The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-06


constrained by Admiral Dewey and Gen,
Merritt from attempting an assault 1t
was fitting that whatever was to be done
IN the way of decisive operations in that
quarter should be accomplished by the
strong arm of the United States alone.
Obeying the stern precept of war which
eh1oins the overcoming of the adversary
and the extinction of his power, wherever
assailable, as the speedy and sure means
TO win peace divided victory was not
permissible, for no partition of the rights
ana responsibilities attending the enforce
ment OF just and advantageous peace
could be thought OF. Following the COM
prehensive scheme of general attack, pow
erful forces were assembled at various
points ON our coast To invade Cuba and
Porto Rico Meanwhile, naval demonstra-
lions were made at several expected
points
On May II, the cruiser Wilmington and
torpedo boat Winslow were unsuccessful
in an attempt TO silence the batteries at
Cardenas gallant ensign, Worth Bag
ley, and four seamsn, falling. These griev-
Gus fatalities were, strangely enough
among the very few which occurred dur
ing our naval operations in this extraor-
binary conflict.
Movement OF the Spanish Fleet.
Meanwhile. the Spanish naval prepara-
tons had been pushed with great vIgor
powerful squadron, under Admiral Ger
vera, which had assembled at the Cape
Verde Islands before The outbreak of hos
tlities, had crossed the ocean, and by It's
erraic movements in the Caribbean sea,
delayed our military plans. while battling
the pursuit Of our fleets For a time
fears Were felt lest the Or
egon and Marietta, then nearing
home after their long voyage from san
Francisco of over $4,000 miles might be
surprised by Admiral Cervera's fleet but
their fortunate arrival dispel.ed these ap-
Prehensions and lent much needed rein
forcement. Not until Admiral Cervera
took refuge in the harbor OF Santiago de
Cuba, about May 10, was il practicable to
pan systematic naval and militia attack
upon the Antillean possession of Spain.
Several demonstrations occurred on the
coasts of Cuba and Porto Rico IN pre-
paration for the larger event. On May 10
the North Atlantic squadron shelled san
Juan de Porto Rico. On May 30, Commo-
dore Schley's squadron .hombarded the
forts guarding the mouth of Santiago har-
Dor. Neither attack had any material re-
suit. It was evident that well ordered
land operations were Indispensable to
achieve a decisive advantage
HObsOn'S Heroic Deed.
The next act in the war thrilled not
alone the hearts of our countrymen, but
the world by its exceptional heroism On
the night of June 8, Lieut., Hobson, aided
by seven devoted volunteers, blocked the
narrow outlet from Santiago harbor by
sinking the collier Merrmac in the chan
mel under a fierce fire from the shore bat
tcres, escaping with their lives as by a
Spaniards. 1t is a most gratifying Incl
dent of the war that the bravery OF this
little band of heroes was cordially APP
preciated by the Spanish admiral, who
sent flag Of truce to notify Admiral
Sampson of their safety, and to compli-
ment them on their daring act They
were subsequently exchanged July Z
BY June the cutting of the last Cuban
cable isolated the island. Thereafter the
invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On
June 10, under a heavy protecting fire, a
landing of 800 marines from the Oregon.
Marblehead and Yankee was effected in
Guantanamo bay. where IL had been de-
termined to establish a naval station.
This important and essential port was
taken from the enemy after severe fight
ing by the Marines who were the first
organized force of the United States 20
land IN Cuba.
The position so won was held despite
desperate attempts to dislodge our forces.
BY June IS additional forces were landed
and strongly entrenched. on June % the
advance of the invading army, under Mai.
Gen. ShafteT, landed at Daquiri, about
fifteen miles east OF Santiago. This was
accomplished under great difficulties but
with marvellous dispatch. On June 20 the
movement against Santiago was begun. On
the 24th the frst serious engagement took
place. IN which the FIRST and Tenth Cav
airy and the First United States Volunteer
Cavalry, Gen. Youngs brigade of Gen
Wheeler's division. participated losing
heavily, BY nightfall. however ground
within five miles of Santiago was won.
The advantage was steadily Increased On
July a severe battle took pace our forces
gaining the outworks OF Santiago: on the
%, FL Caney and San Juan were taken,
after a desperate charge and the invest
ment of the city was completed. The
navy co-operated by Smelling the town
and the coast forts.
The Brilliant Naval Victory.
on the following morning this brilliant
achievement of our land forces. the 30 OF
July, occurred the decisive naval combat
of The war. The Spanish fleet, attempting
to leave the harbor was met by the Amer
lean squadron under command Of Commo-
dore Sampson. in less than three hours
all the Spanish ships were destroyed, the
two torpedo boats being sunk, and the
Maria Teresa, Almirante Oquendo Viz
caya and Crstobal Colon driven ashore.
The Spanish admiral and over 300 men
were taken prisoners while the enemy s
loss OF life was depiorabiy large, some 500
perishing On our side, but one man was
Killed. on the Brooklyn, and one man Sc
Tod AIfbanpb ntr cH
repeatedly struck, not one was seriously
injured Where al so conspicuously dis
tiuguished themselves, from the command
ers to the gunnefs and the unarmed heroes
in the boiler rooms. each and all contribut-
ing toward the achievement OF this as
founding victory for which neither ancient
nor modern history affords a parallel in
the completeness of the event. aud the
marvellous disproportlon Of casualties, II
would be invidlous to single out any for
special honor. Deserved promotion has re-
warded the more conspicuous actors-the