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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 6, 1898)
THE OMA-HA DAILY BEEl TUESDAY , DECEMBER 0 , 1808. / \i preparations for the drcndcd contingency are told In the reports of the secretaries of war and of the Davy , nud need not bd repeated here. It li sufficient to say that the out break of war , when It did come , found our nation not unprepared to meet the conflict. Nor was the apprehension of coming strife confined to our own country. It was felt by the continental power * which , on April 0 , through their ambassadors and envoys , addressed to the executive an expression of hope that humanity and moderation might mark the course of this government find people , and that further negotiations would lead to an agreement , which , while securing the maintenance of peace , would affirm alt necessary guarantees for the reestablishment - establishment of order In Cuba. In responding spending ( o that presentation I also shared the hope the envoys had expressed that peace might be preserved In a manner to terminate the chronic condition of dis turbance In Cuba , so Injurious and menac ing to our Interests and tranquillity , as well an shocking to our sentiments of humanity ; and , while appreciating the humanitarian and disinterested character of the communi cation they hod made on' behalf of the powers , it wao stated , that this gov ernment hoped for Its part that equal ap preciation would be shown for Its earnest and unselfish cndeators to fulDIl a duty of humanity by ending a situation the In definite prolongation of which had become Insufferable. . ' , . , Effort * to Avoid n Conflict. StHl , animated by thc hopo.of . a peaceful solution and obeying the dictates of duty , no effort was relaxed to brlng about a speedy ending of the .Cuban struggle. Negotiations with this object continued actively twlth thai government of Spain , looking to the Immediate conclusion of a six months' armistice In Cuba with a view Ha'"effect " the recognition of her people's right to 'Inda- ' ' pondencc. Besides this , the Instant revoca tion of the order of reconcentratlon waa asked , so that the sufferer * , returning to their homes and aided by united American and Spanish effort , might be put In a way to support themselves , and , by orderly ro- tuaptlon of the well-nigh destroyed pro ductive energies of the ilsland , contribute to the restoration o'f Us tranquillity and well- being. Negotiations continued for some little time at Madrid , resulting In { offers by the Spanish government which could < not but be regarded on . .Inadequate. It was pro posed to iconflde 'the preparation to the Ineulai ( parliament , , yct to be convened under the autonomous decrees of November , 1897 , but without Impairment In any ) wise of the constitutional powers of the Madrid govern ment , which , ' to that end , would grant an armlstlcb , It requested by the Insurgents , for such time ashe , gcneral-ln-chlot might see fit to" flx. * How and-with what scope of discretionary powers the Insular parliament was Expected to eet about , the "prepara tion" of peace did notappear. . It 'It waa ( to be-by" negotiation * with the- insurgents the Issue Boomed > to rest on thct one side with a body .chosen by a faction of the elector ! . In the districts under Spanish con trol and on the other ) with ) the Insurgent population folding the Interior country , un represented In the so-called parliament , and defiant at the eugges'tlon'ot-sulng for peace. 444 Intervention In Cuba. . Grieved and disappointed at this barren outcome of my. sincere endeavors to reach a practicable solution ! I felt It my duty to refer the whole question to the congress. In the message of April 11 , 1898 , I an nounced that with this last overture In the direction of Immediate peace in Cuba , and Hi 'disappointing reception by Spain , the effort-of the . .executivewas brought to.an end. I again reviewed the alternative course of * ct)9p ) which I had prepared , concluding wthfrftM 6nly > vopB yonojB nt wlt jateN national policy aid compatible .with"-our 'flrmctot historic * ! xtr dtlpn ) < wasylnterven- tton , as ft neutral , to stop the war and check the hopeless sacrifice of life , even though that resort Involved "hostile constraint upon both the parties to the contest , as well as to enforce a truce as to guide the eventual settlement. " The grounds .Justifying , that * step were the Interests of humanity , the duty to protect life and property of our citizens In Cuba , the right to check Injury , to our commerce and people * through the devastation of the island , and , most important , , the need ot removing at once anjd forever the constant menace and the , Burdens .entailed upon our government by .the uncertainties and perils ot the situation ; caused by the unendurable disturbances in Cuba. . I said : The long trial baa proved that the object for which Spain has waged the war cannot bo attained. The fire of insurrection may flame or may smoulder with recurring sea sons but it has not been and It is plain that'll cannot be extinguished by present methods. Theronly hope of relief and re pose from a condition which can no longer b endured Is the enforced pacification of Cuba. In the. name ot humanity , in the name ot civilization , in behalf ot endangered American interests , which give us the right and the duty to speak and to act , the war in Cuba must etop. In view of all this the congress was asked to authorize and empower the president'to take measures to secure a full and final termination at hostilities between Spain and the people of Cuba , and to secure in the island , the establishment ot a stable governmenl , capable of maintaining order and observing its International obligations , injuring peace and , tranquillity/ the security ' curity of Its'citizens'as well * as "our own , and for the accomplishment ot those ends to use th.o military and naval forces of the United States'as might be necessary , -with added authority to continue generous re lief'to tbo starving people ot Cuba. Declaration at War. i The response ot the' ' copgress , after nine days of earnest deliberation , , during which the almost unanimous sentiments ot your body was developed on every point save as to the expediency of coupling the pre pared action with a formal recognition of to * Republic iof Cuba as the true and law ful government ot that Island a proposi tion which failed of adoption the congress , after conference , on the 19th ot April , by a vote of 42 to 35 in the senate , and 311 to 6 in the house ot representatives , passed the memorable Joint resolution , declaring : 1. That the people of Cuba are and by right ought to be free and Independent. 