The herald., 1898-07-17

W'XINLEY NOTIFIES SKATER
OF Els DECISION
THE TRIBUTES TO THE ARMY
Cables Kept Busy With the Terms of
Surrender and Arrangements for
Santiago's Future-Settled



Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, July 1.-THE arms sur
rendered by the Spaniards at Santiago de
Cuba to General shafter will be kept by
the United States government. This con-
clusion was reached late this afternoon by
the president and Secretary Alger, and was
made public by the latter as he left his
Office at o'clock tonight for his home.
"All those who have arms will turn Thorn
over to this government This is final"
These we're the secretary's words when
asked for information.
'.And," he added. in response to further
inquiry and to clear any doubt that might
exist ON the subject. "ths rifles, will not be
returned to Spain.'
This decision, no doubt, already has beer
communicated to General Shafter. Up to
the time when Secretary Alger's emphatic
statement disposed Of all doubt on the mat
ter, it was thought In some quarters that
consideration might be given to the appeal
made by General Toral in behalf Of hisl men
that they be allowed to keep their arms.
In fact, It was said by a high department
Official that the president would await the
recommendation Of the United States COM
naissioners to the surrender on the. subject
bseors disposing Of the question. especial
IL a. General Shafter had telegraphed the
department that 1t was understood the
United States commission would recon-
mend that tho Spanish soldiers return to
Spain with the arms they so bravely de-
Tended This decision of the president ap-
plies alike to those Spanish soldiers who
have not been engaged with the United
States troops, as well as to those who have
been participants in the recent battles.
Finally Settled
WASHINGTON. July 16. p m.-The fol-
lowing message, just received, Isl given out
by General Corbin:
..CAMP NEAR SANTIAGO, July 1s.-
The surrender has been definitely settled
and the arms will be turned over tomorrow
and the troopsI will be marched out as pris-
oners Of war. The Spanish colors will be
hauled down at o'clock and the American
nag hoisted.
"sHAFTER, Major General"
Sending Them Home
WASHINGTON, July 16.-Unless present
plans miscarry the Spanish soldiers sur
rendered at Santiago will sail from Cuba
for Spain on July g. This date has been
fixed by the war department and every ef-
fort will be bent toward expediting their
departure 1t was announced today that
the department has decided to ask for bids
from steamship companies for the trans
portation Of the prisoners to their native
land. and proposals will be issued next
week. The contract, it is understood, will
also include the subsistenceof the men dur
ing the voyage.
Congratulations and Thanks
WASHINGTON, July 16-The following
Kinley and Secretary R. A. Alger:
'To General shafter. Commander, Front.
near Santiago. Playa: The president OF the
United States sends to you and your brave
armyrthe profound thanks of the American
people for the brilliant achievements at
Santiago, resulting in the surrender Of the
city and all of the Spanish troops and ter
ritory under General Toral. Your splendid
command has endured not only the hard
ships and sacrifices incident to campaign
and battle, but in stress of heat and weather
has triumphed over obstacles which would
have overcome men az brave and deter
mined One and all have displayed the
most conspicuous gallantry and earned
the gratitude of the nation. The hearts of
the people turn with tender sympathy to
the sick and wounded. May the Father of
Mercies protect and comfort them.
WILLIAM M'KINLEY."
'Majop General Shafter, Front. near San
tiago, Playa: + cannot express in words my
gratitude to you and your heroic men. Your
work has been well done God bless you
all. R. A. ALGER,
Secretary ofrWar."
WASHINGTON, July 1s. s:15 .. m.-The
following message has just been received at
the White House:
PLAYA DEL ESTE, July 1s. via Hayti.
Ito the President: Camp near Santiago,
Juiy i'll thank you and my army thank
you TOR your congratulatory telegram OF
today. am proud to say everyone per-
formed his duty calamity. Your message
win be read to every regiment In the army
81 noon tomorrow
"sHAFTER. Major General"
Official Details
u WASHINGTON. July 16-The War De-
6oxtnent has posted the following:
II ln JulZ - ~ = Ad5utant> General