The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1900-01-17
Justice TO Captain lark.

mauded ships in the naval battle OF
Santiago. These officers were ordered |
to Washington for conference with the |
President in the matter of the award OF
hon0rs for gallant and m ritorious ser.
vices rendered in that engagement
As The JOURNAL said at the time OF
this conference, the most conspicuous
instance Of gallant and meritorious SER
vice unrewarded is that of Captain
CLARK of the Oregon. These services
began 10 the now historic cruise of the
Oregon around the Horn, and passed to
their climax of merit and briliancy in
the naval battle off the south coast of
Cuba.
Captain Clark held certain position
in the order of official precedence in
his rank when he rendered his country
services so extraordinary in their char
acter that the country generally, and
many expert and impartial judges,
regard them, at the lowest estimate, as
only second in Importance to those of
the commander of the American
squadron in the battle of Manila Bay.
w at is Captain Clark's rank today?
Has he been advanced to higher grader
Have his services received recognition
in any form from the government of
the United States? The unwelcome
answer to these inquiries is the state
ment from Washington, at the time
of the recent meeting at the White
House, that this brave and capable
off Ger is still captain, and ia really
two numbers lower in order of preced-
ence than when he sailed out of the
Golden Gate in March, 1898, on his
world famous voyage, and participated
30 decsively in sending Cervera's ships
to the bottom of the sea.
Modesty and self-abnegation distin-
guish Captain Clark as much as wis
dom in planning, resolution in execut-
ing, and bravery in battle. When, how
ever, others are inclined to appro-
pirate his reputation to advance their
own interests, and rise on his achieve
ments, it is time for his friends to as
sert his individual claims TO eminent
consideration and demand that justice
be done him. There are some facts
and circumstances of the Oregon's trip
around the Horn and her part in tho
battle of Santiago which have been mis-.
representated, or have been suppressed
entirely, which it is proper to recall at
this time. Some of these are here
briefly reviewed.:
1. TIE success of the trip around the
Horn was due to Captain Clark's judgment
and determi nation, to which, of course, as
in the case OF all naval or military opera
tions, the able assistance OF his officers and
crew contributed. But on him alone rested
the responsibility, and, while he received
encouragement from the Navy Department
he was the one officer who had to decide
when and how to proceed Even If he had
deemed it prudent to rem ain permanently
in South American port, course that was
open to him, he would not have surprised
or disappointed the Navy Department.
Thus the whole responsibility for proceed
ing up the Brazilian coast and taking the
chances of meeting the Spanish feet, rested
with Captain Clark alone. This single fact
is of the highest importance in estimating
the value of his services and determining
the reward that is his due.
g. Much Of the credit given the enginee 8
belongs primarily to Captain Clark. Thus
after arriving at Jupiter Inlet, and being
ordered to proceed to Key West if in con-
dition for service, or, If in need of repairs,
to Hampton Roads, he alone decided that
the Oregon was ready for any service re-
CURED of her, and, later, he absolutely re-
fused to report that the ship needed to 90
north for repairs and overhauling, though
urged to do 80 by those in direct charge OF
the machinery. This decision put on his
shoulders an additional and a heavy re-
sponsibity. Whether or not Captain
Clark was right, let subsequent events ties.
tify-the Oregons faithful and arduous
service on blockade d1ty the revelation of
her marvellous speed and preparedness for
action, her brilliant aud effective fighting
in the memorable battle OF July 3, 1898
Was an officers judgment ever more sig
nally vindicated?
3. The excellent condition of the Oregon
on July 3, 1898. was greatly due to the fact
that no salt water was allowed in her boil
ers. To avoid using salt water in her boil
ers the fresh water supply of the officers
and crew was reduced and limited, be
cause the evaporators were in use for the
boilers. So, when the time for action came,
the Oregon, that had cruised more miles in
the previous three months and half than
any other battleship Of the United States
navy in her whole existence, was ready on
the instant for high steam pressure in all
her boilers, and this made high speed pos.
sble. The wonderful speed of the Oregon
was not due to luck or superior build, but
t. the care and attention she had received
from her commander and other officers
This perfect condition of preparedness for
action was the consequence of the foresight
vigilance and datermi N ation Of Gantaip