2. That It is the duty ot the United States ! HOOD'S Coupon CALENDAR beauty , patriotic , up to date. Subject : "An American Girl. " One of the Imndsoracst pieces of coloi work Issued Ibis year. Lithographed with bonier of army and navy euiblcmi embossed In gold. Leave your name with your druggist and ask him to sav < you u cony or send 0 cents lu stamps foi cue to . , C. I. HOOD & CO. , Lowell , Mass. ( Mention this paper. ) Remember Hood's Sarsaparilla is America's Greatest Medicine for the Blood and the ' Best that Money Can Buy. Hence take o ly Hood's. anJ the Roiernment of the United States hereby demands that the government of Spain rcllcgulsh Its authority In the Inland of Cuoa and withdraw Its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters. 3. That the president of the United States bo and he Is hereby directed and empowered to use the entire land and naval forces ot the United Rtatofl and to call Into the actual service of the United Blatos the militia of tbo several states , to snch extent as maybe bo necessary to carry these resolutions Into effect. 4. That the United States hereby disclaims any disposition or Intention to exercise sovereignty , ' Jurisdiction or control-over said lolanJ , except for the pacification thereof , and asserts Us determination when that Is accomplished to leave the government and control of the Island to Its people. " 1'rcclpHntta a nntitirre. This resolution was approved t > y the executive on the next day , April 20. A copy wai at once communicated to the Spanish minister at this capital , who forth with announced that his continuance In Washington had thereby become Impossi ble , and asked for his passports , which were given him. Ho thereupon withdrew from Washington , leaving the protection of Spanish Interests In the United States to the French ambassador' and the Austro- Hungarlan minister. Simultaneously with Us communication to the Spanish minister , General Woodford , the American minister at Madrid , was telegraphed confirmation ot the text of the Joint resolution and directed to communicate It to the government of Spain , with the formal demand that It at once relinquish Us authority and government In the Island of Cuba and withdraw Its forces therefrom , coupling this demand with an nouncements of the Intentions of this gov ernment as to the future of the Island , In conformity with the fourth clause 'of the resolution' , and giving Spain until noon of April 23 to reply. The demand , although , as above shown , officially made known to the Spanish envoy here , was not delivered at Madrid. After the Instruction reached General Woodford on the morning of April 21 , but before ho could present It , the Spanish minister ot state notified him that upon the president's ap proval of the Joint resolution the Madrid government , regarding the act as "equivalent to a declaration of war , " had ordered Its minister In Washington to with draw , thereby breaking off diplomatic , rela tions between the two countries and coaslng all official communication between their re spective representatives. General Woodford thereupon demanded ' 'his passports and quitted Madrid the same , day. . Illookode of Cuba. Spain , having thus denied the demand of the United States and Initiated that com plete form of rupture of relations which at tends a state ot war , the executive powers authorized by the resolution were at once by me exercised to meet the enlarged con tingency of actual war between Spain and the United States. On April 22 I pro claimed a blockade of the northern coast of Cuba , Including ports on said coast between Cardenas and Bahla Honda and the port of ; Cldnfuegos on the south coast of Cuba ; and on the 23d I called for volunteers to exe cute the purpose of the resolution. ' By my message of April 25 the congress waa In formed of the situation and I recommended formal declaration ot the existence of a state of war between the United States and Spain. The congress , accordingly , voted on the same day" the act approved April 25 , 1898 , declaring the existence of such war , from and Including the 21st day of April , and re-enacted the provision of the resolu tion of April 20 , directing the president * to use all the armed forces ot the nation to carry that act Into effect. Dud notifica tion of the existence of war , as aforesaid , waa given Ap'rir25 , by'telegraph to'all the governments with wtilcb ttie Unltid Stales maintained relations , In oftler 'that thlr neutrality , might b assured , durlnsr thb-war < 'Tho virlous governments responded with proclamations , of neutrality ] each after , U own methods. Itla not among the least gratifying Incidents of the struggle that the obligations of neutrality were impar tially discharged by all , often under deli cate and difficult circumstances. In further fulfillment of International duty , I Issued April 26 a proclamation an nouncing the treatment proposed to be ac corded to vessels and their cargoes as to blockade , contraband- the exercise of the right of search and the Immunity of neutral flags and neutral goods , under enemy's flag. , A similar proclamation was made by the Spanish government. In the conduct of hostilities the rules ot the declaration of Paris , Including abstention from resort to privateering , have accordingly been ob served by both belligerents , although neither was a party to that declaration. Prompt Heiponie of Volunteers. Our country thus , after an Interval of halt a century of peace with all nations , found itself engaged in deadly conflict with a for eign country. Every nerve was strained to meet the emergency. The response to the Initial can for 125,000 volunteers was Instant and complete , as was also the result of the second call of May 25 , " for 75,000 