1898 was an eventful year in McKinley’s administration owing to the outbreak of the Spanish war. In Europe it will be best remembered because of deaths of Gladstone and Bismarck.
The insurrection in Cuba had reached a stage when humanitarian efforts on the part of this country seemed necessary owing to the reconcentrado methods introduced by Weyler. The battleship Maine was sent to Havana, arriving there January 25. No demonstration was made, but it was hoped the moral effect of the presence of a warship would lead to good results.
The Maine was blown up by a submarine mine February 15. The events of the Spanish war will follow chronologically.
February 8—Letter was published written by Minister De Lome disparaging President McKinley. After publication of the letter De Lome asked the Spanish government to accept his resignation.
February 15—Battleship Maine blown up.
February 17—United States government appointed a naval court to inquire into the cause of the destruction of the Maine.
March 5—General Fitzhugh Lee’s recall requested by the Spanish government and promptly refused by the United States.
March 7—Bill introduced in the House appropriating $50,000,000 for national defense. Passed the House March 7 and the Senate March 8, and was signed by the President.
March 12—Battleship Oregon sailed from San Francisco to meet the Atlantic squadron.
March 12—Spain offered armistice to the Cuban insurgents.