Progress of the War

GOODBYE. 583 For the sympathy, love, and the gentle word spoken Which soothed my bruised spirit with heavenly calm. As the dews of the night shed their tears o'er the flowers, So in darkness and silence my tears flow the while At thought of our parting. Oh, friends, I beseech you To cheerfully bid me goodbye with a smile. For the same star that quivers in dear Utah's rivers, The same silver crescent that showers her ray, The same sun that mellows the grain in the hollows Will shine on the exile in lands far away. And the same hand will guide us, though mountains divide us, The same Gospel lead us to mansions on high — In hope I caress you, God keep you, God bless you Forever and ever. Goodnight, and goodbye. Sarah E. Pearson.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR BETWEEN SPAIN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. INTRODUCTION. In order that these articles may furnish something like a complete review of the present war between Spain and the United States, it is necessary to present the causes which led to its outbreak. Consulting a map which represents the possessions of the respective European nations in North and South America at the opening of the present century—the year 1800—it is to be seen that Spain was in possession of 7,028,628 square miles, or 45. 7 per centum of the territory of the two great American continents—nearly one-half. She was in possession of all that part of the United States west of the Mississippi and northward to the British boundary line; all of Mexico and Central America; Florida and nearly all the Antilles; all of South America, excepting the eastern portion of it, which was held by Portugal—an extent of territory undreamed of in ancient times, and only matched in modern times by two great nations—the British Empire and Russia. Yet such has been the injustice and cruelty of Spain in her colonial admin- istration that one by one her colonies have revolted during the last century and won their independence; until out of all her vast American possessions, Spain today retains but a pre- carious hold upon two islands of the Antilles, Cuba and Puerto Rico, which together have an area of less than fifty thousand square miles! And even from these possessions she has received notice to depart.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 585 The course of Spain in her government of Cuba has been fust what it was in other American Provinces—marked with rapacious greed and cruelty. During the last fifty years the Cubans have time and again rose in rebellion against Spanish injustice and oppression. Well nigh half the time during the past thirty years the island has been in revolt against Spanish dominion. Three years ago the present uprising occurred, its leaders demanding Cuban Independence and for three years have waged war with that end in view. The war has been carried on by the Cubans with patience and courage, though necessarily on the Fabian plan. On the part of Spain, the war to suppress the efforts of the Cuban patriots for independence has been characterized by acts so inhuman and by policies so shocking to civilization that at last the government of the United States regarded it as a duty to humanity and civilization to put an end to Spanish atrocities by forcible interference. The rest of the story is to be told in the ANNALS OF THE WAR. In the early morning hours of the 19th of April, after an all night session, the American congress passed the following conjoint preamble and resolutions: Whereas, The abhorrent conditions which have existed for more than three years in the island of Cuba, so near our own borders, have shocked the moral sense of the people of the United States, have been a disgrace to Christian civilization, culminating as they have, in the destruction of a United States battleship and 266 of its officers and crew, while on a friendly visit in the harbor of Havana, and cannot longer be endured, as has been set forth by the President of the United States in his message to Congress of April 11, 1898, upon which the action of Congress was invited, therefore. Resolved, By the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled: First—That the people of the island of Cuba are, and of right ought to be free and independent. Second—That it is the duty of the United States to demand and the government of the United States does hereby demand that the government of Spain at once relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba, and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters. Third—That the President of the United States be and he hereby is di • rected and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United States and to call into the actual service of the United States the militia of

586 IMPROVEMENT ERA. the several States, to the extent as may be necessary to carry these resolu- tions into effect. Fourth—That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or control over said island, ex- cept for the pacification thereof, and asserts its determination when that is accomplished, to leave the government and control of the island to its people. These resolutions were signed by President McKinley on the morning of the 20th of April, and by that act were given the force of law. Meantime Spain was not inactive. Her statesmen had been aware of the fact for some time that there was likely to be armed intervention by the United States in the interest of Cuba. The regular time for the assembling of the Spanish Cortes [Parliament] was the 25th of April, but owing to the approaching crisis the date of its opening was fixed for the 20th <jf April. It was doubtless, to Spaniards, an inspiring sight, this opening of the Cortes. That it might be so the Queen Regent was to open it in person. Large bodies of troops were drawn up outside the building, while inside all the members of the diplomatic corps were present in full dress. When at 2:30 p. m. the Queen Regent appeared and took her seat on the throne, with the young king on her right and Premier Sagasta near the latter, there were enthu- siastic cries of "Viva Reita!" "Viva Alfonso Tres!" and "Viva Espano!" The part of the Queen Regent's speech touching on Cuban and American matters was as follows: The grave anxieties which saddened my mind the last time I addressed you have increased and are heightened by public uneasiness, conveying the presentiment of fresh and greater complications, as a result of the turn which events in Cuba have taken. These complications were brought about by a section of the people in the United States, which, seeing that the autonomy previously offered in my message was about to be put in force, fore- saw that the free manifestation of the Cuban people, through its chambers, would frustrate forever the schemes against Spanish sovereignty which have been plotted by those who, with resources and hopes sent from the neighbor- ing coast, have fettered the suppression of the insurrection in that unhappy island. "Should the government of the United States yield to this blind cur- rent, menaces and insults which we have hitherto been able to regard with indifference, for they were not an expression of the sentiments of the true American nation, would become intolerable provocations, which would