additional volunteers. The ranka of the regular army were Increased to the limits provided by the act of April 23. The enlisted force ot the navy on the 16th of August , when It reached 1 Its maximum , numbered 24,123 men and ap- I prentices. One hundred and three vessel * were added to the navy by purchase , one was presented to the government , one leased and the four vessels of the International Navigation company , the St. Paul , St. Louis , New York and Paris , were chartered. In addition to these the revenue cuttera and lighthouse tenders were turned over to the Navy department and became temporarily a part of the auxiliary navy. The maximum effective fighting forces of the navy during the war , separated Into classes , was as follows : Four battleships ot the first-class , one battleship ot the second- class'two armored cruisers , slx coast de fense monitors , one armored * ' ram , , twelve protected cruisers , three unprotected cruis ers , eighteen gunboats , one dynamite cruiser , eleven torpedo boats , fourteen veasets. ot the old navy , including mopUors. .Auxiliary navy : Auxiliary crulsen ; . twenty-eight converted yachts , twent/-seven conve'rted tugs , nineteen converted colliers , four reve nue cutters , four lighthouse tenders and nineteen miscellaneous vessels. , Much alarm aa felt .along our entire Atlantic seaboard rest some attack might be made by the enemy. Every precaution was taken to prevent possible Injuries to our great cities lying along the coast. Tempo rary garrisons werp proylded , drawn from the state mllllla and Infantry , and light bat teries were drawn from the volunteer force. About 12,000 troops were thus employed. The coast signal service was established for observing the approach of an enemy's ship to the coast ot the United , States , and the lighthouse service co-operated , which en abled the Navy department to haverall portions tions of the Atlantic coast'from Maine to Texas , under observation. , ' The auxiliary navy wa created'under the authority ot congress and was officered and manned by the naval militia ot the several state * . This orgtnlation patrolled the coast and performed the duty ot a second arm ot defense , Mlnea In 4he Harbors. Under the direction ot the chief ot engineers submarine mines were placed at the most exposed points , Before the outbreak of the war permanent mining casemates and cable galleries had been constructed at 'all Im portant harbors. Most of the torpedo ma terial was not to be found In the market and had to ho specially .manufactured. Under date of April 19 district officers were directed to take all preliminary measures , short of the actual attaching of the loaded mines to the cables , and on April 23 tele graphic orders were Issued to place the loaded mines In position. The aggregate number ot mines placed was 1,6(5 at tbt [ principal harbors from Maine to California. Preparations were also made for the plantIng - Ing ot mines at certain other harbors , but owing to the early destruction ot the Spanish fleet the mines were not placed , The signal corps was promptly organized and performed service of the most difficult and Important character. Its operations during the war Included the electrical con nection ot all coast fortifications , the cs- tnbil'shmenl ot telephonic and telegraphic fa cilities for the camps at Manila , Santiago and In , Pprto Rico. There were constructed 300 miles of line at ten camps , thus facilitating military movements from those points In a manor heretofore unknown In military administration. Field telegraph lines were established and maintained under the enemy's fire at Manila , and later the Manila-Hong Kong coble was reopened. In Porto Rico cable communications were opened over a discontinued route and on land the headquarters of the commanding officer was kept In telegraphic and telephonic - phonic communication with the division commanders on four different lines-of opera tions. There was placed Jn Cuban waters a com pletely outfitted cable ship , with war cables and cable gear suitable both for the de struction of communications belonging to the enemy and the establishment ot our own. Two ocean cables were destroyed under the enemy's batteries at Santiago. The day previous to the landing of General Shatter's corps at Calmancra , within twenty miles of the landing place , cable communications were established and a cable station opened , giving direct communication with the gov ernment at Washington. This service was invaluable to the executive In directing the operations of the army and navy. With a total force ot over 1,300 , the loss was by disease In camp and field , officers nnd men Included , only five. Exitetidlntf Fifty-Million Fund. The national defense money , under the $50- 000,000 fund , was expended In large part by the army and navy , and the objects for whlcU it was used are fully shown in the reports of the several secretaries. It was1 a most timely appropriation , enabling the govern ment to strengthen Its defense and to make preparations greatly needed in case of war. This fund being Inadequate to the require ments of equipment of the war , the patriotism of the congress provided the means In the war revenue act of June 13 , by authorizing a 3 per cent popular loan , not to exceed $400,000,000 , and ny levying addi tional Imports and taxes. Of the authorized loan , 1200,000,000 was offered and promptly taken , the subscriptions so far exceeding the call as to cover it many times over , while , preference being given to the smaller bids , no single allotment exceeded J3.000. This was a most encouraging and significant re sult , showing the vast resources of the nation and the determination of the people to uphold their country's honor. It is not within the province of this mes sage to narrate the history of the extraor dinary war that followed the Spanish declaration of April 21 , but a brief recital of its more salient features Is appropriate. The first encounter of the war In point of date took place April 21 , when a detach ment of the blockading squadron made a reconnaissance In force at Matanzas,1 shelled the harbor forts and demolished several new works in construction. , Dc e > ' Remarkable Victory. The nexi engagement was destined