INTRODUCTORY.

[Illustration:  (Battle at sea)]

The brief war between the United States and Spain was the outgrowth of the humanity of the American people and their love of fair play.  They did not stand idly by when Spain was literally starving the people of Cuba into subjection to her will, but freely and generously sent food, medicine and clothing to the sufferers.

When Spain’s cruelty to the Cubans became intolerable to the civilized world, the United States intervened in the name of humanity and right, and demanded that the oppression should cease.  Spain resented this, and the war followed.

Much has been said and written regarding our conduct of the war, and the grave scandals that arose from it; but it is not the purpose of this volume to discuss these other than to say that, the work of the navy was clean and beyond question, while it is clear to every one that there was gross mismanagement on the part of army officials.

The army performed as splendid achievements as the navy, but did it under much greater difficulties.  Regulars and volunteers fought side by side, and equally deserve our praise; but they were corralled in filthy camps, stowed between the dirty decks of crowded transports, and despatched to Cuba in a manner of which a cattle shipper would be ashamed.  They were flung against the ingenious defences of the Spaniards, cold, wet and hungry, and to their indomitable spirit alone we owe the victories in Cuba.

The boys and girls of America cannot fail to be deeply interested in the story of the splendid deeds of our army and navy in the year of our Lord 1898, and it is for them that this history has been prepared.

[Illustration:  (Soldiers encampment)]

YOUNG PEOPLES’ HISTORY OF THE WAR WITH SPAIN.

CHAPTER I.

The cause of the war.

[Illustration:  (Battle at sea)]

On April 21st, 1898, a war began between the United States and Spain.  All the other countries of the world felt an interest in it, but did not take any part in it.  They were what we call “neutral”—­that is, they did not help either side.

As soon as the war was proclaimed a great wave of excitement swept through the United States, from shore to shore.  Flags were hung out in every city and town; thousands of men offered to serve in the army—­volunteers they were called; and many persons offered to help in other ways.  The people were not glad that war had begun, but they felt that their country was doing right, and that they ought to support her efforts.