The state herald., 1898-11-25
Gen. whceIer's Methods.

Its way 10 the top of the hills at El
Paso and San Juan and Caney, General
Wheeler issued an order that every
cc;umand should dig trenches In prep
arati6n for the conflict that he knew
would break out again in the morn
Ing. But the soldiers had thrown away
most Of their trenching tools during
the fierce rifle charges, and as darkness
fell upon the scene OF battle they threw
themselves upon the ground and went
to sleep from sheer exhaustion. Adju-
tant Hood of the Rough Riders. noting
this condition OF affairs, rode over to
Gen. Wheelers tent and informed the
good old veteran that the men were
played out. Wheeler ut the time was
lying upon his cot more dead than
alive, but there WAS smile upon his
lips. and his never-failing good humor
twinkling In his eyes. when Adjutant
Hood said:
General, am afraid our men can't
dig the trenches"
What mem" asked the general.
THE cavalry division" said the ad-
iutant.
Gen. Wheeler sat up in bed and be-
gan pulling on his boots.
Send me the man." he directed.
What mani" asked the adjutant.
"The man who can't dig the trench
es."
But It is not one man: It is many
men. They are Just played out"
But you can surely find one man
who says he can't dig the trench.
only want one. Go get him and bring
him to me-"
But there are"
Il don't care how many there are,
30 get me one"
The adjutsnt had never faced such
4 man as Wheeler before, and he did
not know just what to make of the con-
yersation. The little old general was
rs smooth and suave and courteous as
,ould be. and Hood had nothing to do
but ride back to the line. In some
way he managed to round up colored
trooper belonging to the Ninth csval-
ry. and brought him back to the divi-
sion headquarters. He stood looking
iheepishly at the ground, when Wheel
er addressed him.
Are you the man who says he can't
dis these trenchcs?" asked the gem
eral.
The negros feet shufiied uneasily on
the ground.
Use one OF 'em. boss, but there's
A."
The general stopped him and walked
put OF his tent
You can go to sleep now. my man.
md III 20 and dig your trench for you
When the sun comes up tomorrow
morning the Spaniards are going to
open on US. and every man who isn't
protected Is not only In danger OF being
killed. but will be unable to help US
maintain our own position. The
trenches have to be dug. and II you
are unable to dig yours. III Just go
and dig yours for you. Where's your
piek7"
With the most businesslike air In the
world Wheeler slid Into his coat and
turned toward the big cayalryman. The
latters eyes opened us he saw the pro-
eeeding. and they began To bulge out
when the general motloned him to lead
the way to his camp For minute
bis voice stuck In his throat, and then
he said;
Boss. you amt 1T TO dig no trench
IS. II they done got to be dug, III
lust naturally do II myself. I'm dog
Tired. but that amt no work for you"
Wheeler stopped and looked at the
man with flicker OF amusement In his
eyes.
II know II isn't work for me to do.
be said. but am going to need SOL
Hers In tho morning. and ! am going
10 save your life. II possible. Do you
think now that you can dig the
ircnch?"
The negro started up the hill without
4 word. Then the general turned to
AdJutant Wood with voice as pleas
ant rs sunshine In May.
"lIe seems 10 have changed his
mind" he said. NOW. you go nnd mo
mother man who can't dig the trench
ps."
The adjutant bowed and rode on. lie
never came back. In the morning the
trenches were dug.-A,ian,n constitu-