 Good evening, friends. This is Walter Houston. Tonight I think we have an ideal combination for you and our DuPont cavalcade. In the first place are stars and old favorite of yours, and a good friend of mine, Robert Montgomery. Bob is making his first radio appearance since being placed on inactive duty by the United States Navy. We all know Bob Montgomery's brilliant work as an actor, and most of us have also followed his career as a fighting man in this war. His record for more than four years of service is the forces of three of the United Nations. Now, play tonight. Couldn't be better suited to our star because it's a story about our Navy in an early war. It's called The Admiral. Admiral starring Robert Montgomery is brought to you by the DuPont company, maker of better things for better living through chemistry. Incidentally, DuPont has just gotten out a new booklet for car owners. The title is Take Care of Your Cooling System, and that's just what its 24 pages tell you how to do. There are lots of illustrations in color, and the whole book is planned to help you avoid cold weather troubles in the cooling system of your car. We'll be glad to send you a copy free. Just mail a postcard to Radio Section DuPont Company, Wilmington, 98 Delaware. 50 years ago, our Navy was small, yet even then some men knew the day would come when we would have to fight in every ocean. One of them was Admiral George Dewey, the man who first took our feet into the Philippines. And now the DuPont Company presents Robert Montgomery as George Dewey in Arthur Allen's radio play, The Admiral. December 7th, 1897. More than 40 years later, another December 7th was a day of infamy. But destiny had also selected that December day in 1897. For up the gang crank of the Pacific steamer, Gaelic, in the harbor of San Francisco strode a gray haired military man, George Dewey, Commodore in the United States Navy, on his way to take command of the Asiatic squadron. On the deck of the Gaelic, flanked by his two lieutenants, the commander gazed at the hills of San Francisco, and talked with a few naval officers who were there to bid him farewell. Two years, 8,000 miles from home. I don't envy you, sir. You don't, eh? Well, we're glad to be going. Right from being called home? Right, sir. I've always wanted to see Japan, sir. Who knows what can happen in two years? Oh, that's true. You're going to miss the front if there's war with Spain. There won't be much action in the Pacific. I disagree with you, sir. Well, I only meant Commodore, but the best part of the Spanish fleet is in and around Cuba. Right? But the first and most important round will be fought in the Philippines. The Philippines, Commodore? I know it's not the most popular opinion in the Navy, but it's my opinion, and it's theodore Roosevelt's opinion. Well, anyway, sir, you'll have the beautiful flagship, the Olympia. Where's she stationed now? The Yokohama Bay. I'll relieve Admiral McNair there. Well, that reminds me, sir, I don't mean to be forward, but it seems strange they didn't make you a rear Admiral when they appointed you to this command. It's customary, isn't it? Yes, it's customary. But I have one great consolation. What's that? Well, in the Asiatic command, I am the first Commodore since Perry. But Commodore Perry did pretty well. A few weeks later in Yokohama Bay, ceremonies were completed aboard the flagship Olympia. Commodore Dewey was in command of the Asiatic squadron. Then in Tokyo, Dewey, with United States Ambassador Buck, rides to the Imperial Palace for his first ceremonial call on the Emperor of Japan. Right, Commodore? Why do you think of Japan? It's amazing. From what little I've seen, they've done miracles in the 50 years since Perry opened them up. They must be an extraordinary people. They are. Very pleasant and friendly. Certainly. It pays dividends. What do you know about Japan, Commodore? I've read Lofcati O'Hearn, of course. And I once had a Japanese servant. His name was Ito. Very good chap. He knows business. He liked to put her around with ship models. What happened to him? He resigned. Of course, I've read Admiral Mayhand's book. He thinks we ought to have a string of island bases clear across the Pacific. Don't you? I don't know yet. Now they're all as willing and decent as my friend Ito. Commodore, 300 years ago, these japs had a warlord. His name was Hideyoshi. He started out to conquer the world. First Korea, and then China. There had been a lot of would-be world conquerors. Certainly. But they all gave up. The japs had merely postponed it. Maybe. But they're all like Ito. What? Oh, looks like we're here. This will be the naval delegation to escort her into the Emperor. Now be careful. Rigid