The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-02-15
THREE YEARS AGO TO-DAY.
The BattIeship Maine Went Down in
Havana Harbor.

Three years ago to-day the battleship
Maine went down in Havana harbor. 1t
was principally through her destruction
that the nation was aroused aud HOSTILE
ties provoked.
new battieship Maine is building at
the Cramps shpyards in Philadelphia,
and it was hoped that she would be abe
10 take the water to-day, hut that had TO
be given over, because Of the work hav-
ing progressed insuffciently to admit of
her launching When she slides from the
ways to the water. however there viii
be great demonstrations. as the new ship
will always be regarded with a shade of
reverence because of the fate Of her name
sake and many of her gallant crew.
Events crowded themselves into the
three years that have elapsed since the
sinking of the Maine. The laundering Of
the gallant ship marked the beginning Of
an epoch that has taken AN important
place in history, and that added fresh
laure.s to the fame of American scamen
and soldiers.
Following the destruction of the Maine,
came the declaration Of war against Spain
by Congress; the fight in Mania bay.
growing out Of the order to Dewey to
capture or destroy Montejo's feet" the
organization of the volunteer forces, ana
the hurryng away of Savaunah's young
men to the front; the fight at La Quasi
mas: the greater one at Santiago ana
the charge upon San juan Hill; the naval
battle of Santiago; the moving about of
the volunteers in this country, and the
muster out of the service of some; the
encampment at Savannah of many thous-
snds Of troops, forming the Army OF Oc-
cupation in Cuba; their return to Savan-
nah, and muster out in this city.
Had it not been for the destruction OF
the Maine the war with Spain might not
have been fought. In that event, there
would have been no troops sent to the
war from Savannah, and there would
have been no regiments ordered here for
encampment The Savannahans who re-
sponded to the call would have no grand
tales of life In camp and afield to relate,
and there would be no pleasant memories
Of the many soldiers who came 90 Savan-
nah at the order of the government to
bide a time until they might be sent 10
Cuba.
Savannah. on the whole profited great
!. ly by the war II lost but few Of The sol
MARS IL sent to do battle against Spain
and<sdded greatly 10 its bank deposits by
The commerce It carried on with the sol
Oiers and with the government during the
N,time the camps near the city were main
tanned. From position just little sea y
il is said, some few of the merchants Of
the city were Tescued and elevated to al
atmosphere of that vigor and healthful
ness that comes from a comfortable bang
account and plethoric business.
Personal recollections of friends among
the soldiers ere entertained by many Sa-
vannahians. Many friendships were form
ed while the troops were awaiting de-
portation to cuba and, after their return
when they were anxiously expecting the
good Offices OF the mastering officer who
was TO make them citizens once again
Several more than friendly attachments
sprang up, the result Of three or foul
OF them having been weddings. or others
II Is sid that engagements are ON or tina
such happy elimination Of association %
sojOurning soldiers with sayannah girl
may be- expected