The voyage of the United States battle-1 Pacific coast, to Key West, Florida, to Callao to Punta Arenas, Straits of join the North Atlantic Squadron in the West Indies, was one of the notable per- Punta Arenas (Sandy Point), to Rio, formances of the Spanish war which reSan Francisco to Callan, Peru, flected credit upon the seamanship of the Rio to Bahia, American navy. The distance covered Bahia to Barbadoes, W. Indies, was 13,587 miles, and the time consumed. Barbadoes to St. Thomas, W.Indies, including stoppages to coal, etc., was 66 St. Thomas to Key West, Florida, 1,091 March 19, before the war began, and The Oregon left San Francisco reached Key West on the morning of May 28. fully prepared to join the Squadron company with the gunboat Marietta and of Admiral Sampson, and take part, as the dynamite cruiser Nietheroy (Buf she did later on, in the destruction of falo), purchased from Brazil. Admiral Cervera's ships at Santiago de Part of the time the battleship was in Cuba. The Oregon was commanded by Capt. April 30. During the entire trip the crew Charles E. Clark, a native of Ohio, who expected momentarily to meet the Span entered the Naval Academy, Annapolis, ish. Only once, however, was there a Captain Clark had no official knowledge in 1860, and was in the battle of Mobile call to arms. This was shortly after midof the situation after leaving Rio Janeiro bay and other naval engagements of the night on leaving Rio Janeirs, but the Civil war. Throughout the voyage the cause of the alarm proved to be simply greatest anxiety was shown by the Amer- a harmless merchantman. The cruise ican people for its safe termination. Many through the Straits of Magellan was most dangers were apprehended from Spanish interesting. It was at this far southern ships and Spanish sympathizers, but none point of the American hemisphere that of them materialized. At the conclusion the crew first expected to receive a visit of the trip Captain Clark said the Oregon from the Spaniards. In many places the was quite equal to any requirement that channel was narrow and crooked, with could have been made of her. He re-mountains towering into the clouds on ported that no cases of serious illness had either side, and icy, winter surroundings. occurred on board among his 25 officers or 425 seamen, composing the crew of the Works, San Francisco, by Irving M.Soott, ship.and he encountered no enemies. Of who was born December 25, 1887, at Heb course the success of such a voyage had ron Mills, Baltimore county. In 1807 he to depend mainly upon the excellence of was employed in the Mechanical Depart The Oregon was built at the Union Iron the engines, the skill and vigilance of the ment of the Federal Hill Iron Works of engineers, and the coal supply Chief Engineer was Robert W. Milligan, hurst, a well-known firm in their day. and the First Assistant Cleland Nelson He qualified himself for the higher Offley. Under these officers the machin- branches of Mechanics by studying The Baltimore, owned by Murray & Hazelery was kept in such perfect order that draughting and designing in the Mechan there was the least possible delay and no ics' Institute of Baltimore,and soon after. hitch in the performance. ship left San Francisco she had on board as a Mechanical EngineerandConstructor. 1,500 tons of coal, much of it outside of the bunkers. Coal was taken on board at the Oregon is a first-class coast defense When the on removing to California, took first rank o, at Punta Arenas (Sandy Point), battleship. All three of them are of the Straits of Magellan Ho Janeiro same dimensions, namely: Length. 348 Like the Massachusetts and the Indiana arbadoes, and co nd plenty of pagating Key feet; extreme breadth, 69 feet 3 inches; fest water displacement, 10,288 tons; mean draught. 21 feet. In speed they are rated as fol NAVAL BATTLE OF MANILA BAY, MAY 1, 1898. On Sunday, May 1, 1898, the Asiatic kept up a continuous fire from the besquadron of the United States Navy, un- ginning of the engagement, which was der the command of Commodore George not returned by this squadron. The first Dewey, sank, burned or captured all the of these batteries was situated on the ships of a Spanish squadron in Manila South Mole Head, at the entrance to the Bay, under command of Rear-Admiral Pasig river, the second on the South BasMontejo, silenced and destroyed three tion of the walled city of Manila and the land batteries, obtained complete control third at Malate, about half a mile further of the bay, so that he could take the city, south. I sent a message to the Governorthe chief port of the Philippine Islands, General to the effect that if the batteries at any time, and all without