Stone Bridge - Barr Estate

New Ipswich Historical Society

Another photo taken at the Barr Estate, note the stone bridge

William Jurian Kaula diary

12 MAY 1898

"Expected battles" between the fleets is the chief topic.  The discontent in Spain comes from the criticism for lost opportunities, lack of preparation.  Señor Moret whose methods in Colonial policy which have been more humane and who was willing to sacrifice much for peace, is being abused.  He who might have averted the war if he was allowed to carry out his suggestions, is now heaped with insults.  "General Weyler to whom history will ascribe the fall of the Colonial Empire of Spain, is the idol of the crowd."  Opinion is so divided that civil broils and riots cause much internal trouble in Spain.  Resistance to the bitter end means a stubborn fight and a spirit not easily subdued.  There is such a mess of disorder caused by Carlists, Socialists, and Anarchists.  Taxation is excessive and national bancruptcy [sic] is eminent.  In America all is serene, the people over-confident of our strength.*  Dewey is the hero of the hour and has been raised to the rank of a Rear Admiral.  Our army is anything but efficient except the regulars.  Men are not wanting but there is a painful want of training.  Prudence is necessary for our Government before the great feat of an invasion of Cuba is attempted until the proper time.  The impatience of the people ought not to be so great after the lessons of the Civil War.  A war which was only to last ninety days was prolonged into five years.**

*Kaula is seemingly obsessed with the daily news of the war.  Was Mr. Kaula's deep interest a result of being in Europe in 1898 and the many news reports available to him at that time?  (The next Kaula entry will shed some light on his preoccupation with the Spanish-American War).

As a reminder, there was no draft for the Civil War nor the Spanish-American War.  Per www.familysearch.org, statistics show that about 250,000 men volunteered to fight in the new war over the Spanish Colonies and "11,000 officers served in this conflict.  Most volunteers came from New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Ohio."

** History truly repeats itself ...

James Roger diary entry

12th May 1912

Fair forenoon.; showers after; wind south to southeast. Mr. Lord preached from the text: "I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me.” S.S. after. Present: 11 seniors; 3 juniors. Collection: $.27. Mrs. McKown, Ferrin, Blanchard, Jenny Blood, Milloy (?) and friend in class. Evening service. Subject: Contrasts. A very good turn out in spite of the weather.