Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1898-05-12
SPAIN 5 ENTIRE
FLEET DESTROYED
Dewey Ends All Uncertainty by an Ofncial
Report of His Complete Victory
to Secretary Long.

Washington, May 11.-As the facts
become known Dewey victory grows
in Importance and magnitude. 1t is
without parallel on sea or land. and
is an achievement of American arms
which reflects honor and glory on the
Nation.
That an entire fleet of ten vessels
was destroyed and hundreds of the
enemy killed and wounded without the
loss of single man or serious injury
to single American vessel is almost
beyond belief And that single en-
gagement should give the United
States virtual control of an empire en-
bracing 600 islands, with a population
all told approaching 5000, 900, of enor,
nous natural wealth, and destined to
be prominent factor in the commerce
of the world is equally miraculous
Yet such are the conditions, and they
challenge the admiration of the world.
Never, under any flag was there just
such victory before, and the name of
Dewey is being linked with that of the
greatest fighters the world ever knew.
All civilized nations are paying him
homage. He had a duty to perform,
and he performed it better than like
duty was ever performed before.
The following dispatches explain
themselves. They were brought to
Hong Kong by the McCulloch, which
left Manila May a
Manila, May l.
Squadron arrived at Manila at day
break this morning and Immediately
engaged the enemy. Destroyed the
following Spanish war vessels: Riena
Christina, Castillo Ulloa, Isle de Cuba
General Lezo Del Duero. Correo, Vel
asco, Mindanao, one transport and
water battery to Cavite. Squadron is
uninjured and only a few men were
slightly injured. Only means of tele-
graphing is to American consul at
Hong Kong. | shall communicate
with him" DEWEY.
Cavite, May 4.
Long, Secretary Navy have taken
possession of the naval station of Ca
| vite, Philippine islands, and destroyed
its Notifications; have destroyed ferti-
| fications at the bay entrance, patrol
ing the garrison. control the bay
completely and can take the city at
any time. The squadron is in excel
lent health and spirits. The Spanish
loss not fully known but very heavv.
| $50 killed, including the captain of the
Reina Christina, | am assisting in
protecting the Spanish sick and wound
ed; $50 sick and wounded in hospital
within lines. Much settlement at Ma
Mia. Will protect foreign residents.
DEWEY.
Secretary Long replied as follows:
Washington, May 7.
Dewey, Manila:-The President in
the name of the American people
thanks you and your officers and men
for your splendid achievement and
overwhelming victory. In recognition
he has appointed You Acting Admiral,
and will recommend a vote of thanks
to you by Congress. Lone
The receipt of official news explodes
all theories of naval strategists, who
reasoned from the completeness of thu
victory that the Spanish fleet mus
have been taken by surprise and was
ann Illlldbtd DtloIG II nstAI bllnt W uldht
serious resistance. This was in NJ
sense true. When the American flee
entered the harbor the night before
the engagements the MeCulloch emitted
sparks from her funnel and was firet
upon by the Notifications on Gorregi
dor island. A few shots were returne
by the fleet until firing was ordered t
cease by Dewey. The fleet, Dewey
flagship Olympia leading, proceeded u
the buy, and anchored about opposit
Cayite, awaiting the break of day
When daylight came the Spanish flee
was formed in line of battle. Th
Maria Christina, Castillo, Don Antoni
dc Ulloa, Isla de Cuba, Isla de Luzo
and the Mindanno were in line of ba
tie outside the mouth of Baker ba1
while four gunboats and the torped
boats were inside the harbor.