Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-12-07
REPORT ON THE NAVY
The Secretary's Annual Document
Of Unusual Interest.
OPERATIONS At SANTIAGO REVIEWED
Tho Secretary Wants Those Who Took Part
In 1t Rewarded-Return Of Admiral
Dewey-Navsl Reserve and Other
Topics Touched Upon.

Topics Touched Upon.
Washington, Dec. 4.-The annual re.
port Of the secretary Of the navy, just
made public, is a document Of unusual
interest, dealing not only with the
work Of the navy during the past year
and important recommendations for
the future, but also discussing the more
important questions relating to the
navy, including the authorization Of IS
new warships the imperative need Of
special legislation In the early days Of
congress for armor Of the best quality
that can be obtained, and the PROPOSE
tion that the thanks Of congress be
given to the commander-in-chief Of the
North Atlantic squadron and to the Of
Acers and men under his command for
the part they took In the naval opera
tions at Santiago.
The secretary's reference and recon-
mendation as to those who took part
In the operations at Santiago are as
follows:
While those engaged In the battle Of Manila
have been deservedly rewarded-and no man ever
deserved reward more richly--those who took
part In the operations at Santiago. displaying
the same conspicuous conduct and extraordi-
nary heroism, have received no recognition
whatever for their great services except the
recommendations for promotion by the presi-
dent which have lapsed, not having been acted
upon by the senate. The department believes
1t due to these gallant men to suggest TO you
that their services be recognized and equal
justice done them, and that, In accordance with
the statute In such cases made and provided,
you recommend that the thanks Of congress be
given to the commander In chief Of the North
Atlantic squadron and to the officers and men
under his command, as they were given In the
case Of the oommander-in-c md officers
and men Of the Asiatic squadron. The North
Atlantic squadron was charged with great and
exactlng duties, including the blockade Of
Cuba, cooperation with the army ind the pur-
suit, blockade md capture or destruction OF
the Spanish squadron under Admiral Cervera,
# was n oamnaivn n, vreat scone and GRAN, "a.
sponsibiities and was brought to successful
and glorious consummation which terminated
.ne war py .ne destruction ,t Of the Spanish sea
i'm hrlliancy anS Sor ,Sat ,he p,v', n,
such achievements have earned their countrv;s
gratitude have received no reward from its gov
eminent ,, Is an omission which cannot be doubted
W." rowora hn ,h au generously aepSla
ton is abandoned the department renews its
suggestion embodied in senate bill bOo5, intro.
duced at the last session Of congress, which
paos,aes aur lncsas Oh .nree eiasses-ohe Tor
nury herosm and ono for general mar ~ msri,or,ons
service-the first to carry with 1t percentage
OF increase OF pay, based upon the rank Of the
recipient ana calculated TO take the place
shit Of nromotion wera tina, sSvm =, , 10
tinued. A medal worn during lie and trans.
mitted for an inheritance will be far more
era1elui 20 deserving olllcer than promotion
:" ,"uA ~ 'n0 'Ap'N'e VI 'on'aoe,
'..'o.a'y nons reiers W .ne return
VI nun'rai pe"ey anu ms ENTHUSIASTIC
"slcoinc from .ne whoie country
. ni'er speah,ng ol 'ne view FORK recep-
,,oh anu 'he SWORD presentation IN
"asn'hs'on' 'ne secretary sums up oy
saying " was 'he na'ion tribute
among .ne many o'ner topics treated
10 'ia' ,os.er'ng .ne navai reserve the
oonSol.ua.'on VI 'ne naval bureaus OF
construction. engineering ana equip
llen' ~ 'ne ,n'eres. Oh more harmoni-
GUS action 'he construction OF barracks
ior ENLISTED men ana review OF the
various a,,, bureau recommendations; the
aeslraoiiity OF changing the material