The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-12
Why Changes Were Made i'm the Orig
inal Plan for Invading Cuba Not
Far from Havana.
DELAY At TAMPA AND CAUSE
TEXT OF INSTRUCTIONS TO GEN.
ERALS SKATER AND MILES.
Latter Wanted to Capture Porto Rico
Before Attempting to Take Cuba
General Graham's Testimony.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1.-THE war inves-
tigating commission devoted its forenoon
session to-day to the examination of Sec
rotary Alger's statement and the papers
furnished by him in reply to the commits
sion's inquiries. The accompanying papers
include the reports from the various bu-
reaus of the War Department and also
various letters and kilograms bearing on
the conduct of the war; Secretary Alger. in
MS report replies to the various questions
propounded by the commission, but he gives
especial prominence to the plan of cam
paign and to the changes that were made
In the original plans. The report shows that
General Miles advised that the first move
should be made against Porto Rico and that
after that island should be subjugated the
American forces should be landed on the
north coast of Cuba, at some point from
which they could move conveniently either
to the east or west. Secretary Alger repeats
the questions asked by the commission and
answers each separately. Following is his
reply in full:
'Ffrst-Plan of campaign proposed i'm
mediately after the declaration of war;
was 1t intended to move at once on Ha-
'aIss, or that the campaign should be post
poned until the autumn?
Answer-lmmediate blockade by the
navy OF the important ports of Cuba. as
greeted nI by the Presidents proclamation.
Inc noldlng OF troops at points nearest TO
cuba to be available in any emergency
which might arise and especially to be
ready for prompt assistance in case the OPP
erations of the navy should make the use
OF land forces necessary or desirable Early
IN May plan was partially matured to
ty-slx miles west of Havana. reports hav-
ing been received that in it's immediate vi
entity were high grounds, well watered and
suitable for camping troops preparatory
Tor a movement upon Havana later, if it
was deemed advisable: the thought being
mat possibly an assault might be made
upon the FORCES defending that city before
the rainy season set in Orders were issued
to that effect on May 9, but subsequently,
information that there would be great dam
ger to the. health of the troops in that vi
clnlty; and, also, on account of the uncer
tainty of the movements of the enemy's
fleet. 1t was then determined to keep the
forces in the United States, at points as
near Cuba as possible, for immediate en-
Darkatlon should all emergency demand it.
The Santiago campaign proved to be that
emergency. 1t should be added further that
medical authorities, that troops camping in
Southern States during the summer would
be somewhat acclimated for their services
Second-When was the Santiago cam
paign determined upon?
"Answer-The Santiago campaign was
miral Cervera's fleet in Santiago harbor:
but had previously been contemplated as
one point on the coast where a reconnois-
sance in force was to be made to ascertain
the strength of the enemy in the different
locations in eastern Cuba. The immediate
destruction of Admiral Cervera's fleet was
necessary; and to enable the navy to ac-
complish this, the military force, under
Major General Shafter, United States Vol
u uni i:,. was directed to move at once on
the city and province of Santiago This
movement was FASTENED by reason of tele-
gram received from Admiral Sampson on
June z. stating that he had bombarded the
&
the works quickly; and if 10000 men were
there, city and feet could be captured with
In forty-eight hours. (See copies of tele-
grams herewith attached marked A. B, c,
-; r. +, Z, h It is proper to state that
after the date OF this message the Spanish
garrison was largely reinforced. The opin-
ION OF Admiral Sampson was doubtless cor
rect at the time. The troops sailed from
Tampa on June IA, 1898, with 1898 officers
base of operations?
'Answer-On account of the shipping fa-
cilities at that point, and its comparative
short distance from Cuba, rendering any
movement of the troops possible on short
notice as the progress of the blockade, or
any other sudden condition. might require.
Fourth-Why were summer camps or
ganized at Fernandna, Jacksonville and
"Answer-All of the early camps in the
South were selected with special regard for
the health of the troops. and their conven-
fence for prompt movement by rail and
water. The camp at Fernandina was organ
lied on the recommendation of the major
general commanding the army. The camp
at Jacksonville was selected on the recon-
mendation of Major General Lee, United
States Volunteers. commanding the Seventh
Army Corps copy Of telegram herewith at
tached marked ID permanent camp was
never contemplated at Tampa. Troops were
sent there preparatory for embarkation. and
were Kept there to be ready for any emer-
gency; and, later to embark for Porto Rico
and, upon the signing of the protocol the
troops. being no longer required at Tampa,
We're sent to Huntsville, Ala, a camp Sc
lected by officers detailed to ascertain the
best camping site. having in view the health
and comfort of the soldiers
Fffth-When was the Porto Rico cam
paign determined on.
"Answer-The Porto Rico campaign had
been long under consideration and the
orders to carry 1t out were issued June 26
1898 (see copy of letter herewith marked
j, to Major General Miles, u. S. army.)
Sixth-Why were the troops held on
transports after embarkation at Tampa and
not permitted to sail for several days?
"AnSwer-Troops were held on TRANSPORTS
after embarkation at Tampa on account
of the advice received from Commodore
Remey that Spanish cruiser of the sec
ond class and a Spanish torpedo boat de-
stroyer had been seen by the Eagle. in Mich
olaS channel Cuba. prepared to destroy
convoy (see copies of kilograms from the
Navy Department herewith marked K, L,
and NJ