Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-09-10

ed; and the first they knew Of the march
OF the American army was the appear
ance Of a strong brigade within 20 miles
of the northern coast at the terminus OF
the railroad connecting San Juan with
Arecibo.
THE island Of Porto Rico was fairly
won by the right Of conquest, and be-
comes a part Of the United States. The
outraged by the invaders, but on the
contrary was successfully propitiated. A
people who have endured the severity Of
Spanish rule for four centuries hail with
joy the protection of the great republic.
One Of the richest sections Of the coun-
try over which our flag now floats has
been added and will be of lasting value
to our nation, politically, commercially
and from military or strategic point Of
view Possession Of that island has also
rendered any further resistance Of the
Spanish forces in Cuba hopeless. and
General Miles firmly believes that by
fair and just treatment the people Of
Cuba can be easily controlled, either as
friendly ally and neighbor, or to be-
come a part of our own country as the
people Of Porto Rico.
General Miles remained in Porto
Rico as long as he deemed his presence
necessary for carrying out the instruc-
tions of the president, and now returns
to the United States, bringing with him
nearly 5000 troops who are no longer re-
quired there. leaving some $4,000 still re-
naming, amply sufficient for all pur-
poses. He returns at once to Washing
ton, where he believes he can be most
useful. as he considers the most import
ant need Of the hour now to be the i'm
mediate reduction of war expenses and
the return of as large portion Of those
in the military service as possible to
are most needed"
1T is true" said the general to an in
terviewer, that l requested of the war
department that the troops be allowed
to march through New York city. l
never intended to parade myself, as l
shall 60 to Washington in few days,
and would not be here at the time of
the contemplated parade. l asked that
the Wisconsin men aboard the OLDHAM
be permitted to stay in this vicinity for
a day or two. to give them chance to
see the city. 1t would do no harm to let
these western boys get glimpse of New
York. Surely they merit it. Many of
them, think, have never seen the city
and perhaps will never have another OPP
portunity to see 1t.
"To my first request. namely that my
troops be permitted to camp hereabouts,
in the neighborhood Of Brooklyn heights,
and that they be allowed to parade, l
have received no reply. To my second
request, received a reply at quarantine
ordering the Wisconsin boys home forth
with"
New York, Sept. S.-The following
statement, written in the third person
by General Miles. was given to the re-
porters on the arrival of the OLDHAM from
Porto Rico Wednesday,:
while at Porto Rico, and during the
voyage returning on the OLDHAM. on
which were General Miles and staff and
two battalions of the Second regiment
OF Wisconsin volunteers, learned the
following facts concerning the Cuban
and Porto Rico expeditions: In the first
place let ME say that the war has closed
after being conducted largely as General
Miles stated at the beginning Of the, war
that II would be. The statement was
publicly made. and general order was
issued by him as commander of the
American army, in which the plan thai
he has striven to pursue was foreshad-
owed, namely, seeking to accomplish re-
suits with the least possible loss of life
'ln an interview In the latter part of
May, he said: The United States gov
eminent is too strong. too great and toe
powerful to commit any foolish act In
connection with the proposed invasion
of Cuba Referring to the proposed rusl,
to the fever-stricken city of Havana, he
said NO officer Is fit to command troops
who, from any motive whatever. would
needlessly risk the life of single sol,
der, either from disease or the bullets
of the enemy. have never sacrificed
the lives Of men under my command
and do not propose to subject them tt
any unnecessary risks in the present
campaign In the order issued to the
army at an early date. he directed tina
every officer of whatever grade will, sc
far as may be in his power, guard and
preserve the health and welfare of those
under his charge. He must labor dill.
gently and zealously to perfect himself
| and his subordinates in military drill
instruction and discipline. and above al
he must constantly endeavor by precep
and example to maintain the highest
character, to foster and stimulate tina
true. soldierly spirit and patriotic de-
votion to duty which must characterize
an effective army The principles thu.
served from the first. Owing to, the fac
that the season suited for campaigning
in Cuba had been exhausted in debates
and delay in congress, and in necessary
preparations, General Miles was opposed
to rushing an ill-prepared, undisciplinec
and unequipped army in a. movement
against the capital of Cuba, defended
by 100000 trained Spanish troops, ant
in this position he stood practically alone
for several weeks. Havana, Matanzas
Santiago and few other points were
down on his military map as hot-beds O.
disease, destructive to an army ant
places to be avoided. especially durini
the sickly season. When finally called
upon to submit a plan of campaign h,
d d so and put 1t in writing. In sub
stance he took the stand first, that every
effort should be made to equip the Gu
bans and thereby enable them to haras!
the Spanish troops. The cry of On t.
Havana should be encouraged, but whel
the transports. loaded with troops, wer,
out of sight of land. they should sail a.
straight as steam power could bear then
to the gate of the Antilles and the Ike,
of the whole position, Porto Rico; then
having seized and occupied that island
a movement to Cuba was to follow b!
means Of a strong cavalry force. which
was to be organized and equipped b.
August or September. He contemplated
that with 10000 cavalry thrown to tn
center Of Cuba, cutting the Spanish
forces in two. and moving west to Ha