* * * * *
In our last number we give a review of the first month of the war. In
glancing over the news, it is extremely interesting to contrast the
losses of Spain with those of the United States. In the campaign off
Cuba, we have had less than thirty men killed and wounded, whereas the
Spaniards have lost several hundreds; they have had many of their
fortifications destroyed, and have suffered great damage in other
ways--by the capture of vessels, etc. In the far East, Spain's fleet was
destroyed, and many men killed and wounded; against this was a loss on
our part of one man killed and six wounded, and approximately no damage
to our vessels.
The escape of the _Oregon_ is considered another victory for us, as
during that trip of about fifteen thousand miles she might easily have
been intercepted and destroyed had she not been splendidly handled. Her
run of four thousand miles between San Francisco and Callao (cal-ye-ä-o)
is the longest ever made by a battle-ship without stop, and in the
latter part of her trip, on one long stretch, she averaged over fifteen
knots, a wonderful speed at the end of a trip of over ten thousand
miles--for a vessel's bottom becomes very foul with barnacles, seaweed,
etc., which greatly retard its passage through the water.
It is reported that, while coaling at Rio, a number of dynamite-bombs
were smuggled into the coal, but fortunately they were discovered by the
sailors.
[Footnote: Authority for pronunciation of proper names: Century
Dictionary.]
* * * * *
Action in reference to neutrality has been taken by Russia, Greece,
Venezuela, the Netherlands, and Canada. The declaration of neutrality by
Venezuela is of special importance, as Spain's fleet would have found
Venezuelean ports of inestimable value as places of refuge and for the
purpose of coaling. Venezuela expresses her position in the one
sentence: "The Republic will observe the strictest neutrality during the
contest." No statement is made, however, as to what will be considered
contraband.
The Dutch proclamation of neutrality, in addition to the usual forms,
especially cautions the citizens of the Netherlands against becoming
connected in any way with privateering; and the Dutch vessels are also
required to respect the blockade; in reference to coal, the Dutch
regulation is that only enough shall be sold to permit Spanish or
American vessels to reach the nearest port of their country.
The Russian proclamation contains a statement to the effect that the
Imperial Government, in concert with the other powers, had endeavored to
find a means which would prevent an armed conflict between the two
countries; that such friendly measures were without result, and that the
Imperial Government "witnesses with regret the armed conflict between
two states to which she is united by old friendship and deep sympathy;
it is firmly resolved in regard to the two belligerents that a perfect
and impartial neutrality will be observed."
Greece has simply declared that the strictest neutrality will be
maintained.
* * * * *
On the 25th of May, President McKinley issued a call for 75,000
additional volunteers; of the previous volunteers called for, about
112,000 have been mustered into the army; with the addition that is now
called for, the army will number about 250,000; and it is expected that
active operations will be begun at once, and that Porto Rico as well as
Cuba will be seized at the earliest possible moment; it is expected that
part of our fleet will proceed at once to San Juan, Porto Rico, and
destroy the fortifications there, so that our army can without serious
opposition land on the island.
* * * * *
The cruiser _Columbia_, which was disabled in a collision off Long
Island, is being rapidly repaired in the Brooklyn Navy-Yard. If she had
not been very strong there is little doubt but that the _Foscolia_ would
have cut her in two; the frames of the vessel, however, are so well
constructed that these, with the protective deck, prevented more serious
damage. Naval officers are very much pleased to find how well the vessel
withstood the collision; they say that if the _Columbia_ had been a ship
like the large ocean liners, nothing would have prevented her sinking
with the ship that struck her. When the officer on the _Columbia_ saw
that a collision was inevitable, he gave the order "Full speed ahead";
it is very fortunate that he did so, as otherwise the _Foscolia_ would
have hit her amidships; and the damage must then have been very serious,
as the water compartments in that part of the vessel are large, and when
filled might have caused her to capsize. The damage proves to be much
less severe than was at first thought; after two or three weeks it is
thought she will be on duty again.
This is not the first time that the _Columbia_ has been in trouble of
this kind; two years ago she collided with the _Wyanoke_, a coasting
steamer; in spite of the trying circumstances at that time, not a man
was lost on the sinking coaster, so perfect was the discipline on the
_Columbia_.
