The times., 1898-06-21
T He BATTLE OF MANILA.
story of Gunner Evans. of the
Cruiser Boston.

Cruiser Boston.
]. c. Evans, formerly gunner of the
cruiser Boston, and who took an actice
part in the battle of Manila, arrived in
Washington Sunday and has been care
fully avoiding newspaper men since. He
is accompanied by DR.. Kindleberger, as
sistant surgeon Of the Olympia, who also
participated in the immortal fight.
They called on Secretary Long yester
day and gave him in detail the story of
the victory. DR.. Kindleberger is on leave.
Gunner Evans's time expired early in
April but knowing that the battle was
impending. he asked Rear Admiral
Dewey for permission to remain at his
post through the engagement, and this
was readily granted, as Evans is a veter-
an at the guns, such as Dewey needed.
The two men look bronzed from exposure
to the tropical suns. and their sturdi-
ness gives assurance that Dewey's men
are not suffering at Manila, a fact of
which they gave Secretary Long verbal
assurance.
Gunner Evans had long talk with the
Secretary describing many interesting
phases OF the battle. On the night before
| NAlS DdAAAG LLE OlilttIS EGlllOlilt0 dAeiht
and ready for service constantly, while
the men slept beside their guns. The
spirit of the crew was high and they were
eager for the contest There was no ap-
prehension. except in crossing over the
mines at the entrance OF Manila Bay, for
the fate Of the Maine had aroused dread
lest the Spaniards had planted mines and
torpedoes at the entrance. The Olympia,
with the rear admiral aboard, took the
lead through this unknown Danger, and
when this had been cleared there was
keen eagerness TO begin the fighting
There is no long dawn in the Philippines.
the transition from darkness TO clear day
light coming in a few minutes.
! II was just after O'Clock that this
| change came, disclosing the Spanish ships
lying eight miles of The American sail
ors watched the hurry and confusion on
board the Spanish ships as they prepared
to defend themselves. They were practi-
cally helpless, as their fires We're banked,
| and beyond clearing the deck for action
and getting the men 10 quarters they
! could not be moved.
Meantime the Olympia had led the way,
and the American ships were in line of
/ battle for their first broadside. Evans re-
| nained at the ammunition cases, serv-
ing shot and shell as fast as needed. The
/ men at the guns had stripped 10 the waist
| There was not a breath OF air stirring
and aside from the intense tropical heat
there was the heat of action and excite
ment.
When Evans left the Boston on May 8
the wrecks Of the Spanish ships were
plainly visible dotting the water Of Ba-
kor Bay and outer harbor. Only shat
tered parts of their upper works were
left, for terrible havoc had been wrought
by the American guns. and by the fires
which followed on the Spanish ships. The
wooden ships had been burned outright,
upper works and all, while the better class
Of steel ships had their sides blown out
and their upper works riddled.
Evans says that the Spanish feet wa:
not such a lame and helpless aggregation
as the people believed. The Castillo and
/ Duaro were the worst of the lot, being
old boats, but the former had a fine lo
Of Krupp guns on her. The two Islas
the Reina Christina, the Don Antonio
and the AsturieS were all good ships
with rapid-fire batteries and heavy
modern guns. But they were taken com.
pletely unawares. were unable 10 move
and were literally blown TO pieces before
they had an opportunity TO get into
action.
The British cruiser Linnet had arrived
at Manila before DR.. Kindleberger and
Evans left. As they came out of the BAY
a big French cruiser and another British
ship, the Immortalite, We're entering. The
American officers and men were natural.
ly elated over their victory and no fears
were entertained that its results would
be overcome by any subsequent develop.
meut. The health of the men was good
and the. heat not particularly trying, as
they were used to this service.
About the worst difficulty was TO secure
fresh meat and vegetables on board the
ships, for the Spaniards in and about
Manila and the insurgents surrounding
the place ate up every available pound Of
fresh food. Rear Admiral Dewey had ar
abundance Of regular ships rations. an6
was hopeful of getting fresh food before
1 long.