The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1898-12-16
THE BATTLE OF MANILA.

1t Is not within the province OF this message
to nlrrate the history Of the extraordinary war
that followed the Spanish declaration of April
2st, but brief recital Of its more salient fea-
lures is appropriate, The first encounter Of the
war in point Of date took place April "a, whom
a detachment OF The bloclSgding squadron made
q reconnaissance in force at MatanZas, sh elled
the harbor and demoli he'd several new works
in construction. Tho next engagement
was destined to mark memorable
epoch In maritime warfare. The Pacific feet,
under Commodore George Dewey, had lain for
some weeks at Hong Kong Upon the colonial
proclamation of neutrality being issued and the
customary twonty-four hours notice being
given, it repaired to Mrs bay, near Hong Kong,
whence it proceeded to the Philippine islands
under telegraph orders to capture or destroy
the formidable Spanish fleet then assembled at
Manila. At dayhre9ll on the list Of May the
Anne lean force entered Manila bay and after a
few hours engagement effected the total de-
struction OF the Spanish feet, consisting OF ten
warships and transport, besides capturing the
naval station and forts at Cavitc, thus annihil-
ating the Spanish naval powerin the Pacific
ocean and completely controlling the bay OF
Manila with the ability to take the city ct will.
\ OF life was lost on our ships, the wounded
only numbering seven while not u vessel was
materially injured. For this gallant achieve
ment the Congress, upon my recommendation
fifty bestowed upon the actors preferment 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 of invinci-
bilty thereby attached to cur arms, which con-
tinued throughout the struggle Reinforce
ments were hurried to Manila under the COM
mand of Major General Merritt and firmly
established within sight Of the capital which lay
helpless before our guns. On tho 1th day Of
May the government was advised officially OF
the victory at Manila, and at once inquired Of
the commander of our feet what troops would
be required Tho information was received on
the 10Th day of May and the first army eXpedi-
ton sailed May 18th and arrived at Manila
June 3jth Other expeditions soon folio wed,
the total force consisting of al officers and 49,
O58 mon.
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 whole group. The
insurgents meanwhile, had resumed the active
hostilities suspended by the uncompleted truce
of December 1897 Their forces invested Ma
Mia from the northern and eastern side, but
were constrained by Admiral Dewey and Gel
eral Merritt from attempting an assault 1t
was fitting that whatever was to be done in the
way OF decisive operations in that quarter
should be accomplished by the strong arm Of
the United States alone. Obeying the stern pre-
cept 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 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 coming of
the comprehensive scheme Of general attack,
II az
poin S on our coast to invade Cuba and Porto
Rico Meanwhile naval demonstra tons were
made at several exposed points. On May ii
the cruiser Wilmington and torpedo boat
Winslow we're unsuccessful In an attempt to
silence the batteries at Cardenas against
Worth Bagley and four seamen fall
ing. These grievous fatalities were strangely
enough among the very few which occurred
during our naval operations in this extraordin-
airy conflict.
Meanwhile the Spanish naval preparations
had been pushed with great ygor powerful
squadron under Admiral Ceryera which had
ass embed at the Cape Verde islands before the
outbreak of hostilitieS had crossed the ocean
and by its errGtic movements in the Caribbean
sea delayed our military operations while
battling the pursuit of our fleets For time
fears were felt lest the Oregon and Marietta,
then nearing home after their long voyage from
San Francisco of over 1900 miles, might be
by Admiral Cervera's feet, but tNeir
fortunate arrival dispelled the appreAensions
and lent much needed achievements. Not
until Admiral Cervera took refuge in the har-
Dor of San iago de Cuba about Mayo, was it
to plan Il systematic military at
tack upon the Anthem possessions OF Spain
Several demonstrations occurred on the
coast OF Cuba and Porto Rico in preparation
for larger event. On May 10 the North Allan
tic Squadron shellod san Juan de Porto Rico
On III ay 80 Commodore Schley's squadron bonn
barded the fort guarding the mouth of Santi-
ago harbor. Neither attack had any material
result. 1t was evident that well ordered land
operations we're indispensable to achieve de-
cided advantage
SINKING OF THE MERRIMAC.
The next act in the war thrilled not alone the
hearts Of our countrymcn, but the world, by its
exceptional heroism. On the night Of June 8,
Lieutenant Hobson aided by seven devoted
volunteers, blocked the narrow outlet from
Santiago harbor by sinking the collier Merri-
mac in the channel, under fierce fire from the
shore batteries and escaping with their lives
as by O miracle, but falling into the hands of
the Spaniards. 1t / most gratifying incident
of the war that the bravery OF this little band
of heroes was cordially appreci tied by the
Spaniards, who sent q flag OF truce to notify
NOAA
pliment them upon their daring act. They
were subsequently exchanged Julyf.
BY June Z, the cutting OF the last Cuban cable
isolated the island. Thereafter the invasion
was vigorously prosecuted. On June ~, under
n heavy protecting fire, a linding force of GOO
marines from the Oregon, Marblehead and
Yankee was effected in Guantanamo bay where
it had been determined to establish naval
station. This important and essential port
was taken from tide enemy after severe
fighting by the marines who were
the first organized forces Of the United States
to land in Cuba.
DESTRUCTION OF CREVERA's FLEET
The position so won was held despite desper-
ate attempts to dislodge our forces. b. June
IS additional forces were landed and strongly
entrenched. On June ;? the advance o! the in
vading army under Major General Shafter
landed ut Daiqulri, about fifteen miles east of
Santiago. This was accomplished under great
dificuities. but with marvellous dispatch. on
June % the movement against Santiago was
begun On the 2lth the first serious engage
ment took place. in which the First and Tenth
cavalry and the First Volunteer cavalry Cen
oral Young's brigade OF General Wheelers di-
vision, participated losing heavily. BY night
fail, however ground within five miles OF San
tiago was won. The advantage was steadily
increased. On July l q severe battle too;
place our forces gaining the outer works oil
Santiago, and El Caney and San Juan were
taken after desperate charge and the invest
ment Of the city was completed. The navy CO.
Cd rated by Smelling the town and the coas
forts. On the day following this brilliant