A REPUBLIC IN DISTRESS
Christmas and the New Year's holidays passed by uneventfully, and the
_Denver_ still remained at anchor in Guantanamo Bay. Other vessels
arrived and departed, but no orders came for the cruiser, much to the
disappointment of all hands.
Rumors of trouble at various points often reached their ears, but the
crew finally began to lose hope of moving. The Department must have
forgotten them! The Secretary of the Navy was going to make her a
station ship! The Admiral of the Fleet had it in for the Captain, and
wouldn't let him move! All sorts and kinds of excuses and reasons were
forthcoming, but they were as unsatisfactory as they were improbable.
Over six months of outdoor life, swimming, boating, fishing, riding
horseback, taking a leading part in athletics, for which his days at
Bankley High School and the healthy life in the New England seaport
formed a splendid foundation, had developed Richard Comstock into a
tall, broad-shouldered, small-waisted, powerful young man, one able to
give an excellent account of himself, no matter what the situation. As
bow oar of the winning marines' dinghy race-boat crew he had already
given evidence of the strength and endurance of his well-knit muscles.
He was nearly as brown as the Cubans who plied their bum-boat[#] trade
at the port gangway during meal hours, and with his straight black hair
and dark eyes he might easily have disguised himself as one of them.
[#] A shore boat which sells fruit, post-cards, curios, etc., to ships
visiting the port.
The months had likewise worked a change in Henry Cabell, but his figure
was much slighter and less robust than that of his boon companion. The
boys were trying to master the Spanish language, and when ashore on
visits to Caimanera and Guantanamo City, as frequently they were, it
became a practise to carry on all their conversation in that tongue,
much to the amusement of themselves and particularly the natives with
whom they came in contact. However, the practise was good for them, and
they were able to converse quite fluently, and to chatter glibly with
the Phillipino cooks and mess attendants, of whom a number were attached
to the ship.
Usually their evenings were spent ashore at the Marine Barracks on
Fisherman's Point, where a nightly programme, consisting of the best
moving-picture plays, were shown on the screen or boxing and wrestling
matches, in both of which Dick occasionally took part, helped pass the
hours.
In the meantime Joe Choiniski and "Slugger" Williams, having completed
their term of punishment in solitary confinement, were released and
restored to duty. The long enforced diet seemingly wrought a change in
Williams' attitude towards the world in general; and the ship's athletic
officer, Lieutenant Robling, hearing of the "Slugger's" reported prowess
with the gloves, had interested him anew in boxing, and he had gone into
training with a view of winning laurels when the Fleet should finally
put in its appearance during the winter maneuvers and target practice.
Choiniski belonged to the "black gang,"[#] and his living space was far
removed from the marines' compartment, consequently the boys rarely came
in contact with him, but if black looks could speak for anything it was
certain that Joe's feeling for them was still full of animosity.
[#] A nickname for the Engineer Division on shipboard.
Altogether Captain Bentley's ship was having a peaceful, rather than a
wildly exciting time.
Then like a bolt from the blue came a cable message--received at the
little station near the lighthouse.
"Revolution in San Domingo. Proceed immediately to Monte Cristi and
report to Senior Officer Present for further assignment on arrival."
Thus ran the order.
It was Saturday afternoon, and most of the crew were ashore.
Immediately the "Cornet"[#] was hoisted at the foremast, which was a
peremptory order for everybody to return on board at once regardless of
length of leave. It told those on shore that the ship was under sailing
orders and about to get under way.
[#] A signal flag used to recall all boats and liberty parties.
Conjectures were rife in the boats hurriedly returning from all the
various places to which they had gone for the afternoon's outing.
Swimming parties hardly waited to get into their clothes before shoving
off for the cruiser; officers playing golf did not stop to look for the
balls they had sent flying along the "fairway" or bouncing into the
"rough"; the baseball game in progress halted as a batsman in the act of
making a "home run" cut swiftly across the diamond from second base and,
grabbing his sweater, made his final spurt for the boat landing.
"Back to the good old U.S.A. for us, boys!"
"Hooray! Broadway and the white lights, fellers!"
"Philly's good enough for me!" called out one enthusiast from the stern
sheets of the loaded sailing launch.
These and many other such remarks filled the air.
"Whoop her up, boys, for ten days' leave in the old home town, no matter
where it may be!" yelled one joyful youngster, and all who could lent a
willing hand on the heavy oars.
Then came the disappointment!
Within an hour the gangways and boat booms were rigged in, awnings
furled, cutters and steamers hoisted aboard, life-boats secured for sea,
all the hundred and one things necessary to the departure of a
man-of-war attended to.
