Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-07-25

POSSIBLE OBSTACLES.
Santiago, July %, Z p. m.-Fol-
lowing is Major-General Skaters
order, just published:
HEADQUARTERS
"U. S. TROOPS IN CUBA.
Santiago de Cuba, July 10.
GENERAL ORDER NO. 26.
"The successful accomplishment
Of the campaign against Santiago,
resulting in it's downfall and the
surrender OF the Spanish forces
and the capture of large amounts
of military stores, together with
the destruction of the entire Span
ish fleet in the harbor, which,
upon the investment Of the city,
was forced to leave, Is one of
which this army can well be
proud. This has been accomp-
lished through the heroic deeds of
the army, and to It's officers and
men the Major-G General command
ing offers his sincere thanks for
their endurance of hardships here
tofore unknown to the American
army. The work you have accomp-
lished may well appeal to the pride
of your countrymen, and has been
rivalled upon few occasions in the
worlds history. Landing upon
an unknown coast, you faced dan
gers in disembarking and over
came obstacles that, even looking
back, seem iEsurmountable.
Selling, with the assistance Of
the navy, the towns Of Baiquiri and
Siboney, you have pushed boldly
forth, CALAMITY driving back the
enemy's outpost in the engagement
of La Quasina, and completed the
concentration of the enemy near
Sevilla, within sight Of the Span
ish stronghold Of Santiago de Cuba.
The outlook from Sevilla was one
that might wei have quailed the
stoutest heart. Behind you ran
a narrow road, made we'll nigh I'M
passable by rains, while to the
front you looked cut upon high
foothills. covered with dense tropi-
cal growth, which could only be
traversed by bride paths, termin-
ating within range of the enemv's
guns.
Nothing deferred, you respond
ed eagerly to the order to close
upon the foe, and, attacking at
Caney and San Juan, drove him
from work to work until he took
refuge within his last and strong
est entertainments Immediately
surrounding the city.
Despite the fierce glare of a
southern sun and rains that fell in
torrents, you valiantly withstood
his attempts to drive you from the
position your valor had won. Hold
ing In your vice-like grip the army
opposed to you after seventeen
days of battle and siege, you were
rewarded by the surrender of near
ly $4,000 prisoners, 10000 being
those in your immediate front, the
others scattering in the various
towns of Eastern Cuba, freeing
completely the eastern part Of the
island from Spanish troops.
This was not done without great
sacrifices. The death of 230 gall
liant soldiers and the wounding of
1924 others shows but too plainly
the fierce contest in which you
were engaged The few reported
missing are undoubtedly among the
dead, as no prisoners were lost.
For those who have fallen in
battle with you, the commanding
general sorrows, and with you will
ever cherish their memory. Their
devotion to duty sets a high ex-
ample of courage and patriotism to
our fellow countrymen. All who
have participated in the campaign,
battle and siege of Santiago de
Cuba will recall with pride the
grand deeds accomplished and will
hold one another dear for having
shared the sufferings, hard
ships and triumphs together. All
may we'll feel proud to inscribe on
their banners the name of Santiago
de Cuba.
by command Of Major Gen
eral Shafter.
(Signed)
"E. J.. M'CLERNAND.