insurgents meanwhile had re
sumed the active hostilities suspende
by the uncompleted truce of Decembe
1897. Their forces invested Manila frol
the northern and eastern sides. but we4
constrained by Admiral Dewey and Gen
eral Merritt from attempting an assault
1t was fitting that whatever was to b
done in the way Of decisive operations |
that quarter should be accomplished b