to mark a.memorabre epoch In maritime warfare. The Pacific fleet , under Commodore George Dewey , had lain for some weeks at Hong Koug. Upon the colonial proclamation of neutrality being Issued and the customary twenty-four hours' notice being given , It re paired to MIrs bay , near Hong Kong , whence It proceeded to the Philippine islands , under1 telegraphic , orders to capture , or , dea royihe' formidable Spanish'fleet theri"'aiTsembled at : Manila. At daybreak'cn'the Ist'of'Mayflhe American force entered' Manila bay 'arid after a few hours' engagement 'effected the total destruction of the Spanish fleet , con sisting of ten war ships and a transport , besides capturing the naval station and forces at Cavite , thus annihilating the Span ish naval power in the Pacific ocean and completely controlling the bay ot Mantra , with the ability to take the city at will. Not a life waa lost on our ships , the wounded only numbering seven , while not a vessel was materially Injured. For this gallant achievement the congress , upon my recom mendation , fitly bestowed upon the actors preferment and substantial reward. The effect of this remarkable victory nipon the spirit of our people and upon the for tunes of war was Instant. A prestige ot In vincibility thereby attached to our arms which continued throughout the struggle. Reinforcements werex hurried to Manila , under , the command of Major General Mer- rltt , and were firmly established within sight of the capital , which lay helpless before our guns. On the 7th day ot May the. govern ment was advised officially of the victory at Manila , and at once Inquired of the com mander of our fleet what troops would be required. The information was received on the 15th day of May and the first army ex pedition tailed on May 25 and arrived-at Manila July 30. Other expeditions soon fol lowed , the total force consisting ot 641 offi cers and 15,053 men. No Divided Responsibility. Only reluctance to cause needless lo'ss'of lite and property prevented the arly.storm ing and capture ot the city , and therewith the absolute military occupancy of the whole group. The Insurgents , meanwhile , had returned tbo active hostilities sus pended by the uncompleted truce of De cember , 1897. Their forces Invested Manila from the northern and eastern sides , but w re restrained by Admiral . Dewey _ and General Merrltf from attempting an as sault. It was fitting that whatever waste to bo done In the way of decisive opera tions In that quarter should bo accom plished by the strong arm of the United States alone. Obeying the stern precept of war which enjoins the overcoming ot the adversary and the extinction of his power wherever assailable , as the speedy and sure means to win p. peace , divided victory was not permissible , for no partition ot the rights ) and responsibilities attending the en forcement ot a Just and advantageous peace could-bo thought of. Following the adoption of a comprehen sive scheme of general attack , powerful forces were assembled at various points on our coast to Invade Cuba and Porto Rico , Meanwhile naval demonstrations were , made at several exposed points. On May 11 the cruiser Wilmington and torpedo boat W3i ! low were unsuccessful In an attempt to si lence the batteries at Cardenas and against Matanzas , Ensign Worth Bagley and .four seamen falling. These grievous fatalities' were strangely enough among the very few which occurred during our naval .operations In this extraordinary conflict. Coming of Cervera. Meanwhile the Spanish naval prepara tions had been pushed with great vigor. A 'powerful squadron Under Admiral 'Cervera , which had assembled at the' Cape Verde Islands before the outbreak of hostilities , had crossed the ocean , and by Ita , erratic movements In the Caribbean sea 'delayed our military operations 'while baffling the pursuit cf our flcMs ! For a time fears were felt , lest the Oregon and Marietta , then nearlng home , after their long voyage from San Francisco of over 15,000 miles , might bt > sarprlsed by Admiral'C rvera's fleet , but their fortunate arrival dispelled the ap prehensions and brought the much-needed reinforcements. Not until Admiral Cervera took refuge Iq the harbor of Santiago de Cuba , about May 9 , was it practicable td plan a systematic military attack upon the Antlllean po 4 sessions of Spain. Several demonstrations occurred on the coast of Cuba and Porto Rlcf , In prepara- tions for the larger event. On May 13 the north Atlantic squadron shelled San Juan de Porto Rico , on May 30 Commodore Schloy'ii squadron bombarded the torts guarding the mouth ot Santiago harbor. Neither attack had any material result. It was evident that well-ordered land opera tions were Indispensable to achieve a de cided advantage. The next net in the war thrilled not alone the hearts of our countrymen but the world by Its exceptional heroism. On the night of June 3 Lieutenant Hobson , ( tided by set en devoted volunteers , blocked the narrow outlet from Santiago harbor by , sinking the collier Merrlmac In the chan- , nclnier \ a fierce fire from the shore bat teries , escaping with their lives as by a miracle , but falling Into the hands of the Spaniards. U Is. a most gratifying Incident of tbo war that ; the bravery of the little bands of heroes'was cordially appreciated by tbo Spaniardswho Bent a flag of truce.to notify Admiral Sampson of their safety and to , compliment them upon their during net. They were subsequently exchanged , July 7. Flrnt Landing In Culm. By June 7 the cutting of the last Cuban cable Isolated the Island. Thereafter the 'invasion was vigorously prosecuted. On June 10 , Under a heavy- protecting fire , a landing force of 600 marines of the Oregon , Marblchcnd and Yankee'was effected In Guantanamo bay , where It 'hod ' been de termined To establish' a naval station. This Important and essential port was taken from the enemy after severe fighting by the marines , who were the first organized force of the United States to land in Cuba. The position eo won was held despite des perate attempts to dislodge our forces , Ity Juno 16 additional forces were landed and strongly Intrenched. On June 22 the ad vance ot the Invading army under Major General Shatter landed at Daiquiri , about fifteen miles east of Santiago. This was accomplished under great difficulties , but with marvelous dispatch. On June 23 the movement against Santiago was begun. On the 24th the first serious engagement took place. In which the First and Tenth cavalry and the First volunteer cavalry , General Young's brigade of General Wheeler's ' di vision , participated , losing heavily. By nightfall , however , ground within five miles of Santiago was won. The advantage was steadlty increased. On July 1 a severe battle took place , our force gaining the outer works of Santiago and El Caney and Sa'n Juan were taken after a desperate charge and the Investment of the city was completed. The navy co-operated by shell ing the town and the coast forts. i Fall of , Santiago. On the day following this brilliant achieve ment of our land forces , July 3'occurred the decision ot a naval combat of the war. The Spanish fleet , attempting to leave the harbor , was met by the American squadron under command of' Admiral Sampson. In less than three hours" all the Spanish ships were destroyed , the two torpedo boats sunk and the Mdrla Teresa , Almlrante Oquendo , Vlzcaya and Cristobal Colon driven ashore. The Spanish admiral and over 1,300 men were taken prisoners , while the enemy's loss of life was deplorably large , eoifle 600 * perishing. On our side but one man was killed and one man seriously wounded. Al though our ships weVeV repeatedly struck , not one was seriously injured. Where all so conspicuously distinguished themselves , from.the commanders to the gunners and the unnamed heroes in the f boiler rooms , each and all contributing to ward the achievement ot this astonishing victory tor which neither ancient nor modern history affords a parallel In the completeness of the fvent , and , jjjo marvelous disproportion ' of casualties ; UiwoAld'bnvldlou8 ! to single out any , fer , . special bonpr. Deserved pro- .motlon bas r wsjded the more'conspicuous actors thVnatfois.f } ] > rofoundegt gratitude Is due to all'of the e brave , men who by their skill and ( devotion in & few short hours crushed the sea power'ot Spain and wrought a triumph whose decisiveness . .and far- reaching effects can scarcely be measured. Nor can webe , unmindful of the achieve ments ot our builders , mechanics and arti sans for their skill In the construction ot our war ships. With the catastrophe ot Santiago Spain's effort upon the ocean virtually ceased. A spasmodic effort toward the end of June to send her Mediterranean fleet under Admiral Camara to relieve Manilla was abandoned , the expedition being recalled after U had passed through the Suez canal. Surrender of Santiago. ' The capitulation of Santiago followed. The city was closely besieged by land , while ithestatlonlngof ourshlps at the harbor mouth cut off all relief on that side. After a truce to allow of the removal of non-combatants , protracted negotiations continued from July 3 until July,15 , when , under menace ot Im mediate assault , the preliminaries ot sur render were agreed upon. On the 17th Gen eral Shatter occupied the city. The capitula tion embraced the entire eastern end of Cuba. The number ot Spanish soldiers sur rendered was 22,000 , all of whom1 were subsequently conveyed to Spain at the charge , of the United States. The story of this successful campaign Is told In the re port of the secretary of war , which will be laid before you. , The individual valor ot officers and soldiers was never more strikingly shown than in the several engagements , leading to the surrender ofjsantlago , while the prompt movements and' successive victories won Instant and universal applause. To those who gained this complete triumph which established the ascendancy of the United States upon land , as the fight off Santiago had fixed our supremacy on the seas , the earnest and lasting gratitude of the nation is unsparingly due. Nor should wo alone remember the gallantry of the living the dead claim our tears and our losses by battle and disease must cloud any exulta tion at the result and teach us to weigh the awful cost of war , however rightful the cause or signal'the victory. Campulicn IB Porto Rico. With the fall of Santiago the occupation ot Porto1 Rico i became the next strategic necessity. peneraf Miles bad previously been assigned to organise an expedition for that purpose. Fortunately he was already at Santiago , where ho had arrived on the llth of July , with reinforcements for General Shatter's army. 'With these troops , consisting of 3,145 In fantry And artillery , two companies of engi neers and one company of the signal corps , General Miles left Guantansmo on July 21 , having , nine transports , conveyed by the 'fleet ' under Captain Hlgglnson , with the Maa- 's chusetts ( flagship ) , Dixie , Gloucester , Columbia and Yale , the two fatter carrying troops. The expedition landed at Guantca July 25 , which port waa entered with little opposition. Here the fleet waa Joined by the Annapolis and Wasp , while the Puritan anfl Amphltrlto went to San Juan and Joined the New Orleans , which was engaged In block ading that port. The major general com manding was .subsequently reinforced by General Schwan's brigade of the Third army corps , by General Wlhon with a part of hit division and also by General Brooke with a part ot his corps , numbering In all 16,973 officer ! and men , On July 27 he entered Ponce , one of the most Important ports In the Island , from which he thereafter directed the operations for the capture of the Island. With the exception of the encounters with the euemy at Guantanamo , Hermlgueres , Goamo and Yauco and an attack on a force landed at Cape San Juan , there was no serious resistance. The campaign was prosecuted with great vigor and by the 12th of August much of the Island was In our possession and the acquisition of the re mainder was only a matter ot a short time. At most of the points in the Island our troops were enthusiastically welcomed. rrotetUons ot loyalty to the fUr and gratitude for delivery from Spanish ruto met our commanders at every stage. As a potent influence toward peace , the outcome of the Porto HI can expedition was ot great con sequence , and generous commendation Is duo to those who participated