Admiral Dewey 169 



the months he was on the Asiatic coast. He had 

 his plans thoroughly matured, and he struck the 

 instant that war was declared. There was no de 

 lay, no hesitation. As soon as news came that he 

 was to move, his war-steamers turned their bows 

 toward Manila Bay. There was nothing to show 

 whether or not Spanish mines and forts would be 

 efficient; but Dewey, cautious as he was at the 

 right time, had not a particle of fear of taking risks 

 when the need arose. In the tropic night he steamed 

 past the forts, and then on over the mines to where 

 the Spanish vessels lay. What material inferiority 

 there' was on the Spanish side was nearly made up by 

 the forts and mines. The overwhelming difference 

 was moral, not material. It was the difference in the 

 two commanders, in the officers and crews of the two 

 fleets, and in the naval service, afloat and ashore, 

 of the two nations. On the one side there had been 

 thorough preparation; on the other, none that was 

 adequate. It would be idle to recapitulate the re 

 sults. Steaming in with cool steadiness, Dewey's 

 fleet cut the Spaniards to pieces, while the Ameri 

 cans were practically unhurt. Then Dewey drew 

 off to breakfast, satisfied himself that he had enough 

 ammunition, and returned to stamp out what embers 

 of resistance were still feebly smouldering. 



The victory ensured the fall of the Philippines, 

 for Manila surrendered as soon as our land forces 



VOL. XII. H 



