The Wilmington daily Republican., 1895-09-30
GENERAL rRIsoN A. MILEa

field probable successor. While General
Miles was the senior major general of the
army, and ono of the most popular, per-
sanally,, with his subordinates, 1t ives re-
ported that he was, for some reason, per-
soma non grata to the president, and that
ths fact that he had no diploma from West
Point might weigh against his chances
General Ruger was the principal rival for
the appointment mentioned.
There was also an impression in some
quarters that the office Of general of the
army might be left vacant for some time,
~ there In no requirement Of law for such
y position and as there are prccedents for
leaving 10 untitled. Only once since the
army was organized however, has the pre-
uident failed to appoint the senior general
ho the command Of the army.
Whom General Miles was seen by o re-
porter OF the Associated Press at his head
uuarbers on Governors Island, he spoke
heely Of his appointment.
my informant" said the general, twas
6ocretnry Lamont, whom mot by special
appointment ut the Metropolitan club in
Now York last Friday. Naturally, was
snuch gratifed. In a scnse, however, my
appointment Is not o promotion, as tho
grnde Of lieutenant general became extinct
with the retirement of General Schofeld.
pwill enter upon my new duties with rs
little delay as possible; In fact, as soon as
tho secretary Of war issues the order an
nounoing my succession.
''In leaving here will do so with many
regrets. This is the pleasantcst post
svor hnd. Although In the very heart of
sivizAtion IL Ia rs much retired as If it were
hundreds of miles away, instead of being
within gunshot of the metropolis. Then,
too, the people of New York and Brooklyn
have boon very hospitable, and / shall
lsaye them with many social obligations. !"
General Miles was asked whether he will
recommend any changes in the admins
tration Of the army. He replied that II ho
30 contemplated it would hardly bo proper
20 discuss them at this time.
Tho general would make no direct reply
to the question whether he thought the
grnde of lieutenant general might be re-
sived by congress In his case, as in that Of
General Schoaeld.
Whom asked whether General Ruge- will
succeed him in command Of the depart
mont OF the east General Miles replied:
"That Is the general inpression but, of
course, cannot speak authoritatively.
The rank Of lieutenant general expires
with General Schoflelds retirement, as it
"a grade created only by special acts Of
congress In recognition of distinguished
services. 1t has been bestowed upon six
generals-Washingto Scott, Grant, Sher-
man, Sheridan aud Schoheld.
General Miles has received all his mill
tary training on the field of experience,
instead Of in the schools. He will be the
Hrst general for many years who was not
West Point graduate and rs the West
Pointers are reputed to esteem themselves
the aristocracy Of the arms it has been re-
ported that his volunteer antecedents
would initiate AGAINST his appointment,
90 far as tho influence of the army circle
had to do with it. General Winfield Scott
was tho last commanding general who
was not West Point man.
General Miles is a native of Massachu-
sotts, having been born in Westminster
on Aug. y, 1880. In 1881 he Joined the
Twcnty-second Massachusetts and served
throughout the rebellion with great dis
tlnction. He distinguished himself early In
his career In the Army of the Potomac, and
took part in every engagement, except one,
mp to Leo's surrender at Appomattox. Gen
eral Miles distinguished himself in particu-
lar at Spottsylvania. Attacking the bloody
angle on the right, he broke the onemy 9
line, routed him aud captured Lieutenant
uon0flh DusnrOu Johnson anu MS ulVl-
sion. At Five Forks Miles saved the day
by coming TO the rescue of Sheridan's cav
airy and Warren's fifth corps.
General Miles promotion was marked
by somewhat exceptional rapidity, only
about a year elapsing before he was made
( lieutenant colonel of the Sixty-first Now
York infantry, and month later he was
made colonel of the same regiment. In
1854 he attained the rank Of brigadier
general Of volunteers. In 1895 he was
mustered out of the volunteer service and
placed In command of the Fourth United
Btatss infantry, In which he remained till
1859. whom he was transferred to the Fifth
infantry,
/ Altogether the new commander has had
Q varied military career, Since the war he
1ns been best known as an Indian fighter
lic did fine work at the head of the Indian
fcrritory expedition In 1873. In 1870 be
drove Sitting Bull over the Canadian line
captured q number of nntad warriors. and