The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-06-28


rewarding Assistant Naval Constructor
Hobson for his valiant conduct on the oc-
casion referred to, have deemed it proper
to address this message to you with the
recommendation that he receive the
THANKS Of congress, and further that he be
transferred to the line of the navy and
promoted to such position therein as the
president by and with the advice and con-
sent of the senate may determine. Mr..
Hobson's transfer from the construction
corps to the line is fully warranted, he
having received the necessary technical
training as a graduate of the naval acade-
my, where he stood No | in his class, and
such action is recommended partly in def
erence which is understood to be his own
desire, although he being a prisoner in the
hands of the enemy no direct communica-
ton on the subject has been received from
him, and partly for the reason that the
abilities displayed by him at Santiago are
of such character to indicate especial
fitness for the duties of the line.
VIM MKINLEY,
Executive Mansion, June 81 1898.
The Secoi d NJ essage
Washington, June 27.-The second mes
sage of the president was as follows
To the Congress of the United States:
On May H. 1898, there occurred a conflict
in the bay of Cardenas, Cuba, in which
the naval torpedo boat Winslow was dis
abled, her commander wounded, and one
OF her officers and part of her crew
killed by the enemys fire.
In the face of a most CALLING fire from
the enemy's guns the revenue cutter Hud-
son, commanded by First Lieutenant Frank
fl. Newcomb, United States revenue cutter
service, rescued the disabled Winslow her
wounded commander and remaining crew.
The commander of the Hudson kept his
vessel in the very hottest fire of the ac-
ton, although in constant danger of going
ashore on account of shallow water until
he finally got line made fast to the Wins
low and towed that vessel out of range of
the enemy's guns deed of special gal
lantry.
l recommended that, in recognition of the
signal act of heroism of First Lieutenant
Frank Fl. Newcomb, United States revenue
cutter service, above set forth, the thanks
of congress to be extended to him and to
his officers and men of the Hudson; and
that gold medal of honor be presented to
Lieutenant Newcomb; a silver medal of
honor to each officer, and a bronze medal
of honor to each member of his crew who
served with him at CardenaS
1t will be remembered that congress, by
appropriate action, recognized the several
commanders of ships of war for their SER
vice in the battle of Manila May 1, 1893
The commander of the revenue cutter
Hugh McCuloch, present and in active CO.
operation with the fleet under Commodore
Dewey on that occasion (by executive order
under the provisions of section 2027, revised
statutes) is the only commander of a ma
tional ship to which promotion or advance
ment was not and could not be given be-
cause he already held the highest rank
known to the revenue cutter service
l.. | now recommend that in recognition of
the efficient and meritorious services of
Captain Daniel b. Hodgson, United States
revenue cutter service, who commanded
the Hugh McCuloch at the battle of Ma
Mia Chat officer being in the 63d year of
his age and having served continuously on
duty for thirty-seven years. be placed upon
the permanent waiting orders or retired
list of the revenue cutter service on full
duty pay of his grade.
WILLIAM MKINLEY.
Executive Mansion, June q, 1898.
Nomination for Powell
The president also sent the following
nomination to congress-
Executive Mansion,
Washington, June q, 1898.
To the senate of the United States:
l nominatae Naval Cadet Joseph w.
Powell to be advanced two numbers under
the provisions of section 1906 of the revised
statutes, and to be an ensign in the navy
for extra ordinary heroism while in charge
Of the steam launch which accompanied
the collier Merrimac for the purpose of res
in command of Naval Constructor Hobson,
was run into the mouth of the harbor of
Santiago de Cuba, on the Sd inst, and dex
teriously sunk in the channel.
WILLIAM MKINLEY.