The herald., 1898-12-06

ment Of the blockading squadron made a
reconnaissance in force at Matanzas shelled
the harbor forts and demolished several new
works IN construction.
The next engagement was destined to mark
a memorable epoch in maritime warfare.
lhe Paclhc fleet, under Commodore Geo.
Dewey, had lain for some weeks at Hong
Aong Upon the colonial proclamation Of
neutrahty being issued ana the customary
tWenty-four hours notice being given, it re-
paired to Mrs Bay, near Hong Kong, when
1t proceeded to the Philippine Islands under
formidable Spanish fleet then assembled at
Mania. AT daybreak on the first of May
the American force entered Manila Bay, and,
alter few hours engagement, effected the
total destruction Of the Spanish fleet, con.
sistlng OF ten warships and transport, be-
sides capturing the naval station and forts
at Cavite, thus annihiating the Spanish
naval power IN the Pacific ocean and COM
pletey controlling the Bay of Manila, with
the ability to ia Ike the city at will.
Not life was lost on our ships, the wound.
ed only numbering seven, while not vessel
was materially injured. For this gallant
achievement the Congress, upon my recon-
mendatlon, fifty bestowed upon the actors
preternent and substantial reward.
The effect of this remarkable victory upon
the spirit of our people and upon the for
tunes Of war was instant. A prestige of in
vincbility thereby attached to our arms,
which continued throughout the struggle.
Reintorcements wehe hurried to Manila,
under the command of Major General Mer-
ritt, and firmly established within sight of
the capital, which lay helpless before our
guns. On the 7th day of May, the Govern
ment was advised officially of the victory at
. Manila, and at once inquired of the COM
mander of our fleet what troops were re-
: CURED. The information was received on
the 10Th day of May, and the first army ex-
pedtion sailed May 25, and arrived at Ma
nila June 80. Other expeditions soon fol-
lowed, the total force consisting of Gal Of
ticers and 15,05S men.
Only reluctance to cause needless loss of
life, and property prevented the storrning
and capture of the city, and Herewith the
absolute military occupancy of the whole
group: The insurgents meanwhile had re-
sumed the active hostilities suspended by
the uncompleted truce of December, 1897.
Their lorces invested Manila from the north
ern and eastern side, but were constrained
by Admiral Dewey and General Merritt
from attempting an assault. 1t was fitting
that whatever was to be done in tile 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 enjons the overcom-
ing OF the adversary and the extinction of
his power wherever assailable, as the
Ispeedy. and sure means to win a peace, di-
vided victory was not permissible, for no
partition of the rights and responsibilities
advantageous peace could be thought of.
THE FLEET OFF CUBA
Following the comprehensive scheme of
general attack, powerful forces were as
sembled at various points on our coast to
invade Cuba and Porto Rico Meanwhile,
naval demonstrations were made at several
exposed points On May llth the cruiser
Wilmington and torpedo boat Winslow were
unsuccessful IN an attempt to silence the
batteries at Cardenas against Matanzas,
Worth Bagley and four seamen falling.
These. grlevoUs fatalities, were, strangely
enough, among the very few which occur
red during our naval operations in this ex-
traordinaly conflict.
Meanwhile, the Spanish naval prepara-
tions had been pushed with great vigor. A
powerful squadron under Admiral Ceryera
which had assembled at the Cape Verde Is
lands before the outbreak of hostilities, had
| crossed the ocean and by its erratic move
ments i'll the Caribbean Sea DELAYED our
military operations, while battling the pur-
suit OF our fleets. For time fears were felt
lest the Oregon 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 dispelled the appre-
tensions and lent much needed reinforce
ments... Not until Admiral Cervera took
refuge in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba,
| about May 9th, was it practicable TO plan
systematic military attack upon the Antil-
lean possessions of Spain
several demonstrations were made on the
| coast of Cuba and Porto Rico in preparation
TOR the larger event. On May l3th, the
North Atlantic squadron sheHed San Juan
N ntn fraA L., n.I
Scheley's squadron bombarded the forts
guarding the mouth of Santiago Harbor.
Neither attack had any material result. It
was evident that wellordered land opera.
tons were indispensable to achieve de-
| cided advantage.
THE MERRIMAC INCIDENT
The next act in the war thrilled not alone
| the hearts OF our countrymen, but the world
by its exceptional heroism. On the night
| seven volunteers, blocked the narrow ont.
let, from Santiago Harbor by sinking the
collier blerrimac in the channel under n
| severe fire from the shore batteries. escapino
with their lives as by a miracle. but falling
INTO the bands of the Spaniards 1t is a
hlost gIatiiylng incident OF the war that the
bravery of this little band of heroes was
cordially appreciated by the Spaniards, who
sent a flag OF truce to notify Admiral Samp-
| son OF their safety and to compliment them
upon their daring act. They were subse-
quently exchanged July 7th
BY June 7th, the cutting of the last Gu
ban cable isloated the island Thereafter the
] invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On
June 10th, under heavy protecting fire.
landing force of 600 marines from the
Oregon, Marblehead and Yankee was ef.
fected on Guantanamo Bay, where it had
| been determined to establish a naval sta.
ton. This important and essential port was