Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-12-21
Some MisapprehensiOns Corrected.
THE ACTION OF THE PRESIDENT HIMSELF IN THE NAT
TER.

THE ACTION OF THE PRESIDENT HIMSELF IN THE NAT
TER.
Judging from the tenor OF special dispatches
sent every now and then from Washington, it
would seem that there Is an impression that the
War department is trying to belittle Gen. Miles
achievements which ended the Apache hostities.
There is no doubt that Immediately after the sur
render Of the hOstileS there was feeling of dis
satisfaction in Official circles because of the in-
ability to obtain accurate information as to the
conditions OF the surrender. The repeated efforts
to secure this Information, however, did not ema-
nate from the War department but from the Pres
ident himself, because he was embarrassed by
ignorance OF their status in coming to q decision
as to their final disposition. He was informed
through the department OF Justice that four white
persons in Arizona had escaped from the hOStiles
who, while In captivity , M had witnessed several
murders committed by them. They profeSSed an
ability to identity some OF the murderers should
they be brought to trial
CONFLICTING REPORTS AS TO THE TERMS OF SUR
RENDER.
Before the President could decide to give the
Indians over to the civil authorities for punish.
ment he was anxious to learn what, II any,
promises his agent, Gen. Miles, had extended to
them. Therefore, the repeated dispatches were
sent by his direction asking what the terms OF
surrender were. The delayed replies cOnflicted
at one time giving assurance that the hOstiles
were at the unrestricted disposal of the President
At still another that they should receive the same
treatment as Chlei Joseph and other chiefs who
led their tribes against the United States received
Satisfied that the conditions were such that the
hosttes could not be turned over to the civil all.
thorities without violating promises extended to
them at their surrender, they were sent from San
Antonio TO Fort Pickens, Fla.
GEN. NILES REQUEST FOR LEAVE
Pending the decision, General Miles asked fol
leave OF absence to come to Washington to settle
matters that needed personal explanation. His
request was refused, because it was thought fnad.
visable for him to leave his command at that time
He thereupOn telegraphed to senator Don Cameron
that the War department had denied him leave
and requested him to see the President about It.
senator Cameron called on the President and
showed him the telegram. After reading 1t, the
President looked up and said, s1ts mistake. The
War department did not refuse the leave. 1t was
that refused IT," AL the official communications
to General Miles after the surrender were
SENT By DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT.
There are papers on file In the War department,
that show that the hOstiles claimed even better
terms than those really granted to prisoners o
war; that they were promised that they should
not be separated from their families. Gen. Stan
ley, who had charge OF Geronimo at San Antonio
reported that the Indians version OF the terms
surrender is confirmed by q lieutenant who was
present, and also by the interpreter. The admin
fstration was bound only by the promises OF Gen
Miles which were acknowledged by him, and they
were therefore separated from their families an(
placed In solitary confinement.