The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1898-12-08

your body was developed on every point
save as to the eXpediency of coupling
the proposed action with a formal
recognition of the republic of Cuba as
the true lawful Government of that
island-a proposition which failed of
adoption-the Congress, after confer
ence, on the 10Th of April, by vote Of
~ to 80 in the Senate, and 81 to 6 in
the House of Representatives, passed
the memorable joint resolution. This
resolution was approved by the EXccu-
tive on the next day, April 90 A copy
was at once Communicated to the SrGu-
ish Minister at this capital, who forth
with announced that his continuance III
Washington had thereby become inpos-
sible, and asked for his passports.
, which were given him. lie thereupon
withdrew from Washington, leaving the
protection of Spanish interests in the
United States to the French Ambassa-
dor and the Austria Hungarian Minis
ter. simultaneously with its communi-
cation to the Spanish Minister here
General Woodford, the American Minis
ter at Madrid, was telegraphed COIL
firmation of the text OF the joint reso-
! luton and directed to communicate
with the Government of Spain. with the
formal demand that it at once relin-
quish its authority and government in
the Island of Cuba and withdraw its
forces therefrom, coupling this demand
with announcement of the intentions of
this Government as to the future of the
island, in conformity with the fourth
clause of the resolution, and giving
Spain until noon of April 90 to comply.
That demand. although, as above shown,
officially made known to the Spanish
Envoy here, was not delivered at Mad
rid.
on April % l proclaimed blockade
of the north coast of Cuba, including
| 4 L.,
and Bahia Honda and the port of Glen
fuegos in the south coast of Cuba, and
on the 23rd inst. | called for volunteers
to execute the purpose of the resolu-
ton. Due notification of the existence
of war as aforesaid was given April %
by telegraph to all other governments
with which the United States maintain
relations, in order that their neutrality
might be assured during the war. 1T is
not among the least gratifying Incl
dents of the struggle that the obliga-
tions of neutrality We're impartldlly
discharged by all, often under delicate
and difficult circumstances.
Our country thus, after an interval
of half a century of peace with all ma
tiOns, found itself engaged in deadly
conflict with a foreign enemy. Every
nerve was strained to meet the emcrg-
enCy; the response to the initial call for
10000 volunteers was instant and com
pItlGs dS WAS dlSo lHe result OI lilE
second call of May % for $4,000 adli-
tiOnal volunteers. The ranks of the
regular army We're increased to the
limit provided by the act of April IS,
1898.
The enlisted force of the navy on the
18th day of August, when it reached its
maximum, numbered 24,123 men and ap-
prentices. one hundred and three ves-
sels were added to the navy bv pur-
chase, one was presented to the Gov
ernment, one leased and the four VeS-
sells ui tn" International NaV!yal lion
Compauy-the 81. Paul, st. Louis, New
York and Paris-were chartered. In ad-
dition to these the revenue cutters and
lighthouse tenders were turned over to
the Navy Department and became tenn
porarily a part of the auxiliary navy.
The auxiliary navy was created under
the authority of Congress and was Off
cercd and manned by the naval militia
of the several States. This organiZa-
ton patrolled the coast and performed
the duty of second line of defense.
The Signal Corps was promptly or
ganiZcd and performed service of the
most difficult and important character.
Its operations during the war covered
the electrical connection of all coast
fortitications, the establishment of tele-
phonic and Geographic facilities for the
camps at Manila, Santiago and in Porto
Rico.
The national defense fund Of $50000,-
900 was expended in large part by the
army and navy, and the objects for
which it was used are fully shown in
the report of the several secretaries.
Ii was a most timely appropriation, en-
abling the government to strengthen
it's defenSes and make preparations
greatly needed in case Of war. This
fund being inadequate to the require
ments of equipment and for the con-
duct of the war, the patriotism of the
Congress provided the means in the
war revenue act of June 13 by author
izing a per cent. popular loan not to
exceed $4OO, 100000 and by levying addi-
tional imposts and taxes. OF the au-
thorized loan, $200,000,000 were offered
and promptly taken, the subscriptions
so far exceeding the call as to cover it
many times over, while, preference be-
ing given to the smaller bids, no single
allotment exceeded $1,000. This was a
most encouraging and significant re-
suit, showing the vast resources of the
nation and the determination OF the
people to uphold their country's honor.
81 is not within the province of this
message to ndrrate the history of the
extraordinary war that followed the
Spanish declaration of April q, but a
brief recital OF it's more salient features
is appropriate. The first encounter OF
the war IL point of date took place
April n, Nlen detachment OF the
blockading squadron made a reconnais-
ance in force at Matanzas shelled the
harbor forts, and demolished several
new works in construction.
The next engagement was destined to
mark a memorable epoch in maritime
warfare. The Pacific fleet, under Com
modore George Dewey, had lain for
some weeks at Hong Kong. Upon the
colonia! proclamation of neutrality be-
ing issued and the customary twenty
four hours notice being given it ie-
paired to Mrs Bay near Hong kong,
whence il proceeded to the Philippine
IslaIsds under telegraphed orders to cap
ture or destroy the formidable Spanish
fleet then assembled at Manila. Not a
life was lost on our ships, the wounded
only numbering seven, while not YES
sci was materially injured. For this
gallant achievement the Congress, upon
ry recommendation, fifty bestowed
upon the actors preferment and sub
stantial reward.
The effect of this remarkable victory
upon the spirit of our people and upon
the fortunes of the war was instant. y
prestige of invincibility thereby at
tached to our arms, which continued
throughout the struggle.
hi no y