The age-herald., 1898-05-07
Ii LEAD 4 CHARGE
 ON CUBAN SOIL The Remaining Ambition of Fighting Joe" GIVEN HIS COMMISSION Was the First Ex-Conied : go Take
 the Oath <s
 7S{P LEE AND BREcKEN : ; SWORN IN
 s And Have Reporteu ' General Miles
 for Duty.
Congress Will Not Easily Relinquish Amer- ica's Grasp on Philippines and on Porto Rico When Taken -Stalllngs
 Talks the Subject.
Special Dispatch to The Age-HeraId.
 By A. W. RIITT

 Washington, May 6.-General Wheeler took the oath of office today, solemnly swearing to defend the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic.
 He was the first of the four major-gen- erals appointed from civil life to be sworn in. He was not ohly the first major-gen- eral to be mustered into the volunteer army, but he is the first ex-Confederate officer to receive a commission in the mii- tary service of the United States. In view of the fact that this is the first time since 1861 that an ex-Confederate officer has been commissioned. The taking of the oath was interesting. It was administered by A. U. l Thompson in the presence of number of navy officers. General Wheeler pronounced each word with deep solemnity and much feeling.
 T do solemnly swear" said he, that will bear true faith and allegiance to tho United States of America and that l VIII / serve them honestly and faithfully against their enemies whosoever and that will obey orders of the president of the United Stats and the orders of the officers ap. pointed over me according to the rules and articles of war;"
 Reported to Miles
 Generals Wheeler and Lee reported to General Miles for orders, but their assign ments, if made, have not been made pub- lie, though the general understanding Is that Lee will be put in command of volun- teers for the present to be mobilized at Richmond, and Wheeler in command ten- porarily of the volunteer corps at Atlanta and Chickamauga. It is now pretty well determined that General Wheeler will not resign his seat in congress at present, and his future course will depend upon the probable duration of the war. On Monday General Wheeler will ask for an indefinite leave of absence, which will be granted without a demurrer.
 It Is difficult to perceive of a happier man than 'Fighting'' Joe Wheeler today after he was given his commission. He feels very deeply the honor conferred upon him and speaks most feelingly of it. The at- mosphere of the army which he has not breathed for over thirty years seems to have subtracted years from his life, and his step is buoyant and his face brighter than they have been for long time.
 Wants to Lead a Charge
 He told the members of the delegation who called to congratulate him this evening that but ambition left to him in life, namely, to lead a charge in a battle on Cuban soil, saying that he would will ingly give his life in this war and consider the sacrifice an honor.
 It is said that whenever any army off- cer asks for active service, desiring to be sent where the bullets fly the thickest, the president laughingly tells him to ask for an appointment under Wheeler.
 I did not learn until today that a request that Wheeler be appointed was handed the president, signed by nearly every member of congress.
 When Stallings presented 1t to the pres- ident the latter said: 'It comes too late, his commission is already made out"
 War Fever Being Felt
 Tho war fever is inst heinz fe1t at ita utmost in Washington and the spirit of conquest seems to have taken possession of the minds of public men. Whenever a treaty of peace is sent to the senate to be satisfied, it will be difficult to hold con- gress in check on any proposition to rec turn any territory captured. Democrats, republicans and popuists alike are talking of nothing now but holding on to the Phil ippines and keeping Porto Rico and Cuba when those islands are taken.
 Jere Simpson voiced the popular senti- ment today when he said to me: We should relinquish nothing. This war was forced upon us and if Spain should be ex- pelled permanently from Cuba it should be expelled likewise from the Philippines and Porto Rico"
 This is the sentiment which animates a large majority of congress.
 q will not vote to give back any possess sons we take by force of arms" said Rep- resentative Stalngs.. We are anhun- dred years older than we were whS the policy of living to ourselves was framed. The time has come to extend and spread our commerce by colonization"
 Among the prominent callers at the white house this morning was a demonstration by ladies of national renown He was asked what his position would be as to the possession of the Philippines.
 He replied: q will be in favor of re- storing to Spain all we have taken from her if she will give up quick enough. We did not enter upon this war for gain. but for humanity's sake and of course, if Spain persists in keeping up the war, we will have to take and keep whatever comeS our way"