The record-union., 1898-07-23
GARCIA'S RETIREMENT.
The War Department is Still in
Official Ignorance Of It.

WASHINGTON, July 1T was cal
culated that General Miles military ex-
pedition against Porto Rico was this
morning somewhere off the northern
coast of Hayti. Secretary Long says
according to his advices the fleet Of
transports with the naval convoy got
away from off Siboney at half-past 3
yesterday afternoon, and it is believed
the night travelling was at about the
usual naval cruising speed in squadron
of ten knots per hour. The question Of
conveys settled itself with the depart
ure Of the expedition, but the naval offi-
cialS are still of the opinion that the
convoy sent is entirely disproportionate
in strength to the needs of the case,
but demands laid upon the North At
lantic fleet to supply it have interfered
considerably. it is stated q the depart
ment, with the plans of the Naval war
Board. This is supposed to relate to
the departure of Watson's expedition.
But on that point the naval officials
decline to say anything further, SIM
ply pointing to the statement given out
last night by Secretary Long as ex-
pressive of their views.
The War Department is still in Off
cial ignorance of the reported retire
ment Of Garcia with his army from the
American lines at Santiago and the
resignation of that Cuban General. 1t
is considered a little singular that Cen
eral Shafter has not made report TO
the department of the case by tele-
graph but he has so far shown little
disposition to acquaint the department
with the state of affairs at Santiago
unless called upon by direct inquiry by
the Secretary Of War. Thus it was not
known at the department officially that
General Wood had been created Mili-
tary Commander of Santiago, although
the fact would seem to be one of suffi-
cient Importance to justify its mention
in a cable dispatch.
Regarding General Garcia's defec
ton, it is noticeable that the officials of
the War Department have a good deal
of apprehension over the outlook. 1T
is now doubted that he either has taken
or will take some such action as that
reported for all the information that
has come to the department up to this
time seems to indicate dissatisfaction
on the part Of the Cuban commander
at the attitude assumed by General
Shafter However, as the latter is act
ing strictly in accordance with the pub
maintaining the status quo of Santiago.
so far as it relates to the municipal ad-
ministration, the blame for a rupture,
if one ensues cannot be placed entire
ly upon General Shafter's shoulders.
The only official communication that
has reached the War Department
touching the state of affairs at the
Philippines was contained in a brief
- L..
son. the commander of the First Mill
tary Expedition. He made no mention
of the reported seizure by the second
detachment on its way coming over Of
Wake Island, lying about half way be-
tween Honolulu and the Philippines. No
particular significance, however. is at
tached to this seizure even should it be
reported officially. for it was known in
advance that the program was for
both the naval and military expeditions
to touch on their way westward from
Honolulu at any of the small Spanish
islands, or islands not possessed by any
other nation, for the purpose of taking
on coal from the colliers accompanying
them, work which can be accom-
plished safely only in smooth water. 1t
is very likely that this has been done
al w dhe ISldiit anu dS al llltltt1ll
flag may have been hoisted. though
from the described character of the ISL
and ii is likely to be of little service as
coaling station without expensive
harbor improvements, and of no service
a. all as cable station, because Il is a
coral island and therefore destructive
to cables.
No reports of the yellow fever situa-
81 OF ~ thar
yesterday or to-day, said Adjutant
General Corbin to-day. Something,
however is expected from General
Shafter very soon, as he is under in
structions to forward to the War De-
partment a full detailed report of The
situation and the names of the victims.