Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-09-24
Che Story Tsller.
HELD AT BAY.
An Incident of Life In the
Navy.
BY II. D. SMITH,

BY II. d. SMITH,
Captain U. S. Revenue Cutter Service
The elegant parlors Of the Manhat-
tan club were crowded with the elite
land celebrities Of New York, and
statesmen, diplomats, politicians,
army and navy officers, with a num-
ber Of distinguished foreigners, prom
enaded through the noble corridors
Of that model institution.
It was the fashionable club hour,
when the entire intricate machinery
was in full swing. with lights gleam-
ling, cut-glass sparkling, decanters cir
culating, with keen wit and piQuant
lrepartee rippling backwards and for
wards like the subtle thrusts of pol
Iished Toledo blades.
/ One of New York's leading celebri-
ties, noted alike for his flights Of ora
tory and biting sarcasm, for his Won
derful executive ability. and finesse
lin the management of men, was sur
rounded by a circle Of friends listen
ling to q scathing denunciation from
his lips regarding the all-absorbing
subject of the day-the shooting OF
Barundia.
Stroking his long, luxuriant blonde
mustache nervously, while his keen
eyes flashed with suppressed excite
ment, he continued his remarks, pos
ing gracefully, with one hand resting
on the carved mantel, which dark
background brought out in bold relief
his distingue form clothed in accurate
full dress costume.
Look at the Barundia case, gen.
tlemen, view 1t in any light you
please, and contrast 1t with the naval
spirit Of fifty-yes, thirty years ago.
Then our flag was respected, and our
men -of-war invincible; now the world
laughs at US. Why, the revenue cut
| ter Grant, or even one Of the vessels
stationed at the battery, would have
done better, and their commanders, I
am confident, entertain too much love
and respect for the flag to quietly
pocket even an implied insult offered
to the colors they serve under. Look
at Ingraham when he took Martin
Kostza out Of Smyrna, in the face Of
overwhelming odds. But when did
your true American blue jacket ever
hesitate or stop to consider that point.
It increased our prestige abroad. and
| Ingraham received the thanks Of con-
gress and a gold medal, while his
spirited action was the comment Of all
Europe. Then compare Theoderus
Bailey's action with the Barundia hu-
initiation. 1t was in '56, that he had
the old ST. Mary, and went into VAL
paraiso, Chile On his arrival he
found that the Chileans had refused
a Just demand on the authorities made
by our minister. Bailey sent on shore,
and informed the governor that unless
the demand was complied with in
twelve hours he would lombard the
town, and proceeded at once to warp
his vessel into position. Within six
hours the demand was compiled with.
On the other hand, glance at the tren-
chant intervention of this country
with Chile, just after the Inaugural
ton Of President Garfield, its auda-
cious advance and humiliating retreat.
lit must be remembered by you all.
Our magnetic leading spirit Of diplo-
macy made a ludicrous pyrotechnic
display on that occasion at the ex-
pense Of the country's honor and dig
nifty. Peace is too clearly our policy,
and is especially a wise one when we
are not on a respectable footing to
sustain a war. What guarantee has
an American citizen that his person is
safe, once he departs from the shores
of his native land? The very name of
America has become a byword and a
reproach. We are a nation of money
grabbers, and as such are degenerat-
ing every day"
Excuse me, senors, for interrupt
ing you;" and a tall, finely formed,
dark complexioned gentleman, with
a military and distinguished bearing,
bowed to the group, who courteously
bade him welcome to their circle.
The speaker was a Cuban, there
was no stalking that fact, and that
he was q gentleman was assured from
his being a guest within the exclusive
parlors Of the aristocratic club.
Pardon me, gentlemen, but hav-
ing heard a portion Of the converse
ton. I would like to crave the privil-
Iege of relating an incident involving
the flag of your country, which 1 can
vouch for. And then, If you do not
agree with me that the martial ardor
and old-time spirit which has en-
labled this wonderful country to electri-
Ify the world with her victories, exists as
strong as ever, requiring but an af-
front or an emergency to call forth
the latent power, then, gentlemen, l
will acknowledge myself beaten, but
mot convinced. While talk, try these
cigars. You cannot duplicate them in
this great city"
He used excellent English, with a
barely perceptible but pleasant type
of accent, while his agreeable, courtly
manner won Tor MIN the DOnnoiuie VI
the gentlemen, who politely accorded
him the seat of honor within their
midst.
1.-The collapse of the Cuban struggle
for independence left that fair isle
in state bordering on chaos, while
veritable reign Of terror was inaugu-
rated by the representatives Of the
Spanish government. Refugees of all
classes were anxiously seeking oppor-
tunities to leave the unhappy country
where life and property were con-
, stantly in jeopardy.
Among the fugitives who were
specially sought for was one who had
: borne a prominent part in the struggle
; as a general in the patriot army
Through trusty friends in Havana, he
had managed to elude the vigilance OF
; various scouting parties who were
constantly securing the country, until
rendered desperate by anxiety and ex-
posure, the soldier risked all, entered