formality. Polite but not too. Ah, Commander Yesuri. May I present Commodore Joy. Commander-in-chief of the Asiatic Squadron. Oh, yes. It is indeed a pleasure, Commodore. Thank you, sir. On behalf of my country and myself, I... Another Pete Commodore. Stop staring at him. Say something. I beg your pardon, Commander, but I didn't catch your name. Yesuri. Commodore Yesuri of the Imperial Japanese Navy. It is indeed a pleasure, Commodore. You, Commodore, please. Well, go ahead and follow him. What are you trying to do, Starran International Incident? What's happening to you? Nothing. Nothing at all. Except it might interest you to know that Commander Yesuri is my old friend Ito. The fellow who was so interested in ship models. 1898. In Cuba, insurrection. In the Philippines, revolt. In the courts of Europe, intrigue. In Hong Kong, harbor, Commodore Dewey and his friends attend a dinner given by Prince Henry, Admiral of the Imperial German-Asiatics Squadron. On the battleship, you try. Gentlemen, seated, please. The glasses will be filled and then we will have another toast. Your ship's banned. Is it credit to my country sent from St. Henry and to my queen? Thank you, Captain St. Justin. Next to our own him, our band is most acquainted with. God save the king. By the way, Commodore Dewey. Yes, Your Highness. I have been wanting to ask you. Do you Americans really expect to beat these Spaniards? I wasn't aware, Your Highness, that there was a state of war. Not yet, not yet. But true, my suppose. Tell me, what will you do? Well, I'll move into Manila Bay, of course, and clean out the Spanish fleet in 24 hours. Go right in, eh? Part of the minefield. Minefields? We had an admiral once named Farragut. You know what he said? I cannot say that I do. He said, damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead. I see. Full speed ahead. Well, gentlemen, another toast. Shall we stand? I propose a toast, gentlemen, to the Star of Russia. Your Highness. Yes, Commodore. May I remind your Highness, in accordance with diplomatic custom, I intend no disrespect to the ruler of Russia. For the commander of the Russian fleet present here is outranked by me, and therefore the first toast. You are right, Commodore, you are right. Yes, I was confused. I was thinking of the nation alphabetically, as we spelled them in German. Yes, gentlemen, I propose a toast to the President of the United States. Thank you, gentlemen. And now, the National Anthem of the United States. Prince Henry, the national anthem of my country is the star spangled banner. It is not Hail Columbia. And because I think this insult to my country is intentional, my officers and I are denying ourselves the further hospitality of the German Navy. Gentlemen. Yes, Commodore. Commodore, your country is not too well-known to the world. We are unfamiliar with it, sir. In that case, I will send your Highness a copy of the words and music of the star spangled banner. I might add that they were composed during naval battle with a European power. Come, gentlemen. Yes, Brumbie. Captain Chichester, sir. Chichester, so early in the day. Tell him to come in. What brings you over here? An error and I very much regret in view of the news. News? That war has begun. You didn't hear? We've had no news. We've been expecting a cable. It must have been delayed, which makes my errand even more difficult. You see, I received a cable this morning from the Secretary of State for the colonies. I have to read it to you. I will read it, Captain. It says, we are informed that a state of war exists between Spain and the United States of America. It has begun. Give immediate notice to the commanders of all ships of the belligerents within the waters of this colony that they will be good enough to leave the waters of this colony not later than 4 p.m. on Monday the 25th. The cable was sent by Major General Black, administering the government. Yes, I see. Naturally, since England is a neutral power. Commodore Dewey, there's no need for you to be distressed, Captain. It's proper that England should serve this notice. And since we are at war, the American fleet will be leaving anyway for the Philippines. So, on April the 25th, 1898, the American Asiatic Squadron sailed out of Hong Kong down for the Philippines. And that same morning, in the quarters of Admiral Prince Henry, aboard his flagship, the Dutchling. Commander Thulman. Yalu Ainas. I have just sent this cable to the General in Berlin, Commander. I read it. The United States fleet this morning sailed for the Philippines. The Philippines has revolved against Spain and would be glad to place themselves under the protection of a European power, especially Germany. I read instructions. So, you