The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 18??-19??, 1898-07-26

COSTLY utIHA III vi III
Porto Rico soil. owing to the absence OF
lighters and tugs. 1t was said At the
War Department later on that some of
these lighters were already on their
way from New Orleans and New YORK.
and that no sensible delay would ARISE
on that score.
The brief report from Admiral Samp-
son declaring the success OF the eNpe-
dition to Nipe is really more important
than appears on the surface. The pa!
of \ipe lies on the north coast of Cuba.
almost directly across the island from
Santiago. 1t is purposed to establish
base there which will save at least two
days time in getting supplies into Cuba
as compared with the Santiago route.
1t will also form Il good point Of opera
ions against Holguin, not far distant.
and if it should develop unfortunately
that Il restraining hand must be lald
upon the CubanS themselves Nlpe IN con-
nection with Santiago would be an ef-
~fective means Of doing this. The wal
Department has not yet been Informed
| that General Skaters allies have quit
the American lines for the reasons sent
out in Il printed letter by General Garcia.
but it is scarcely doubted that such IS
| the case. for the friction has been grow
ing more pronounced every day since the
fall of Santiago. and it is feared that a
severance of relations cannot be longer
| avoided. The Cuban Junta is still hope
full o? avoiding such Il measure accord
ing to the statement Of Senior Quesado,
one of the Cuban Legation here.
The last and most agreeable event of
the day was the arrival at the Navy
Department of Lieutenant HObSOn. the
hero Of the Merrimac. The officials
were not informed Of his approaching
| visit except through the newspapers.
Consequently when he reached the RAJ
way station here at 2:3S o'clock this
afternoon. there was nc official there
to meet him and his reception was truly
| democratic. He succeeded in escaping
| observation as he passed through the
| train shed. coat and umbrella in hand
and followed by a porter proudly carry
ing his bag. but before he emerged from
the station some one spied him. Il hOOray
went up from one throat close by and
in Il moment the station resounded with
vociferous shouting. The cry of Hob
son. Hobson." rang out and the crowd
closed about him. shaking his hand
and pushing him about until he was
rescued by the police and escorted to his
carriage. He stopped long enough to an
nounce that all of the men who formed
the crew of the Merrimac were safe and
in the best Of health and that after he
had made his report to the Navy De
partment he expected to return imme-
diately to New York. The officer was
driven at once to the Army and Navy
Club and after brushing himself up he
drove over to the Navy Department.
This time he carried With him. under
his arm 4 large official envelope which
bore in the corner the inscription "North
Atlantic Squadron" AS he approached
the office Of the Secretary Of the Navy
there ensued another demonstration. a
large crowd had gathered about the
doorway, and the hearty welcome it gave
the young officer brought bushes to his
cheeks. Secretary Long came out Of
his private office and graSping HobsOn
with both hands. said with sincerity.
Lieutenant. l am glad-very glad to
see yOu.' Then he drew him into his
office. He spent half an hour in con
ference with the Secretary and then re-
turned to the club to rest. Secretary
Long stated that Hobson did not bring
the long expected report from Admiral
Sampson and his brother officers on the
destruction of the Cervera fleet.
The exact purpose of his visit was ex-
planned by an order issued by Admiral
Sampson instructing him to proceed to
Washington and inform the Secretary
Of the Navy Of the work lone upon
the Cristobal Colon. Lieutenant Hob
son was instructed to be as expeditions
as possible in order that. if it is practi
cable to do so. this fine ship may be
saved to the United States Navy.
), About > o'clock Lieutenant Hobson
accompanied by Secretary Long. went
to the White House TO pay his respects
to the President. The President re-
ceived them in the Cabinet room. He
gave Lieutenant Hobson a cordial greet.
ing. and paid him a high tribute eol
what he regarded as one of the most
conspicuous acts of gallantry in the his.
? tory of naval warfare.
The lieutenant modestly acknowledged
the compliments of President Mckinley
[, and quietly turned the conversation tt
the object of his mission to the United
l States at this time-the effort that is
being made to save to the navy of this
l country some of the vessels of Admira
Cervera's squadron.
Lieutenant IIobson did not bring Will
/, him the report of Admiral Sampson on
! the destruction of the fleet of Admira
Cervera. but he was the bearer of !;
verbal message from the Admira t,
Secretary Long that the report on the
battle was III course of preparation, ant
would he forwarded in a few days.
Concerning the efforts that are beine
made to save some of the Spanish ships
/ he informed Secretary Long that tw,
of the vessels. the Reina Mercedes ant
e the Infanta Maria Teresa. would b,
+. saved certainly. and he expressed til,
utmost confidence that the Cristoha
Colon could be saved also. With re
: spect to the Colon. Lieutenant Hobso1
differs from the wrecking experts. VIII,
We're sent from the United States t,
tloat the vessels if possible. They or,
q of the opinion that the Colon cannot b
s saved.
e Lieutenant Hobson is enthusiastic il
g his efforts to save the ships. and hur
r RED back to New York to take up til
II subject of his mission with the wreckin
e company. Secretary Long said to-nigh
It that if the Colon could be saved sh
would be.
y THE VICTORY AT MANZANILLO
= lrD,rnr1f 1909 H.