The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-09-06
MILES WAS IN COMMAND
War Departments Statement
Not Borne Out.
DISPATCHES IN THE CASE
The Records Prove That He Was
Recognized by the War Depart
ment as the General in
Command.

Kansas City. Sept. 5.-The Star this
afternoon prints the following article
from its special war correspondent. J..
d. whelpley. touching on the Alger-
Miles controversy:
The statement made semi-oficially
from Washington h Major General
Miles was not in command of the SAN
tiago expedition up to the time he left
Tampa is not borne out by the official
records of the war department. These
records prove that Miles not only con-
Quoted the preliminary action with
General Garcia, but was then recog-
nized by the war department as the
general commanding.
"The details of Genera Skaters ac-
ual equipment and method of move
ment were naturally left to Shafter. but
a general plan was devised by General
Miles and directions were issued to
General Shafter by him, which, after
leaving Tampa, the latter entirely ig-
nored. General Shafter left Tamapa
with the full knowledge that he vas
subject to orders from General Miles,
and up to that time the war department
recognized this state of affairs, which
is provided for in the general statutes
organizing the army of the United
States"
The above is shown. according to the
Star, by three kilograms. The first of
these kilograms is from General Miles
TO General Garcia and follows:
Headquarters of the Army. in the
Field, Tampa, Fla, June 2. 1898. Lieu
tenant General Garcia, Cuban Army:
Dear General am very glad to nave
received your officers, General Enrique
COLLAGE and Lieutenant Colonel Carlos
Hernandez, the latter of whom returns
tonight with our best wishes for your
success. 1t would be a very great as
sistance If o could lave as large a
force as possible in the vicinity of San
tiago de Cuba and communicate any
information by signals, which Colonel
Hernandez will explain to you, either
TO our navy or to our army on its arri-
val, which we hope will be before many
days.
TT would also assist us very much
if you could drive in and harass any
Spanish troops near or in Santiago de
Cuba. threatening OF attacking them
at all points and preventing by every
means any possible achievements
coming to that garrison. While this
IS being done. and before the arrival
of our army, If o seize and hold any
commanding positions to the east or
west of Santiago, or both, that would
be advantageous for the use of our
artillery, it woul be exceedingly graft
flying to us. With great respect and
best wishes, I remain very respectfully,
NELSON A. MILES,
'Major General Commanding L.. S. A"
The second dispatch is General Gar
cia's, showing, the Star asserts, an un-
~derstanding with General Miles as to
a plan of campaign. 1t follows:
"Mole St. Nicholas, Tune 5. 1898, via
Washington.-To General Miles, Head
quarters of the Army, Tampa, Fla.
rz-.t,s- -N-l- - 49, q - .-1,,~ 11N4An
June 2: Will take measures at once to
carry out you recommendation, but
concentration of force will require some
time. Roads bad and Cuban scattered.
Will (mysterious?) march without de-
lay. Santiago de Cuba well fortified
with advanced entertainments, but
good artillery position can be taken.
Spanish force approximate $4,000 be
tween Santiago de Cuba and Guanta-
namo, 5000 militia. Will maintain a
Cuban force neal Holguin to prevent
sending reinforcements to Santiago
THE above given to me by Admiral
Sampson 10 forward to you.
ALLEN, Lieutenant Colonel"
The third dispatch is from the war
department at Washington and reads:
Washington, June 12.-Major Gen
eral Miles, Tampa, Fla: The following
extract Of telegram from Admiral
Sampson to secretary of navy repeated
Tor your information:
Mole st. Nicholas, Hayti-General
Miles letter received through Colonel
Hernandez on June 6. Garcia regards
his wishes and suggestions as orders
and Immediately will take measures to
concentrate forces at the points indi-
Gated, but he Is unable to do so early
as desired on account of his expedition
to Banesport, Cuba, but he will march
without delay. All of his subordinates