Last of all the mail was sent ashore, for this might be the only
opportunity for days,--possibly weeks; who could tell?
Now came the peeping of the boatswains' whistles and raucous voices
bellowing throughout the ship.
"All hands, Up anchor!"
Silently the divisions fell in at their proper stations. Slowly the
propellers began their revolutions, which would not cease until the
arrival at that island of trouble, San Domingo--the Hispaniola of the
Spanish Main.
Ashore the little garrison of marines lined the beach at Fisherman's
Point. They had heard the news and when the _Denver_ passed, clouds of
smoke issuing from her funnels, her ensign snapping in the breeze, and
her crew drawn up on deck, the envious men ashore gave her three rousing
cheers to speed the parting guest. On past the lighthouse, out through
the narrow entrance of the harbor into the deep indigo waters of the
Caribbean, where, once the coral shoals were well astern, the course was
changed to due east, and one by one, buildings, bay, and lighthouse were
swallowed in the distance and the bluish haze which hovered over the
terraced hills and shore of Cuba's southern slopes.
Captain Bentley, unlike most naval officers of his day, believed in
informing his officers of all the reasons underlying his official
actions and the movements of the vessel he commanded. The idea which so
many officers held,--divulge nothing, keep officers and crew in
ignorance of situations, destinations and intentions until the last
possible moment, was not in accord with his conception of good
management, executive ability and cooerdination, therefore, unless
absolutely forbidden by his instructions, he made it a point to explain
fully all orders which would sooner or later affect them, so that they
might familiarize themselves with all the ramifications of the probable
events.
Following out this policy he summoned the heads of all departments to
his cabin after supper, and there being no officer in charge of the
marines, he included First Sergeant Douglass among those present, and
furnished them with a short resume of all the messages he had received
since the first one ordering him to sea so unexpectedly.
"Gentlemen, for some months the political situation in the Dominican
Republic has been hovering on the brink of another revolution, and from
these despatches received to-day, armed conflict has at last become a
fact. Our government anticipated this state of affairs, but owing to
various causes we have not sufficient ships in San Domingan waters
adequately to guard the interests of American citizens nor protect the
customs, which as you are aware, are under the supervision of the United
States. The situation is so acute, in the belief of the Department,
that already marines are embarking on board the _Dixie_ at Philadelphia,
and by morning will be on their way to Monte Cristi, where the greatest
activity against the organized government seems centered. It will be
five days at best before the marines will reach here. I have been
ordered to proceed there also and report to the S.O.P. for assignment.
Barring unforeseen accidents we should arrive at our destination on
Monday morning. It is advisable for us under the circumstances to make
ourselves acquainted with such facts as are available regarding the
political, economical and geographical features of the unfortunate
republic. Our duties may take us to any one of its ports; therefore a
study of the charts and a glimpse at the island's history will be
beneficial to all. I believe the day is not far distant when San
Domingo will become a territory of ours, or at least a protectorate
under us."
"If you have time and inclination, sir, I believe all present would
appreciate a short talk along the lines you indicate," said Lieutenant
Commander Ogden.
"Very gladly, and I will not waste time on preliminaries," said Captain
Bentley. "Of course, you all know Christopher Columbus discovered Santo
Domingo on his first voyage, and by his direction his brother
Bartholomew founded the first European settlement in the New World on
August 4, 1494, naming it New Isabella. From this time to the present
the island has been the scene of more continual fighting, and strife,
and dissension, than any other portion of the globe of equal size. The
Spaniards were the first people to believe in the policy that 'a good
Indian is a dead one,' and they proceeded to make them 'good.' English,
French, and Spanish armies and navies have fought along and on its
shores. Revolution has succeeded revolution. The French end of the
island was declared a republic in 1801 after an uprising of the blacks
under Toussant L'Ouverture, who incidentally was the son of a Royal
African King. The French and Spanish long disputed certain portions of
the island, and a treaty establishing the boundary was made January 3,
1777, but with the independence of Haiti the whole island came under the
rule of the negroes. Soon the Spanish element revolted against the
blacks and formed an independent republic, and the old boundary lines
were reestablished in 1844. In 1849 President Baez endeavored to lease
Samana Bay to the United States, but our President, Mr. Pierce, did not
succeed in putting the measure through. The countries of Europe were
fearful of our securing a base in the West Indies of such prime
importance, and a revolution against Baez, incited so it is claimed by
the English, overthrew the government.
"Strife was again rampant, and finally Spain was invited to take over
her former colony by the people in 1861.