losing a did not cease firing the city would be single man, and having only nine slightly shelled. This had the effect of silencing wounded. them. .. Commodore Dewey left Mirs Bay, China, April 27 with orders to capture or destroy the Spanish squadron. The story of what he did is best told in the words of his official report, dated Cavite, May 4, as follows: We entered the south channel of Manila at 11.30 P. M. Saturday, April 30, steaming in column at eight knots. After half the squadron had passed a battery on the south side of the channel opened fire, none of the shots taking effect. The Boston and McCulloch returned the fire. The squadron proceeded across the bay at slow speed and arrived off Manila at daybreak. It was fired upon at 5.15 A. M. Sunday, May 1, by three batteries at Manila and two near Cavite, and by the Spanish fleet anchored in approximately east and west line across the mouth of Baker Bay, with their left in shoal water in Canacao Bay. Then the squadron proceeded to the attack, the flagship Olympia, under my personal direction, leading, followed at a distance by the Baltimore, Raleigh, Petrel, Concord and Boston, in the order named, which formation was maintained throughout the action. The squadron opened fire at 5.41 A. M. While advancing to the attack two mines were exploded ahead of the flagship, too far to be effective. **At 7.35 A. M. I ceased firing and withdrew the squadron for breakfast. At 11.16 A. M. we returned to the attack. By this time the Spanish flagship and almost the entire Spanish fleet were in flames. At 12 30 P. M. the squadron ceased firing, the Spanish batteries being silenced and the ships sunk, burnt and destroyed. At 12.40 P. M. the squadron returned and anchored off Manila, the Petrel being left behind to complete the destruction of the smaller gunboats, which were behind the point of Cavite. This duty was performed by Commander E. P. Wood in the most expeditious and complete manner possible." On resuming the attack after the memorable breakfast the place of honor in the lead was assigned to the cruiser Baltimore, Capt. N. M. Dyer, and she made a great record with a brilliant series of hits, as if at target practice. She sailed right in to within 2,500 yards of the Cavite batteries and dropped her six and eight-inch shells into the enemy's works with remarkable precision and deadly effect. When the fight was over she was hailed with cheers and the title of "The Tiger." One of the enemy's shells passed clear through the Baltimore, fortunately hitting no one. Another shell, however, ripped up her main deck, disabled a sixThe squadron maintained a contin- inch gun and exploded a box of threeuous and precise fire at ranges varying pounder ammunition, slightly wounding from 5,000 to 2,000 yards, countermarch-eight men. The wounded were: ing in a line approximately parallel to Lieut. F. W. Kellogg, Ensign N. E. that of the Spanish fleet. The enemy's Irwin and enlisted men Michael J. Budfire was vigorous, but generally ineffec-dinger, Robert L. Barlow, Richard P. tive. Covert, William O'Keefe, Rosario RicEarly in the engagement two launches ciardelli and Edward Snelgrove. put out toward the Olympia with the ap- The Olympia was struck five times about parent intention of using torpedoes. One the upper works without sustaining mawas sunk and the other disabled by our terial damage. A shell gouged a hole in fire and beached before an opportunity the deck beneath the bridge where Comoccurred to fire torpedoes. modore Dewey was standing and another cut the signal halyards in the hands of Lieutenant Brumby on the after bridge. Two shells caused fires in the Boston, which were quickly extinguished, and another shot went through the ship's foremast just in front of Captain Wildes on the bridge. At 7 A. M. the Spanish flagship Reina Christina made a desperate attempt to leave the line and come out to engage at short range, but was received with such galling fire, the entire battery of the Olympia being concentrated upon her, that she was barely able to return to the shelter of the point. The fires started in her by our shells at this time were not extinguished until she sank. The three batteries at Manila had In the midst of the fighting the Spanish Admiral, Montejo, transferred his flag from the burning Reina Christina to the Isla de Cuba, which was also set on fire, Naval Battle of Manila Bay, May 1, 1898-Continued. and he made his escape with other survivors to the shore. The Reina Christina lost her captain, a lieutenant, her chap lain and a midshipman by one shot, which struck her bridge. Many of the crew were killed and wounded before she went down. About 100 men were killed and 