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 587 compel my government, in defense of the national dignity, to sever re- lations with the government of the United States. "In this supreme crisis, the sacred voice of him who represents human justice on earth was raised in counsels of peace and prudence, to which my government had no difficulty in hearkening, strong in the consciousness of its right and calm in the strict performance of its duties. "Spain's gratitude is due the pope and also to the great powers, whosft action strengthens my conviction that Spain's cause deserves universal sym- pathy and that her conduct merits unanimous approval. It is possible, however, that an act of aggression is imminent, and that not the sanctity of our rights, nor the moderation of our conduct, nor the expressed wish of the Cuban people, freely manifested, may serve to restrain the passions and hatred let loose against the Spanish fatherland. "In support of this critical moment, when reason and justice will have for their support only Spanish courage and the traditional energy of ou- people, I have hastened the assembling of the cortes, and the supreme de- cision of parliament will doubtless sanction the unalterable decision of my government to defend our rights, with whatsoever sacrifices may be im posed on us in accomplishing this task." Continuing, her Majesty said: "Possibly, however, the peace efforts may fail to control the evil passions excited against Spain. Lest this mo- ment arrive, I have summoned the cortes to defend our rights at whatever sacrifice it may entail. Thus identifying myself with the nation, I not only fulfill the oath I swore in accepting the regency, but I follow the dictates of a mother's heart, trusting to the Spanish people to gather behind my son's throne and to defend it until he is old enough to defend it himself, as well as trusting to the Spanish people to defend the honor and the territory of the nation." At the close of the speech the enthusiastic cheering was renewed. Oa that eventful day, when the American Intervention Resolutions were made law by the signature of President McKinley, and the Spanish cortes assembled and was ad- dressed by the queen regent, as above, the president of the United States approved the following ULTIMATUM TO SPAIN, which was sent as instructions to the United States minister Stewart L. Woodford. Washington, April 20, 1898. Woodford, Minister of the United States, Madrid:—You have been furnished with the text of a joint resolution voted by the Congress of th« United States on the 19th inst., approved today, in relation to the pacifi- cation of the island of Cuba.

588 IMPROVEMENT ERA. In obedience to that act, the President directs you to immediately com- municate to the government of Spain said resolution, with the formal de- mand upon the government of Spain to at once relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters. In taking this step, the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or intention to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or control over the island, except for the pacification thereof, and asserts its determination when that is accomplished to leave the government and control of the island to its people under such free and independent governments as they may establish. If by the hour of noon, on Saturday next, the 23rd of April, there be not communicated to this government by the government of Spain a full and satisfactory response to this demand and resolution, whereby the ends of peace in Cuba shall be assured, the President will proceed without further notice to use the power and authority enjoined and conferred upon him by the said joint resolution to such extent as may be necessary to carry the same into effect. SHERMAN. About eleven o'clock the same day (April 20th) the state department at Washington served notice of the purpose of the United States by delivering to the Spanish minister, Luis Polo De Barnabe, a copy of the instruction to Minister Woodford and also a copy of the Intervention Resolutions, whereupon he immediately sent to Secretary Sherman the following request for his passports: "Legation de Espano, Washington, D. C, April 20, 1898. "Mr. Secretary:—The resolution adopted by the Congress of America and approved today by the President, is of such a nature that my perma- nence in Washington becomes impossible and obliges me to request of you the delivery of my passports. "The protection of the Spanish interests will be instrusted to the French Embassador and to the Austro-Hungarian minster. "On this occasion, very painful to me, I have the honor to convey to you the assurance of my highest consideration. (Signed) "LUIS POLO DE BARNABE. "Hon. John Sherman, secretary of state of the United States of America, etc., etc." The passports were sent, accompanied by a courteous letter from Secretary Sherman, expressing his regret that Minister Polo felt called up«n to take this step which severed diplomatic relations between the two countries. At 7:30 p. m. the Spanish minister and his staff left Washington for Canada. As the minister entered the station he was recog- nized by the crowd, which had gathered, and they closed in

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 589 about him. No word of indignity was spoken, and the salu- tations of those in the crowd were rather agreeable than otherwise. The minister stood on the front platform of his special car and had a few parting words with his friends. He spoke feelingly of his departure, saying the circumstances were most painful to him. One of his intimates ventured the suggestion that he would be back soon, under much more favorable cir- cumstances, but he shook his head and said he feared this could not be the case. He said his request for his passports h,2jd been made only after the enactment of a law which at- tacked Spain's sovereignty, impugned her honor and insulted her. Before the train departed Lieutenant Carantha, naval at- tache of the Spanish legation, expressed and authorized the associated press to publish the following views respecting the war: "It is no longer a question of retaining Cuba. That was merely a question of territory. Now a higher purpose is in view—the honor and dignity of Spain—since the United States has contemptuously ordered Spain to vacate Cuba, and has made the infamous charge that we are res- ponsible for the murder of the poor men of the 'Maine.' These orders and charges are made with a kick of the boot, and against such action Spain will resist to the uttermost. There should be no mistake about this. His- tory has recorded that even the legions of Napoleon, with 400,000 men, bearing the triumphs of all Europe, were halted and retired from Spain after those legions had lost between 200,000 and 300,000 men. "We recognize the gallantry of the American navy and the notable heroes of its past—Paul Jones, Farragut, Porter—but Spain, too, has her heroes, and their blood is in the veins of those now called upon to defend her honor. I speak after recently talkiag with my naval associates, com- manders of Spanish ships and of torpedo boats, and I know that there is but one sentiment, namely, that not one Spanish ship shall be taken. Your navy may send many of them to the bottom; superior forces may seek to annihilate them, but not one Spanish ship will surrender to the American navy. With honor at stake, that will be the response of the navy of Spain. " The Spanish minister and his staff reached British terri- tory without molestation. The same day the Cuban colonial delegation also termi- nated its relations at Washington. It had been appointed by the Cuban Autonomic Cabinet, for the purpose, in the