"This lasted till 1865, when the Spanish yoke was again thrown off and
another futile attempt made to interest us in Samana Bay. Hardly a year
has passed since without dissension and bloodshed. In the interests of
our own and foreign citizens, and to carry out the policy of the Monroe
Doctrine, the United States has at all times endeavored to settle these
sanguinary conflicts, and with some success; but never has a permanent
peace resulted.
"About 1905 we agreed to manage their customs for San Domingo, and to
assist them to liquidate many of the enormous financial claims against
their government by various foreign and domestic concerns. Germany,
ever on the alert to expand her power, was only too anxious to establish
herself in the Western Hemisphere, and in order to continue our stated
policy of protection against such invasion, some such act on our part
was absolutely necessary. Deprived of the rich benefits of custom dues,
revolutions did not prove profitable, and a period of comparative quiet
ensued. But it seems that a Latin-American people cannot long remain
stable, and now they are again on the rampage. European influence is
undoubtedly behind it, but I do not feel free to divulge that phase of
the matter. I hope I have not bored you."
"Are you able to give us the present situation regarding the contending
forces?" asked Lieutenant Robling, the engineer officer.
"Only in a general way. The rebels seem to hold the interior towns and
country, and with the exception of Monte Cristi the seaports are all in
the hands of the government troops. A great amount of smuggling is
being carried on between the rebels and Haitians, and the officials are
powerless to prevent it."
"Do you believe we shall land?" inquired the Executive Officer.
"That I cannot say; however, we must be prepared for any emergency."
"I will make all arrangements for the landing force to be ready for
instant service. To-morrow is Sunday, but with your permission I will
'turn to' in the morning, go over the details, and break out and stow on
deck our equipment."
"Go ahead with the work as you see fit, Mr. Ogden, and be sure that the
gunner gets his small-arms ammunition ready for issue. Turn over to
First Sergeant Douglass enough rifle and pistol ammunition to equip the
guard. The marines may be needed immediately on arrival for service
ashore. If that is all, gentlemen, I will bid you good-evening."
No feeling of disappointment prevailed among the _Denver's_ crew upon
receipt of the news that they were en route to aid in putting down a
full-fledged rebellion, and everybody was once again full of
cheerfulness and smiles. This elation was particularly noticeable among
the marines, for if there was "anything doing" ashore their
participation was a foregone conclusion. The mere fact that a thousand
of their fellows were already sailing from Philadelphia was indication
enough that the situation was critical.
Time and again the marines had been rushed here and there and everywhere
to police up this or that fractious republic; it was an old yet ever new
story with them, and though the activities and general status of this
fighting branch of Uncle Sam's armed forces were obscure to the majority
of people at home, they were well known and greatly respected in those
lands where they labored, fought and often died in their country's
service.
Richard and Henry were greatly excited over the prospect and worked with
a will the following day in getting out stores, munitions, clothing and
otherwise preparing for the hoped-for duty ashore.
"It's lucky we went to Guantanamo, Dick, else we might not have had any
experience with these big Colt's forty-fives we pack around on our
hips," Henry remarked.
The two lads were at the time carefully oiling and cleaning their heavy
revolvers, the weapons the "musics" of the Corps carried into conflict.
Splendid shooting arms they were, too, and during the stay in Cuba they
had received a certain amount of practise with them in connection with
the Navy Small Arms Course, wherein scores with both rifle and revolver
were required.
As he spoke, Henry whirled the open cylinder about, and with a clever
twist of the wrist snapped it shut, then pointing the empty revolver at
a passing man he snapped the hammer rapidly.
"Stop that!" came a curt command, and looking up Henry found Corporal
Dorlan standing over him. The look in Dorlan's eye was not pleasant to
see, and the usual good-natured smile was missing from the older man's
face.
"Stop what?" asked Henry, flushing because of the harshness in Dorlan's
voice and glance.
"Stop that foolishness! Ye ought to be gettin' sense in the noodle of
ye after bein' these months in the marines."
"I reckon I've as much sense and maybe a little more than some marines
around here, who've been in as many hitches[#] as I have months, and I
don't need a trial by Summary Court to teach me lessons," and Henry
glared hotly at the veteran soldier.
[#] "Hitches"--Enlisted man's term for enlistments.
"If that's the case, me lad, let's see ye use it, both in yer actions
and yer manners," said Dorlan, and the twinkle was now returning to the
gray-blue eyes; "but I'll tell ye one thing sure;--it won't be a
'summary' but a 'general' ye will be after gettin' if ye go around so
careless like aimin' and shootin' yer gun at human bein's, and ye can
put that in your pipe and shmoke it for the rest of yer life, and 'twill
do ye a wurrld of good."