think our government is interested in this, Your Highness? I'm sure they are deeply interested. What instructions will they send at this hour that the American fleet already sailed? I hope the instructions for us to obstruct, embarrass and impede the American Asiatic fleet in every possible way. And I believe we will get those instructions. Because this is our war, Thul Commander. Lieutenant Bumby? Yes, sir. Tell Captain Gridley we go straight in. Having set his course for Manila Bay. That means we'll arrive after Dockson. I know it. We'll go straight in. That's right. Commodore, if I may make a suggestion. Certainly, Bumby. We don't know those waters. We'll take soundings as we go. But the minefield. Commodore, it's well known. It's got the most elaborate setup of any harbor in the Pacific. Bumby, would you like to hear what I think about those minefields? I would, sir. They're just a little too well known. Every naval man in the Far East talks about the Manila Minefield. They're the greatest, the most complicated things that ever happened. You know what I think, Bumby? I think they don't exist. But mines are no mines. We're going in. What's that island of the last limb? Now, you got a map. Look at it. Try to imagine. Look at it. Oh, what have you got to lose? You'll only get shot. Well, it's going. I know that. I know that. There's neither Willys. I think that island is corrugated, aren't there? Where's the minefield? He's worrying about the minefield. Well, what's worse, a minefield? A collision, my friend. That sinks two ships. Look at the Commodore up there in the bridge. Wouldn't want to have his worries. Me, I'd rather sleep at night. You're not doing much sleep in the night. What'll we get from the minefields? If I only knew what they looked like. You men down there. You men down there on that hat. Yes, sir, Commodore? I hear you say something about minefields. Yes, sir. It might interest you to know that I'm going below to take a nap. We passed through those minefields ten minutes ago. Robert Montgomery is George Dewey and the admiral of the Cavalty State of America. Brought to you by the DeFont Company, made for the better things for better living through chemistry. As we return to our story, the American squadron has entered Manila Bay. It is almost down on Commodore Dewey and his officers are on the bridge to be looted. Commodore? Spanish, please. What do you make of it, Commodore? As you see now, as there ain't a Christina, no, just like that, sir. They're using the Cuba, they catch the earthing. Can you make out that gunboat, Ridley? It's where the lives are on its face. Grumpy signal prepared to engage the enemy. I see. Ridley, what's that skulking over there in the chatter? It's a transporter. It's probably the minnow. Grumpy signal engaged the enemy. I see. What time is it now? Five forty-one. You may fire when ready, Ridley. It's reduced to defenses of Manila in twenty-four hours came through. After the battle at Manila Bay, Dewey blacked out at the port. No ship of any nationality could handle our departs without receiving his permission. Then one day, there was a new squadron in the harbor. The inferior German-Asiatic fleet aboard the Olympia. They were requesting that. This'll take a little time before I give you a few promotions. It'll take you all the time you want, Captain. Isn't that the Dutchman to put? It is. Alongside her, the Chryslerine Auguste, the Prince William Helm, Kaiser, the Cormoran, and the Mourin. It's like a whole group of navies out here. Why, Edmund? I don't know. Now, John is two to one, sir. We're not at war with Germany. Sometimes, I don't think we are. We have been disregarding the barricade, ignoring our signals, shooting the French lights on us tonight, giving aid and comfort to the enemy, and going out on their way to embarrass us, Edmund. We'll stop all that, Ridley. When, Edmund? When they overstep them, sir. To port. Looks like it's profitable. They got their arms to port. Fail them, Brumby. Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho! They pulled C. Supposed to sign it when we didn't get it? I don't think so, Brumby. Put a shot across their bow. I'll do the shot, Brumby. You've been offered to take one crack at once. Take more than that, Brumby. Stop this nonsense. It's obviously a planned incident, and they want it more with it. Why did you fire at me? Why did you fire at us? You're in the presence of a flag after the United States Navy. Second considerate. You stay exterminated. That's a little better. Now, what do you want? Sir, I wish to know why you fired on a lunch and a great gift of Edmund from Egypt. Oh, that's what that thing is, eh? And I thought it was a torpedo boat. That's the