590 IMPROVEMENT ERA. main, of affecting a reciprocity treaty. Senor Anguello was at the head of the delegation. He left New York at 4 p. m., and his associates accompanying him. Thus both the repre- sentatives of Spain and of Spanish rule in Cuba terminated their relationship with the United States. A CONTRAST IN TREATMENT OF MINISTERS. Before the United States minister had an opportunity to present the Intervention Resolutions and America's Ultima- tum, the Spanish government broke diplomatic relations by sending to Minister Woodford this note signed by Senor P. Gullon, minister of foreign affairs: "Dear Sir: In compliance with a painful duty, I have the honor to inform you that there has been sanctioned by the president of the republic, a resolution of both chambers of the United States which denies the legiti- mate sovereignty of Spain and threatens armed intervention in Cuba, which is equivalent to a declaration of war. "The government of her majesty has ordered her minister to return without loss of time from North American territory, together with all the personnel of the legation. "By this act the diplomatic relations heretofore existing between the two countries and all official communications between their respective representatives cease. ' 'I am obliged thus to inform you, so that you may make such arrange- ments as you think fit. I beg your excellency to acknowledge receipt of this note at such time as you deem proper. Taking this opportunity to re- iterate to you the assurances of my distinguished consideration. (Signed) "P. GULLON." Minister Woodford on the receipt of this note requested his passports, which were immediately furnished him. He also sent the following note to Secretary Sherman, informing him of the action of the Spanish government: Madrid, April 21, 1898. Sherman, Washington:—Early this (Thursday) morning, immediately *fter the receipt of your telegram, and before I had communicated tha same to the Spanish government, the Spanish minister of foreign affairs- notified me that diplomatic relations are broken between the two countries, and that all official communication between their respective representatives have ceased. I accordingly asked for safe passports. I turn legation over to British embassy, and leave for Paris this afternoon. Have notified consuls. WOODFORD.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 591 In the afternoon of the 21st of April Minister Woodford started for Paris. An immense crowd gathered at the station to witness his departure. A strong force of police and civic guards maintained order, while amid the crowd moved a large number of private detectives. A detachment of civil guards accompanied General Woodford to the frontier. The retiring minister maintained his usual calmness, but looked worn and fatigued. When General Woodford took his seat Jn the train there was a stir among the spectators and a rush toward the carriage window. The minister sat dignified. Senor Anguello, the civil governor of Madrid, his gigantic figure rising head and shoulders above the crowd, in a sten- torian voice raised a cheer, which was thrice responded to by the crowd. "Viva Espano!" resounded throughout the sta- tion until the train was fairly outside. This was not meant as a kindly farewell, but was an explosion of long pent-up feeling. Outside the station Senor Anguello addressed the crowd, counselling calmness and confidence in the govern- ment, which he said would safeguard the honor of Spain. When the train bearing the minister and party reached Valladolid, midway between Madrid and the French frontier, it was attacked, the Spanish police attempting to capture Mr. Moreno, a member of the legation, on the ground that he is a subject of Spain. Thousands of excited people attempted to invade the rail- road station and the twenty civil guards, who accompanied the train were compelled to form up in front of General Woodford's carriage with drawn swords, while other civil guards of the local force issued from the depot to protect the train. The guards did everything possible to keep back the mob, whose yells and shrieks resounded on every side. Stones were thrown at the train and windows were broken. A newspaper man was wounded in the face by broken glass. Sir Charles Hall, the recorder of the city of London, had a norrow escape from being hit with stones and Mr. Montague Hughes, Cracken- thorpe, Q. C, had a similar experience. A sergeant of the civil guard, accompanied by a private, boarded the train and demanded that Mr. Joaquin Moreno disembark from the car. James, the general's valet, there-

592 IMPROVEMENT ERA. upon awakened the general, who hurriedly dressed while mat- ters were being explained to him. The general then formally protested, through the med- ium of the correspondent of the Associated Press, against the attempted interference with his suite, declaring that Mr. Moreno was his private secretary and a British subject. The Spanish claimed that he was a Spanish subject, but the gen- eral refused to give him up to the police and placed himself in the doorway of the compartment in which Mr. Moreno was traveling, declaring he would only surrender the latter if forced to do so. The minister then asked the correspondent of the Asso- ciated Press to explain to the Spaniards that he placed Mr. Moreno under the protection of the British flag, and if they took him it would only be by using personal violence to the United States minister, who proposed to protect Mr. Moreno until the frontier was crossed. It was explained to the Spanish officials that further in- terference might lead to complications with Great Britain and they withdrew. The ministerial party finally reached Paris without further interference. THE EXISTENCE OF WAR. The action of Spain in these several steps which broke off diplomatic relations with the United States inaugurated a state of war between the two countries and hostilities on either side were justifiable. Such conditions were evidently recognized by the governor-general of Cuba, when on the 21st of April he issued the following manifesto: THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT OF THE ISLAND OF CUBA TO THE INHABITANTS OF CUBA: "Without any reason or legality; without the least offense on our part, and at a time when they have received from us only proofs of friendship, the United States are forcing us into war just at a moment when quietude began to settle over the country, when production was flourishing, com- merce taking courage and peace approaching, with the co-operation of all classes and all parties under the new institutions granted by the mother country.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 5 ^ "Such a proceeding is without precedent in history. It evidently manifests the bogus politics of the republic, demonstrating the tricky plans and purposes that have always been nourished against Spain's sovereignty in Cuba, which the enemy has been conspiring for nearly a century U destroy. Our foes now carry their hypocrisy and falsehood to the ext.nt of demanding immediate peace in a war provoked and sustained by themselves. Her prudence and moderation have been of no avail to Spain, though she has carried her concessions to the extreme limit of toleration in order to avoid a rupture. "She still deplores this state of affairs, but she accepts it with all the energy inspired by a glorious national history and the pride of her people, a pride which will never yield to the strangers, nor consent to see Spain's right and reason trampled upon by a nation of nobodies. "If the United States wants the island of Cuba, let them come and take it. Perhaps the hour is not far distant in which these Carthagenians of America will find their Zama in this island of Cuba, which Spain discovered, peopled and civilized, and which will never be anything but Spanish. "It is our turn to have the honor of defending her, and we will know how to do it with decision and an effort many a time put forth. I count upon you for this with absolute certainty. I believe there is no sacrifice you are not prepared to make in defense of the national territory whose in- tegrity is sacred to all Spaniards of whatever origin. I am sure that every one in whose veins runs Spanish blood will respond readily to the call, which, in these solemn moments, I address to all, and that all will group themselves around me to contribute as much as they can to repel a foreign invasion, without allowing dangers, sufferings or privations to weaken the heart of courage. "To arms then, follow countrymen! To arms! There will be a place for all in the fight. Let all co-operate and contribute with the same firmness and enthusiasm to fight the eternal enemy of the Spanish name, emulating the exploits of our ancestors, who always exalted high their country's fame and honor. To arms! Cry a thousand times 'Viva Espano!' 'Viva El Rey Alfonso XIII !' 'Viva La Regente!' 'Viva Cuba, always Spanish!' "Your Governor-General, "RAMON BLANCO, 'vlavana, April 21, 1898." THE FIRST PRIZE. Meantime, in view of the certainty of war, both govern- ments had been preparing for hostilities by purchasing war ships and mobilizing their fleets. War ships on the part of the United States had been rendezvoused at Xey West, off the southern coast of Florida, within a few hours run of Cuba. In view of the transactions of the 21st of April, the American 45

