University of California Los Angeles - Bruin Life / Southern Campus Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

Page 29 text:

They have all been in several skirmishes, the most noted being- that at the surrender of Cavite. An interesting- account of the surrender is g-iven in the Manila Times of March 10. Admiral Dewey sent a messag-e to the insurgent comman- der to the effect that unless the town capitulaled by 9 o ' clock the next day, the place would be bombarded. At 8:30 on the following day a flag of truce was hoisted, but in a very few minutes huge masses of flame were seen issuing- from several places in the town. It was useless to try to save the town, but Mayor Rice, who was in charge, g-ave the order to advance. By the time they reached the town it was a sheet of flames, and the men showed true American pluck in fighting- their way through. Captain Steer ' s command had a unique experience. Thrice they tried to advance through the different streets, and on each occasion had to retreat, owing- to the terrible heat that prevailed. At about 1:20 p. m., Battery D sent out a scouting- party, consisting- of Sergeants G. and S. and Corporal Fanning and thirty men, to try to locate the enemy. They advanced and covered a distance of over two miles when they located the enemy. They returned to the main body, and the troops went into camp at the old Spanish breastworks. On the 13th, the flag presented to Battery D by the ladies of Los Angeles was raised over the breastworks, and three cheers were given for Old Glory and the United States. The camp was named Camp Rice, in honor of the commander. They have been truly lo3 ' al to their profession, for it is reported that Mr. Davis is Superintendent of Schools in Manila and Mr. Weise is on the Board of Education. But the state of affairs is such that they, as soldiers, are no long-er needed in Manila. They are now on their way home and are more anxious to reach California than they were to go to Manila. We are awaiting them, and a right royal welcome they will receive. Peakl Grav.