The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-07-23
FJtIIIVINNSoVI U eN'1 To Adjutant General Corbin, Washing
LIEUT.. HoBsoN,s MIssToN.
Reports to Secretary Long Regarding
 Work on the Cristobal Colon.

"OFk on the SrIstODol SOhOh.
 Washington, July 22.-Lieutenant Hobson arrived at the navy depart ment this afternoon and reported to Secretary Long. The secretary after a long interview with Hobson stated that the Merirmac hero did not bring the report from Admiral Sampson and his brother officers on the destruction of Cevera's squadron. The exact purpose of his visit was explained by the fol- lowing order under which Lieutenant Hobson had come to the United States: United States flagship New York, first
 class, off Santiago de Cuba, July II,
 1898.
 Sir: You will proceed north in the St Paul to New York Thence you will pro- ceed to Washington and report to the sec retary of the navy and acGuaint him with the object of your visit as set forth in my letter to him of this date regarding the work upon the Cristobal Colon. Explain to him fully the position and condition of that ship and receive his instructions regarding 1t.
 2-Be as expeditions as possible in bring ing the matter to a termination in order that if it is practicable. to do so, this fine ship may be saved to the United States
 3-When this duty is completed, you will ask for orders from the secretary of the navy. otherwise you vii. return to duty on board this ship. Very respectfully,
 w. T. Sampson Rear Admiral U. s. N, commander-i -in-chlef
 United States naval force North Atlan-
 tic squadron.
 About 530 o'clock Lieutenant Hobson went to the White house to pay his re- spects to the president. Secretary Long accompanied him. The president gave Lieutenant Hobson most cor dial greeting and paid him high trib- ute for what he regarded as one of the most conspicuous acts of gallantry in the history of naval warfare The lieu tenant modestly acknowledged the compliment of President Mckinley and quietly turned the conversation to the object of his mission to the United States at this time-the effort that Is being made to save to the navy some of the warships of the Spanish squadron. Lieutenant Hobson freely expressed his views. After remaining with the pres ident for half an hour the secretary and Lieutenant Hobson left the White house.
 Concerning the efforts that are being made to save some of the Spanish ships he informed the secretary that the Reina Mercedes and the Infanta Maria Teresa would be saved certainly, and he expressed the utmost confidence that the Cristobal Colon could be saved also Lieutenant Hobson differs with the wrecking experts sent from the United States, who are of the opinion that the Colon cannot be saved. Lieu tenant Hobson is particularly anxious that every possible effort be made to save the Colon, as he regards her as the finest of her class that was ever | constructed. He is enthusiastic in his efforts to save the ships and declining to remain in Washington for even a day, tonight hurried back to New York to take up the subject of his mis- sion with the wrecking company. Sec retary Long said tonight that if the l Colon could be saved she would be- He was much impressed with the state ments made by Lieutenant Hobson.