Four American naval heroes

by Mabel Borton Beebe

During these years he had seen service in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and had occupied many responsible positions in the Navy Department on shore. He had also been one of the committee that had investigated the loss of the battleship Maine.

All this had prepared him for the great task of commanding the North Atlantic Squadron. The prudence and judgment with which he performed this duty proved that the government had made a wise selection.

The people of America were still rejoicing over the victory at Manila, when the news came that the Spanish admiral, Cervera, with four of the finest cruisers in the world, and three of the latest kind of torpedo boat destroyers, had sailed from the Canary Islands for the United States. This caused some alarm, and wild reports were spread as to what these vessels might do. Admiral Sampson, with his fleet, was guarding the West Indian waters, and Commodore Schley, with his Flying Squadron, was waiting at Hampton Roads in case Admiral Cervera should sail north. If the Spanish admiral could evade these fleets, he might bombard the cities on the Atlantic coast.

VI.—The Cruise of the Oregon.

In the meanwhile, the greatest anxiety was felt for the United States battleship Oregon. When the Maine was destroyed, this vessel was at the Mare Island Navy Yard near San Francisco. Before war was declared she had been ordered to join the squadron of Admiral Sampson as soon as possible.

THE OREGON.

To do this she must travel through fourteen thousand miles of stormy sea, through the dangerous passage around Cape Horn and then up the eastern shore of South America.

On the 14th of March, commanded by Captain Clark, she sailed from San Francisco, entering the straits of Magellan on the 17th of April. On the same day that Admiral Dewey reached the Philippines, the Oregon arrived at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Every American was full of anxiety for the great battleship. Surely Admiral Cervera would arrive in the West Indian waters before the Oregon could pass through them. But swiftly and steadily the great ship came on.