* * * * *
It is reported that the balloons recently received from Paris will be
sent forward with the first expedition to Cuba; arrangements for
equipping the balloon train are under charge of Lieut. Joseph E.
Maxfield of the Signal Service. It is reported that one of the French
balloons will be first given a careful test from the deck of one of the
war-ships off Cuba. The necessary plant for generating the gas is
already in Tampa; the gas will be forwarded in steel tubes, which will
hold a large volume when the gas is compressed.
* * * * *
It is now proposed to take the necessary apparatus to Cuba, and have
pictures of the bombardment of Havana and of other engagements made for
reproduction with the cinematograph. Dr. D. S. Elmendorf is now at
Tampa, Fla., making elaborate preparations for taking these pictures.
The cinematograph is a wonderful invention. By a clever arrangement
hundreds of photographs are taken, one after the other, with marvellous
rapidity; these pictures are printed on a long strip, and made to pass
through the magic lantern as rapidly as when the photographs were taken;
the result is a composite picture which, when thrown upon a screen,
reproduces every motion.
Edison was the one who invented this system of taking in succession very
rapidly a great number of pictures of moving objects. We hope that Dr.
Elmendorf will be successful, for we will then be able to see these
interesting scenes; and if by a clever use of the phonograph or
graphophone he can record the sound of the guns, we may not only see,
but hear, the battles.
* * * * *
In THE GREAT ROUND WORLD last year we described experiments that were
being made with kites by Mr. W. E. Eddy, of Bayonne, N. J., who has been
largely instrumental in promoting interest in scientific kite-flying.
Kites have been made of such power as to carry a heavy cable from one
point to another over some obstruction, or to lift a man some distance
from the ground for the purpose of observation. It is now planned to
make use of the kites for offensive and defensive purposes in connection
with the invasion of Cuba. These kites can be raised to an enormous
height and photographs taken of the country, or, if necessary, by a
clever device which slides on the string of the kite, dynamite can be
carried to a point over the enemies' camp or fortifications and dropped
into them.
It is also believed that the kite will be of great value for signalling
purposes, especially at night, as it will be possible to hoist electric
incandescent lamps to a great height above the earth and signal by
turning the light on or off in accordance with a settled code. Mr. Eddy
estimates that it will be possible to drop fifty pounds of dynamite at a
time from a distance a mile away; the plan is to send up these kites
from within the lines of the attacking force and drop the dynamite into
the fortifications of Havana. The men who fly the kites can remain out
of sight of the forts; and the kite will be such a small mark and so
high up in the air as to be very difficult to hit with a rifle-ball.
* * * * *
After a great deal of discussion in Congress, and many delays in
finishing our war-ships because of the price asked for armor by the
large armor companies, it was decided that the maximum rate--that is,
the highest price--that the Government would pay should be $400 per ton;
until this change was made neither of the great armor-plate
manufacturers would bid, and, as a result, armor was not obtainable. May
24th, bids were opened for supplying the three battle-ships, _Illinois_,
_Alabama_, and _Wisconsin_, now being constructed by the Union Iron
Works, Newport News. About a year ago the Government advertised for bids
for supplying this armor, but no bids were received because Congress had
made the limit of price too low. Bids opened on the 24th were from two
companies, the Bethlehem Iron Works and Carnegie & Co. It is evident
that an arrangement had been entered into between the two, as one
company bid to supply the armor for the _Alabama_, and the other for the
_Wisconsin_, the bids in each case being the same--that is, at the
maximum price of $400 per ton.
The armor for the _Alabama_ will cost $1,022,504; that for the
_Wisconsin_, $1,023,504; the first of this armor will be delivered in
about seven months, and thereafter about 300 tons will be delivered
monthly. At this rate it will be about fifteen months before the last of
the armor is ready.
* * * * *
It is reported that Spain is about to sanction the commission or fitting
out of privateers to prey upon our commerce. In the Spanish newspapers
appear almost daily criticisms of our _cowardly_ methods of carrying on
the war. At one time it is stated that our vessels have been seen flying
the Spanish flag in order that they may surprise some ship of theirs; at
another time our _cowardly_ attack upon some fort in Cuba is mentioned,
when we sneak up under cover of darkness only to beat a hasty retreat
when the first gun is fired.
