The Topeka state journal., 1898-07-04

forcements, and toward the execution
of this end, every effort of the admins
tratiOn was at once turned.
But there was other information of a
different tenor, coming about the same
time. The American army was not
alone feeling the effects of this three
days. shock of arms. Definite, positive
information. was at hand, that Santiago
had been literally torn to pieces and
that in the wreck and ruin of demOlish-
ed buildings and Spanish casualties
mum bered fully 1, 600. This was a fitting
offset to any qualms raised by the
reports from the American lines. This
information came from one of the for
eign consuls stationed at Santiago, who
reported to the representatiV of his
country in Washington the fearful hav-
oc within the city wrought by the
American army and the feet.
The distress of the city, even before
the battle, was clearly shown by the ac-
tion of this consul in serving out ra-
tions of One-half pound daily to his fell
low cOuntrymen, a few hundred in num-
ber. for the last month. Evidently there
was no food to buy; the Spanish mill
itary forces had taken every available
pound; only by this official distribution
of rations to the foreign colony could
they be kept from starvation. Then
came the brief but graphic recital of
the terrible effect OF the american at
tack from land and sea. The bursting
shells from our feet had done the
greatest damage inside of the city
Buildings were riddled with rifle shot,
and raOWn down with the nuRe ShellS
and solid projectiles from the ships.
Most serious of all, the Spanish COM
mander, General Linares, occupying a
place similar to that of General Shaft
er in the American army, was seriously
wounded.
PandO's Forces Arrive.
Washington, July 4.-Gen. Miles has
received the following telegram from
Gen. Shafter dated Playa del Este,
July 3-"Headquarters Fifth Army
corps-Killed a Spanish general in af-
fair at Caney and a large number of
officers and men who are still unburied.
Gen. Linares' arm was broken. My de-
mand for surrender of Santiago still
being considered by the Spanish author
tiles PandO has arrived near the
break in the railroad with his advance
I think he Will be stopped"
Also the following from Assistant Ad-
jutant General Wagner at same place
and time:
s.Pando is six miles north with 5000
troops Garcia opposes him with 5000.
Lawton can support Garcia and pre-
vent junction with the forts
Gen. Miles sent the following dispatch
to Gen. Shafter before the news of the
destruction of the fleet:
Headquarters of the Army, Wash
ington, July 3.-To Gen. Shafter, Playa
del Este, Cuba:
Accept my hearty congratulations
on the record made of magnificent forti-
tude, gallantry and sacrifice displayed
in the desperate fighting of the troops
before Santiago. realize the hard
ships difficulties and suferings and an
/ proud that amid those terrible scenes
the troops illustrated such fearless and
patriotic devotion to the welfare of ouI
common country and flag. Whatever
the results to follow their unsurpassed
/ deeds of valor, the past is already 9
/ gratifying chapter Of history. I expect
to be with you within one week with
/ strong reinforcements. (Signed)
MILES,
Maj Gen. Com
Skaters Reply.
Gen. Skaters reply is as follows:
playa. To. Mai. Gen. Miles. Washing