The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1898-06-09
WAR DEVELOPMENTS.

tiles at Tampa, it is clear that prepare
lions for the invasion of Cuba have
been steadily progressing. This was
seen by certain recommendations sub
mltted to Congress by Secretary AL
ger last Thursday.
The recommendations were accom-
panied by letter from Chief Engineer
Ludlow stating that at a very early
date 1900 troops were to be landed in
Cuba, and closely following them So
900.
It was recommended that approprl-
ations aggregating So, 10Y 900 be made
at once. The money asked for is to
be expended in constructing, repairing
and equipping gun and mortar batter
les, military roads and railroads.
As further indication of stern war
preparations we see the continued pur-
chase of transports. Friday Assistant
Secretary Mlklejohn OF the War De-
partment secured additional troop ships
of capacity OF 1000 men. Saturday
two more we're purchased and arrange
ments were made for the use as trans
ports OF four Spanish steamers captur-
ed as prizes.
These additions increase our trans
port fleet to SO, with carrying capac-
lty OF more than 10000 men.
Meanwhile Commodore Schley is at
Santiago de Cuba preventing the es-
cape of the Spanish fleet, which is GER
tainly "bottled up'' there.
May 31st the American fleet fired up
on the Spanish batteries to determine
their exact location and capacity.
June Sd Commodore SchIey sent the
following report to the Navy Depart
ment at Washington
"Made reconnaissance this afternoon
May 3lst, with the Massachusetts,,
Iowa and New Orleans to develop for
tifications, with their character. The
fire was returned without delay by the
heavy batteries to the east, with large
calibre guns at long range. The range
was Z, 900 yards. Reconnaissance devel-
oped satisfactorily the presence of the
Spanish squadron lying behind the
island near the upper tort, as they fired
over the hill at random. Quite salts
fed the Spanish feet is here.
| [Signed] "ScHLEY."
Since last Tuesdays fight the fleet
OF Commodore Schley at Santiago has
been joined by that Of Rear Admiral
Sampson. The combined feet is sup
posed to contain twenty ships.
| HoBsoN's DARING DEED.
June 3rd.-One of the most daring
feats recorded In our naval history wa:
accomplished by Lieutenant Hobso1
with six men. Wishing to render Span
ish escape from Santiago harbor impos
sible Admiral Sampson called for volun
teers to sink the Collier Merti1aac at the
mouth of the harbor. Four Thousand
men at once volunteered themselve
for the undertaking, which meant al
most certain death. Lieut.. Hohson, O
Alabama, with six associates was chOs
en-. The following Is Admiral Samp
sons official report:
| "MoLE, ST. NICHOLAS, HAYT1, June
4.-Succeeded in sinking Merrir1ac ii
the channel OF Santiago at 4 a. M.
June 3rd. This was carried out mos
CALAMITY under the command of Ma
val Constructor Hobson and snyet
men. By flag of truce from Spanish
Admiral, Cervera, sent In recognition
OF their bravery, 1 am informed all ar,
prisoners OF war ; two slightly wound
led. Request authority to approve ex
change, if possible, between these an,
the prisoners at Atlanta. Six of tn
Spanish squadron are In the harbor o
Santiago de Cuba unable to avoid be
ing captured Or destroyed.
i (SigneD s'SAMpsor."
| The bravery and herois,n of Lieuten
ant Hobson and his men are highl
applauded throughout the country an,
won the admiration even of thei
enemies. Without doubt lmmediat,
promotion and recognition by Con
gress await them.
| Although an Albanian by birth
Lieutenant Ifobson's parents wer
from North Carolina. On the materna
line, he is grandson of Chief Justic
Pearson OF this State.
i Within the last few days there hav
been many reports of battles and rumor
OF battles but nothing OF great import
ance has been confirmed. It is runor
ed at present that the Spanish flee
from Cadlz is coming to Cervera's as
sistance. Another day may confirm
or deny the rnmor. Meanwhile we ar,
watching and working.
| June 6. Latest advices state tina
United States troops are landing a
Aguadores, east of Santiago harbor.
! June Z. Heavy, long-continued can
nonading in the direction of Aeuadores
which is close to Moro Castle, leads u
to believe that Santiago is being bonn
barded. The firing began before
O'Clock and lasted three hours.
The last dispatches report that .
large portion of the Spanish batterie.