The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1900-04-25

battleship Oregon was at San Francisco,
California. Her presence in Cuban waters
was a known necessity. To pass down the
Pacific Ocean, through the Straits to the
Atlantic, and thence to her destination,
meant voyage of $4,000 miles, the last few
thousand through an ocean belt patrolled
by hostile fleet. Approaching the war
value of the Oregon, and the risks she ran,
the attention of the civilized world was
concentrated on her career. The American
government was playing bold game in
despatching the Oregon on such voyage at
such time, and had called Captain Clark
to the command as the man of the hour.
His professional reputation was flawless,
and he enjoyed the rare double distinction
OF popularity with both officers and men.
The Oregon steamed out of San Francis
co bay one gray morning, made the worlds
record voyage for a naval vessel, and naval
officers of various countries, notably those
Of Great Britain, complimented and con-
graduated the United States and Captain
Clark. AS the scroll of facts unrolled it
lifted Captain Clark into heroic prominence.
The official records showed the tact, skill,
courage, and judgment displayed by the
gallant commander. They showed that the
government had thrown the whole respon-
sibility OF his course upon him, but were
discreetly silent about the authorities of
Washington having suggested to him that
delays in Brazil to avoid the chance Of
meeting Ceveras fleet would be approved.
Clark took no hints that involved delay.
10 hattl in cd cd ha
had duty to perform, and 80 he shoulder
ed the whole responsibility and went
ahead
When Clark reached the States, reported
his arrival at Jupiter Inlet, Florida, and
added that the Oregon needed no repairs or
relief. and was ready for immediate duty at
the front, the government congratulated
him and the country on his achievement,
and sent the battleship into the war. The
sole reward Of Captain Clark was an ap-
proving conscience and the plaudits of the
people.
1 mark the second great event in a mag
nificent career. The naval battle off San
tiago de Cuba, resulting in the utter ami
hilation of Ceveras fleet, was what is tech
nically known as Captains fight, each
commander in the blockading feet acting
on his own initiative. 1t was the Oregon,
Captain Clark commanding, that ended the
career of the Maria Teresa; it was the Oregon
that drove the Oquendo, a burning wreck,
| to the Cuban coast; it was the Oregon that
sent a 13-inch she'll into the Viscays, and
forced her ashore; and it was this latter
feat that drew from Admiral Schley, of the
Brooklyn-th only other vessel that was
keeping up with the fugtives-the signal,
swell done, Oregon" The Oregon then
chased the Colon, and with two 13.inch
guns forced her to lower colors.
And yet in the face of such deeds, with a
clear record in public and private life, and
admittedly one of the real heroes of the
war, Captain Clark is lower in rank than
when the Oregon started from San Fran
ciso to make record voyage and smash a
| Spanish feet. Other officers have been
showed ahead, in the excitement of the
moment possibly, but he ha nothing but
resolutions of civil organizations, a sword
from appreciative fellow-ctizens the re-
spect of the people, and an approving con-
science to remind him of his tireless, fear.
leb5, anu pOltHlltl WOrR LOT INC lAuu OF Jne
Star and Stripes.
The failure of the American government
to properly recognize the services of Cap.
tain Clark is none of our business, to be
sure, only in 80 far as we are interested in
the fair fame of a republic which, for OBJ
vious reasons, cannot afford to be migrate
full.
Had Captain Clark been of the British
navy, he would have been made an admiral
and otherwise honoured, and the natior
would have said, Amen. In all kindness
although none of our business except, az
already remarked, in so far as we feel fol-
the fair fame Of the United States, we ven
ture to submit that the government owe
the sea should lose no time in repairing
sad error. Recognition should not be with
held from an officer simply because he il
modest as we'll as brave.