594 IMPROVEMENT ERA. vessels were prepared for action on the 22nd, and were virtu- ally patrolling Cuban approaches. About seven o'clock that morning the American gunboat Nashville sighted the Span- ish merchantman, Buena Ventura, bound northward. The Nashville gave pursuit, put a shot across her bows, as a sum- mons for her to stop. The gun was manned by Lieutenant Dillingham, and was doubtless the. first shot of the war. The Spaniard ignored the shot, but a second one, somewhat closer, brought him to, and the vessel, the first prize of the war, was taken to Key West. The same day the flag ship New York captured a Spanish freight vessel, Pedro de Bilboa, which was also sent to Key West in charge of a prize crew. The same day also the following proclamation, blockad- ing Cuban ports, was issued by President McKinley: A PROCLAMATION. Whereas, By a joint resolution passed by the Congress and approved April 20, 1898, and communicated to the government of Spain it was de- manded that said government at once relinquish its authority and govern- ment in the island of Cuba and withdraw its naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and the President of the United States was directed and em- powered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United States and to tall into the actual service of the United States the militia of the several states to such extent as might be necessary to carry said resolution into effect; and Whereas, In carrying into effect the resolution the President of the United States deems it necessary to set on foot and maintain a blockade of the north coast of Cuba, including all ports of said coast between Cardenas and Bahla Honda, and the port of Cienfuegos on the south coast of Cuba; Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States, in order to enforce the said resolution, do hereby declare and proclaim that the United States of America have instituted and will maintain a blockade of the north coast of Cuba including ports on said coast between Cardenas and Bahia Honda and the port of Cienfuegos on the south coast of Cuba, aforesaid, in pursuance of the laws of the United States and the laws of nations applicable to such cases. An efficient force will be posted so as to prevent the entrance and exit of vessels from the ports aforesaid. Any neutral vessel approaching said ports and attempting to leave the lame without notice or knowledge of the establishment of such blockade will be duly warned by the commander of the blockading forces, who will indorse on her register the fact and the date of such warning and where indorsement was made; and if the same vessels shall again attempt to

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 593 enter any blockaded port she will be captured and sent to the nearest con- venient port for such proceedings against her and her cargo as prize as may be deemed advisable. Neutral vessels lying in any of the said ports at the time of the establishment of such blockade will be allowed thirty days to issue therefrom. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, this B2nd day of April, A. D. 1898, and of the Independence of the United States the One Hundred and Twenty-second. WILLIAM McKINLEY By the President: JOHN SHERMAN, Secretary of State. THE CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS. On the 23rd of April the president of the United States- isLaed the following call for volunteers for the army of the United States destined for the invasion of Cuba to drive out the Spaniards. A PROCLAMATION. Whereas, By an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for the in- creasing of the military establishment ot the United States in time of war ai.J for other purposes," approved April 22, 1898, the president was author- ized in order to raise a volunteer army to issue his proclamation calling for volunteers to serve in the army of the United States. Now, therefore, I, William McKinley, president of the United States, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and by laws, and deeming sufficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call for, and hereby do call for, volunteers to the aggregate number of 125,000, in order to carry Into effect the purpose of the said resolution, the same to be apportioned as far as practicable among the several states and territories and the District of Columbia, according to population, and to serve two years, un'ess sooner discharged. The details for this object will be immediately communicated to the proper authorities through the War Department. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at Washington, this twenty-third day of April, 1898, and of the 4 -^ependence of the United States the One Hundred and Twenty-second. (Signed) WILLIAM McKINLEY. By the President: JOHN SHERMAN, Secretary of State. When on the 25th of the month the War Department

