Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1898-12-10

n
engagement Effected total destruction OF
the Spanish feet. consisting OF ten war
ships and = transport, besides csptortne
tho laval station and forts AZ Csvite. tnes
al siattng the spanish naval power ~
the Pscihc Ocean and com mpleteiy control. \
ling the bay Of Manila. with the ability &C /
take the city at will. Not life was lost on
our ships, the wounded only NUMBERING |
seven, while not a vessel was materially IN
jured- For this gallant achievement the |
Congress. upon my recommendation. 1tly
bestowed upon the actors prefermept and
substantial reward.
The effect OF this remarkable victory
upon the spirit OF our people and upon the
fortunes Of the war was instant. A prestige
ot tnvincibility thereby attached 90 our
arms. which continued through the
struggle. Reinforcements we're hurried 70
Manila. under the command of Ma Csen
eral Merritt and nrmly established within
sight Of the capital, which lay helpless BE-
fore our guns.
on the 7th day OF May the Government
was advised oficially oi the victory Of
Manila. and AZ once inquired of the con-
mander OF our fleet what troops would be
required. The Information was received
on the 18th day Of May. aud the lrst army
expedition sailed May 25. and arrived OF
Manila June 30. other expeditions soon
followed. the total force consisting ot Gal
officers and i5.O5s enlisted men. Only 70
luctance TO cause needless loss OF life anc
property prevented the early storming and
capture OF the city. and herewith the ah-
solute military occupancy OF the wholt
group. The insurgents meanwhile had re-
sumei the active hostilities suspended 10y
the uncomplcted truce Of y ecember. 1897
Their forces Invested Manila from the north
err and eastern sides. but were constrafnad
by Admiral Dewey and General Merritt
from attempting an assault. IL was ftting
that whatever was TO be done IN the way OF
decisive operations IN that quarter should
be accomplished by the strong arm OF the
f United States alone. Obeying the stern
aH.H -" =. .I.H.
+ ing of the adversary and tho extinction of
+ his power wherever assailabie as the speedy
aud sure means 70 win a peace, divided
/ victory vas not permissible. for no parti-
I tion ~ the rights aud responsibilities at
/ tending the enforcement Of = Just and ad-
/ vsntageous peace could be thought OF.
The message continues with a review og
( the entire land and naval opcrationJ. He
does not treat them at length, but refers
/ the public 20 the departments reports for
I details. Hestates that with tho destruc.
tion OF Cervera's fleet Spain "a efforts on the
ocean virtually ceased, and ends this par.
ofthe document by relating how the last
scene of tho war vas enacted AZ Manila
the place where &c started. He closed MS
references 20 military and naval matters
by tribute 80 the aghtors.
Praise FOR All Our Fighters.
IL is ftting that I should bear testimony
70 tho patriotism and devotion OF that
large portion OF our army which, although
eager 70 be ordered 60 the post of greatest
exposure. fortunately not required
outside OF the Unitod States. Tney tii
their whole duty. and ike their con. rale-
az fhe front have earned the x-atttt IA o.
the nation. In like manner, the oftcers
and men OF the army and OF the navy who
remained in their departments and stations
faithfully performing most important du-
ties connected with the war and whose re-
quests for assignment in the field and al
sea was compelled 90 refuse because theli
services were indispensable here. ara en-
TITLED 20 the highest commendation. IL 4
/ my regret that there seems 90 be no pro-
/ vision for their suitable recognition.
To tracing theee events we are constantly
/ reminded OF our legations 70 the Divine
Master for His watchfri care over as and
| His safe guidance for which the nation
fers humble prayers FOR The continuance ol
His favor.
Spain Sues For Peace.
Spain. having realized that she had lost
the President states. now sued foi
peace The signlng OF the protocol Is re-
ferred TO. and then the Message relates ia,
details ot the negotiations which ended IL
suspension OF hostilities. the appoint
: ment OF the military commissions {,
=. I "a Derintend the evacuation OF Cuba Porte
Rico and the adjacent islands and th'
b peace commission. Contiuuing. he says.
Peace Commissions work.
, Pursuant to the nfth article % the proto
, | col. I appointed William r. Day, latel,
| Secretary or state: Cusnman X Davis
: / William p. Frye aud George Gray. senator
/ OF the United States. and Whitelaw Rel,
70 DO the Peace Commissioners on the par
, / OF the United States Proceeding in du
! season 20 Paris, they there met on the Is
4 / OF October Ave Com mmlssioners simllarl
appointed on the part OF Spain. Thei
negotiations have made hopeful progress
30 hat L trust soon TO DO able 70 lay
q definite treaty Of peace before the SenRts
( with review Of the steps leading 10 II
o signature.
Government OF New POssessions-
= do not discuss az this time the govern
: ment or the failure OF the new possession
g which win come TO Us as a result OF the va
e with spain. Such discussion will be al
Il propriate after the treaty OF peace shall
l. ratified. In ths meantime. and until Cor
a gress has legissated otherwise it will be ~
Al duty 20 continue the military Governmeni
l. which have existed since our occupation
aud give 20 the people security Ia ute an
q property aud encouragement under a ju
r. and benefcient rule.
D. Independence Alone For Cuba.
g As soon as we are in possession OF Cul
40 aud have pacifled the island. IL will be ne
o: essary TO give aid and direction 20
ia people TO form a government for theI
n selves. This shoaid be undertaken at q
an earliest moment consistent with safety 81
at assured success. IL Is important that O.
u xelations with this people shall be of q
1y most friendly character and our CONNIE
40 cial relations close and reciprocal.
n should be our duty 70 assist ia every pro
en er way TO build up this waste places OF 9
sc island, encourage the industry OF the pc
2 pie. e-sd assist them to form a governme
o which shall oe free and independent. IN
- realizing the best aspirations OF the Cub
,H people. spanish <ule must be replaced b5
p lust benevolent aud humane Governm el