In the face of such conduct, it is claimed by the Spaniards that we are
entitled to no consideration, and it is believed both here and abroad
that all of this kind of absurd talk means that Spain contemplates a
resort to privateers to get even with us.
Privateers, in former years, when fitted out by Spain have acted so much
like pirates that they have been considered and treated as such by
England and by other nations, and the whole system has been so seriously
condemned that it is believed that, should either Spain or this country
fit out privateers, other nations would immediately interfere and put a
stop to it.
* * * * *
There has been considerable discussion in reference to Hawaii; the
question of annexation is favored almost universally by our people and
in Congress; in fact, the annexation of the island is now considered not
merely advisable, but absolutely necessary. In sending troops from this
country to the Philippine Islands we must stop on the way for supplies,
and should Hawaii be captured by the Spaniards or annexed by another
power, it would prove a very serious matter to us; it is to be hoped
that the question of annexation will be settled at once.
* * * * *
Very little news of interest is received from Spain. In the list of the
new Spanish ministry, published week before last, we included the name
of Señor Leon y Castillo as Minister of Foreign Affairs; Señor Castillo
did not accept the office, which was then offered to Duke Almodovar de
Rio, who has accepted.
The duke said that he did not wish the office, but accepted it on
patriotic grounds, "as every Spaniard is bound to devote all his powers
to the defence of his country." The duke is well and favorably known in
England, where he was educated, and it is considered that the choice for
this office is a good one.
The Spanish Minister of Finance, in discussing Spain's financial
condition, recently said that he considered it satisfactory, and that
the payment of all expenses of the war is assured; as a means of raising
additional funds he proposes to convert the floating debt, now amounting
to about 500,000,000 pesetas, into treasury bonds of small denomination,
and to extend the Bank of Spain note issues. Spain may by this issue of
additional paper money find herself in as unfortunate a position as did
Cuba when Weyler endeavored to force paper money upon the people there.
With an increase of twenty per cent. on taxes of all kinds, and with a
paper money of doubtful value, Spain will indeed be in a sorry
predicament.
Later reports from Spain would indicate that a crisis is approaching;
business is at a standstill, and a famine imminent, as provisions are so
high as to place them beyond the reach of the poorer people. It is
thought that if an encounter with our fleet ends in disaster to Admiral
Cervera, a revolution is inevitable. It is said that Emperor Francis
Joseph of Austria has advised the Queen to leave the country, but that
she has expressed her determination to remain and face the result.
* * * * *
Lieutenant Carranza, to whom we are indebted for the admirable
explanation of why Spain should not be held responsible for the _Maine_
disaster, published in THE GREAT ROUND WORLD some weeks ago, is having
an unpleasant time in Canada. Together with several other Spanish
officials he has been carrying on an "information bureau" for the
Spanish Government; by information bureau we mean a system of receiving
and forwarding reports to the Spanish Government in reference to our
fortifications, etc. The present trouble has arisen from the fact that a
letter containing important information has been mislaid; he accuses
Joseph Kellert, a Montreal detective, and two other persons of entering
his room and stealing this letter. They are making such a fuss over the
matter that the letter must have been an exceedingly important one.
[Illustration: NEGRO TYPE--PHILIPPINE ISLANDS]
* * * * *
[Illustration: MALAY TYPE--PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.]
A despatch has been received from Admiral Dewey, dated May 20th,
addressed to the Secretary of the Navy; he cables as follows:
"Situation is unchanged. Blockade is continued. There is a great
scarcity of provisions in Manila. The foreign subjects fear an outbreak
of Spanish soldiers; arrangements have been made for the transfer of
these foreign subjects to Cavite if necessary. The rebel
commander-in-chief, Aguinaldo, who was brought here by the _McCulloch_,
is reorganizing a force, and may render assistance that will be
valuable."
[Illustration: THE CASINO ESPAÑOL, FACING PLAZA, SANTIAGO DE CUBA.]