In It. Capture of Manila. The last scene ot the wan was enacted nt Manila , Its starting place. On August in , after a brief assault upon the works by the land forces , In which the squadron assisted , the capital surrendered unconditionally. The casualties were comparatively few. Dy this the conquest of the Philippine Islands , virtually accomplished when the Spanish capacity for resistance was destroyed by Admiral Dowey's victory of the 1st of May , was formally sealed. To General Merrltt , his officers and men for their uncomplaining , devoted services , for their gallantry In action , the nation ii sincerely grateful. Their long voyage was made with singular success and the soldierly conduct of the men , many of whom were without previous experience in the military service , deserves unmeasured praise. The total casualties In killed and wounded QUrlng the war was as follows : Officers killed , 23 ; enlisted men killed , 257 ; total , 280 ; officers wounded , 113 ; enlisted men wounded , 1,464 ; total 1.577. Of the navy , killed , 17 ; wounded , 67 ; died as result of wounds , 1 ; Invalided from service , 6 ; total , 91. It will bo observed that while our navy was engaged In two great battles , and In numerous perilous undertakings In the blockades and bombardments nnd more than 50,000 of our troops were transported to distant lands and engaged in assault and siege and battle and many skirmishes In un familiar territory , wo lost In both arms of the service a total of 1,668 killed and wounded ; and In the entire campaign by land and sea we did not lose a gun or a flag or a transport or a ship , and with the exception of the crow of the Merrlmac not a soldier or sailor was taken prisoner. On August 7. forty-six dajs from the date of the landing of General Shatter's army In Cuba and twenty-one days from the surrender of Santiago , the United States troops commenced embarkation for home , and our entire force was returned to the United States as early as August 24. They were absent from the United States only two months. TraUc fop TIiONq In Camp. It is fitting that I should bear testimony to the patriotism and devotion of that large portion of our army which , although eager to be ordered to the post of greatest ex posure , fortunately was not required out side of the United States. They did their whole duty and like their comrades at the front have earned the gratitude of vhe nation. In llko manner the officers ana men of the army and of the navy who re mained In their departments and stations of the navy , performing moat Important duties connected with the war , and whose requests for assignment In the field and at sea it was necessary to refuse because their serv ices were Indispensable here , are entitled to the highest commendation. It IB my regret that there seems to be no provision for their suitable recognition. In this connection It is a pleasure for mete to mention in terms of cordial approbation the timely and useful work of the American National Red Cross , both In relief measures preparatory to the campaigns , In sanitary assistance at several of the camps of as semblage , and later , under the able and ex perienced leadership of the president of the society , Miss Clara Barton , on the fields of battle and in the hospitals at the front In Cuba. Working In conjunction with ' .the governmental authorities and under their sanction and approval , and with the enthu siastic co-operation of many patriotic women societies In the various states , the Red Cross biftr maintained already ' .feign . reputation for intense earnestness and ability to exer cise the noble purposes ot its organization , thus Justifying the confidence and support which It has received at the hands of the American people. To the members and offi cers of thla society and all who aided them In their philanthropic work the sincere grat itude of the soldiers and public Is due , and is fully accorded. in tracing these events we are constantly reminded of our obligations to the Divine Master for His watchful care over us and HIa safe guidance , for which the nation makes reverent acknowledgment and offers humble prayer for the continuance ot His favor. NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE President Reviews ) the Successive Steps Taken to Bring the Conflict to an End. The anniniiaiion 01 Admiral Cervera's fleet , followed by the capitulation of San tiago , having brought to the Spanish gov ernment a realizing sense of the hopeless ness of continuing a struggle now becoming wholly unequal , It made overtures ot peace through the French ambassador , who , with the assent of his government had acted as a friendly representative of Spain's interests during the war. On tie 26-th - of July M. Cambon presented a communication signed by the duke of Almcdovar , the Spanish minister of state , Inviting the United States to state the terms on which It would be willing to make peace. On July 30 , by a communication addressed to the duke cf Almodovar and handed to M. Cambon , the terms of this government were announced , substantially as In the protocol afterward signed. On August 11 the Spanish reply , dated August 7 , was handed by M. Cambon to the secretary of state. It accepted un conditionally the terms Imposed as to Cuba , Porto Rico and an Island ot the Ladrones group , but appeared to seek to introduce Inadmissible reservations In regard to our demand as to the Philippines. Conceiving that discussion on this point could neither be practicable or profitable , I directed that In crder to avoid misunderstanding the mat ter should be forthwith closed by proposing the embodiment In a formal protocol of the terms In which these negotiations for pe.ico were to be undertaken. The vague and Inexplicit suggestions of the Spanish note could not be accepted , the only reply being to present as a virtual ultimatum a draft of the protocol embodying the precise terms tendered to Spain in our note of July 30 , with added stipulations nt detail as to the appointment ot commissioners to arrange for the evacuation of the Spanish Antilles. On August 12 M. Cambon announced his receipt of full powers to sign the protocol so submitted. Sliritlnir the Protocol. Accordingly on the afternoon of