The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-06
SlNEWS 0FWAR.
The People Responded in No oncer'
r,ain Tones To Call for Additional Troops

Vtain Tones 10 tah iot hN"'"'
The national defence fund OF s0o'VoV'VvD
was expended IN large part by the army
and navy, and the objects Tor Which IL
was used are fully shown In the repor's
of the several secretaries. IL was Ilios'
timely appropriation, enabling the HoN-
eminent TO strengthen its defences ana
make preparations greatly IN cases oi
war.
This fund being inadequate 10 the re-
ou,rements OF equipment and flor the
conduct of the war. the patriotism of the
Congress provided the means in the war
revenue act of June 18th. by authorizing
a 2 per cent. popular loan not TO exceed
500 600 900. and by levying additional i'm
nosts and taxes. OF the authorized loan
two hundred million were offered and
promptly taken. the subscriptions so Tar
exceeding the call as to cover 1t many
times over. while preference being gwen
10 the smaller bids. no single allotments
exceeded 5000 This was a most en-
couraging and significant result, show
ing the vast resources Of the nation
and the determination Of the people 10
uphold their cOuntry's honor
IL is not within the province Of this mes
sage TO narrate the history Of the eX-
traordinary war that followed the Span
ish declaration OF April 18th, but brief
recital of most salient features Is ap-
propriate.
The FIRST encounter of the war I'm point
OF date took place April 9th, when a
detachment OF the blockading squadron
made reconnaissance in force at Ma
tanzas. shcllod the harbor forts and de-
mollshed several new works in construc-
tion.
DIXYTVsS VICTORY
The next engagement was destined to
mark memorable epoch in maritime
warfare. The Pacific fleet under Com
modore George Dewey. had lain for some
weeks at Hong Kong. Upon the colonial
proclamation of neutrality being issued.
and the customary twenty-fOur hours no
fice being given. II repaired TO Mrs Bay
near Hong Kong. whence II proceeded to
the Philippine Islands under telegraphed
orders 10 capture or destroy the fOrmida-
BILE Spanish fleet then assembled at Ma
Mia. At daybreak on the LIST Of May the
American force entered Manila Bay and
after a few hours engagement effected
the total destruction OF the Spanish feet
consisting Of ten warships and one trans
port. besides capturing the naval station
at Cavte. thus annihilating the Spanish
naval power In the Pacific ocean and
completely controlling the Bay OF Ma
Mia with the ability to take the city
at will Not life was lost on our ships
the wounded only numbering seven. while
not vessel was injured. For this gal
liant achievement the Congress, upon my
recommendation fifty bestowed upon the
actors preferment and substantial re-
wards. The effect OF this remarkable
victory upon the spirit of our people, and
snpon the fortunes Of the war was instant
"A prestige Of invinc.bility thereby attached
40 our arms. which continued throughout
the struggle.
A FOOTING IN MANILA.
Reintorcemcnts were hurried To Manila
under the command Of Maior-General
Merritt and firmly established within
sight OF the capital which lay HELPLESS
Before our guns.
On the Nh day OF May the government
was advised officially Of the victory AT
Manila and at once inquired OF the com
mander OF our fleet what troops would be
required The Information was received
on the Eth day OF May and the First
Army expedition sailed MAY 25th and ar
rived OF Mania June 3Oth
other expeditions soon followed the TO.
tai force consisting OF 6n officers and Is
05s enlisted men.
Only reluctance 10 cause needless los of
fife and property prevente the early
storming and capture OF the city and
Herewith the absolute military occupancy
OF the whole group
INSURGENTS RESTRAINED.
The Insurgents meanwhile had resumed
che active hostilities SUSPENDED by the
Gnoompleted truce Of December, 1887.