April 21, 1898 marks the beginning of the Spanish-American War. President William McKinley ordered a naval blockade of Cuba 125 years ago as diplomatic relations between the United States and Spain ended. Congress officially declared war four days later.
After the war, Spain relinquished sovereignty over Cuba and lost its control over the remains of its overseas empire. The U.S. acquired Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines Islands. The war took the lives of 2,446 U.S. service and an estimated 55- to 60,000 Spanish troops, most of whom died of infectious diseases.
From the Evening Tribune, Thursday, April 21, 1898:
WAR HAS COMMENCED
North American Squadron Sailed Today Under Sealed Orders
SPANISH FLEET STILL AT CAPE VERDE
The President Will Call for 100,000 Men —80,000 for Cuba and 20,000 for Coast Defense Artillery work—War in Earnest Now On
Special Dispatch to The Evening Tribune
Washington, April 21—The North Atlantic squadron sailed today for Havana from Key West. The decision to send the fleet was reached at the cabinet meeting this afternoon and was guarded as closely as possible. Hurried orders were dispatched to the fleet to
ESTABLISH A BLOCKADE
at the entrance to Havana harbor. Later on the fleet will be ed by the troops who will be dispatched to Cuba as soon as, in the opinion of the president, it is possible to use them advantageously in the occupation of the islands. Meanwhile as rapidly as troops can be rushed to Key West and other points on the South Atlantic and Gulf coasts they will be hurried forward. It is estimated that it will take
TEN DAYS TO CONCENTRATE
an army of sufficient size with supplies to make the campaign. It is the purpose to gather these troops and to make a sharp, decisive movement. Immediately upon the age of the army volunteer bill by congress the president by proclamation will
CALL FOR 100,000 MEN
Of this force it is intended to have 80,000 men in Cuba in conjunction with the regular army now already assembling. The remaining 20,000 men will aid the artillery detachments in guarding the seacoast and manning the heavy guns of our coast defense. Great difficulty was experienced in learning the details of operations. Secretary Long, when seen refused to it that orders had been sent to the fleet, but subsequent confirmation was obtained of a rumor that orders had been sent, coupled with the surprising information that the fleet had actually sailed.
THE FLYING SQUADRON
also has orders to sail. The fleet will depend on fast cruisers to keep posted on the enemy’s movements. There is great reason to believe both the flying squadron and the Key West squadron will blockade Cuba.
FLYING SQUADRON NOT GONE
Fortress Monroe, Va., April 21—No orders have been given out. Everything quiet here Fleet at anchor.
DECLARATION OF WAR
Madrid, April 21, 2:30 p.m.—A semi-official note issued this afternoon says the Spanish government, having refused the ultimatum of the president of the United States, considers that the document constitutes a declaration of war against Spain and that the proper form to be made is not to make any further reply but to wait the expiration of the time mentioned in the ultimatum before opening hostilities. In the meantime the Spanish authorities have placed their possessions in a state of defense and their fleet is already on its way to meet that of the United States.
THE FLEET STILL THERE
London, April 21—The Evening News of this city, publishes a dispatch this afternoon from St. Vincent, Cape Verde Islands, dated today, Thursday, at noon which says: “The Spanish fleet is still here, awaiting orders, with banked fires. Three additional ironclads are expected forthwith.”
Washington (April 21— Dispatches received at the White House up to noon show that the Spanish fleet had not moved from Cape de Verde islands.
WOODFORD HOOTED WHEN HE LEFT
The state department received information this afternoon that at 4 o’clock Mr. Woodford had left Madrid. As this was Madrid time, it was presumed that he is now either out of Spain or well on his way to the frontier. There was a great hostile demonstration at the depot wen he left.
ED THE SENATE
Washington, April 21—The volunteer bill for 80,000 troops has ed the senate.
