The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-07-01
Full Text of His Dispatch Shows
Him in Perfect Command
of the Situation.
REPORT FROM WHEELER
In Which There is Unstinted Praise For the Rough
Riders and All Who Took Part at La Quasina
-Shafter to the Front.

Washington, June 3O.-The war depart
ment received the welcome Information
today that military telegraph station
has been established at Savilla, in the
center of the present military operations
and that this line ran to a point near
Aquedores, where it connected with the
French cable line, thus bringing General
Shafter into direct communication with
the war department. General Greeley
received dispatch to this effect at 1890
o'clock from Lieutenant Colonel Allen,
who has charge of Geographic and cable
operations. The information was con-
veyed to the secretary Of war and General
Miles and gave much satisfaction, as it
accolnpbishes an end long sought and diff
cult 10 accomplish. The work has been
done by. Colonel Allen, assisted by Major
Green of General Skaters staff. The
snort point at which the military line con-
meets with the French cable company
viii lbe advanced to Aguadores as soon as
that town is taken. 1t is now held by
Spanish forces but the purpose is to have
the warships shell it. after which il will
be occupied as a shore basis.
Beyond this, the war department re-
ceived little news today from General
Skaters headquarters in addition to the
important reports received from him yes
terday. In fact. nothing but the actual
assault remained 10 be reported after the
significant statement made by General
Shafter to General Miles, that he expect
ed 70 take Santiago as soon as he got
ready TO move, without waiting for rein
forcements. The substance of this dis
patch was made known yesterday, but
the actual text could not be given. 1t
was in reply to General Miles dispatch
Of the 25th saying: Congratulations on
success attained thus far. Regret deeply
to hear Of loss Of your noble men. Cable
what you desire for your command"
General Skaters reply was primarily
to acknowledge the congratulations, but
he took occasion in doing this. briefly,
but 10 the point. to state his plans in the
following words:
Expect to take the place as soon as
/ get ready to move. Reinforcements will
not reach me-"
The dispatch in full is as follows:
playa del Este, June %, 4:3O p. NJ
Major General Miles, commanding army,
Washington: Baiquiri, Cuba, June Is
Thanks for congratulations. Affair was
unimportant (skirmdsh in which rough
riders participa1ed). Nine sixty-four only
engaged on our side. But 1t was very de-
eisive in our favor. enemy Tetreating pre-
ripftateIy Lack of cavalry only prevent
ed their capture
Reports from Spanish cources from
Santiago say we were beaten but persist
I'd in fighting and they were obliged to fall
back. Deeply regret loss of brave men.
Expect to take place as soon as 1 get
ready TO move. ReinfOrcements viii not
reach me. Horses stood voyage well.
Would like horses and probably "for'D
Third battalion Of cavalry and Woods vol
unteers.
@,Healrh and spirits Of command excel
lent Began debarkation command We'd
nesday. Last of troops and artillery land
ed today, besides transferring from Acce-
rederos. fifty miles off, 5000 troops Of Gar
cia All landed. Have something over
1900 Cubans.
Hope to send you favorable reports
soon.
(Signcd) "SHAFTER,
Major General L. S. V. Commanding.
General Skaters reference to the con-
dition of men and horses was brought
out by an inquiry from General Miles
saving:
Telegraph condition Of command, num-
Der Of sick. condition of men and horses
and what you most need"
Besides the foregoing dispatches to Cen
eral Miles other official dispatches from
headquarters came 10 the war department.
Il was in the above. however. that Cen
eral Shafter stated his expectation TO take
rhe city before achievements reached
him The other official dispatches gave
the advance of Spanish troops from Man
zanino 5000 strong and also expressed
General Skaters belief that he could
take tho city in fo~ty-eight hours. but
with considerable loss. The texts of these
dispatches have not been given out. but
they are likely TO he made public later.