Spanish torpedo boat. I suppose you gentlemen realize there's a war on. Why don't you sell your colors and get them? Edmund from Egypt is raising your apologies. Yes, is it? Tell me. How did the Admiral find out about it so fast? It's excellent to see the Admiral say it's below in the lunch. Oh. My compliments to his excellent diabolos on Egypt. And ask him to be so kind as to come aboard. I'll await him in my cabin. Now, won't you, Admiral? I will extend that, Admiral Dewey. The Imperial German government must have an apology for the double aid that's happening. Furthermore, it is the demand of the Imperial German government. Demand? Admiral Dewey? That's your quackers mission of an act upon certain grievance. I'd like to hear them. Does your Excellency have a list with him? I have. Your Excellency, I shall stop and board. All mutual vessels entering Manila Bay. That is not only my right, Admiral. It is my duty. Proceed, if you please. You have assigned a position to the harbor to prevent our maneuver. You are not supposed to maneuver, sir. You prevent my launches from communicating with the Imperial German consulate Manila. You turn back my transport when all I wish is for a few German soldiers to land at Manila and stretch their legs in a harbored drill. And now you add to these operations by firing upon myself in my own launch that carries not even one machine gun. Excellency, that is all for the press. And now let me tell you something. Does your Excellency know that it is my fleet and not his which is blockading this port? Of course. And is your Excellency aware that he has no rights here whatsoever except such as I choose to allow him but... And does your Excellency realize he cannot move? He cannot maneuver? He cannot communicate except by my permission? One would imagine so that you and not I were blockading this harbor. You have no rights. I have every right. Tell me, has the Imperial German government decided to make war on the United States? Is that her intention? Do you want war with the United States? You are very near it, sir. And you can have it. You can have it as soon as you like. The sun breaks on a cloudless day upon the bridge of the Olympia span two old friends, Captain Techester of Her Majesty's Navy and Admiral George Dewey, United States Navy. They see their eyes from there as they gaze far out at sea at a line of disappearing warships. Well, Admiral, there they go. Back to Germany or wherever they came from. Yes. And without asking my permission to get underway, as usual. Before I go, I'd like to tell you a little something strictly confidential, of course. I give you my word, Captain. I had a visit last night from a German Admiral von Dietrich. He came to ask me one question about me naturally. It was a shorty after your delightful conversation with him. He said, Captain Techester, have your instructions as to your action in the event of actual hostilities between myself and the American squadron? And what did you tell him? I said, of course I did. Then he looked over at me and said, may I ask them to be informed as to the nature of those instructions? You know what I said. I said, Your Excellency, there are only two persons here who know what my instructions are. One of them is myself and the other is Admiral Dewey. Admiral, let me congratulate you again. In all your conduct of this blockade, you haven't made a single mistake. Ah, that's where you're wrong, Captain. I made one. You see those German ships skulking back home with their tails between their legs? I should have sunk every one of them. Do you think von Dietrich was recalled? No, no, I don't think so. I think the policy of the German government, Captain, is to keep other powers from getting what they can't get themselves. The United States will need this, maybe, because our next war will be with Germany. Ah, thanks to you, Robert Montgomery, and the members of tonight's cavalcade cast. Before we hear from Bob Montgomery, I'd like to remind you of one of the things America has to be thankful for this year. Even with 10 million men in uniform, all well fed, the rest of us at home still have food to eat. Not many folks would think offhand that dynamite has anything to do with food or the amount of milk that their youngsters get to drink. But linking together two things, as different as dynamite or milk, comes as no surprise to the men and women of the third national exposition of the American Chemical Society who closed their meeting yesterday in Chicago. For they know dynamite as a chemical lever, a powerful chemical tool, touching our lives at many points. The West Coast has more milk right now because of dynamite. The whole country has more pork because of dynamite. Do you