The first shipment of troops to the Philippine Islands started May 25th
on the three transports, _City of Pekin_, _Australia_, and _City of
Sydney_. When these vessels left San Francisco, late in the afternoon,
the shores were lined with people, and there was great enthusiasm. These
three transports carry about twenty-five hundred men; the expedition is
under command of Brigadier-General Anderson, and consists of four
companies of regulars under Major Robe; the First Regiment California
Volunteers, Colonel Smith; the First Regiment Oregon Volunteers, Colonel
Summers; and a battalion of fifty heavy artillery, Major Gary; and in
addition to these a number of sailors, naval officers, a large amount of
ammunition and naval stores for Admiral Dewey's fleet, and supplies
sufficient to last a year. It was expected that the fleet would arrive
at the Sandwich Islands by Tuesday, May 31st; it will proceed from this
port in company with the _Charleston_, and should arrive at Manila about
June 20th. A detachment of the United States Engineers was ordered from
Willets Point, N. Y., to the Philippines, under command of Captain
Langfitt; Captain Langfitt is an expert in the matter of torpedoes and
harbor defences of this kind, and it is thought that his mission at the
Philippines will be to fortify the different harbors by planting mines,
torpedoes, etc.
Now that the reinforcements are well on their way, there is no reason to
feel any anxiety in reference to any expedition which might be sent from
Spain. The shortest route from Cadiz is, of course, by way of the Suez
Canal; the distance by this route is over 8,000 miles; from San
Francisco to Manila, by way of the Sandwich Islands, is but 7,000 miles;
therefore we have at least a week the start of any expedition which
might leave Spain. The troops sent on the three transports which sailed
May 25th will be sufficient to garrison Corregidor Island; with strong
fortifications on this island at the entrance of Manila Bay, it is
believed that we can prevent the entrance of any fleet. The only fleet
which it is possible for Spain to send at this time is Admiral Camara's;
in this there are but two armorclads, the _Pelayo_ and _Emperadar Carlos
V_. Admiral Dewey would not consider them sufficiently formidable to
give him any anxiety.
Unless we meet with misfortune or great reverses in dealing with the
Spanish forces now at the Philippines, there is little doubt but that
they are ours by this time.
* * * * *
Now that the Philippine Islands are to be kept by us, the previous
regulations in reference to mails have been changed. When war was
declared the Post-Office Department shut off communication with the
Philippine Islands, as well as with other Spanish countries. A new order
has been issued, and mail may now be sent to the Philippine Islands by
way of San Francisco. In times of war this country permits soldiers to
mail letters to their homes without prepaying postage; this is a great
advantage to them, as we can readily understand that while on a campaign
post-offices cannot be reached and postage stamps are not easy to get.
The officers or men have simply to write on the letters, "Soldier's
letter," "Sailor's letter," "Marine's letter," and they will be carried
by post to their destination and postage collected there without extra
charge. Under ordinary circumstances letters will not be carried unless
partly prepaid; and if foreign postage is not fully prepaid a penalty in
the shape of extra postage is added to the regular rate, and collected
upon delivery.
* * * * *
European powers are watching with great interest our movements in the
East. Admiral Dewey's victory, it is considered, has put an end to
Spanish sovereignty in the East. European governments evidently expect
the United States to keep the Philippines, and it is difficult to see
any other solution, as it will certainly not be advisable to return the
islands to Spain, nor would this be consistent with the "war for
humanity's sake." Spain's cruelties in the Philippines have been even
more excessive than in Cuba, and we certainly should not again place the
islands in the hands of that cruel taskmaster, Spain. It has been
suggested that we cede them to some European power; the question is, Can
we do this? These powers are so jealous of each other that they will not
stand quietly by and see any one of their number favored by a gift of
such importance; on the other hand, the presence of an American colony
in Eastern Asia will be a thorn in the side of the great powers; we
have, therefore, to choose which horn of the dilemma we shall accept.
The final settlement of the matter will, no doubt, cause many new
complications and material changes in the traditional policy of our
Government.
