EVENTS IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
FEBRUARY 15, 1898, the battle-ship Maine blown up in Havana Harbor; 260 lives lost. March 8 House of Representatives votes $50,000,000 for national defense, at the President's disposal. April 20 President McKinley sends an ultimatum to Spain to withdraw her land and naval forces from Cuba before noon of April 23. The Spanish minister receives his passports. April 21 U. S. Minister Woodford dismissed by Spanish Government before he can deliver the ultimatum. April 23 President McKinley calls for 125,000 volunteers. April 24 Spain declares a state of war exists with United States. April 25 the U. S. Congress declares war exists with Spain. April 27 Admiral Sampson's squadron bombards Matanzas, Cuba. May 1 Commodore Dewey destroys the Spanish fleet in Manila harbor. Spanish loss about 600 killed. Americans, 6. May 23 first regiment of volunteers sail from San Francisco for the Philippines. May 25 President McKinley calls for 75,000 more volunteers. May 29 Commodore Schley shuts the Spanish fleet under Cervera in Santiago harbor. June 3 Lieut. R. P. Hobson and a volunteer crew of seven men run the collier Merrimac into the mouth or channel of Santiago harbor and sink it. All captured. June 21 landing of American troops in Cuba near Santiago. June 24 first battle, near Sevilla, Cuba. Sixteen Americans killed. July 3 the squadrons of Sampson and Schley sink Cervera's fleet as it attempts to leave Santiago. American loss, 1 killed and 2 wounded. Great loss of life to Spain. July 17 the city of Santiago formally surrenders to American General Shafter. July 27 to August 12 American victories in Porto Rico. August 12 a protocol, suspending hostilities between the countries, signed at Washington. August 13 American forces under Admiral Dewey and General Merritt capture Manila. American loss, 50 men; navy, no loss. November 28. To date Spain has relinquished Cuba and ceded Porto Rico, Guam, and for $20,000,000 the Philippines.