Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1898-12-01
Gen. wheeler.s Methods.

when the American line had fought
its way to the top OF the hills at El
Paso and San Juan and Caney, General
Wheeler issued an order that every
command should zig trenches in prep
aration for the conflict that he knew
would break out again in the morn
ing. But the soldiers had thrown away
most of their t~renching tools during
the fierce rifle charges, and as darkness
fell upon the scene of battle they threw
themselves upon the ground and went
to sleep from sheer exhaustion. Adju-
tant Hood OF the Rough Riders, noting
this condition Of affairs, rode over to
Gen. Wheeler's tent and informed the
good old veteran that the men We're
played out. Wheeler at the time was
lying upon his cot more dead than
alive, but there was n smile upon his
lips, and his never-failing good humor
twinkling in his eyes, when Adjutant
Hood said:
General, ! am afraid our men can't
dig the trenches"
What menu asked the general.
"The cavalry DIVISION said the adj
iutant.
Gen. Wheeler sat up in bed and be-
gan pulling on his boots.
Send me the man." he directed.
What MANI" asked the adjutant.
"The man who can't dig the trench
es."
But 1T is nc: one man; it is many
men. They are inst played out"
But you can surely find one man
who says he can't dig the trench 1
only want me-. Go get him and bring
him to me-"
But there are"
81 don't care how many there are,
go get me one"
The adjutant had never faced such
a nan as Wheeler before. and he did
not know just what to make OF the con-
versation. The little old general was
as smooth and suave and courteous as
could be, and Hood had nothing to do
but ride back TO the line. In some
way he managed to round up a colored
trooper belonging to the Ninth caval-
ny, and brought him back to the divi-
sion headquarters. He stood looking
sheepishly at the ground, when Wheel
er addressed him.
Are you the mar who says he can't
dig these trenches?" asked the gen.
eral.
The negro's feet shufIled ~uneasily on
the ground.
Use one of 'em, boss, but there's
a."
The general STOPPED him and walked
out of his tent.
"You can go TO sleep now, my man,
and I'll go and dig your trench for you.
When the sun UP tomorrow
morning the Spaniards are going to
open on us, and every man who isn't
protected is not only in danger of being
killed. but will be unable TO help us
maintain our Owl position. The
trenches have to be dug, and if you
are unable to dig yours, III just go
and dig yours for you. Where's your
pick"
With the most businesslike air in the
world Wheeler slid into his coat and
turned toward the big cavalryman. The
latter's eyes opened as he saw the pro-
ceeding, and they began to bulge out
when the general motioned him to lead
the way to his camp. For a minute
his voice stuck in his throat, and then
he said:
BOSS, you amt fit to dig no trench
es. If they dore got to be dug, I'll
Just naturally do it myself. I'm dog
tired. but that amt no work for yeu."
Wheeler stopped and looked at the
man with a flicker of amusement in his
eyes.
81 know it isn't work for me to do"
he said, but I am going to need sol
diers in, the morning. and I am going
to save your life, if possible. DO you
think. now that you can dig the
trench?p
The negro Started up the hill without
a word. Then the general turned to
Adjutant Wood with a voice as pleas
ant as sunshine in May.
He seems 10 nave MS
mind" he said. Now, you go find me
another man who can't dig the trench
es." y
The adjutant bowed and rode of. He
never came back. In the morning the
trenches were dug.--Atlanta Conssitu-
ton.