* * * * *
The mysterious sailing of the steamship _Adria_ from Key West, a week
ago, has attracted a good deal of comment; it is said that she had on
board many miles of submarine cable, together with the necessary
appliances for grappling, splicing, and laying, and telegraphic
instruments for use on shore. It is believed that the purpose is to cut
the cable off shore, splice a piece to it, and carry it to some
unfrequented spot and there establish a cable station; this would enable
our authorities to communicate quickly with Washington--when the
invasion of Cuba takes place, or to keep the insurgents advised as to
our movements.
* * * * *
A very interesting question of international law has been brought up by
the cutting of the cables by Admiral Dewey; it is claimed that by doing
this he has established an international precedent, for his cutting of
the cable connecting a country at war with another country is a forcible
interference with communication which has not been practised in any
previous war.
The question of cable-cutting has never come up before as a means of
offensive warfare, as it is only in recent years that there has been any
extensive laying of cables. Dewey's example has been followed by the
blockading fleet off Cuba; this fact establishes beyond all peradventure
the position that this Government has assumed. The British Government
evidently believes that in the time of war the right to cut cables
connecting the opposing nation with other countries is one which may be
assumed without violation of international law. In a speech on this
matter, Mr. Balfour, First Lord of the Treasury, quoting in Parliament a
few days ago an agreement made in Paris in 1884, in reference to the
protection of cables by different nations, said: "By Article XV. of this
convention, in time of war a belligerent signatory to the convention
(that is, a county signing this agreement) is as free to act with
respect to submarine cables as if the convention did not exist. I am not
prepared, therefore, to say that a belligerent, on the ground of
military exigency, would under no circumstances be justified in
interfering with cables between the territory of the opposing power and
any other part of the world."
Our State Department considers that this statement on the part of Great
Britain commits that country to the policy regarding cables which we
have recently put into practice; her approval of our action virtually
establishes this right as a principle of international law.
* * * * *
Very serious trouble is anticipated in Italy because of the hopeless
poverty of much of the peasantry, and the apparent inefficiency of the
present system of government. The Italian peasant barely succeeds under
the most advantageous circumstances in obtaining food enough for himself
and family; consequently every change in the price of bread is a
serious matter to him; under the present Government the taxes have
become heavier, and this is sure at no distant date to bring about a
crisis; that this crisis is near is shown by the recent bread riots. The
only hope of averting trouble is a change in the policy of the Italian
Government.
Many people in Europe are asking why the price of wheat continues to
advance, as there is apparently no reason, for the Spanish-American war
has created no increased demand, nor has it seriously interfered with
the shipment of grain. The increase in price is accounted for, by those
who are familiar with these subjects, on the ground that there seems to
be a general conspiracy to hold back supplies from Europe in the hope of
obtaining higher prices, and in consequence scarcity is created in
certain markets, thus causing the rise in price both there and
elsewhere, and with each rise in price comes additional reason for the
holding back of supplies on the part of the speculators who are
manipulating the market.
* * * * *
It is rather interesting to turn from the account of the riots in Italy
to a brief history of Joseph Leiter's famous wheat deal. This wheat
deal, which has just been closed, is the most remarkable that has ever
been known in the history of the grain markets. Leiter has not only made
himself rich, but has added to the wealth of the farmers in the West
enormously. Every effort on the part of other speculators to force
Leiter to the wall has been unsuccessful. Last fall when he was buying,
they turned over enormous quantities of wheat, but he seemed to have
untold millions at his command, for he met every offer with cash, and
demonstrated that he had more money if they could furnish more wheat:
the result was that wheat went up, up, up, until it reached nearly $2 a
bushel, and Leiter has made, it is estimated, over $4,000,000, or nearly
$500 _an hour_ since April of last year.
The account of the troubles in Italy, and the great prosperity resulting
from Leiter's success here, simply demonstrate what has been called
attention to before--that what affects one part of the world has its
influence upon the rest. A contribution from the prospered wheat farmers
(and Leiter) to the suffering poor in Italy would not be amiss under the
circumstances.
