The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1898-12-08
PROGRESS OF THE CONFLICT.
Brilliant Series of Victories for
American Arms.

1t Is not within the province of this
message to narrate the history of the
extraordinary war that followed the
Spanish declaration of April q. but
brief recital of its more salient features
is appropriate. The first encounter of the
war In point of date took place April
q. when a detachment of the blockading
squadron made a reconnaissance in force
at Matanzas, shelied the harbor fortifica-
lions and demolished several new works
in construction.
Dewey at Manila.
The next engagement was destined to
mark a memorable epoch In maritime war
fare. The Pacific fleet, under Commo-
dore George Dewey. had lain for some
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 1t proceeded to the Philip
pine islands under Geographic orders to
capture or destroy the formidable Span
ish fleet then assembled at Manila. At
daybreak on May l the American force
entered Manila bay. and after few hours
engagement effected the total destruction
of the Spanish fleet, consisting of 10 war
ships and transport. besides capturing
the naval station and forts at Cavite, thus
anulhilating the Spanish naval power in
the Pacific ocean and completely control
to take the city at will, Not life was
lost on our ships, the wounded number
ing only seven, while not a vessel was
materially injured For this gallant
achievement congress, upon my recon-
mendation, fifty bestowed upon the actors
preferment and substantial reward.
No Divided Victory.
Only reluctance to cause needless loss
of life and property prevented the early
storming and capture of the city, and
Herewith the absolute military occupation
of the whole group. The insurgents.
meanwhile, had resumed the active hos
tilities suspended by the uncompleted
truce of December. 1897. Their forces in
vested Manila on the northern and east
ern side, but were constrained by Admiral
Dewey and General Merritt from attempt
ing an assault. 1t was fitting that what
ever was to be done In the way of de-
cisive operations in that quarter should be
accomplished by the strong arm of the
United States alone.
Obeying the stern precept of war which
enjoins the overcoming of the adversary
and the extinction of his power wherever
assailable as the speedy and sure means
to win a peace. divided victory was not
permissible, for no partition of the rights
and responsibilities attending the enforce
ment OF just and advantageous peace
could be thought of.
Following the adoption of a comprehen-
sive scheme Of general attack powerful
forces were assembled at various points OH
our coast to invade Cuba and Porto Rico.
Meanwhile, naval demonstrations were
made at several exposed points. May II
the cruiser Wilmington and torpedo-boat
Winslow were unsuccessful in an attempt
to silence the batteries at Cardenas, in
Matanzas. Ensign Worth Bagley and four
seamen falling. These grievous fatalities
were strangely enough among the very
few which occurred during our naval
operations In this extraordinary conflict.