Chapter 13

Cuban Discontent with Spanish Rule.—United States’ Neutral Attitude Toward Spain and Cuba.—Red Cross Society Aids Reconcentrados.—Spanish Minister Writes Letter that Leads to Resignation.—United States Battleship Maine Sunk in Havana Harbor.—Congress Declares the People of Cuba Free and Independent.—Minister Woodford Receives his Passports at Madrid.—Increase of the Regular Army.—Spain Prepares for War.—Army Equipment Insufficient.—Strength of Navy.—The Oregon Makes Unprecedented Run.—Admiral Cervera’s Fleet in Santiago Harbor.—Navy at Santiago Harbor Entrance.—Army Lands near Santiago.—The Darkest Day of the War.—Sinking of the Collier Merrimac to Block Harbor Entrance.—Spanish Ships Leave.—General Toral Surrenders.—Expedition of General Miles to Porto Rico.—Commodore George Dewey Enters Manila Bay.—Destroys Spanish Fleet.—Manila Capitulates.—Treaty of Paris Signed.