* * * * *
In our recent numbers we mentioned the trouble in the Sierra Leone
Protectorate. This trouble has been ascribed to the hut tax; this tax is
practically the only tax levied upon the natives, and it is for the
purpose of raising sufficient revenue to prevent slave-trading. The
trouble in this colony has arisen indirectly, not directly, as a result
of this tax, as the slave-traders have used it as a pretext for stirring
up the rebellion among the natives. England for many years has been
doing her best to suppress slave-trading, and the slave-traders make use
of any grievance, imaginary or otherwise, in their attempts to overthrow
the power of the white men, in order that their barbarous man-hunting
may not be interfered with. Several men-of-war have been sent by England
to Sierra Leone, and are to be reinforced by others; troops have also
been sent to the assistance of the missionaries and others whose lives
are endangered by the uprising of the natives.
Day by day news from this district becomes more alarming; all of this
part of Africa is at the present time in a state of great excitement,
and it is expected that great difficulty will be experienced in
suppressing the revolt. Early in May, the rebels attacked the American
mission at Rotufunk and killed five of the American missionaries--Mr.
and Mrs. Kane, Miss Archer, Miss Hatfield, and Miss Schenck. Their
bodies have been recovered.
The hut tax, which has been made a pretext for all this trouble, amounts
to about one shilling a year for each member of the population, or, in
case of families, five shillings for each family. The insurrection was
started by a native chief who has given the colonial government much
trouble heretofore.
[Illustration]
During the latter part of May there were first rumors, then reports, and
then confirmed reports that the Spanish fleet was at Santiago, Cuba, and
that it was caught as in a trap by our war-vessels.
The harbor of Santiago is a deep one, with a very narrow mouth, as
stated in a recent issue of THE GREAT ROUND WORLD. The Navy Department
feels extremely happy over the locating of the Spanish fleet and the
fact that it may be kept where it is for the present; this will make
possible the invasion of Cuba and the carrying out of the general plans
of the campaign without fear of having them interrupted by attack from
the Spanish vessels. Santiago is not very well supplied with provisions,
and it will be but a question of time when the Spanish fleet must either
force their way out of the harbor or else surrender. It is to be hoped
that the capture of this fleet will be accomplished without battle, for
battle will mean a large loss on both sides, and it can have but one
ultimate outcome. The inevitable may be deferred, but the United States
is pretty sure to win in the long run.
One or two of our battle-ships or monitors stationed at the entrance of
the harbor will be sufficient to prevent the exit of the Spaniards, even
if we do not succeed in so blocking the channel with obstructions as to
make exit impossible; this will leave the rest of our fleet free to
operate elsewhere. Great vigilance will be exercised to prevent the
Spanish torpedo-boats from running out and attacking our vessels under
cover of darkness. The entrance to the harbor is so narrow that a patrol
of small boats can be established, making such an attack almost
impossible.
Cables connecting Cuba with the world outside are being rapidly located
and cut, and by the time this paper goes to press Cuba will no doubt be
cut off entirely, and we will cease to see reports from Madrid of what
is going on in Havana and elsewhere in Cuba.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: =Latest News=]
May 31st Commodore Schley made an attack upon the forts at the entrance
to the harbor of Santiago, with the intention of ascertaining the
position and strength of the fortifications. At one o'clock in the
afternoon of that day the signal to form column was hoisted on the
_Massachusetts_; the _New Orleans_, _Iowa_, and _Vixen_ followed her as
she steamed slowly toward the harbor entrance. When between three and
four miles from shore two of her 13-inch guns were fired; it is reported
that one of the shells struck the partly dismantled Spanish war-ship
_Reina Mercedes_, crashing through her bow and killing a number of men;
two shots followed quite near the same vessel; the two guns in the
forward turret sent their projectiles so close to the Spanish flagship
that the spray was thrown all over her. The shore batteries at this time
began a rapid fire on the _Massachusetts_, but she was soon beyond their
range. The fire was then turned on the _New Orleans_; the shells from
this vessel struck the large battery on the hill above Morro Castle, and
a great cloud of dust and débris rose in the air as the shells burst.
They must have done considerable damage; the shells which followed sent
portions of the wall of Morro Castle tumbling down, a mass of ruins.
