The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-05-04
OREC0N'S FAMOUS RACE AROUND
 SOUTH AMERICA IN APRIL 1898

clared. The crew went wild with cheering. The band was on the deck and the. familiar strains of "The Star Spangled Banner waited over the Brazilian fleet and the crowds on the wharves. The men stood uncovered, and when the band ceased the battle cry of Remember the Maine" rose with a roar.
 The heat was intense, but the crew, without a murmur began taking on coal with a frenzy that bordered on desperation. In the harbor was the Neitheroy, small ship purchased from Brazil The Oregon anchored in mid-harbor, while coaling and mo- tified the Brazilian government any spanish vessel that approached with in half a mile would be sunk. The Brazilian admiral kindly had cruis- CT of his own patrol the harbor. Guards were placed on the coal bar ges and the coal was examined for bombs.
 The news of Dewey's victory at Manila bay came on the afternoon of May 2. The crew broke into a war dance and the coal-b1ackened men cheered and danced until the harbor rang with their glee. The band play ed and the coal was handled more rapidly than ever. Until late in the night there was coal passing, dancing, cheering and band music. There were cheers for Dewey and everybody else, While Capt. Clark and his officers were solemn1y and secretly consider ing this dispatch from the Navy de- partment.
 -Four Spanish armored cruisers, heavy and fast, three torpedo boat destroyers, sailed April 29 from Cape de Verde to the west, destination in- known. Beware of and study care- fully the situation. Must be left to your discretion entirely to avoid this fleet and reach the United States by the West Indies. You can go when and where you desire. Nietheroy and Marietta subject to orders of your Self'
 Pity for the Oregon
 The newspapers in Rio reported Cervera's fleet and the Temerario morning of May 4 the Oregon steam ed majestically out of the harbor to certain destruction as many people believed. The, Brazilian admiral sent a cruiser out ahead to prevent an en- gagement in neutral waters, but the hostile boats were not to be seen. z Capt. Clark decided to part com pany with his two smaller boats be-
 cause they were too slow and the necessity would not permit delay. "Good-by and good luck" the Mar ietta signa1ed as the Oregon went ahead at full steam. The following day all hands were called aft and in formed that the Spanish fleet was searching for the Oregon. Instead of being depressed there was joyful Hhaerinp o1a fo, tion and all woodwork was torn up and thrown overheard. Even the ex- pensive mahogany pilothouse was torn down to prevent it being set ablaze by Spanish. fire. Dull gray war paint covered the white sides and preparations were made to throw all boats overheard. Before leaving Brazil the men had purchased red ribbons, which they made into hat bands bearing the words .Remem- Der the Maine' in brass letters. Every Oregon man wore that motto through the war.
 On May, Capt. Clark cabled the department from Bahia that he be- lieved he could beat off or whip the Spanish fleet in a running fight. The Plan of Battle
 The department replied that there was little doubt of it, but he was again advised to avoid the risk, if possible. The captains plan, if he encountered the fleet was to go ahead at forced draft and head away from the enemy. By string out the Span iards in 8 chase he planned to sink their leading vessel and then do the same for the rest one at a time He was confident that not more than wot or the enemy could equal his speed, and in running fight he had little fear of being surrounded On the night of May 12 there was a mysterious occurrence that has nev- CT been explained. eThe Oregon was steaning with all lights out A mum Der of lights were sighted, as though fleet were sailing in double column. Silently, Capt. Clark sailed right through the mysterious lights, not a hundred yards away. It is generally supposed he had met the Spanish fleet, but the log of the Colon des- troyed at Santiago, did not place the fleet in that location on the night in question.
 On May 24 the Oregon arrived at Jupiter Inlet. Fla, safe and sound, and two days later at Key West, six Weight days from San Francisco. The nation rejoiced, but the crew was disappointed.
 At the battle of Santiago, Admiral Cervera found the ship he had been
 hunting, and it was the Oregon that
 overloaded him as he was escaping on his flagship. In that battle the lOregon played mighty part, and it's shells remembered the Maine quite
 satisfactorily. City Star.
 JEWISH ELECTION
 COMING IN JUNE