The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-06
MILES vs.. ALGER.
More Testimony to Prove That Miles
Was In Command.


Kanas City, Mo-, Sept. 6.-The Star
prints the following article from it's
special war correspondent, Mr.. J. d.
WhapIey, touching on the Alger-Miles
controversy:
THE statement made from Washing
ton that Major General Miles was not
in command of the Santiago expedition
up to the time it left Tampa is not
borne out by the official records Of the
war department. These records prove
that Miles not only conducted the pre-
Hminaries with General Garcia, but was
then recognized by the war department
as general commanding even General
Skaters army.
1.-The details of General Skaters act
ual equipments and methods of move
ment were naturally left to Shafter,
but general plan was devised by
General Miles and directions We're is
sued to General Shafter by him which,
after leaving Tampa, the latter entirely
ignored. General Shafter left Tampa
with the full knowledge that he was
subject to orders from General
Miles and up to that time the war de-
partment recognized this state of af-
fairs which is provided for in the fed
eral statutes organizing the army of
the United States.''
The above is shown. according to the
Star, by three kilograms. The first of
these kilograms is from General Miles
to General Garcia and follows:
Headquarters of the Army, in the Field
at Tampa, Fla, June g. 1898
Lieutenant General Garcia, Cuban
Army.
Dear General: I am very glad to
have received your officers, General Enri-
que COllaZo and Lieutenant Colonel
Carlos Hernandez, the latter of whom
returns tonight with our best wishes
for your success.
1t would be a very great assistance
if you could have as large force as
possible in the vicinity of the harbor of
Santiago de Cuba, and communicate
any information, by signals, which Col
Onel Hernandez will explain to you
either to our navy or to our army on
its arrival, which we hope will be be-
fore many days.
1t would also assist us very much if
you could drive in and harass any
Spanish troops near or in Santiago de
Cuba, threatening or attacking them at
all poinst, and preventing by every
means any possible reinforcements
coming to that garrison. While this
is being done, and before the arrival
of our army, if you can seize and hold
any commanding position to the east or
west of Santiago, or both, that would
be advantageous for the use of our ar
tiIlery, it will be exceedingly gratifying
to US. With great respect and best
wishes, remain, very respectfully.
NELSON A. MILES,
Major General Commanding, U. S. Army
The second dispatch is General Gar
cia's reply, showing, the Star asserts,
an understanding with General Miles
as to plan of campaign. 1t follows:
Mole ST. Nicholas, June 9, 1898, via
Washington.
To General Miles, Headquarters of the
Army, Tampa, Fla.
Garcia's reply on June to your letter
June 2:
viii take measures at once to carry
out your recommendation, but concen-
tration of force will require some time.
Roads bad and Cubans scattered. viii
(mysterious) march without delay.
Santiago de Cuba we'll fortified with
int CnOd
tillery position can be taken. Spanish
forces approximate 10000 between San
tiago de Cuba and Guantanamo; 5000
militia Will maintain a Cuban force
near Holguin to prevent sending REIN
forcements to Santiago.
The above given to me by Admiral
Sampson to forward to you.
ALLEN, Lieutenant Colonel
The third dispatch is from the war de-
partment at Washington and reads:
Washington. D. G., June II, 1898.
Major General Miles, Tampa, Fla.
The following extract of telegram
from Admiral Sampson to Secretary |
of navy repeated for your information:
Mole St. Nicholas, Hayti-General
Miles letter received through Colonel
on June 6. Garcia regards |
his wishes and suggestions as orders |
and Immediately will take measures to |
forces at the points 1ndl-
Gated, but he is unable to do so as |
early as desired on account OF his eX-
petition to Banes Port, Cuba, but Will |
march without delay. All of his subor- !
dinates are ordered to assist to disem- |
bark the United States troops and to |
place themselves under orders San
tiago de Cuba well fortified, with ad- |
vanced entertainments but he believes |
position for artillery can be taken as |
Miles desires (approximate) 10000 reg !
uIars and 5000 militia between San |
tiago and Guantanamo. He has sent |
force in order to prevent aid going to |
Santiago from Holguin. Repeats every |
assurance of good will and desire to |
second plans. SAMPSON.
(Signed), }. = G1LMORE'
Assistant Adjutant General