By this time Henry's better nature asserted itself and rising he put out
his hand frankly and asked the elder man to excuse his unwisely chosen
words.
Richard, witnessing the incident, was happy to see these two good
friends of his settle so amicably what might have developed into a
bitter animosity on the part of the young Southerner.
"Now that 'the battle is over, Mother Dear,'" quoted Dick, "suppose you
sit down, Corporal Michael Dorlan, and tell us the causes of the
Revolutionary War."
"And I could do that too, me lad," said Dorlan, smiling at Richard, whom
he claimed as his own particular protege, "but I'll sit me down and tell
ye somethin' that may be of interest and profit to the two of yez."
Seating himself on a near-by sea-chest, Dorlan continued:
"Just a bit ago, young man, I saw ye pointin' a gun at one of yer
shipmates and not only that, but pullin' of the trigger," and he looked
severely at Henry.
"What of that? The revolver wasn't loaded--it couldn't harm anyone,"
stated Henry.
"That's where ye are wrong, lad, for it's the gun what ain't loaded
which generally goes off and kills yer best friend. It's the kind of
accident ye read about in almost any paper ye pick up in any part of the
world, and I'd make a bet with ye that the weapon the other fellow
'didn't know was loaded' since the invention of gun-powder has caused
more deaths and serious accidents than have the aimed shots in actual
warfare."
"But, Corporal, I knew my pistol was empty," protested Henry; "I looked
through the cylinder before I closed it. Besides, we've had no
ammunition given us."
"Nevertheless, what I say is true, Henry, and here is a safe rule for ye
to follow for the rest of your life: never point a gun, loaded or
unloaded, at any human bein' unless ye mean to kill or wound him."
At the instant Dorlan finished speaking a half dozen laughing
bluejackets came running around a corner into the marines' compartment.
Following in close pursuit was a companion flourishing a noosed rope in
one hand and a revolver in the other. As he appeared he called out:
"Catch the bandits!"
It was innocent horse play and the men in the vicinity turned to watch
the chase. The "bandits" disappeared through a door on the port side of
the deck, the pursuer aimed his revolver at them and pulled on the
double-action trigger. There was a loud report and a leaden bullet
flattened itself harmlessly against the iron bulkhead.
The young apprentice seaman who had fired the shot stopped short and,
with a white face, looked in horror at the smoking weapon as it fell
from his nerveless grasp to the deck.
"I never knew it was loaded!" he cried hoarsely.
Reaching for the heavy Colt's, Corporal Dorlan picked it up and broke
open the cylinder,--every chamber but the one just discharged was filled
with death.
"Come up to the Officer of the Deck, young feller," ordered Dorlan
grimly, taking the trembling sailor by the arm, and as they turned to
leave, he looked towards Dick and Henry, saying:
"As I said before--never point a gun unless ye mean to kill."
No more salutary lesson could have been given than old Mike's talk and
its startling sequel.
Out into the windward passage; northward then eastward into the
trade-wind-tossed, white-capped waters of the Atlantic; past the
mountainous shores of Haiti and the famous or infamous island of
Tortuga, whence came the buccaneers and their notorious chief, Sir Henry
Morgan.
Then the character of the land changed from rugged mountains rising at
the shore line to low, gray, misty ranges rearing their serrated ridges
far inland. Finally from out the sea a lone peak reared its crest;
growing ever higher and higher--the well-known Monte Granero, so called
by the great discoverer when he first saw it, and from the summit of
which can be seen the site where now are the ruins of New Isabella on
the northern shore of San Domingo. On the low-lying plain a few miles
southwestward from the base of the mountain was the straggling town of
Monte Cristi, sweltering in the morning sunshine.
Since before dawn the spluttering snap of the wireless filled the air on
board the _Denver_ as the message sped through the intervening miles of
space to the flagship lying in the open bay off Cabras Island.
Captain Bentley on the bridge read the aerograms with interest, and
particularly the last one.
"Large force rebels reported operating vicinity Samana Bay. Proceed to
Sanchez, investigate conditions, protect American and foreign lives and
property. Guard customs. Report conditions."
"We will continue on our present bearing, Mr. Ogden," said the Captain;
"read this, and send word to the Navigating Officer to report to me at
once in my cabin."
Captain Bentley then went below, and soon was poring over the chart of
Samana Bay, one of the finest harbors and most desirable bases in the
whole of the West Indies.