596 IMPROVEMENT ERA. called upon the several states for their quota of troops the call was most heartily responded to by the several states of the Union. In nearly every case the number volunteering exceeded the quota assigned the state. In a number of states whole com- panies and regiments of militia desired to be enrolled; and much disappointment was expressed when this could not be allowed. THE FIRST SHOT FROM SPAIN. The first gun fired by Spain in the war was on the even* ing of the 23rd. The American blockading fleet was lying eight miles off Havana, when the torpedo boat Ericsson, Cap- tain Usher commanding, was ordered out on scout duty, and ran close to Moro Castle, when the guns of that fortress opened fire upon her, and the fleet. The firing was done more in a tentative way than an attack. Not a shot found a billet, and the American fleet made no response. Meantime the question was widely discussed throughout America as to the propriety of issuing a declaration of war. It was quite generally held that a state of war actually ex- isted, the world was sufficiently aware of that fact and noth- ing remained but to push hostilities vigorously. President McKinley, however, determined upon recommending to Con- gress the formal adoption of a declaration of war; and on the 25th of April sent the following special message to Congress: To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States ol America: I transmit to the Congress for its consideration and appropriate action, copies of correspondence recently had with the representative of Spain in the United States, with the United States minister at Madrid, and through the latter, with the government of Spain, showing the action taken under the joint resolution approved April 20, 1898, for the recognition of the inde- pendence of the people of Cuba, demanding that the government of Spain relinquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba and to with- draw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the President of the United States to use the land and naval forces of the United States to carry these resolutions into effect. Upon communicating to the Spanish minister in Washington the de- mand which it became the duty of the Executive to address to the govern- ment of Spain in obedience to said resolution, the said minister asked for

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 597 his passports, and withdrew. The United States minister at Madrid was in turn notified by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs that the with- drawal of the Spanish representative to the United States had terminated diplomatic relations between the two countries, and that all official com- munications between their respective representatives ceased therewith. I recommend to your special attention the note directed to the United States minister at Madrid by the Spanish minister for foreign affairs on the 21st inst., whereby the foregoing notification was communicated. It will be perceived that the Spanish government, having cognizance of the resolu- tions and in view of things which the President is thereby required and au- thorized to do, responds by treating the representative demands of this government as measures of hostility, following with that instant and com- plete severance of relations by its action, whereby the usages of nations ac- companies an existent state of war between sovereign powers. The position of Spain being made known and the demands of the United States being denied, with a complete rupture in the intercourse with Spain, I have been constrained in the exercise of power and authority conferred upon me by the joint resolution aforesaid to proclaim under date of April 22, 1898, a blockade of certain ports of the north coast of Cuba, lying be- tween Cardenas and Bahia Honda, and of the port of Cienfuegos on the south coast of Cuba; and further, in exercise of my constitutional powers and using the authority conferred upon me by the act of Congress approved April 22, 1898, to issue my proclamation dated April 23, 1898, calling for volunteers in order to carry into effect the said resolution of April 20, 1898. Copies of these proclamations are hereupon appended. In view of the measure so taken, and with a view to the adoption of such other measures as may be necessary to enable, me to carry out the ex- pressed will of the Congress of the United States in the premises, I now recommend to your honorable body the adoption of a joint resolution de- claring that a state of war exists between the United States of America and the kingdom of Spain, and I urge speedy action thereon to the end that the definition of the international status of the United States as a belligerent power may be known and the assertion of all its rights and the maintenance of all the duties in the conduct of a public war may be assured. (Signed) WILLIAM McKINLEY. Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, April 25, 1898. As soon as the reading of the message was completed in the house of representatives the committee on foreign rela- tions immediately presented for the action of the house the following: DECLARATION OF WAR. Be it enacted by the senate and house of representatives of the United States of America in congress assembled: —

598 IMPROVEMENT ERA. First—That war be and the same is hereby declared to exist, and that war has existed since the 21st of April, A. D. 1898, including Sunday, be- tween the United States of America and the kingdom of Spain. Second—That the president of the United States is hereby directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces of the United States and to call into the actual service of the United States the militia of tha several states to such extent as may be necessary to carry this act into effect. It took the house just one minute and forty-one seconds to pass this bill, and send it to the senate. There was no excitement, no cavil, no word or question. It was only in the great cheer that went up from the floor and the galleries when Speaker Reed announced its passage that the tremend- ous import of the act, and the suppressed enthusiasm behind it was shown. The action of the senate was somewhat slower. An amendment was offered the effect of which was to recognize the freedom and independence of Cuba. This was defeated by a vote of 38 to 24. Some criticism was passed upon re- cognizing that a state of war had existed from the 21st of April, but nothing came of it. After a discussion of one bour and a half the senate passed the declaration without division. The president signed it a little after six p.m. the same day, and the war declaration became the law of the land. The day following the issuance of the formal declaration of war the President issued the following proclamation re- specting the rules under which, so far as the United States is concerned, the war would be conducted: A PROCLAMATION. Whereas, By an act of Congress, approved April 25, 1898, it is con- cluded that war exists and has existed since the 21st of April, A. D. 1898, including the said day, between the United States of America and the king- dom of Spain, and, Whereas, It being desirable that such war should be conducted upon principles in harmony with the views of nations and sanctioned by recent practice, it has already been announced that the policy of this government will be not to resort to privateering, but to adhere to the rules of the decla- ration of Paris, now, therefore, I, William McKinley, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws, do hereby declare and proclaim: First—The neutral flag covers enemy's goods, with the exception of contraband of war.

