The times., 1898-09-02
MILES sails FOR Home
Last Official Message Filed by
Him From Ponce.
HE LEAVES A BIG FORCE
Surprise Among Military Men That
He Should Consider Such n Large
Command Necessary for Garrison
Duty-Fears for the Health of His
Army-Muster Out VIII Follow.

The War Department was informed yes
terday by Major General Miles OF the
number of troops which are to be sent
home from Porto Rico, and of those
which are to be retained there for the
purpose of garrison duty during the neGo-
tiations for peace
The number retained is larger than WAS
expected by the Administration ON -i1iS
and it is probable that Ine influence OF
State authorities to secure the muster OUT
of regiments from their commemorative
will result in orders for the Withdrawal
of further regiments from Porto Rico
A few days ago telegram was sent
to Gen. Miles directing him to send to
the United States, as soon as transporta-
ton could be provided for them. as many
regiments as could be spared from sarri-
son duty in the island. Some orSanfza-
tions were particularly designated Tor
sending home cable message from
Gen. Miles, received late yesterday, indi-
Gates the action which he took as result
of the War Departments order The mes
sage follows:
His Last Message.
Ponce. September l.
~Secretary Of War, Washington:
Twelve thousand troops will be left in
Porto Rico and nearly 4,60O infantry, cav
airy. and artillery sail for New YORK.
These troops sail on the OLDHAM, Concho,
Chester, Alamo, Mississippi, and Manito-
ba. The division is under the command
of Major Gen. Wilson, with Brig Gems
SchWan. Haines, and Garretson- All OF
these officers have taken part in the dlf-
ferent engagements and are enJitled~ 10
much credit, and / speak for them any
consideration that can be given on their
return home. The cavalry and artillery
leave most Of their horses and all their
field transportation in Porto Rico. l sail
On '''--- MILES,
MAI. Gen. Commanding"
Some of the officials of the War De-
nartmeut incline TO the belief that, mas
much as the condition Of affairs in Porto
Rico Is extremely favorable 10 American
sovereignty, and since the Spanish garri-
son is very small and Of doubtful loyalty.
# IS unnecessary to keep large force
Of troops in the island during the nego-
tiations of the Paris Peace Commission.
Ten thousand men is a larger garrison
than is necessary, in the opinion OF those
officials
Alarming Reports.
Alarming reports have been brought TO
the War Department in regard TO the
health of Gen Miles's command. al
though so far as known none Of this in
formation has been impaired by the COM
manding general Some of the military
men and others who have recently come
from Porto Rico represent that the sani-
tary situation in the island is fully as
alarming as il was in Santiago prior to
the withdrawal of Skaters army. These
reports have brought many requests 10
the War Department for the Withdrawal
CT certain regiments of Gen. Miles's force
and the influence of these petitions is very
strong.
Among the troops which Gen Miles
mentions as sailing on the several trans
ports are the cavalry organizations from
New York, Brooklyn. and Philadelphia
as well as some other organizations
from those places. Gov. Hastings. of
Pennsylvania, visited the War Depart
ment yesterday and arranged that tie
cavalry troops belonging TO his State
should, Immediately upon their arrival at
New York. be dis . barked and put on
all OF the soldiers coming from Porto
Rico will be mustered out soon.
The War Department Notified
Maj. Gen. Wilson, at Ponce, Porto Rico,
Informed the War Department late last
night that transport No. 30 (Obdam) sail
ed from that port for New York at 9
p. m. yesterday with Gen. Miles and staff
and nine companies of the Second Wis
consin Regiment, consisting of 800 men
and twenty-four officers.
He also telegraphed that the transport
Chester left Ponce at 2:30 .. m, with
Gen Schwan and staff and the Fourth
Pennsylvania Regiment of forty-one off,
GERS and 1,150 men.