60 wounded on the Castilla. Burnt-Don Juan de Austria, Isla de Luzon, Isla de Cuba, General Lezo, Marquis del Duero, El Correo, Velasco and Isla de Mindanao (transport). Captured-Rapido and Hercules (tugs) and several small launches. The Spanish ships engaged had a total personnel of 1,734 officers and men. Their guns were not as heavy as those of the American ships, but they had enormous advantage in position and shore protection. To wind up the action, the Raleigh, the Boston, the Concord and the Petrel were sent into the inner harbor to destroy all the enemy's ships remaining. The Petrel, which was built in Baltimore, was enabled by her light draught to move within 1,000 yards of the enemy, where, firing swiftly and accurately, she soon commanded 2,500 killed and 700 wounded. Their maeverything still flying the Spanish flag. Lieutenant Hughes, with an armed boat's crew from the Petrel, set fire to the Don Juan de Austria, Marquis Duero, the Isla de Cuba and the Correo. The last of the enemy's ships to be abandoned was the Don Antonio de Ulloa, which lurched over and sank with colors flying-nailed to the mast. "Capture or destroy Spanish squadron" were Dewey's orders. Never were instructions more effectually carried out Within seven hours after arriving on the scene of action nothing remained to be done. The total personnel of the American squadron was 1,694 officers and men. The total Spanish casualties were over terial losses included 10 warships, several torpedo boats, 2 transports, the Cavite navy yard and arsenal and 9 batteries. The estimated value of Spanish property destroyed was $6,000,000. On the American side none were killed, 9 only were slightly wounded, and the damage to the ships could be repaired for $5,000. On the recommendation of the President, who had previously appointed Commodore Dewey an acting rear admiral, Congress, on May 9, passed a joint resolution tendering thanks to Commodore George Dewey, U. S. N., and to the offThe white flag was run up from the cers and men under his command, for Cavite arsenal, and on the 3d of May the the brilliant victory at Manila. An act Spanish military forces evacuated the was also passed increasing the number of post and it was taken possession of by a rear-admirals from six to seven to prolanding party. The same day the Raleigh vide for Commodore Dewey's promotion. and Baltimore secured the surrender of Congress still further voted a sword of the batteries on Corregidor Island, paroling the garrison and destroying the guns. On the morning of May 4 the transport Manila, which had been aground in Baker Bay, was towed off and made a prize. In the action of May 1 the Spanish lost the following vessels: Sunk-Reina Christina, Castilla, Don Antonio de Ulloa. honor to Admiral Dewey in recognition of his distinguished services, and medals commemorative of the great victory to his comrades. Rear-Admiral Dewey was born at Montpelier, Vt., December 26, 1837. He graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1858. He distinguished himself under Farragut during the Civil War. CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES. Joint High Commission between the United States and Great Britain for the Adjustment of Differences between them in respect to the Dominion or Canada and the Colony of Newfoundland; said Commission to set forth their Conclusions in the form of a Convention or Conventions, subject to Ratification by the two Governments. On the part of the United States: Senator Charles W. Fairbanks, Chairman, Indiana. Senator Charles J. Faulkner, West Virginia. Hon. Nelson Dingley, Maine. Hon. John W. Foster, Indiana. Hon. John A. Kasson, Iowa. Hon. T. Jefferson Coolidge (ex-Minister to France), Massachusetts. On the part of Great Britain: Baron Herschel, ex-Lord Chancellor of Great Britain. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Premier of Canada. Sir Richard Cartwright, Minister of Finance of Canada. Sir Louis Davies, Minister of Marine and Fisheries of Canada. Secretary-Henri Bourassa, member of Canadian Parliament. SURRENDER OF MANILA. General Anderson directed the operations on land, and General Greene, with the left wing, swept along upon the trenches before Malate. General McArthur led the right wing with the Astor battery, which took up a position on the right of the Pasig river, and did gallant work. Three men of the Astor battery were killed. Manila, the capital of the Philippine Remingtons, 18 modern cannon and many Islands, surrendered August 13, 1898, to cannon of obsolete pattern. the American land and naval forces after a combined attack by Maj.