PROGRESS OF TfTE WAR:. 59« Second—Neutral goods, not contraband of war, are not liable to con- fiscation under the enemy's flag. Third—Blockades in order to be binding must be effective. Fourth—Spanish merchant vessels in any ports or places within tha United States shall be allowed until May 21, 1898, inclusive, for loading their cargoes and departing from such ports or places; and such Spanish merchant vessels if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be permitted to continue their voyage if, on examination of their cargoes it shall be ihown that their cargoes were taken on board before the expiration of the above time, provided that nothing herein contained shall apply to Spanish vessels having on board any officers in the military or naval service of the' enemy or any coal (except such as may be necessary for their voyage) or any other article prohibited or contraband of war, or any dispatch of or to the Spanish government. Fifth—Any Spanish merchant vessel which, prior to April i, 1898, Bhall have sailed from any foreign port bound for any port or place in the United States shall be permitted to enter such port or place and to discharge- her cargo and afterwards, forthwith, to depart, without molestation, and any such vessel, if met at sea by any United States ship, shall be permitted' to continue her voyage to any port not blockaded. Sixth—The right of search is to be exercised with strict regard for the right of neutrals and the voyages of mail steamers are not to be interfered with except on the clearest ground of suspicion of a violation of law in re- spect of contraband or blockade. WILLIAM McKINLEY. Done at the Department of State, etc., this 26th day of April, A. X>, 1898. This proclamation met with very general approval from the leading nations of Europe and Asia, who promptly issued declarations of nutrality. On the afternoon of the 27th of April three vessels, the flag ship New York, Puritan and the Cincinnatti, belonging to Rear-Admiral Sampson's fleet, then blockading the pre- scribed Cuban coast, bombarded the Spanish forts at the mouth of Mantanzas harbor. About three hundred shots were fired from the American vessels and the fortifications were reduced and their guns silenced. The object of the attack was to prevent the completion of the earthworks at Punta Gorda. There were no casualities on the American side. What loss the Spanish sustained other than the de- struction of the half completed fortifications attacked is not known.

600 IMPROVEMENT ERA. MOVEMENTS IN THE PACIFIC. Meantime interest in naval operations of the war began to center in the far east—about the Philippine Islands. This group of islands several hundred miles off the southeast coast of China, constitute the largest colonial possessions of Spain. They have an area of 114,326 square miles and a popu- lation of 7,000,000; but here as in her other colonies Spain was confronted with an insurrection of the native people. The Philippine revolt, however, has been held in severe check and up to the breaking out of the present war there was little prospect of its leaders throwing off Spanish rule. The interests of Spain was guarded in the far east by a Spanish fleet of nine war vessels under command of Admiral Montojo. Stationed at Honkgong, for the purpose of pro- tecting the important American trade interests in the far east, was an American fleet of seven ships under command of Commodore George Dewey. On the breaking out of war instructions were sent to Commodore Dewey to seek the Spanish fleet and destroy or capture it. This word he received on the 25th of April and two days later, April 27th, he started for Manila, the capital of the Philippines, where he had good reasons to believe the Spanish fleet would be rendezvoused, as there the Spanish Admiral would have the advantage of fighting under the pro- tection of the powerful forts at the entrance of Manila Bay. It was expected that the American fleet would arrive in Phillippine waters about the 30th of April, and hence for the time being interest was withdrawn from the Atlantic seaboard to the Pacific. The first news of the great naval battle which took place at Manila Bay was uncertain. Before it had closed the cable connecting Manila with the world was cut, and though the general report which came rumored a great American victory, yet at what cost it had been won, to what extent the American fleet had suffered, could not be definitely learned for some time, and the suspense throughout the nation was painful. At last, however, on the 7th of May, the following official dispatch froro Com-

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. GQJ modore Dewey was received confirming the reports of his re- markable achievement in destroying the Spanish fleet and the forts: Manila, May i.—Long, Secretary Navy. Squadron arrived at Manila at daybreak this morning. I immediately engaged the enemy and destroyed the following Spanish vessels: Reina Christina, Castiila, Don Antonio de Ulloa, Isla de Luzon, Jsla de Cuba, Gen. Lezo, Marques de Duero, Correo, Velasco, Isla de Mindanao, a transport, and war battery at Cavite. The squadron is uninjured, and only a few men are slightly wounded. Only means of telegraphing is to American consul at Hongkong. I shall communicate with him. DEWEY. And subsequently came the following: Cavite, May 4. —Long, Sacretary Navy. I have taken possession of the naval station at Cavite, Phillipine Islands, and destroyed its fortifications; have destroyed fortifications at the bay entrance, patrolling the garrison. I control the bay completely and can take the city at any time. The squadron is in excellent health and spirits. The Spanish loss not fully known, but very heavy, 150 killed, in- cluding the captain of the Reina Christina. I am assisting in protecting the Spanish sick and wounded; 250 sick and wounded in hospital within lines. Much excitement at Manila. Will protect foreign residents. DEWEY. The same day that the above official dispatches were re- ceived, the secretary of the navy wired the following dis- patch to the successful commander: Washington, May 7.—Dewey, Manila. The President, in the name of the American people, thanks you and your officers and men for your splendid achievement and overwhelming victory. In recognition he has appointed you Acting Admiral, and will recommend a vote of thanks to you by Congress. LONG. DESCRIPTION OF THE GREAT NAVAL BATTLE AT MANILA. The following vivid description of the great naval battle in Manila bay, was written by one who witnessed the en- gagement from the deck of Admiral Dewey's flag ship Olympia: — Commodore Dewey arrived off Manila bay last night (April 30th) and decided to enter the bay at once.

