Daily Kennebec journal., 1899-07-04
FIRST ANNIVERSARY
Of the Naval Battle of San
tiago is Celebrated.
Chief Observance by North Atlantic
Squadron at Newport, R.I.
Plans Nearly Complete for Organization oil
New Volunteer Regiments.

Newport, r. L.. July with vivid
recollection of the stirring events of a
year ago. this morning. in which they
played so prominent n part, a major
ity Of the officers and crew Of the
North Atlantic squadron needed little
incentive in their celebration, today, of
the first anniversary Of the destruction
Of Admiral Cerveras fleet off Santiago.
From early morning until well toward
midnight. there was practically a
Fourth Of July celebration. with can
non booming. rowing matches. crew
sports. grand banquet on the flagship,
and finally, an illumination of the
whole fleet:
All that was lacking TO make the day
a great success was the presence Of the
great ships which played their part
year ago-the Brooklyn now in New
York. the famous Oregon. $4,000 miles
away. in the Philippines; the Iowa, far
off on the Pacific coast. and the two
converted yachts Gloucester and
Vixen. Their absence was regretted;
hut none We're forgotten by those on
board the flagship New York. the bat
tleships Massachusetts,. Indiana and
Texas and the cruiser New Orleans,
which constitute the squadron now in
the harbor.
The city also joined in the calebra-
tion with flag decorations. a band con
cert, with fire works at Fort Greene.
while the numerous yachts in the har-
b0r We're not behind hand in their dis
play.
There was some noise at .colors" in
the morning. but the principal celebra-
tion was as far as gun fire concerned.
al noon. As soon as eight bells had
been sounded on board the flagship
NeW York a pun of smoke arose from
her seahoard. This was a signal for
The ships 10 commence their lombard
ment. ana In an incredibly short
time each ship had fired 4 guns from
its batteries. and when the heavy
smoke rolled away the stars and
Stripes We're seen at the masthead
alone. as If in actual battle array.
During the morning several races
were held by the crews.
To the officers. the principal event
was the banquet, this evening. on the
quarter deck of the New YORK;. Ad-
MIRA! Sampson presided InI besides
,hc officers NJ th4 iIa.t the guests wrr.
iNtdI AIllllldl i.'lN t1l q ~ MAI tl4 u -
Rear Admiral stephen T.. Luce. Com
mander Little and EnsiGns Max and
Reginald Norman. Letters ~ cnnErat-
ulation We're received from President
Mckinley and Secretary Long.
The President wired as follows:
Executive Mansion.
Washington. n. e.. July .. 1899.
The Commanding officer, Flagship New
York. Newport, Z. T..
The President acknowledges with
thanks the kind invitation to b. pres
ent at the naval banquet on the flag
ship New York. this evening. To com |
memorate the battle of Santiago. He !
that his duties at Washington |
prevent his acceptance. and he sends |
his most cordial good wishes for the |
occasion and his hearty concurrence in |
the commemoration of one of the most |
brilliant victories in naval warfare. |
victory all the more glorious because it |
was made for peace.
(SigncD GEORGE CORTELYOT.
Acting Secretary. |
Later in the evening. the harOor was
not only by the search
lights from the fleet. but by the diff
ferent colored lights from the naval
and torpedo stations. on the yachts
and on shore.