remember those floods you read about in the papers last spring in Iowa? Roads and bridges are washed out. The acres of farmland are covered with flood water. In some districts, vast areas of water had to be drained off within 24 hours if the newly planted crops were to be saved. Now, Gain Whitman knows a lot more about all this and he's going to tell you how it's done. Every mechanical equipment couldn't be used, even if it had been available. So county engineers in many places used to pump dynamite. In Chickasaw County, for instance, a dynamited ditch a mile and a half long, we'd claimed 300 acres of farmland in hours instead of weeks. In another place where a bridge was damaged by floodwaters that had cut a new channel, DuPont engineers blasted a new channel eight feet deep and 25 feet wide in a few hours. The land was saved for production. It grew corn. The corn was fed to hogs. And you have more pork thanks to dynamite. About milk. Out of the state of Washington this year, thousands of feet of ditches were dynamited across previously useless or nearly useless lowlands. In one soil conservation district alone, they turned 1200 additional acres into better pastureland. The pastureland grew grass. The grass fed cows. The cows gave milk. And hundreds of additional gallons of milk went to west coast markets. Where the earth is so wet that you can pick up a handful of mud and squeeze water through your fingers, ditches may be dug with dynamite using the propagation method as it is called. Sticks of dynamite made just for the purpose are set in the earth in a row. The first stick is exploded and the water in the soil carries the wall up along and sets off the other sticks one after another. Today, dozens of different types of dynamite or dozens of different jobs are manufactured by DuPont, maker of better things for better living through chemistry. And now here is Walter Houston. Now, before we hear from Robert Montgomery, I want to take just a moment to say a few things about Bob. Back in 1940, when the war shocked the world, Bob served at the American Field Service as an ambulance driver in France. When that country fell, Bob was commissioned a lieutenant in the United States Navy and resorted to London. In London, he went to the Pacific, saw action at Munda, Cooler, and Guadalcanal and was with the destroyer squadron in the Normandy invasion. Bob, glad to have you back. Thank you, Walter. The Sixth War alone teed off today and I suppose this ex-Mavy man ought to fire the heavy guns at you in behalf of war bonds. But I'm sure you can name as many reasons for loading up on war bonds as I can. Anyway, all I want to do is take off my hat the kind of boys that I've fought beside the last few years. You know, there's a quality about the American boy that stands out when the chips are down and the lead is flying. He just says the so-and-so's can't do that to me and, brother, he's got what it takes to back that up. I saw this boy of yours back in the hungry days in the South Pacific when we felt like holding a special prayer meeting to thank God that one new fighter plane had just come in. I saw him on D-Day on thousands of ships that your bonds have built under an air cover of thousands of planes that your bonds have built. He knows we at home aren't perfect, not by a long shot. But you know, he still thinks that we're worth dying for. I guess if I had to, I could really lay it on about this American kid. But I'd rather just say that it was a privilege to fight beside him. I know it must be a great privilege for you to stand beside him and buy the rest of the war bonds that will bring him back home to you. Thank you very much. Thank you, Bob. Thank you, Bob. Newspapers we read daily are, well, they're more than just bearers of news, opinion, and amusement. They are symbols of a free people, a free press. Fighters for this freedom in our country of our many, without standing among them was a woman, Anne Royall. Next week on Cavalcade, we bring you Witness for the People, the dramatic story of Anne Royall. Our Cavalcade star will be the distinguished actress, Stay Bater, with Ray Collins as Andrew Jackson. Listen then next Monday to Stay Bater and Ray Collins in Witness for the People on the Cavalcade of America. Thank you and good evening. The music tonight was composed and conducted by Robert Armworth there. Cavalcade of America is grateful to this Davis publishing company for permission to base this dramatization on Lauren H. Healy's and Louis Kupner's book, The Admiral. This is Gayne Whitman inviting you to tune in next week to Witness for the People, starring Stay Bater with Ray Collins, brought to you by the E.I. DuPont Memorial Company of Wilmington, Delaware.