^02 IMPROVEMENT ERA. With all its lights out the squadron steamed into Boca- grande, with crews at the guns. This was the order of the quadron, which was kept during the whole time of the first battle:— The flag ship Olympic/,. The Baltimore. The Raleigh. The Petrel. The Co?icord. The Boston. It was just eight o'clock, a bright moonlight night, but the flag ship passed Corregidor Island without a sign being given that the Spaniards were aware of its approach. Not until the flagship was a mile beyond Corregidor was a gun fired. Then one heavy shot went screaming over the Raleigh and the Olympia, followed by a second, which fell further astern. The Raleigh, the Concord and the Boston replied, the Concord's shells exploding apparently exactly inside the shore battery, which fired no more. Our squadron slowed down to barely steerage way and the men were allowed to sleep alongside their guns. Commodore Dewey had timed our arrival so that we were within five miles of the city of Manila at daybreak. We then sighted the Spanish squadron, Rear-admiral Montojo commanding, off Cavite—pronounced [Kahveetay], with accent on the "vee." Here the Spaniards had a well equipped navy yard called Cavite Arsenal. Admiral Montojo's flag v/as flying on the 3,500 ton pro- tected cruiser Reina Christina. The protected cruiser, Castilla, of 3,200 tons, was moored ahead, and astern to the port battery and to seaward were the cruisers DonJuan de Austria, Don Antonio de Ulloa, Isla de Cuba, Isla de Luzon, Quiros, Marquis del Onero and General Lczox. These ships and the flag ship remained under way during most of the action. With the United States flag flying at all their mastheads our ships moved to the attack in the line ahead, with a speed of eight knots, first passing in front of Manila, where the action was begun by three batteries mounting guns powerful enough to send a shell over us at a distance of five miles. The Concord's guns boomed out a reply to these batteries with two shots. No more were fired, because Commodore Dewey could not engage with these batteries without sending death and destruction into the crowded city. As we neared Cavite two very powerful submarine mines were exploded ahead of the flag ship. This was at six minutes past five o'clock. The Spaniards evidently had misjudged our position. Immense volumes of water were thrown high in air by these destroyers, but no harm was done to our ships.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 603 Commodore Dewey had fought with Farragut at New Orleans and Mobile bay, where he had his first experience with torpedoes. Not knowing how many more mines there might be ahead, he still kept on without faltering. No other mines exploded, however, and it is believed that the Spaniards had only these two in place. Only a few minutes later the shore battery at Cavite Point sent over the flag ship a shot that nearly hit the battery in Manila, soon the guns got a better range, and the shells began to strike near us or burst close aboard from both the batteries and the Spanish vessels. The heat was intense. Men stripped off all clothing except their trousers. As the Olympia drew nearer all was as silent on board as if the ship had been empty, except for the whirr of blowers and the throb of the engines. Suddenly a shell burst directly over us. From the boatswain's mate at the after 5-inch gun came a hoarse cry — "REMEMBER THE MAINE!" Arose from the throats of five hundred men at the guns. This watchword was caught up in turrets and firerooms, wherever a seaman or fireman stood at his post. "Remember the Maine!" had rung out for defiance and revenge. Its utterance seemed unpremeditated, but was evi- dently in every man's mind, and, now that the moment had come to make adequate reply to the murder of the Maine's crew, every man shouted what was in his heart. The Olympia was now ready to begin the fight. Commodore Dewey, his chief of staff, Commander Lam- berton, and aide and myself, with Executive Officer Lieu- tenant Reese and Navigator Lieutenant Calkins, who conned the ship most admirably, were on the forward bridge. Cap- tain Gridley was in the conning tower, as it was thought un- safe to risk losing all the senior officers by one shell. "You may fire when ready, Gridley," said the commo- dore, and at nineteen minutes of six o'clock, at a distance of 5,500 yards, the starboard 8-inch gun in the forward turret roared forth a complement to the Spanish forts. Presently similar guns from the Baltimore and the Bos- ion sent 250 pound shells hurtling toward the Castilla and|the Reina Christina for accuracy. The Spaniards seemed encouraged to fire faster, know- ing exactly our distance, while we had to guess theirs. Their •hip and shore guns were making things hot for us.

