Evening journal., 1910-10-05

the deliberate preparations of the
captain of the Wasp to meet the
Frolic and her armed convoy. the ap-
proacb towards an enemy of superior
force, and the conduct of that sanguin-
ary combat the highest proofs of pro-
fessional competence and personal de-
votion. The conflict was brilliant, a
shining example of skill and valor,
but its value is traced by it's bene-
ficent results, its influence upon the
people and effect upon the national
interests.
During a quarter of a century fol-
lowing the close Of the War of the
Revolution, the Navy had been aband-
oned and at times re-estahlished. re-
luctantly and partially, under the de-
mands and insults of the Barbary
States and the aggressions Of the
French government. A few gallant
deeds, like the capture of the In
surgent by the Constellation and the
recapture and burning Of the Phila-
delphia, had marked the high spirit
of our seamen. But the policy Of
the administration of jefferson and of
Madison did not include the mainten-
ance of an efficient naval force and
but few ships were kept in condition
for active service. The British had
ships-of-the-line frigates, sloops and
smaller vessels, a thousand of them.
Upon the approach of war, our gov
ernment looked upon a contest with
the Masters of the Sea as impractic-
able and contemplated laying up the
naval force or using it only to assist
In the defense of our ports. II was
upon the protest and entreaty Of naval
officers and, particularly, of Captains
cambridge and Stewart, that our few
frigates and sloops we're allowed to
try their fortune on the sea.
A large part Of the people we're
opposed to the war or Indifferent to
its prosecution. The Administration
met the crisis feebly and failed TO
create and send to the front forces
necessary to a successful campaign.
We declared war but we did not
strongly make war. So, the surrender
of Forts Mackinaw and Detroit and
the impotence and disaster Of Queens
town and minor engagements brought
the land campaign of 1912 TO an end
Of humiliation and gloom.
Some beams of radiance and cheer
illumined the sea horizon. The capture
Of the Guerriere by the Constitution,
of the Macedonian by the United
States and the Java by the Constitu-
ton, under a new captain, proved the
superiority of American gunnery; but,
in those actions, the American
frigates we're more powerful than
their antagonists. The Frolic, on
the other hand, mounted more guns
and fired many more shot than the
Wasp in the action between them.
There could be no doubt that the
Wasp had met and captured a vessel
of greater force.
"A check was given to the preten-
sions of the British Navy which had
been asserted through many year.
with pride and insolence. Our owl
people. and the British too. had a ney
view Of the character and valor G
American seamen, new estimat
which was to grow. within two year
into a profound respect. Throughot
the country, the victory Of the Was
was hailed with exultation. The spir
of the people rose. hope and cor
hdence returned, and preparations fo
the campaign of the next year wer
made with greater energy and de
! termination.
The size and force Of the Was
was but third of a frigate. yet tn
victory was inferior to none, an
Jones was ranked, as a commando
and leader, with Hull, Decatur an
Bainbridge. Congress conferred o
him a gold medal. engraved in Il
lustration of his victory, and he wa
promoted to the rank of Captain. Tn
. LEGISLATURE of Delaware took apprC
pirate action in his honor and CAV
! him a service of silver. The City
, New York bestowed a sword and th
! freedom Of the city Philadelphia pre-
{ sented a silver urn. The Order
= tho Cincinnati made him an honorar
/ member. Wherever he went he wa
received with grateful attentions
., Thomas MacdOnOugh.
I'VE pass to the record Of anothe
Delawarean. Thomas Macdonoug
: who was born on December %, us
at the Trap, now known as Macdol
ough. in New Castle County, and,
4 the age OF sixteen years, was al
q pointed a Midshipman in the Nav
+ February 5, 1900.
y ~Macdonough served on board II
f PHILADELPHIA, but by his absence in
s prize escaped capture by the TRIPOD
t tans. Joining the Enterprise, J
i won the friendship OF Decatur uhu'
e whose command he took part IN u
s burning of the Philadelphia, OF wnl'
s Lord Nelson said that it was the mo
bold and daring act of the age.
], sIn the first attack on Tripol, A
i gust 3. 1904. he was in a gunooat WI
q Decatur. when they boarded a gu
= boat of the enemy and found its ere
y gathered forward Of an open hate
y Decatur led the charge on one 81.
= of the hatch and Macdonough on q
= other along narrow gangways, TO
is desnerate hand to hand conflict. II
10 vessel was taken and Decatur il
= mediately assaulted and captured a
4 other one. He paid a tribute 70 .
s. conduct of Macdonough that DAY
,e sending him to present TO Compoao
ic Preble the captured flags OF the gu
le boats. Macdonough was theh '"en
J. years of age. ,,..o,a
Is "While serving as First Lieutena
y of the Syren, lying at GloraltaI'
Mt 1905. Macdonough was intormeu,
the absence of his Commander % tnaI
of hoat ashore from a British lrlsa
be bad impressed one Of the seamen
IN an American merchant vessel. Ma
'3, donough pursued and, overhaullne =
til nress hoat ne took the man.
3, cantain of the British man-ot-War 9
~pad nanded the return Of the man a