-Gen. Wesley Merritt and Rear-Admiral George Dewey, Quickly following the memorable naval action of May 1, which placed Manila and the Philippines at the disposal of the United States Government, troops, ships and war material were rapidly despatched from San Francisco to the scene of operations, where matters were greatly complicated by the attitude of the native population in revolt against Spanish rule. By the exercise of rare diplomatic skill on the part of the commander of the American naval forces, the insurgent chiefs, under Aguinaldo, who became a quasi-dictator among them, the natives were restrained, and used more or less to bring about desired results. The hardest fighting of the day was done at a place on the right wing, where the guns of the fleet could give no assistance. After the fleet had raked the position at Malate the Colorado troops, sup ported by the Eighteenth regulars and the Utah battery, swept it with the deadliest of fires The Spaniards fell before the charging Colorado men, who followed them closely, giving them no rest until the position was won and the American flag was raised by the Californians, who had been charging behind the Colorado volunteers. The naval force of Admiral Dewey was strengthened by some gunboats and other war vessels captured from the Spaniards. In addition to these, the cruiser Charleston and the monitors Monterey and Mo The defense, however, was weak and nadnock, of the U. S. Navy, were sent out the white flag was hoisted over the city to him. The first to go was the Charles- walls about noon. The formal surrender ton, which sailed from San Francisco took place at about 5 o'clock in the afterMay 21, and on the voyage took Guan, one noon, and the American flag was raised of the Ladrone Islands, midway between by Lieutenant Brumby of the Olympia. Hawaii and Manila. Between May 25 and The peace protocol was signed in WashOctober 30 various expeditions were des-ington city at 4.23 P. M. Friday, August patched from San Francisco, until the 12. The difference in time between Manila fand force operating on the distant field and Washington is such that the surrenof action comprised an army of 15,699 offi- der, reckoned by Washington time, occers and men, largely made up of volun-curred about 5 A. M. Saturday. In point teer regiments from the States west of the of actual time, therefore, the signing of Mississippi river, under the command of the peace protocol preceded the actual Maj. Gen. Wesley Merritt, who reached surrender of Manila by a few hours. the scene of operations July 25. A commission appointed by Generals Captain-General Augustin had been Merritt and Jaudenes arranged the details succeeded in command of the Spanish of the capitulation, which was restricted army in the Philippines by Gen. Fermin to Manila, its defenses, its suburbs and Jaudenes, and took his departure on the the forces stationed therein. The Spanday of the surrender in a German war-ish troops, European and native, capituship for Spain, via Hong Kong. The lated with the honors of war, giving up acting general-in-chief was notified forty- their arms. Officers retained their sideeight hours in advance of the intended arms and private property; all public attack, so as to enable the Spanish author- property, stores and funds were turned ities to provide for the safety of non-over to the authorities of the United combatants, many of whom went away in States. The prisoners were 13,000, the the ships of other powers. arms 22,000 and the funds $900,000. At 9 o'clock on Saturday morning, The Philippines constitute a tropical August 13, the combined attack by the archipelago, with the Pacific Ocean on American army and navy began. A di- the east and the China Sea on the west. vision of the squadron, led by Fighting The principal islands are Luzon, on which Dewey" in the flagship Olympia, shelled is the capital, Manila, Ilo-ilo, and Cebu. the forts and intrenchments at Malate, The natives are chiefly Malays. There on the south side of the city, driving are many Chinese. The unsubdued savback the enemy, our army advancing age population is thought to number from that side at the same time. About about 600,000 and the whole population to 7,000 Spanish regulars were taken prison- be from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000. The archiers. The squadron had no casualties. pelago was discovered by Magellan, the None of the American vessels was in- Portugnese navigator, in 1521, and bejured. The casualties of the land forces came a Spanish possession in 1565. The were 15 soldiers killed and 40 wounded. name of Philippine Islands was given to The Spanish loss was estimated at from the group in honor of Philip II of Spain. 