The copper country evening news., 1898-06-28

ing serious obstacle to the egress Of the
Spanish feet. which had recently en-
tered that harbor. This enterprise, de-
manding coolness, judgment and brav-
cry amounting to heroism, was carried
into successful execution in the face of
a persistent fire from the hostile fleet
as we'll as from the fortifcations on
shore.
Rear Admiral Sampson. commander
in-chief of our naval forces in Cuban
waters, in an official report, dated of
Santiago de Cuba, June 3, 1S9s,' and ad-
dressed to the secretary of the navy. re-
ferring to Mr. Hobson's gallant exploit,
says:
AS stated in a recent telegram, be-
fore coming here, decided to make the
harbor entrance secure against the pos
sibility of egress of the Spanish ships
by obstructing the narrow part of the
entrance by sinking a collier at that
point. Upon calling upon Mr.. Hobson
for his professional opinion as to
sure method Of sinking the ship, he
manifested most lively interest in the
problem. After several days consider
alton he presented a solution which he
considered would ensure the immediate
sinking OF the ship when she had
reached the desired point in the chan
mel. The plan contemplated crew OF
only seven men and Mr.. Hobson, who
begged that ii might be entrusted 10
him.
"'As soon as I reached Santiago and
had the collier to work upon, the details
were commenced and diligently prose-
cuted, hoping to complete them in one
day, as the moon and tide served best
the first night after our arrival. Not
withstanding every effort, the hour OF
| 4 o'clock in the morning arrived and
| the preparations were scarcely COM
pleted. After a careful inspection Of
| the final preparations l was feed TO
! relinqush the plan for that morning as
| dawn was breaking. Mr.. Hobson begged
| to try it at all hazards.
"'This morning proved more pro-
| pitious, as a prompt start could be
( made Nothing could have been more
! calamity executed. A careful
| inspection of the harbor from this ship
| showed that the Merrimac had been
sunk in the channel"
'I cannot myself too earnestly ex-
press my appreciation of the conduct
| Of Mr.. Hobson and his gallant crew. 1
| venture to say that a more brave and
| daring thing has not been done since
\ Cushing blew up the Albemarle. The
| members of the crew who were with
| Mr.. Hobson on this memorable occa-
sion have already been rewarded for
their services by advancement which,
| under the provisions of the law and
regulation, the secretary of the navy
was authorized to make; and the nom-
ination. to the senate of Naval Cadet
Powell, who, in a steam launch, fol-
lowed the Merrimac on her perilous
trip for the purpose of rescuing hel
force after the sinking Of that vessel
to be advanced to the rank of ensign
4 has been prepared and will be submit
ted.
Gushing, with whose gallant act ir
blowing up the ram Albemarle during
the civil war, Admiral Sampson com
pares Mr.. Hobsons sinking of the Mer'
rimac, received the thanks of congress
upon recommendation of the president
by name and was in consequence, under
the provisions of section 1,50S of the
revised statutes, advanced one grade
such advancement embracing fifty-si,
numbers. The section cited applies
however. to line officers only, and Mr.
| Hobson, being a member of the staff o.
the navy, could not under its provisions
be so advanced.
"In conclusion, the question Of suit
ably rewarding Assistant Naval Con
structor Hobson for his valiant conduc
on the occasion referred to / have
| deemed it proper to address this mes
| sage to you with the recommendation
that he receive the thanks of congress
and further, that he be transferred II
the line of the navy and promoted Il
| such position therein as the president
| by and with the advice and consent o.
the senate, may determine. Mr.. Hob
| sons transfer from the construction
corps to the line is fully warranted, M
having received the necessary techni
cal training as a graduate OF the nava
academy, where he stood No. l in hi
class: and such action is recommended
partly in Difference to what is under
stood to be his own desire. although, HI
being now a prisoner in the hands o
the enemy, no direct communication OF
the subject has been received from him
and partly for the reason that the abil
tiles displayed by him at Santiago ar
of such a character as to indicate es
pecial fitness for the duties of the line
WILLIAM M'KINLEY."
Executive Mansion, June 27,1S9S."
The president also sent message t
congress nominating Naval Cadet 10
seph II. Powell to be an ensign AM
recommending the granting of gol
medal to Lieutenant Newcom for hi
bravery at Cardenas.
Nutwood Driving Club Races.