The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-04-22
WITH DEWEY ONE YEAR AGO.
Fought the Battle of Manila Bay, in
Theory, at Hong Kong.

FROM the New 4Ork w ORD.
Chicago April 1S.-E. W. Harden, in the
Chicago Tribune, writes: Admiral Dew
ey in theory fought the battle of Manila
in Hong Kong harbor before the vessels
of his fleet were ordered to quit the wa
ters of the bay at the breaking out of
hostilties. In anticipation of a conflict
with Spain, the navy department had Sc
cured all the Information possible regard
ing points of possible attack by the yes
sells of the United States navy, including
Manila.
Exact information had been obtained
as to the number and size of the guns
mounted on the water front of Manila and
in Cavite Admiral Dewey knew as well
as Admiral Montojo the number of Spanish
ships, their armament and speed He
over-estimated their fighting strength,
however, as he gave them credit for be-
ing in thorough condition when it was
shown afterward the Castilla's machinery
was disabled and the Don Antonio de VI
loa was far from fit when the day of action
came.
Flag Lieutenant T. B. Brumby is Civ
en- credit by Admiral Dewey for suggest
ing the plan which was carried into eff
feet.
To-day is the anniversary of the con-
ference in Hong Kong, at which il was
finally decided to engage the enemy, as
was done, on Sunday, May l, providing the
Spanish fleet was found at Cavite or in
Subig bay. April 10 of last year fell on
Tuesday, and during the forenoon of that
day there was a conference between the
admiral and his commanding officers in
the admirals cabin of the Olympia
From the reports which had been re-
ceived from Manila, it was believed Ad-
miral Montojo would choose one or two
places for an engagement. 1t was expect
ed he would keep his ships either under
the protection of the forts which lined
the bay at Manila and at CaYite, or that
his fleet would go to Subig bay, forty
miles to the north of Corregidor and
there await the coming of the Americans.
In the disposition of plans of probable
attack, Admiral Dewey suggested forming
his ships in line and going in bows-on TO
fight the Spaniards if they were found at
either of the places named. His plan was
to go at them at close range, and to fight
with every gun that could be trained upon
their ships and forts.
"Mr. Brumby suggested keeping our
ships under way and passing in front of
the Spaniafds, firing broadsides and turn
ing, so as to bring the other guns of the
ships into action. This was the plan finally
agreed upon and carried into effect with
ouS4A ShSNSSS. AiS NCSAiS VI 1AuHill al Low
ey to give fun credit TO those who deserv-
ed it caused him to discuss this matter
; freely after the victory. He told me per-
sonally of the suggestion Mr.. Brumby
made and of its adoption.
Long cipher dispatches were being re-
ceived from the navy department each day
by Admiral Dewey, and it was a year ago
to-day he received a message announcing
the adoption of a resolution by Congress
! regarding Cuba, which caused a severance
of diplomatic relations between the United
States and Spain and precipitated the inev-
| table conflict. The receipt of this news
| made it a practical certainty there would
be war. Rounsevilie Wildman, the consul
general of the United States in Hong
| Kong also received news of tl1e joint reso-
| luton by Congress-, and it was from him
| l first learned of this action"