120 to 600 killed and wounded. The Amer-The islands have been frequently disicans captured 20,000 Mauser rifles, 3,000 turbed by insurrections of the natives. NAVAL APPRENTICES. Boys between the ages of 15 and 17 years may, with the consent of their parents or guardians, be enlisted to serve in the navy until they shall arrive at the age of 21 years. Boys enlisted for the naval service must be of robust frame, intelligent, of perfectly sound and healthy constitution, and free from physical defects. Physical examinations will be made by the medical officer of the ship upon which a boy presents himself for enlistment. Boys must have the following heights and measurements: Age. Height. Weight. Chest Measure. 27 inches. 15 years, 4 ft. 11 in. 80 lbs. free of cost, with an outfit of clothing not exceeding in value the sum of $45. Boys will be enlisted as apprentices, third class, and receive $9 per month. Apprentices, third class, who are qualified, after completing their tour of service in a cruising training ship, will be advanced to apprentices, second class, at $15 per month. Apprentices, second class, who are qualified will be advanced to apprentices, first class, at $21 per month, after they shall have served one year in cruising ships of war. All apprentices receive one ration per day. Parents or guardians are required to relinquish all claim to the services of apprentices, and applications for their discharge during minority will not be favorably considered, except under extraordinary circumstances. Boys enlisted to serve until 21 years of age will not be permitted to allot any part of their pay to parents or guardians until they shall have been transferred to general cruising ships. Each boy presenting himself for en- Apprentices will be transferred to fill listment must be accompanied by his vacancies in seagoing vessels as they befather, or by his mother in case the come proficient and their services are refather be deceased, or by his legally ap-quired. pointed guardian in case he has neither Upon the expiration of the enlistment father nor mother living, and the parent of an apprentice he will, if recommended, or guardian presenting the boy must sign the prescribed "Consent, declaration and oath," which forms part of the shipping articles. receive an honorable discharge, and upon re-enlistment within three months from date of honorable discharge he will receive three months' extra pay of his rating when discharged, a continuous-service certificate and an addition of $1 per month to his pay. In cases where parents or guardians may, by reason of distance, infirmity or other causes, be unable to appear at the place of enlistment, they will, on written Enlistments of apprentices are made on application to the commanding officer of board of the following-named_ships: either of the ships upon which enlist- Constellation, Coaster's Harbor Island, ments are made, be furnished with the near Newport, R. I.; Vermont, Navy printed form of "Consent, declaration Yard, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Wabash, Navy and oath," in duplicate, by executing Yard, Boston, Mass. Richmond, Navy which the enlistments will be perfected Yard, League Island, Pa., and the Indeshould the boys be accepted by the Board of Examining Officers. No allowance will be made for traveling expenses whether accepted or not. The Board of Examining Officers will consist of the commanding officer, a line officer and the senior medical officer of the vessel. All boys enlisting as apprentices must voluntarily sign an agreement to serve in the navy until 21 years of age, which agreement must, before being signed, be carefully read and explained to each boy by the recruiting officer. Apprentices are educated to fill the positions of seamen and petty officers. They cannot become commissioned officers. Boys who have been convicted of crime cannot be enlisted. When first enlisted and received on board ship apprentices will be furnished, pendence, Navy Yard, Mare Island, California. Apprentices are under the immediate supervision of the Bureau of Navigation. Information regarding enlistments will be furnished by that bureau or by the commanding officers of the above-named ships. An apprentice may be allowed to purchase his discharge from the service during the first eighteen months of enlistment upon the written request of his parent or guardian, which request must be made upon blanks which will be furnished, upon application, by the Bureau of Navigation. Any apprentice discharged during his minority at the request of his parent or guardian must refund any indebtedness to the government and the value of the outfit furnished him upon enlistment, in addition to the cost of his discharge. |