The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-12-06

both for the destruction OF communi-
cations belonging to the enemy and
the establishment OF our own. Two
ocean cables were destroyed under the
enemy's batteries at Santiago. The day
previous to the landing of Genera
Skaters corps at Caimanera. within
20 miles of the landing place. cable
communication was established and a
cable station opened. giving direct
communication with the government at
Washington. This service vas invalu-
able to the executive in directing the
operations of h army and navy. Vita
a total force Of more than 1900. the
loss was by disease in camp and field.
officers n men included. only five.
Providing the "sinews."
The national defense. under the $780,
900. 900 fund. was expended in large
part by the army and navy and the OBJ
1ects for which IL was used are fully
shown In the reports of the several
secretaries. 1t was a most timely ap-
preparation. enabling the overnmen
to strengthen its defense and to make
preparations greatly needed in case of
war. This und being inadequate to the
requirements of equipment inc for the
ndu OF the war, the patriotism of
the congress provided the means in the
war revenue act of June 13. by author
izing a 3 per cent. popular loan. not to
exceed $500. 600. 900 and by levy
ing additional imports and taxes.
OF the authorized loan. $500. 600. 900
were offered and promptly taken
from the subscriptions so far FIX
ceeding the call as to cover it many
times over. while preference being
given to the smallest bids. no single al
lotment exceeded S. 900. This was a
most encouraging and significant re-
suit, showing the vast or the
nation and the determination of the
people to uphold their country's honor
II Is not within the province of this
message to narrate the history of the
extraordinary war that followed the
Spanish declaration OF April 10, but a
brief recital of its more salient features
Is appropriate. The first encounter of
the war. i'm point of date. took place
April %. when a detachment Of the
blockading squadron made a reconnois-
sance in force at Matanzas, shelled the
harbor fertilization and demolished
several new works in construction.
Dewey's Victory.
The next engagement was destined
TO mark n memorable epoch in mari
time warfare. The Pacific fleet, under
Commodore 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, 1t repaired to
Mrs bay. near Hong Kong, whence IL
proceeded To the Philippine islands
under Geographic orders to capture or
destroy the formidable Spanish fleet
then assembled at Manila. At daybreak
on the first of May. the American
forces entered Manila bay and after a
few hours engagement effected the
total destruction of the Spanish fleet,
consisting of 10 w%arships and a trans
port, besides capturing the naval sta
ton and forts at Cavite. thus ami
hilating the Spanish naval power in
the Pacific ocean. and completely con-
trolling the bay of Manila. with III
ability to take the city at will. Not a
life was lost on our ships. the wounded
only numbering seven. while not a ves-
sci was materially injured. For this
gallant achievement the congress, Upon
my recommendation. fifty bestowed up
on the actors preferment n SUBJ
stantial reward.
Effect of the Victory.
The effect OF this remarkable vic
tory upon the spirit OF our people and
upon the fortunes OF the war was
instant. A prestige Of invincibility
thereby attached to our arms which
continued throughout the struggle. Re
Inducements We're hurried to Manila
under the command Of Major Genera
Merritt and firmly established within
sight Of the capital. which lay help
less before our guns. on the 9Th Gay
of May the government was advised
officially of the victory at Manila and
at once inquired of the commander OF
our fleet what troops were required.
The information was received on the
18th day of May. and the first army
OF expedition sailed May % and ar
rived at Manila June 30. Other eXpe-
ILL., H. 80 HAnnA
consisting of 64l officers and lj,O5S
men.
The Philippine Insurgents.
Only reluctance to cause needless
loss Of life and property prevented the
early storming and capture of the city
and Herewith the absolute military &C.
cupancy of the whole group. The in
surgents meanwhile had esumed tho
active hostilities suspended by the un-
completed truce OF December, 1891
Their forces invested Manila on the
northern and eastern sides, but were
constrained by Admiral Dewey and
General Merritt from attempting an
assault.
In West Indian Waters.
1t was fitting hat whatever was Il
be lone i'm the way of decisive opera
tons in hat quarter should be ac'
complished by the strong arm OF thu
United States alone. Obeylng th'
stern precept OF war which ~enjoins thu
overcoming Of the adversary and the
extinction of his power. wherever as
sailable, as the speedy and SUR
means TO win a peace. divided victory
was not permissible. for no partition
OF the rights N responsibilities at
tending the enforcement OF "A just anC
advantageous peace could be though
of. Following the coming of the com.
p~rehsnsive scheme of general attack
powerful forces were assembled at va
rious points on u coast to invad'
Cuba and Porto Rico. Meanwhile ma
val demonstrations were made at sew
eral exposed points. on May IL. tn
cruiser Wilmington n torpedo boa
Winslow were unsuccessful in an at
tempt to silence the batteries al Car
denas. against Matanzas. Worth Bag
ley and four seamen falling. Thes
srieyous fatalities were strangel!
enough among the very few which Oc