Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1899-02-27
STORIES OF ADMIRAL DEWEY
Things He Said While the Manila
Fight Was Going On.

! every steamer and sailing vessel hail
ing from the Philippines. Each addi-
ton TO the supply of anecdotes on hand
| reveals the hero of Manila in a still
more attractive light, and establishes
him more firmly in the hearts of his
countrymen. He is already known as
an exceptionally modest man, with an
unlimited stock Of cool courage,
h1gh strung temper, a keen sense Of
humoT and a regard for his personal
attire which, possessed by almost any
other man, would make him known as
a dude. All Of these traits may be de-
tected In the following stories fresh
from MANILA
Several weeks after the memorable
battle between the two fleets a cor
respondent for Chicago newspaper,
for whom Admiral Dewey had shown
a warm liking, visited the flagship.
Admiral, I wish you would tell me
what you said during the fighting on
the morning you entered the bay"
said the correspondent Nearly all
great naval battles have brought out
some utterance from the victorious
commander which has become histor-
teal, and I would like to know what
you said that can be preserved in"
Why, John, I can't for the life of
me remember what T said during the
fight" the admiral said, knitting his
broWs thoughtfuly. 'I was so busy
you know, that paid no attention to
anything except the fleet"
Try and think what you said"
urged the correspondent "T believe
there is a good story in khe fight that
has never been told"
Admiral Dewey thought long and
earnestly, not that he had any desire
to glorify himself, but simply because
he wanted to oblige the correspondent.
Finally the correspondent suggested
that the admiral's staff officers might
recall something of value as an histor-
ical utterance. The idea was an once
acted upon by the admiral, and he told
his orderly to call the officers. They
presented themselves, two young flag
lieutenants, who have the most pro-
found admiration for their commander
that can be imagined.
"Mr. Scott, cam you think of any
thing that said during the fighting?"
said Admiral Dewey, addressing the
Junior officer. John wants a story,
and I'd like to help him out. I don't
remember saying anything worth re-
peating, do your"
II hope you will excuse me from re-
CT
faint twinkle showing in his eyes.
GO on, Mr.. Scott" responded Admi-
raj Dewey. eff you can give John
story I will thank you for it."
'Well, sir, do you remember when
we were turning the second time on
the figure eight that you noticed the
Baltimore was going further away
than had been ordered?"
eyes, I remember that very WELL"
replied Admiral Dewey.
"Well, sir, do you remember what
you said as soon as you noted the po-
sition of the Baltimore?"
ono, I have forgotten everything
about that except ordering signal CT
some kind to be displayed for the Bal
timore. What did I say?"
"You said: What's the matter with
the blankety BANKED man? Is the
BANKED blank a blank coward? Tell
the blankety b1anked Baltimore TO
close up. Blank him, tell him to close
up
Admiral Dewey looked across the
bay toward the city Of Manila mo-
h Sc
cigar. The young officers knees were
beginning to tremble, and the CORES
pondent was beginning to wish he had
not been so persistent in his search
| for an historical utterance, when their
suspense was broken by the admiral
| turning, with a quiet smile, and say
| ing
Lets look at the signal-book for
that morning That will tell what I
said''
The signal-book was quickly pro-
duced, and this was all that could be
found referring to the BALTIMORE
''Please close up"
Soon after Major-General Merritt
reached Manila he began to experience
trouble with the insurgents. Aguin-
aldo was not disposed to pay much
heed to the generals orders, and the
general complicated matters more or
less by endeavoring to avoid any
clashing of the American with the in
surgent forces. The situation was be-
coming somewhat strained when Gen.
Merritt sought conference with Ad-
miral Dewey on the Olympia The
general and the admiral discussed the
situation at great length, the former
giving special attention to the ques-
ton of jurisdiction in the Philippines
At last Gen Merritt put this question
to the ADMIRAL
Admiral, how far, in your opinion
does your Jurisdiction extend on the
island?"
Admiral Dewey took two short turns
ON the quarterback before answering.
Then he said:-
2C