The _Texas_ was approaching when the Spanish ship was torn by a tremendous explosion.

The Americans broke into cheers.
Captain Philip threw up his hand and called: "Don't cheer, boys; the poor fellows are dying!" It was chivalrous and thoughtful on the part of the American commander and will never be forgotten.
The _Cristobal Colon_ steamed along the coast with the speed of a race horse, but the _Brooklyn_, _Texas_ and _Oregon_ seemed to feel the prick of the spur and ran as never before and as their captains did not believe them capable of doing.

The _Brooklyn_ gradually drew ahead and the Spaniard, seeing that escape was out of the question, hauled down his flag.

Thus the victory became complete.
The news was just in time to help in the universal rejoicing and celebration of the Fourth of July.

The Spanish fleet on the other side of the globe had been destroyed and now the second fleet was wiped out.
In the former instance not a life was lost and in the latter only one man was killed on our side, while the loss of the enemy was severe.
Never was a more decisive victory gained by one nation over another in the whole history of the world.
All my readers are familiar with the events that immediately followed, but perhaps they would like to know something concerning the naval heroes who did so much to contribute to the grand naval victory off Santiago.
William T.Sampson was born in Palmyra, N.Y., February 9, 1840.