16 Jul 1898
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 22 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Weekly Call
Location
Troy, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Jul 16, 1898
Page
1
The article notes New Orleans imports about 75 percent of its garden truck from St. Louis and criticizes local enterprise. It also mentions Tardash of Cervera's squadron being ordered from Madrid for political effect, suggesting the move risks destruction and reflects reckless Spanish pride.
Before hostilities began the Spaniards declared we had no officers for our navy, no discipline among the crews and that, therefore, victory over them would be an easy matter. It is not unreasonable to suppose, in light of events, that their views may have become somewhat modified.
Commodore Schley’s Brooklyn led the flotilla that battered Cervera’s fleet, taking 45 hits yet remaining in action, and earning over 200000 dollars in head money for officers and sailors. The piece stresses U.S. neutrality and warns England must stay neutral to prevent German, French, or Austrian meddling.
The Spaniards in Santiago displayed the sacred Geneva Cross at intervals along their line to lure American fire. The motive appears to be an excuse to unleash savagery on wounded or captured prisoners, underscoring their brutal conduct amid the fighting.
Ts facta in regard to the loss of the French liner La Bourgogne will cause a blush of shame to suffuse the face of every chivalrous Frenchman. Nothing but dishonor is reflected in the story, except the fact that the steamer's officers went down with her. The action of the crew revives the memory of the Paris bazar horror, new men of high rank and presumably good breeding fought and trampled women in their frantic efforts to escape.
The Spanish agreed to swap Hobson and his Merrimac crew with their own, exchanging a blue-blooded aristocrat and two Spanish soldiers for each American seaman. The balance of prisoners favored the captors, but Washington could spare them.
Sunday July 3 proved a rest day for the army and navy except for duties of necessity and mercy. If Cervera stayed in the harbor little would happen beyond caring for the sick and wounded. The American fleet watched and prayed, ready for action if he moved.
In a recent nation speech Premier Sanissary presents a cautious stance, claiming to remain neutral between wartime nations while signaling a broad sympathy for the United States. The tone aims to satisfy Spain, though it may not fully align with prior pro American rhetoric.
The Paris Temps condemns Premier Sagasta over ongoing conflict, asking when honor will be satisfied and whether Spain will pay for the bloodshed. The text questions the mobilization and the cost of religio-political battles as ships sail and casualties mount.
A brief review of Senate and House actions from the 4th to the 8th covers Hawaiian annexation debates and votes. It notes pensions, the Declaration of Independence, approval of deficiencies bills, and a late session adjournment with Speaker Reed’s statement. Commodore Schley is thanked in a joint resolution, while West Point religion for Catholics is authorized.
Reports from Manila and the Philippines show military actions, naval movements, and refugee crises. Admiral Dewey enforces restrictions on Manila evacuations while Spain faces pressure for peace. Curtailments include refits, wrecking plans for Cervera’s fleet, and a navy boom in U.S. and European coverage.
Report from Halifax notes the French liner La Bourgogne sinks after a foggy collision with the Cromartyshire off Sable Island on the morning of the 4th, 553 souls lost. Cromartyshire’s captain stayed with a disabled ship to aid survivors but French crew conduct was described as disgraceful.
A railway line near Kern City California and a quarantine station at Mobile Bay suffered major fires. The Mobile Bay plant includes fumigating machinery and wharf facilities, destroyed by a boiler fire but expected to reopen with insurance funds.
Telegrams report Gen Toral refused unconditional surrender and Santiago bombardment would start about 4 p.m. A later official note declares the bombardment has begun. Flags fly over the White House and war offices amid thanksgiving calls. Banks show surplus reserve decline and loans rise. three Spanish ships may be saved per Admiral Sampson. Hawaii annexation commissioners named. Transport ships Yu and Columbia to reinforce Shafter.
Prominent Nokomis resident Henry C. Runge aged 52 and Mrs Jane Wrightmen 66 along with Mrs Robert Richey 70 of Arcola are listed among local figures. Judge John Moses of Chicago and Rev Pliny F Warner of Peoria die, with others including Judge T H Phillips of Murphysboro and Dr Lee Allin of Bloomington named for obituaries in the region.
Sausanitem from Peoria, Vincent Belt of Bunker Hill and Miss Tulia Walker of De Soto rushed to the county clerk at a Knights of Pythias meeting. Clerk and Squire Barnes arrived in full uniform, but midnight prevented a preacher. The couple wed on the boat before it pulled away.
Sergeant Thomas Triplett of the First Illinois Cavalry died soon after ingesting carbolic acid mistaken for whisky while intoxicated near Chickamauga. A 40 year old Chicago widower with three children, he walked to the hospital and calmly declared his intent to die. He died ten minutes later. his remains were sent to Chicago.
The funeral of Ed Ashworth a member of the Danville battery who died of fever at Chickamauga was held in Mattoon with military honors. Mattoon G A R post provided escort.
Washington July reports that Gen. Toral refused surrender unconditionally and that bombardment of Santiago would begin by land and sea around four o clock yesterday afternoon. Gen. Corbin offered no explanation beyond speculation on Shafter’s timing.
The Madrid Temps correspondent reports that after Santiago’s fall, peace talks are being considered. European chancelleries urge settlement while Bayonne talks disturb the ministry. Don Carlos supporters threaten if peace terms lose territory, and Gen Blanco warns reinforcements cannot reach Santiago in time.
Madrid reports Marshal Martines Campos in San Sebastian says negotiations for Cuba peace are not ripe. He supported reforms since 1869 but not autonomy, criticizing autonomy for Cuba as ineffective. Campos asserts Spain and monarchy remain, but country comes first over royalaffection.
Maprio reports the Carlists worry the government with claims that an aide de camp of Gen. Maximo Gomez said a new Cuban uprising against the Americans is possible as Cubans doubt American intent. The piece notes uncertain peace prospects amid Spanish anxieties.
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