12 May 1898
Page 1
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Newspaper
Weiser Signal
Location
Weiser, Idaho, United States of America
Date
May 12, 1898
Page
1
View of Manila, capital of the Philippines, noting a population around 830,000 with Spanish creoles, Chinese, and natives. Once a city of stone houses, a 26 year back earthquake leveled many structures and rebuilt homes became low and lightly built of wood and bamboo.
May reports describe Allied and Spanish forces in active operations across the Atlantic. Mentions of ships, volunteers, and Pacific deployments surface as nations mobilize. Observations include fresh acts around coastal fortifications, bombardment attempts, and troop movements. protestations and counterclaims thread through the chaotic war reporting.
The flagship Olympia, built in 1891, displaces 5,870 tons with 17,813 horsepower and 21.0 knots. It carries four 8 inch rifles, ten 6 inch rapid fire guns, fourteen 6 pounders, six 1 pound guns, and four Gatlings. The Concord, from 1588, mounts six 6 tech threestrashing rifles, two 6 pound and two 8 pound rapid fire guns, two Hotchkiss revolving cannons, and two Gatlings, with replacement 1,710 and 2,065 horsepower and 16.8 knots.
The Raleigh 19m protected cruiser built in 1889 has displacement 1,218 tons, horsepower 10,000, and speed 19 knots. It carries ten 5 inch guns, six rapid fire guns, four 1 pound rapid fire cannons, and two Gatling guns.
The article recounts the 1890s style naval clash between American and Spanish forces near Cavite. It highlights ships including the Baltimore, Reina Maria Christina, and Olympia, noting use of 6 inch and 8 inch breechloaders, revolving cannons, and Gatlings. The engagement features the Baltimore taking heavy fire, the Don Juan de Avatrio destroyed by explosion, and ongoing maneuvering with dramatic battle imagery.
One of the world’s greatest naval engagements ends as the last vessel of the Spanish fleet sinks. IL ships wiped from the sea in a dramatic Pacific clash.
Reports describe the May 1 to May 4 naval engagement at Manila Bay where Spanish fleet vessels were destroyed or driven off by Commodore Dewey's squadron. The American ships led by Olympia and Raleigh and supporting vessels pressed the harbor as night actions and dawn exchanges occurred. Eyewitness dispatches claim tactical superiority of the U S forces and speculate on ranges and weapon effects amid chaotic combat.
The article notes there are many Philippine islands with over 1900 small isles, two large ones Luzon and Mindanao among others, totaling about 120000 square miles and a population near 7.5 million. Manila, Luzon’s capital, houses about 880000, mainly Spanish creoles with Chinese and native mixes. The Manila Bay is described as the world’s largest and finest anchorage.
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