August 12 M. Cambon , as the plenipotentiary of Spain and the secretary of state as the plenipo tentiary of the United States , signed a pro tocol providing : Article 1. Spain will relinquish all claim of sovereignty over and title to Cuba. Article 2. Spain will cede to the United Stated the Island of Porto Rico nnd other I Islands now under Spanish B0\orclgnty In thn West Indies , nnd also An Island In the Ladrones , to bo selected by the United . States. I Article 3. The United States will occupy nnd hold the city , bay and harbor of Ma nila , pending the conclusion ot a treaty ot peace which shall determine the control , i disposition nnd control of the Philippines , I The foutth article provided for the ap- ' polntment of Joint commissions on the part of the United States nnd Spain , to meet In Havana and San Juan , respectively , for the purpose of arranging and carrying out the details of the stipulated evacuation of Cuba , Porto Rico and other Spanish Islands In the West Indies. i The fifth article provided for the appoint ment of not more than five commissioner ! ) on each side to meet at Paris not later than October 1 , nnd to proceed to' the negotia tion and conclusion ot a treaty ot pence , subject to ratification , according to the re spective constitutional forms of the two countries. The sixth and last article provided that upon the signature of the protocol hostil ities between the two countries should be suspended nnd that notice to that effect should be given as soon as possible by each government to commanders ot Its military and naval forces. Immediately upon the conclusion of the protocol I Issued the proclamation of Au gust 12. suspending hostilities on the part of the United States. The necessary ordcra to that end were at once given by telegraph. The blockade of the ports of Cuba and San Juan do Porto Rico was in like manner raised. MtmtcrlnR Ont Volunteer * . On August 18 the muster out of 100,000 volunteers , or ns near that number as was fiund to be practicable , was ordered. On December 1 , 101,165 officers and men had been mustered out and discharged from the service ; 9,002 more will bo mustered out by the 10th of the month. Also a cor responding number ot generals and general staff officers ha\e been honorably discharged from the service. The military commissions to superintend the evacuation of Cub : . , Porto Rico and the adjacent Islands were forthwith appointed : For Cuba , Major General James F. Wade , Rear Admiral William T. Sampson , Major General Matthew C. Butler ; for Porto Rico , Major General John R. Brooke , Roar Ad miral Wlnficld 5. Schley , Brigadier General Gordon , who soon afterwards met the Spanish commissioners at Havana and San Juan respectively. The Porto Rlcan Joint commission speedily accomplished Its task and by October 18 the evacuation of the Island was completed. Tne United States flag was raised over the Island at noon that day. The administration of Its affairs has been provisionally Intrusted to a military governor until the congress shall otherwise provide. The Cuban Joint high commission has not yet terminated Its labors. Owing to the difficulties In the way of removing the large number of Spanish troops still In Cuba the evacuation cannot be completed before the 1st of January next. Naming Pence Commissioners. Pursuant to the fifth article of the protocol , I appointed William R. Day , lately sec retary ot state ; Cushman K. Davis , William P. Fryo and George Gray , senators of the United States , and Whltelaw Reid , to be the peace commissioners on the part of the United States. Proceeding in due season to Paris , they there- met on the 1st of October flvo commissioners similarly appointed on the part of Spain. The negotiations have made hopeful progress , so that I trust soon to be able to lay a definitive treaty of peace before the senate , with a review of the steps leading to its signature. ISLAND OF CUBA TO BE FREE President . Adheres ) to Resolution Adopted by Congress at the Break ing Oat of the War. I do not discuss at this time the govern ment or the future of the new possessions which will come to us as the result of the war with Spain. Such a discussion will be appropriate after the treaty of peace shall be ratified. In the meantime , and until congress has legislated otherwise. It will bo my duty to continue the military govern ments which have existed since our occupa tion and give Its people security In life and property and encouragement under a Just and beneficent rule. As eoon as we have possession ot Cuba and have pacified the Island It will be necessary to give aid and direction to this people to form a government for them selves. This should be undertaken at the earliest moment consistent with safety and assured success. It Is Important that our relations with these people shall be ot the most friendly character and our commercial relations close and reciprocal. It should bo our duty to assist in every proper way to build up the waste places ot the Island , encourage the Industry of the people , and assist them to form * a government which shall bo free and Independent , thus realiz ing the best aspirations of the Cuban people. Spanish rule must bo replaced by a Just , benevolent and humane'government , created by the people of Cuba , capable of perform ing all international obligations , and which shall encourage thrift , Industry and pros perity , and' promote peace and good will among all of the Inhabitants , whatever may have been their relations In the past. Neither revenge nor passion should have a place in the new government. Until there is complete tranquillity in the Island and a stable government Inaugurated military oc cupation will be continued. ACTION ON NICARAGUA CANAL Condition ot Grant Necessitates Prompt Consideration of the Question by Congress. The Nicaragua Canal commission , under the chairmanship of Rear Admiral John G. Walker , appointed July 24 , 1897 , under the authority ot a provision of the sundry civil act of June 4 of that year , has nearly completed Its labors and the reunite of Its exhaustive Inquiry Into the proper route , the feasibility and the cost of construction ot an interoceanlc canal by a Nicaraguan route will bo laid before you. In tbo