Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-06-06
Our Philippine Campaign.


transpiring off the Cuban coast of late
have not prevented the government
from pushing forward its plans and
preparations for the occupancy of the
far Philippines where Dewey's triumph
ant fleet rides at anchor. The question
of permanently holding these distant
great Importance, but whatever policy
the administration may have in this
matter it is evident that they will be
held for the present with a strong
hand.
Every day brings out some new
development of large significance IN
the preparations. 1t was at first IN
tended to send but 5000 men. Then
the force was increased to 10000 and TO
$4,000. Now, in RESPONSE to Governor
General Merritt's emphatic request, the
army of occupation awill include at
least 10000 men, and large proper
ton of these will be regulars. Five
regiments of United States Infantry,
Cavalry and artillery are already
brigaded at San Francisco, ready 70
sail and orders have just been issued
to the 18th United States Infantry to
leave its station in Arizona and pro-
coed to the coast to join the great
Manila expedition. It's work of hold
ing in check the turbulent Arizona In
dian tribes will be assumed by a West
ern regiment of volunteers.
Nor is the war department alone in
the taking Of energetic precautions for
the thorough occupation of the Gar
den of the East" The navy depart
ment under Secretary Longs lead has
done even more, if anything, to make
our foothold in the Philippines i'm
pregnable. The second class cruiser
Charleston has already sailed, heavily
loaded with supplies and ammunition,
to Admiral Deweys relief. The power
full. steelclad monitor Monterey leaves
today from San Francisco for the same
destination. The second class cruiser
Philadelphia and the large gunboat
Yorktown Will follow as soon as they
are commissioned. And. most signifi-
cant Of all, orders have been issued t.
prepare the coast defence monitor
Monadnock, now guardship in Puge.
Sound. for long voyage across the
Pacific ocean.
Like the Monterey, the Monadnock
was built for harbor protection. an
was never designed fer distant ser
vice. Her coal capacity is only go
tons, barely sufficient - carry her un-
der her own steam to Honolulu, bu;
she can he lowed in an emergency ana
can follow the example of the Monte
rey in recoaling if necessary. on the
long run between Honolulu and Manila,
at the Caroline and Ladronc Islands.
which are Spanish colonies. but may
Inc driven by destiny with the Philip
pines under our control.
The Monadnock is as large as the
Monterey. but is an older vessel, aal
is not quite so powerful. She is a sis
ter Of the Amphitrite, Terror anI
Miantonomoh. now in the blockade line
off the Cuban coast. The Monadnocl
was launched at San Francisco in 1SS3
and completed and commissioned in
1896. Her length is 80 feet breadth -
feet, displacement 1890 tons In her
two steel barbette turrets the Monad-
mock carries four 10-inch breech-load-
ing guns. With two finch rapid fire
and eight smaller weapons on her
superstructure. She is one Of the
strongest coast defence ships in the
world, and With the Monterey will give
Admiral Dewey a most formidable re-
enforcement.
1t speaks emphatically for the ex-
dent Mckinley and Secretary Long
attach 10 the Manila expedition that
the departure of the Monadnock VIII
actually leave not one armored ship oi
war on the entire Pacific seaboard 1t
certainly looks as if the wise, we'll
balanced men at the head Of our ma
tional government believe that the
Philippines must come into the per
manent possession Of the United
States.
As the Spanish peseta is worth ahnut