The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1898-12-09
PROGRESS OF THE CONFLICT.
Brilliant Series of Victories for
American Arms.


1t is not within the province of this
message to narrate the history of the
extraordinary war that followed the
Spanish declaration of April 81 but a
brief recital of its more salient features
is appropriate. The first encounter of the
war in point of date took place April
a. when a detachment of the blockading
squadron made reconnaissance in force
at MatanZas, shelled the harbor fortifica-
lions and demolished several new works
in construction.
Dewey at Manila.
The next engagement was destined to
mark a memorable epoch in maritime war
fare. The Pacific fleet, under Commo-
dore George Dewey, had lain for some
weeks at Hong Kong. Upon the colonial
proclams ton of neutrality being issued
and the customary "a hours notice being
given, it repaired to Mrs bay, near Hong
Kong, whence it proceeded to the Philip
pine islands under telegraphic orders to
capture or destroy the formidable Span
ish fleet then assembled at Manila. AT
daybreak on May l the American force
entered Manila bay, and after few hours
engagement effected the total destruction
of the Spanish fleet, consisting of 10 war
ships and a transport besides capturing
the naval station and forts at Cavite, thus
annihilating the Spanish naval power in
the Pacific ocean and completely control
ling the bay of Manila, with the ability
to take the city at will. Not a life was
lost on our ships, the wounded number
ing only seven, while not a vessel was
materially injured. For this gallant
achievement congress, upon my recon-
mendation, fifty bestowed upon the actors
preferment and substantial reward.
The effect of this remarkable victory
upon the spirit of our people and upon the
fortunes of the war was instant. A prestige
of invincibility thereby attached to our
arms which continued throughout the
struggle. Reinforcements were hurried to
Manila under the command of Major-Gen-
eral Merritt and firmly established within
sight of the capital which lay helpless be-
fore our guns. On the 7th day of May
the government was advised officially of
the victory at Manila, and at once inquired
Of tke commander of our fleet what troops
were required. The information was re-
celyed on the 18th day of May, and the
first army expedition sailed May 20 and
arrived at Manila June 80. Other expedi-
tons soon followed, the total force con-
sisting of GAL officers and 1868 men.
No Divided Victory.
Only reluctance to- cause needless loss
of life and property prevented the early
storming and capture of the city, and
luSItWllH The absolute military Occupdl
of the whole group. The insurgents,
meanwhile, had resumed the active hos
tilities suspended by the uncompleted
truce of December, 1897 Their forces in
vested Manila on the northern and east
ern side, but were constrained by Admiral
Dewey and General Merritt from attempt
ing an assault. 1t was fitting that what
ever was to be done in the way of de-
csive operations in that quarter should be
accomplished by the strong arm Of the
United States alone.
Obeying the stern precept of war, which
enjoinS the overcoming of the adversary
and the extinction of his power wherever
assailable as the speedy and sure means
to win a peace divided victory was not
permissible, for no partition of the rights
and responsibilities attending the enforce
ment of a just and advantageous peace
could be thought Of
Following the adoption of a comprehen-
sve scheme of general attack, powerful
forces were assembled at various points OH
our coast to invade Cuba and Porto Rico.
Meanwhile, naval demonstrations were
made at several exposed points May IL
the cruiser Wilmington and torpedo-boat
Wlnslow were unsuccessful in an attempt
to silence the batteries at Cardenas, in
Matanzas, Ensign Worth Bagley and four
seanten falling. These grievous fatalities
We're strangely enough among the very
few which occurred during our naval
operations in this extra ordinary conflict.
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 beginning of hos
tilities, had crossed the Atlantic ocean and
by its cratic movements in the Caribbean
sea delayed our military operations, while
battling the pursuit of our fleets. For a
time fears were felt lest the Oregon and