Lala Rodgers Barr - Later Years

New Ipswich Historical Society

Another group of photos with Lala Barr in winter.

William Jurian Kaula diary

5 MAY 1898

The first event of importance in the war is a stirring one.  Further reports show what a daring attempt that Commodore Dewey made and with glorious success.  The Spanish fleet has been totally destroyed in the action or sunk to avoid capture.  The disaster has caused great excitement in Madrid.  The rejoicing in America must be great as it will likely cause the war to be shorter.  Manilla [sic] is now reported to be in flames.  The forts at Cavite are destroyed, and our vessels are apparently in good fighting trim for further actions if necessary.  The Spanish loss includes several cruisers and all kinds of minor craft.  The destruction was accomplished with amazing rapidity [sic] that has astonished the world.  Commodore met with no mishaps in piloting around a strange bay full of channels, shoals, sunken rocks, and all the impediments navagation [sic].  Torpedoes did not play any important part in the battle.  Either there were no mines or torpedoes in the harbor or the Spaniards were not equal to the occasion to use them.  Commodore Dewey deserves great credit in being so skillful in conducting his vessels through the treacherous waters.  He then swept everything before him, the Spaniards fought desperately against a superior force and it was a war of extermination.  Spain has received its first check and shock of dissapointment [sic].  Another such event will bring about a national misfortune and it is the consequence of defying the United States.  It will be self-evident by that time that pride and "honor" which they talk about so much, counts for very little in combat with a greater nation.  The high-spirit of the Spaniards admit of nothing but avenging their "honor" and will suffer great losses to the Crown, and plunge Spain into a condition that will make her useless as a nation for years to come.  They have deluded themselves and greatly underestimated our power, and from the first they have ridiculed our intentions.  Owing to the internal troubles and riots a state of siege has been declared in Spain.  Order can only be preserved by the military.  The French papers are dumbfounded at the news of our victory.  They predicted only reverses for us.  The question of what we will do with the Philliean [sic] Islands is what disturbs them now.  Will it become a power in the far East?  Europe, they say, will not allow us to keep the Phillipeans [sic].

James Roger diary entry

5th May 1912

Fine day. Communion Sabbath – a good attendance. Robert and Lena Walker admitted as members. Mr. Lord preached a good sermon from 2 Corinthians 8-9.  S. S. after.  Evening service. Topic: Signboard.  44 present