Young Peoples' History of the War with SpainHolmes, Prescott
History
Young Peoples' History of the War with Spain
Holmes, Prescott
Spanish-American War, 1898
Later, there were Peace Jubilees held in a number of cities of the
United States. The one in Philadelphia was a splendid affair. There
were receptions and illuminations, but what pleased the spectators
most was the great parade. A great many of the military and naval
commanders of the men who won the splendid victories over the Spanish
were present, and thousands of the men themselves marched past the
miles of spectators who lined the sidewalks, as they passed along the
streets.
It was an inspiring spectacle. General Miles, the Commander-in-Chief
of the Army of the United States, rode at the head of the monster
procession. Cheer after cheer arose from the enthusiastic crowds as
the men who fought with Dewey swung past with rifles at "right
shoulder." They shouted themselves hoarse when a squad of "Rough
Riders" trotted by; Hobson and his men received an ovation; Colonel
Huntington marched at the head of the brave marines who made the bold
stand at Guantanamo. It was a day of heroes, and all were welcomed and
cheered royally.
[Illustration: (Troops on parade ground)]
CHAPTER XII.
THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.
But in spite of Peace Jubilees and fine parades of returning troops,
our country was still at war. But this war was with the natives of the
Philippine Islands. To explain this trouble, I must go back in my
story.
[Illustration: Aguinaldo.]
In another chapter I told you of the rebellion of the Filipinos
against Spain. One of the leaders in the rebellion was a young man
named Aguinaldo. The name means a "Christmas box." Aguinaldo has been
a good box for some people, a troublesome box for others. Well, to
quiet that rebellion, Spain made many promises, and Aguinaldo and
other leaders went to stay in China. Spain did not keep her promises,
and the rebels took up arms again. Before Spain could quiet this
trouble, Commodore Dewey destroyed the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay,
and the Spanish soldiers fled to the city of Manila. Commodore Dewey
had not forces enough to attack the city then, so he waited for more
troops. But while he waited he blockaded the harbor. In June, General
Merritt sailed from the United States with troops for Manila, and
others were sent afterward.
On the way across the Pacific Ocean, at Guam, one of the Ladrone
Islands, a ludicrous incident occurred. The Charleston steamed into
the harbor, firing a few shots at the fort at its entrance. Several
Spanish officers came out to the warship in a boat to apologize for
not returning the salute, saying they had no powder. What was their
astonishment upon being told they were prisoners, not even having
heard that war had been declared.
The United States flag was raised over the island, and it is now held
as a place to store large quantities of coal for the use of our war
vessels.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account