The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-09-08

New York. Sept. S.--The following
statement. written In the third person
by General Miles, was given to the re-
porters on the arrival of the Obdam from
Porto Rico Wednesday:
while at Porto Rico, and during the
Voyage returning on the Obdcm, on
which were General Miles and staff and
two battaiions OF the Second regiment
OF Wisconsin volunteers, learned the
following facts concerning the Cuban
and Porto Rico expeditions: In the first
place let me say that the war has closed
after being conducted largely as General
Miles stated at the beginning Of the, war
that 1t would be. The statement was
publicly made, and a general order was
Issued by him as commander of the
american army. In which the plan that
he has striven to pursue was foreshad-
owed, namely, seeking to accomplish re-
suits with the least possible loss of life.
I'm an interview In the latter part or
May he said: The United States gov
ernment is too strong. too great and too
powerful to commit any foolish act I'm
connection with the proposed invasion
OF Cuba Referring to the proposed rush
TO the fever-stricken city of Havana, he
said: No officer is fit to command troops
who. from any motive whatever, would
needlessly risk the life of single SOL
dier. either from disease or the bullets
OF the enemy. I have never sacrificed
the lives OF men under my command,
and do not propose to subject them to
any unnecessary risks in the present
campaign In. the order issued to the
army at an early date he directed that
every officer of whatever grade WILL so
far as may be in~his power, guard and
preserve the health and welfare OF those
under his charge. He must labor dill
gently and zealously to perfect himself
and his subordinates In military drill.
instruction and discipline. and above all
he must constantly endeavor by precept
and example to maintain the highest
character. to foster and stimulate that
true. soldierly spirit and patriotic de-
votion to duty which must characterize
an effective army The principles thus
enunciated have been zealously OBJ
served from tho first. Owing TO. the fact
that tie season suited for campaigning
In Cuba had been exhausted in debates
and delay In congress. and I'm necessary
preparations General Miles was opposed
10 rushirg an ill-prepared. undisciplined
anu unCQuipPcQ dIIDy III d. movement
against the capital of Cuba, defended
by 100000 trained Spanish troaes, and
In this position he stood practically alone
for several weeks. Havana, Matanzas,
Santiago and a few other points were
down on his military map as hot t-beds OF
disease, destructive to an army and
places to be avoided. especially during
the sickly season. When finally called
m a MI of oav tox n
did SO and put II In writing. In sub
stance he took the stand first. that every
effort should be made to equip the Gu
bans and thereby enable them to harass
the Spanish troops. The cry of ON to
Havana should be encouraged but when
the transports. loaded with troops. were
out Of sight of land. they should sail as
straight as steam power could bear them
to the gate of the Antilles and the key
OF the whole position. Porto Rico; then,
having seized and occupied that island,
n movement to Cuba was to follow by
means of a strong cavalry force, which
was to be organized and equipped by
August or September. He contemplated
that with 10000 cavalry thrown to the
center of Cuba. cutting the Spanish
forces in two and moving west to Ha-
vana by the time the rainy season was
over and Ii would he possible to ma
neuvre an army. we could move against
that city well organized, we'll equipped
and well disciplined army and COM
plete the capture OF the Spanish forces.
"The enclosure OF Cervera's fleet In the
harbor of Santiago changed the condi-
tions and made II necessary to move a
military force to that PORT. General
Miles. while in Tampa organizing the
expedition. felt the Importance OF the
enterprise so greatly that he requested
permission to accompany that expedi-
tion, or to Immediately organize another
to Join IL. This permission was not
granted, so far as accompanying that
expedition was concerned. but authority
was granted to equip n second for move
ment and operation against the enemy
in Cuba and Porto Rico HoweveS be-
fore this expedition was equipped. calls
were made for additional forces to go to
Santiago, and they were Immediately
forwarded.
ION the Cd day Of July General shafter
telegraphed that his losses had been
greatly underestimate: that he met
with stronger resistance than he had
anticipated, and that he was seriously
considerip~ 'ro ,Svisab'lty OF falling
back TO position five miles TO the rear
and that he had been unable TO be up
during the Seat for four days Under
such circumstances General Miles tele-
graphed General Shafter that he would
he with him within a week with a strong
reinforcement, OF course taking the
troops expected for the second expedi-
ton which had been ordered by the pres
ident To operate against the enemy In
Cuba as well an I'm Porto Rico. These re-
&nforcements were pushed RAPIDLY for