The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-12-03
CALIFORNIA FIG SYRUP co.
SAN FRANCISCO, Cal
LOUISVILLE, KY NEW YORK. NE

CALIFORNIA FIG SYRUP co.
SAN FRANCISCO, Cal
LOUISVILLE, KY NEW YORK. NE
by capturing the ports along the northern
coast Of Cuba, at the eastern end, sup
plying the insurgents with abundance of
arms and munitions of war and as speedi-
~ as possible land our cavalry and suf-
fcient light artillery to enable them to
move from the 3larbor Of Porto De Neu-
vitas along the line of railroad 10 Puerto
Principe. From that base our cavalry and
light artillery in conjunction with the
forces Of Northumberland Garcia and
General Gomez, should move west 10 near
Santa Clara These movements, in my
judgement. can be accomplished during
the rainy season, through a country COM
paratvely free from yellow fever well
stocked with cattle and having grass suf-
ficient for our animals. While this is be-
ing accomplished our volunteer army Will
be prepared to land in the vicinity of
AIariel, Havana, or Matanzas in sufficient
force upon the island of Cuba. The ad-
vantage of this movement Will be that the
army and navy will act in CONCERT and
close unison; that it does not divide our
navy and that it win utilize our most
available military force in the best way
during the time of the year when the
military operations are most difficult.
Il believe that the entrance to the port
Of Cfenfuegos can be obstructed or block
AIDED by one of two monitors 10 better adj
vantage than to send the army there.
where it would have to meet a strong
garrison, which is already there. and all
of the forces that can be quickly sent
there by rail directly from Havana and
Matanzas.
eff the above plan is approved, troops
could be ordered 10 embark on the trans
ports Immediately, and the purpose would
Zoe the occupation Of Spanish territory.
first, by moving our troops as speedily
as possible; but 70 Santiago de Cuba and
Porto Rico, and later to the north coast
OF Cuba especially our cavalry This mill
tary occupation 10 continue until hostil-
ties cease.
Every Respectfully.
NELSON A. MILES.
'Maior-General commanding
Without indicating what disposition was
made Of the suggestion contained 5n this
dispatch. Secretary Alger goes on to brief
" explain the conditions which confront
cd the American army al chat moment
The secretary of the navy was convinced
that Cervera was in Santiago Harbor. and
every energy was bent to concentrate a
military force near Santiago to aid in
the destruction of the Spanish feet and
the capture OF the city.
The great difficulty was the want OF
transports; the loading facilities at Port
Tampa were imperfect and there was gem
eral confusion caused by the large concen-
tration of supplies there. The railroad IA
cilities were inadequate; there was a fail
ure to label the cars and the postoffice
was congested so that bills of lading were
6e,ayed. Few OF the thirty-slx transports
finally gathered there were fit for such
service, but they were the best that could
be had and while they were rated at 5000
passengers in capacity, even the 49,
GO persons transported was larger num-
Der than should have been carried. For
tunately. they arrived without serious ac-
cident. however
The first duty for which General Shat
ter was selected. viz. 10 make a recon
noissance in force about 5.o00 strong on
the south side Of Cuba. Secretary Alger
Of the enemy's feet.
SAYS the secretary:
''Major-General Shafter was selected 10
command the expedition 70 Santiago by
the infringement OF the army. who made
the recommendation 10 the president and
with this recommendation the secretary
Of war was in fun accord. Results proved
the wisdom Of the assignment
Next in order the secretary quotes his
dispatch of MAY 81. sent at 2:3e o'clock at
night TO General Shafter al Tampa d.
recting him TO start for santiago 10 land
east or west Of that point. in his own
judgment. and move on 20 the high
grounds in such position as 10 destroy the
garrison there and cover the navy as il
sends its men in small boats 10 remove
torpedoes. or, with aid Of the navy. cap
ture or destroy the Spanish fleet reported
20 be IN the ha-hor. General Shaft4r was
10 accomplish this with the least possible
delay, making use OF the Insurgents. but
being careful not 10 Rut too much conf
dence in any persons outside OF his own
troops. He was ordered 70 cooperate with (
the navy and communicates with sampson
and Schley and upon completing his task.
unless his command had suffered severe
less. was u proceed 20 Porto De Banes
and await orders
The report states that Nav 20 General
Miles lefI for Tampa to assist iu the en-
oarkation Of troops. June {. the secretary .
telegrapaed Shafter M Tampa that Slmp-
son reported Cervera safely bottled Ir san
t1so harbor ana urged immediate ash
from his troops. sampson reported l5-a0 I
Spanish troops as the garrison of the "
ei1-tr. The sosow 1e jay a dispatch was
received tron Sh8fI-r 20 Tampa explain. {
ing th- delays in the eniharis,-iou - The +
troops as not prsv"ntaole The main csnss (
OF delay IS sad 90 ae ;hat gveat quantities (
ot stores were rushed In prorn.scueu.'y /
with I'D facilities 20 store or handle therl Z
The railroad for .fH miles back FROM ths /
wharf vas single ;r3ck ard a narrow 4
place in Uh.ch 90 work. The capacity u 4
the place had eeel greatly exceeded. He !