The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1898-12-09


calls for volunteers and the response
thereto, the fitting out of auxiliary cruis-
ers, the alarm felt along the Atlantic
coast, the Inauguration of the coast sig
nal service, the mining of harbors is de-
tailed. The work of the signal corps,
under which large mileage of military
telegraph lines was constructed is espe-
cially praised. TheauthoriZ1tion of bonds
to the amount of 800 600, 900 and the loan
of 200, 000,000, and the prompt manner in
which it was subscribed are mentioned.
sz,. 90 Beicr Recital Appropriate.
1t is not within the province of this mes
sage to narrate the history of the extraor-
oInary war rn;tU roIIoweu the spanish dec
laration of April 2lst, but brief recital
of it's more salient features is appropriate.
The first encounter of the war, in point OF
date, took place April 81, when a detach-
ment of the blockading squadron made
reconnaissance in force at Mantanzas,
shelled the harbor forts and demolished
several new works in construction
The Engagement at Manila Bay.
The next engagement was destined to
mark memorable epoch in maritime
warfare. The Pacific fleet, under Commo-
weeks at Hong Kong. Upon the colonial
proclamation of neutrality being issued
and the customary "a hours notice being
given, it repaired to Mrs bay near Hong
Kong, whence it proceeded to the Philip
pine islands, under telegraphic orders to
capture or destroy the formidable Spanish
feet then assembled at Manila. At day
break on May l the American force
entered Manila bay, and after few hours
engagement effected the total destruc-
ton of the Spanish fleet, consist
ing of I'D warships and a transport,
besides capturing the naval station and
forts at Cavite, thus annihilating the
Spanish naval power in the Pacific ocean,
and completely controlling the bay of
Manila, with the ability to take the city
at will. Not life was lost on our ships,
the wounded only numbering seven, while
not a vessel was materially injured. For
this gallant achievement the congress,
upon my recommendation, fifty bestowed
upon the actors preferment and subStan.
tial recognition. The result of this re
markable victory upon the spirit of our
people and upon the fortunes of the war
was instantaneous. A prestige of invinci-
bility thereby attached to our arms,
which continued throughout the struggle.
Reinforcements were started to Manila
under the command of Major General
Merritt and firmly established within
sight of the capital, which lay helpless be-
fore our guns On the 18th day of May
the government was advised officially of
the victory at Manila and at once in
quired of the commander of our fleet what
troops would be required. The informa-
ton was received on the 10Th day of May
and the first army expedition sailed May
% and arrived off Manila June 30. Other
expeditions soon followed, the total force
consisting of al officers and 25,05S men.
Only reluctance to cause needless loss
of life and property prevented the early
storming and capture of the city, and
Herewith the absolute military occupancy
of the group.
Following the comprehensive scheme of
general attack, powerful forces were as
sembled at various points on our coast to
invade Cuba and Porto Rico Meanwhile
naval demonstrations were made at sew
eral exposed points.
On May Is, the North Atlantic squad
ron shelled San Juan de Porto Rico.
On May 80, Commodore Schley's squad
ron bonn barded the forts guarding the
mouth of Santiago harbor. Neither at
tack had any material result. 1t was evil
dent that we'll ordered land operations
were Indispensable to achieve a decisive
advantage.
The preliminary Cuban campaign is
next detailed, including the blockade of
Santiago harbor, with Cervera's fleet in
side. The heroism of Hobson and his
companions is especially mentioned as
thrilling the hearts not only of Ameri-
cans, but of the world as we'll" The
landing of Skaters army and the de-
struction of Cervera's feet are tersely
though comprehensively reviewed
The destruction of the feet of Cervera's
vessels virtually broke Spain's sea power
and only spasmodic effort was made to
revive it. The attack on Santiago and
the surrender of that place quickly fol-
lowed the achievement of the Atlantic
squadron. Following this came the oc-
cupation of Porto Rico, the remarkable
feature being the cordiality with which
the American troops were received by the
native population of that island.
Second Battle of Manila.
The last scene of the war was enacted
at Manila, it's starting place. On Aug. Is,
after brief assault upon the works by
the land forces, in which the squadron as
sisted, the capital surrendered uncondi-
tlonally. The casualties were compare
lively few. By this victory the conquest
of the Philippine islands, virtually accom-
plished when the Spanish capacity for re-
sistance was destroyed by Admiral Dew
ey's victory of May l, was formally sealed.
TO General Merritt, his officers and men,
for their accomplishing and devoted
services. for their gallantry in action, the
nat on is sincerely grateful.
The president here recapitulates the
casualties of the war, and eulogizes the
heroism of those who fought, and not less
of those who were not needed in actual
warfare.
The overtures of Spain for peace through
the French ambassador, the drafting of
the protocol, the suspension of hostilities
and the appointment of the Paris peace
commission are also detailed.
Will Discuss New Possessions Later.
The negotiations have made hopeful
progress, so that trust soon to be able to
lay definite treaty of peace before the
senate, with a review of the steps leading
to it's signature.
do not discuss at this time the govern
ment or the future of the new possessions
which will come to us as the result of the
81,