The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-05-09

Copyrighted 1888 by the Associated Press.
HONGKOHG. May s--Owing to the fact
that the cable between this port and the
Philippine islands was not In wosh king or
der. having been cut, II IL said. some dis
lance from the capital OF the island, there
has ssen delay in obtaining detailed ac-
count OF the battle. and the facts in the
case were only available when the United
States gunbost Hugh MccuiIoch arrived
here yesterday, and even then the tre-
meedous pressure OF business suddenly
thrown upon the cable company necessari-
ly made the earl.er account OF the engage
ment somewhat brief.
Commodore Dewey's orders were TO cap
ture or destroy the feet, and never were
fashion. AT the end OF seven hours th'rt
was absolutely nothing left Of the Span
ish fleet but few relics.
The American commander had most
skiilfuliy arranged every detail OF the ae-
ton. and even the apparently most insis-
perfect pnnctuaii.y and on railroad time
table order, Al the end Of the action Com
modore Dewey anchored his feet in the
bay before Manila and sent message to
Gov. Gen. August. announcing the inaug-
uration Of tho blockade. and adding that
II shot was fired at his ships he would
destroy every battery about Manila.
The position occupied by tho Spaniards.
the support which their ships received
frsm the land batteries and the big guns
they had ashore gave them an enormous
advantage. Therefore. when II Is consid-
cred that the spaniards lost over 800 men
IN killed and wounded. that all of their
naval arDeusi at Cavite Was also destroy
ed, with It's defenses. 1t will become APP
parent that the victory OF the American
and wonderful achievements in the history
OF naval warfare. Not a man on board the
American fleet was killed. not ship WAS
damaged To any extent. and only six men
were injured slightly on board the Baisi-
more.
This grand achievement is quite as much
due TO the generaiship of Commodore
Dewey as to the fact that the American
gunners. chips and guns are superior to any
afioas anywhere.
Great credit must also be given TO the
fullest extent 10 the Officers under Com
modore Dewey. for to "a man they seconded
their gallant commander In every way
possible. and thus helped him win the lau-
reis which, are justly his.
When the squadron left here II touched
frst at point in the Philippines near Be-
limo. as Commodore Dewey wished the In
surgeats' agents TO disemhark there to as
certain the strength an1 disposition OF the
insurgent forces. 10 prevent needless blood
shed. and Inform the insurgents Of his tn
tention to change the government OF the
Philippine Islands. the commodore strongly
cbjec,ing To giving the rebels ii chance 10
commit exeessas.
The .nsurgen, leaders refused 10 aisers-
bark under any consideration. and the
American Ships eoassed In search OF the
Spanish ships. hut failed 10 find them.
Commodore Dewey arrived ~ Sneig bay,
about thirty miles negtA OF Manila bay.
on SATURDAY.. April N and sent The Bslts-
slore and Concord 10 roceaac.ter the en-
smy. They found na spanish ships at the
entrance TO the bay. and - Co1nmsdore
Dewey decided 10 r.ss she mines and pro
coed that same night after dark into the
bay Of Manila. which he Gid.
The order Of battle taken up BY the Span
iards Was with al ;hs saaAA crafs inside
the stone and timber hreakwatcrs Of Cav
TO heseor. The larger ships % spaia
cvasset or cavise ana Manila The Amer
lean feet entered Mauiia bay or sa.uraa,
night with the greatest u ease TIE
spaniards had not established u patrol aad
there were no searehllghts AZ the entrance
et tire hay, In fact, the American SHIPS
would probably have passed Inside the hay
Without any challenge. had 4; rot seva
that some sparks Few up iron, the MeCul-
lecA's funnel. Thereuron a few shosx were