The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-03

Siboney what he mad determined upon as
he wished to direct transports. Miles re-
piled that after comforting with Sampson,
Cape San Juan was considered the best
place to land. He suggested combined
naval movement on Porto Rico and asked
to take with him 800 marines. He was
then at Playa. This last request was re-
fused by the secretary. He said: II do
not think well of your suggestion about
marines. We have enough army for our
work Do not take Col HUMPHREYS away
from Santiago"
Miles succeeded in getting Sampson to
increase his naval convoy and then tele-
graphed under date of st. Thomas July
26, chat circumstances were such that he
had changed his plans and taken the lar
Dor of Guanica. Secretary Alger, how
ever asked on July rs why the plans had
been changed. Miles replied under date
of the Goth from Ponce that at first it
had been intended to select only a rem
devious at Port Fajardo, but that that in
tention had become known and the Span
iards had been able to concentrate in the
vicinity. Then Port Fajardo was not a
safe harbor and he was without the light
ers which he had expected 70 meet. Aug.
@ in a telegram relative to supplies Gen.
Miles recommended that the manufacture
of Springfield rifles 45-caliber ammunition,
all white canvas tentage and black leather
equipments of every description be discoh-
tinued, as they are obsolete and should not
be part of the army equipment. The
secretary's reply was as follows
War Department, Aug, 8. 1S9S.-Gen.
Miles Ponce, Porto Rico: AS you ought
to know, the last caliber As Springfield
rifle was manufactured in '93. Smokeless
powder cartridges are now being manu-
featured and viii be forwarded. / sug-
gest that you get along with what the
government has on hand. The question of
currency and duties win be taken up
to-day. Your action requiring all duties
to be paid in United States currency is
approved and will be adhered to.
r. A. Alger, Secretary of War.
Aug 9, Gen. Miles ielegraphed that he
had been informed that naval vessels at
Ponce had been ordered around to San
Juan. In order that there might be no
conflict of authority he requested that no
aggressive action be taken against that
place; that no landings be made or COM
munlcation held with the Spanish officials
or forces on the island of Porto Rico by
the navy. That portion devoted to the tel
egraphic correspondence Of the war closes
with few dispatches indicating the finish
of the Santiago campaign.
Next follow a number of reports of va
rious officers and officials to the Secretary
OF war, some OF which are endorsed Dy
the secretary. OF the military academy
he for instance, endorses the recommen-
dation for an increase Of The number OF
cadets by twenty annually, to be appoint
ed by the President, and one each by SEN
ator to supply the officers needed for the
army of the future.
OF the adjutant generals recommends
tion, the secretary says they are judicious
and merit the favorable consideration Of
Congress. Instead Of Increase of pay for
officers serving in the West Indies and
Philippines to the next higher grade, as
recommended by the adJutant general,
the secretary thinks that the pay OF those
officers as well as those in Alaska should
be increased 80 per cent. while so serving
because Of the additional expense they
are put TO. He says the questlo Of pay
'ment for damages TO farms and other
properties by movement OF troops VIII be
made the subject Of a special eommunica-
ton to Congress. He recommends that $50
instead Of $40 should be allowed for the APP
prehcnsion of deserter.
Treating OF the quartermasters general
report the secretary picks out an inter
estlng fact. He shows that the govern
ment purchased $500 horse and mules.
BIB wagons so ambulances ana s3.O7s
tons Of coal aud chartered "a vessels and
purehaeod 10 steamships. The use Of The