604 IMPROVEMENT ERA, The piercing scream of shot was varied often by the bursting of time fuse shells, fragments of which would lash the water like shrapnel or cut our hull and rigging. One large shell that was coming straight at the Olympiads forward bridge fortunately fell within less than one hundred feet away. One fragment cut the rigging exactly over the heads of Lamberton, Rees and myself. Another struck the bridge gratings in line with it. A third passed just under Commodore Dewey and gouged a hole in the deck. Incidents like these were plentiful. Our men naturally chafed at being exposed without re- turning fire from all our guns, but laughed at danger and chatted good humoredly. A few ^ous fellows could not help dodging mechanically wheu ^nells would burst right over them or close aboard, or would strike the water and passed overhead, with the peculiar spluttering roar made by a tum- bling rifled projectile. Still, the flagship steered for the centre of the Spanish line, and, as our other ships were astern, the Olympia received most of the Spaniards' attention. Owing to our deep draught Commodore Dewey felt con- strained to change his course at a distance of four thousand yards and run parallel to the Spanish column. "Open with all guns," he said, and the ship brought her port broadside bearing. The roar of all the flagship's 5-inch rapid firers was fol- lowed by a deep diapason of her after turret 8-inchers. Soon our other vessels were equally hard at work, and we could see that our shells were making Cavite harbor hot- ter for the Spaniards than they had made the approach for us. Protected by their shore batteries and made safe from close attack by shallow water, the Spaniards were in a strong position. They put up a gallant fight. The Spanish ships were sailing back and forth behind the Castilla, and their fire, too, was hot. One shot struck the Baltimore and passed clean through her, fortunately hitting no one. Another ripped up her main deck, disabled a 6-inch gun and exploded a box of 3-pounder ammunition, wounding eight men. The Olympia was struck abreast the gun in the ward- room by a shell which burst outside, doing little damage. The signal halyards were cut from Lieutenant Brumby's hand on the after bridge. A shell entered the Boston's port quarter and burst in Ensign Dodridge's stateroom, starting a hot fire, and fire was also caused by a shell which burst in the port hammock netting. Both these fires were quickly put out.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 605 Another shell passed through the Boston's foremast just in front of Captain Wildes, on the bridge. After having made four runs along the Spanish line, find- ing the chart incorrect, Lieutenant Calkins, the Olympics navi- gator, told the commodore he believed he could take the ship nearer the enemy, with lead going to watch the depth of water. The flagship started over the course for the fifth time, running within two thousand yards of the Spanish ves- sels. At this range even 6-pounders were effective, and the storm of shells poured upon the unfortunate Spanish began to show marked results. Three of the enemy's vessels were seen burning and their fire slackened. On finishing this run Commodore Dewey decided to give the men breakfast, as they had been at the guns two hours with only one cup of coffee to sustain them.* Action ceased temporarily at twenty-five minutes of eight o'clock, the other ships passing the flagship and the men cheering lustily. Our ships remained beyond range of the enemy's guns until ten minutes of eleven o'clock, when the signal for close action again went up. The Baltimore had the place of honor in the lead, with the flagship following and the other ships as before. The Baltimore began firing at the Spanish ships and bat- teries at sixteen minutes past eleven o'clock, making a series of hits as if at target practice. The Spaniards replied very slowly, and the Commodore signalled ithe Raleigh, the Boston, the Concord and the Pet- rel to go into the inner harbor and destroy all the enemy's ships. By her light draught the little Petrel was enabled to move within one thousand yards. Here, firing swiftly but When our ships drew away for breakfast Sunday morning, the temper of the men was well illustrated by the almost tearful appeal of one gun captain to Commander Lamberton: — "For God's sake, captain, don't stop now! Let's finish 'em up right off. To hell with breakfast!" * # * * "Old Purdy," a privileged petty officer, because he has served in the navy or army nearly fifty years, was greeted by the Commodore on Satur day, when the old man "shifted his quid," and said: — "I hope you won't fight on the third of May, Commodore." "Why not?" asked Commodore Dewey. "Well, you see," the old man answered, "I got licked last time I fought en that date." Purdy had been with Hooker at Chancellorsville, and he did not like «hat anniversary.

606 IMPROVEMENT ERA. accurp^ely, she commanded everything still flying the Spanish flag. Other ships were also doing their whole duty, and soon not one red and yellow ensign remained aloft, except on a battery up the coast. The Spanish flagship and the Castillo, had long been burning fiercely, and the last vessel to be abandoned was the Don Antonio de Ulloa, which lurched over and sank. Then the Spanish flag on the Arsenal staff was hauled down, and at half-past twelve o'clock a white flag was hoisted there. Signal was made to the Petrel to destroy all the vessels in the inner harbor, and Lieutenant Hughes, with an armed boat's crew, set fire to the Don Juan de Austria, Marquis Duero, the Isla de Cuba and the Co7-reo. The large transport Manila and many tugboats and small craft fell into our hands. "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. Except in numbers of vessels the United States squad- ron was the superior of the Spanish squadron; yet every one of Admiral Dewey's ships was penetrable by the guns of the Spanish ships had the gunners of the latter been able to point their pieces properly. The largest guns mounted on board the American ships were 8-inch, of which there were ten. Spain had no larger calibre afloat than 6-inch. While, then, the superiority of the United States squad- ron to the Spanish squadron is unquestioned, yet sight must not be lost of the fact that the enemy's squadron lay under the guns of a large fortress. Hence our newly made admiral had to fight not only against a fleet afloat, but also against powerful batteries on shore.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR. GOT COMPARISON OF THE OPPOSING FLEETS. v; T3 CO Name. SPANISH FLEET. Reina Christina. .. . Steel. Cruiser 3, 520 Castilla Wood. Cruiser. 3,342 DonAntonia de Ulloa Iron. Cruiser. 1.130 Isla de Cuba Steel. Cruiser. 1,030 General Lezo . ... Iron. Gunboat. Marques del Duero.. Iron. Des. vessel. Elcano Iron. Gunboat. Velasco Iron. Cruiser, i, Mindanao Iron. Transp't. 4, UNITED STATES FLEET. Olympia... ... . Steel. Cruiser. 5, Baltimore Steel. Cruiser. 4, Raleigh Steel. Cruiser. 3 Boston Steel. Cruiser. 3 Petrel Steel. Gunboat. McCulloch Steel. Rev, cut 'r 2 Six 6.2, two 2. 7, three 2.2, two 1.5, six 3-pdr., two machine Four 5.9, two 4.7, two 2.3, four 2.9, eight R. F., two machine. Four 4. 7, three 2.2, two 1 5, five machine. Four 47, four 6-pdr., two 3- Ipdr., two mach. Two 4.7, one 3 5, two R. F., one machine. One 6.2, two 4.7, one machine Three 4.7, two R. F., two mach. Three 5.9, two 2.7, two machine 195 gross tons. Four 8, ten 5, fourteen 6-pdr., six i-pdr., four machine. Four 8, six 6, four 6-pdr., two 3-pdr., two 1- pdr., six mach. One 6, ten 5, eight 6-pdr., four i-pdr., two mach Two 8, six 6, two 6-pdr., two 3-pdr., six mach Four 6, two 3- pdr., one i-pdr., four machine. Four 6-pdr. 59o 1S3 5- 17 5- 37o 2. 14.0. 300 2. 14.0. 130 3. 16.0. 160 2. 11. o. 100 10. o. 100 1. 11 5 — 14-3 173- 6. 21.6. 412 5. 20.6. 375' 1. 19 o. 312 15.0. 270 13-7- 13 IOO»