per formance of Its talk tbo commission re ceived all possible courtesy and assistance from the governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica , which thus testified their ap preciation of the Importance of giving a speedy and practical outcome to the great project that has for so many years en grossed the attention of the respective countries. As the scope of recent Inquiry embraced the whole subject with the aim of making plans and surveys tor a canal by the most convenient route , It necessarily Included a 1887 11,804.000 1895 19,526,000 1896-21,973,000 1897-22,585,000 The ever-increasing popularity and the pre-eminence of Apollinaris is clear to all from the foregoing quantities bottled at the Apollinaris Spring , Rhenish Prussia. THE TIMES , LONDON , speaking of APOLLINARIS , says ; These figures are more eloquent than words. review of the results of previous survy and plans , niul In particular those adopted by the Marltlnlo Cnnnl company under Its rfl existing concession- ? from Nicaragua anil Coata ItlM , ao to this extent these grants necessarily held an essential parf In th deliberations and conclusions of the canal commlsslonr and they have so held * nj needs must hold In the discussion of the nutter by congress. Umlcr these circum stances , and In view of the over tures made to the governmonti of Nicaragua and Costa Hlca by other partite for n now canal concession predicated on the assumed approaching lapse of the contracts of the Maritime Canal company with those states , I have not hesi tated to express my conviction that con ld- eratlons of expediency and International pol icy as between the several governments In terested In the construction and control of an Intcroceanlc canal by this route re quire the mealntenanco of the status quo ( Continued on Third Page. ) PC SORE OHAND Raw Sore From Finger to Palm. Physicians and Medicines No Avail. Cured by Cutioura. When my little boy was two years of age , dry spots commenced to appear on different partsof his body. Last winter It scorned to ROte to his hands , and I was obliged to keep tils' * first three fingers done up all the time , as It was a raw sore , beginning to extend down to. ward the palm of the baud Wo consulted threa different i > alclans , each a certain length ot time , to see a benefit of their medicines. I think now , after using CirncuiU , that sorns > of the sah cs that I used did more Injury than good. A gentleman ( who sat next to me la church ) asked mo the matter with my boy's baud. I took off one of the cloths and showed h m , he told mo ho had been in a hospital In Boston , where for all skin diseases they used CuriounA REMEDIES. I Immediately pur chased CtmcuBA SOAICUTICURA ( oint ment ) and CUTICURA RESOLVENT , put aside what I had been using , ml began with them Well 1 they cured that hand. I was afraid that this winter It would break out again , but no. it is all cured , and I have not bad to haves , cloth on It this winter. Mrs. DIAMOND , Jan. 29,98. 101 Branson Avc. , Rochester , N.T. Oticura RUM SDI dally perform more great cum of torturing , dliflgurlns : , hnralllaUns : > kln , ac lp , and blood human than all other blond andikln rime. dlea combined. In all the world them li no 01 her treatment eo pure , to awfet , 10 epffdlly efffctlre tor illetrettlng akin linmora of Infanta and children aa CUTICDRA , irrrateit of akin curaa , blood purifiers , and humor rcmrdka. Sr aBTCuaiT iTuiKT rna Eriar n oawiT LoMorlliia. W rmb lh > wllhCoricu * So r.t - U tnolntlnji with CgTictiiu ( oil tmtnl ) purut of imol- Hint tklneurtt , aid mild doof CITICCIA nilOLTiiit , ( mint > f blocxl puriflcti an * humor eurti. Boll throaihonl th world , Portal Dava AXD Gun. Co r. . it rfojx , H < ton AMUSEMENTS. Thcitri OVERWHELMIN SUCCESS. ! I TURNED IWIJTHUKDREDS I Z ENDORJDBYJOMiHiPUILIO Omaha's Society Vaudeville Theater The Most Expensive Vaudeville Bill Ever Presented to the Omaha Public , ALL WEEK. Matinees Wednesday , Saturday an * Bandar. ' John C. Rico and Bally Cohen , In the bright comedietta , "Our Honeymoon. " Ros. bow Midgets , the most wonderful little people ple over presented to th : American public. Charlie Rossow , Introducing his wonderful Imitations of Anna Held. George Evans. "the Honey Boy , " author of "I'll Be True to My Honey Boy" and "Standing on the Corner DIdn t Mean No Harm. " Carl Dam- man Troupe , In theln marvelous and dex terous acrobatic performances. Newsboys' yulntotte , comedians , Ringers , dancers , artists , Zazello and Vcrnon. America's greatest comic triple-bar act. Mr. and Mrs. robin , In a refined musical specialty. PRICES NEVER CHANGING. Evenings : Reserved seats , 26c and I0c : gallery : lOc. Matinees : 25c toany part of the house. Children , lOc ; gallery. lOc IttrTROCADERO hone 217 * nts * Williams. Props , and Mm. W. W. COLE. Act Manager. - , WeekTSDec. 4 fl MATINEES SUNDAYS THURSDAYS SATURDAYS Always the Dest Show In Omaha. The world's greatest acrobatic equilibrists Aklmoto's ROYAL JAPANESE TROUPE , headed by Prince Aklmoto. king ot bal- lancers and perch performers. . Pearl Andrews , the Queen of Mimicry. The Sisters Leon , America's astonishing lady acrobats. The Paolls , European Eccentric Comtques. Misses Stevens and O' Byron , superlative ringing duo. ' Kenn and Wayne , refined burlesque art * Ists. Lewis & Evans , operatic travesty artists. Leon and Miller , comedy horizontal bar Bxponents. Bxponents.REFRESHMENTS. REFRESHMENTS. Prices 25c , 35e SOc.Rcscrved Scats , BOYD'S ? &T TUESDAY The Beautiful Comedy Drama , "ON 1HE A Pure Heart Story. CUT THIS COUPON OUT And presented at the Box Office of Boyd' * Thea'er with lOc will entitle any lady ot chllil to best reserved seat for Tuesday matinee to "On the Suwaiiee River , " .CONCERT. . . . . HRS.fANNY BLOOMflELD ZCISLER Planlste. MRS. MARTIN CAHNBoprana FAIIEWEI.L APPEAItA-SCE. First Congregational Church , Thursday Eve'g , Dec , 8. Ticket * , fl.OO. For Hale at Chase's , Kuhn'a , HOSIIC'S Bud Albert Cqhn's. HOTELS" " THE MILLARD 13th unU Douglas Sts. , Oinaht , _ A IUItICAN ANIJ EIJItOI'EAIf PLAN- . CENTlwvLLY IX3CATED. J. K. IIAHKEt , * HON. Props. THE NEW MERCER American 1'lan . You will tlnd your friends registered hereT F. J. COATE8. Proprietor. WM ANDREWS. Chief Clwlt ,