Almost every shot found a mark in either the batteries or vessels. It
was the _Iowa's_ turn next; her shells made things lively for the
Spanish fleet in the harbor, although it is believed she was not
successful in hitting any of the Spanish vessels. The little _Vixen_
swept along after her predecessors, and banged away with her one
6-pounder with as great an air of importance as if it had been a
13-inch rifle; then she steamed away in a triumphant manner, as much as
to say: "I have done my share." The commodore promptly ordered her to
keep out of danger. The ironclads turned, and a second time bore down on
the harbor, and when within five miles the shells began again to fall
thick and fast around the Spanish vessels, although accurate firing was
almost out of the question, as the vessels were behind the hill out in
sight, and range could not be ascertained. The Spaniards kept up a brisk
cannonade long after our vessels had stopped firing; a tremendous amount
of damage was done--to the Caribbean Sea; their shells did not come
within a mile of our vessels.
June 3d the auxiliary cruiser _St. Paul_ returned to New York, after a
two weeks' cruise in West Indian waters; she had been detailed for guard
and scout duty, and was one of the first to discover the Spanish fleet
in Santiago Bay. She left Key West May 18th, and arrived off Santiago
about the 20th. The St. Louis had been detailed for similar service, and
had been watching Santiago harbor with the expectation that the Spanish
vessels would attempt to enter there; she, however, left on the 19th. It
is supposed that Admiral Cervera must have entered the harbor in the
twenty-four hours between this date and that of the arrival of the _St.
Paul_.
As it was advisable that her whereabouts should not be discovered to the
Spaniards, the _St. Paul_ cruised backward and forward about twenty
miles out; she kept this distance off shore in order that the Spanish
torpedo-boats might not make a dash out of the harbor in the darkness
and torpedo her. It was not until the 23d that anything was seen of the
Spaniards. Captain Sigsbee is quite confident that on this date he
identified the _Vizcaya_, the _Christopher Colon_, and several
torpedo-boat destroyers within the harbor; they were evidently making
preparations for departure, but were too late, as our fleet under
Commodore Schley reached the harbor before they could get away.
The only excitement that the _St. Paul_ had was the capture of the
collier _Restormel_. The vessel was sighted very early one morning about
five miles from the harbor entrance, running with all speed to obtain
the protection of the batteries on shore. The _St. Paul_ was too quick
for her; crowding on all steam, the collier was soon overtaken and
stopped by a solid shot fired across her bows. A prize crew was put on
board and the vessel sent to Key West.
The _St. Paul_ is off again; her destination is, however, a secret.
Another "great victory" was reported by the Spaniards on June 4th. In
the despatch from Madrid it was stated that one of our most powerful
vessels attempted to enter the harbor of Santiago de Cuba and had been
blown up by a torpedo and sunk, her crew of six men and one officer
being captured. There was something very inconsistent about the
statement "most powerful vessel" with a crew of six men and one officer,
but apparently the Spaniards overlooked this. The fact of the matter is
that Admiral Sampson decided to close the harbor effectually, and in
order to do this sent the collier _Merrimac_ to the entrance of the
channel and had her sunk there.
This brilliant exploit was planned by a young officer, Lieut. Richmond
Pearson Hobson, who with seven volunteers carried it out in a most
gallant way.
At this distance and without experience of the fearful effect of modern
gunnery, we cannot appreciate what a dangerous errand these brave men
undertook. To sail close under the guns of many batteries and forts,
through a narrow channel known to be mined, was to face death, and
almost sure death--an act which will make their names famous. Yet when
volunteers were called for, every man stepped forward and begged to be
taken.
At three o'clock Friday morning the _Merrimac_ started. In the darkness
she succeeded in getting well in shore before she was discovered; then
shot and shell made the water white with spray all around her. But the
brave fellows never flinched, and on they sailed until the narrowest
part of the channel was reached. Down went the anchor, and soon a dull
report in her hold told of the successful explosion of the torpedo which
was to blow her bottom out and make her sinking certain.
The crew left and succeeded in clearing the vessel before she went down.
But two are reported to have been wounded, and these but slightly. All
were captured and taken to Morro Castle.
The great bravery of the gallant fellows was recognized by Admiral
Cervera and he sent a boat with a flag of truce to advise Admiral
Sampson that the men were safe and would be exchanged. This act of the
Spanish admiral has won for him a feeling of great admiration in this
country. It was the act of a noble man.
The Spanish fleet is not only bottled up now, but the cork is in the
bottle.
* * * * *