The Indianapolis journal., 1898-12-03
PORTO RICO CAMPAIGN.
Brief History of the Invasion of the
IsInnd-Other Matters.

Island-Ofher Matters.
Next the correspondence shows the history Of
the Porto Rican campaign. July IS the secretary
telesraphed Miles at siboney what he had deter
mined upon, as he wished to direct transports.
Miles replied that. after comforting with Samp-
son. Cape San Juan was considered the best place
to land. He suggested a combined naval move
ment on Porto Rico, and asked to take with him
500 marines. He was then at Playa. This last
request was refused by the secretary. He said:
II do not think we'll of your suggestion about
marines. We have enough army for our work.
Do not take Colonel Humphries away from SAM
tiago."
Miles succeeded in getting Sampson to increase
his naval convoy, and then telegraphed, under
date of ST. Thomas July 2s. that circumstances
were such that he had changed his plans and
taken the harbor Of Guanica- Secretary Alger,
however, asked, July 26. why the plans had
been changed Miles replied, under date Of the
SOth from Ponce, that at first il had been tn-
tended to select only rendezvous at Port Fa-
jardo but that that intention had become known
and the Spaniards had been able TO concentrate in
the vicinity. Then Port Fajardo not safe
harbor and he without the lighters which he
had expected to meet. Aug 2. In telegram rela-
tive TO supplies, General Miles recommended that
the manufacture of Springfield rifles. 45-caiber
ammunition, all white canvas tentage and
black leather equipments of every description be
be a part of army equipment. The secretary re-
ply was as follows:
General Miles, Ponce Porto Rico;
"As you ought to know. the last calber IS
Somkeless powder cartridges are now being man
ufactured and will be forwarded. l suggest that
you get along with what the government has on
hand. The question OF currency and duties viii
be taken up to-day. Your action requiring all
duties to be gsid in United States currency Is
approved am Vu be adhered to.
III. 4. ALGER, Secretary OF War.
Aug General Miles telegraphed that he had
been informed that naval vessels at Ponce had
been ordered around TO San Juan. In order that
quested that no aggressive action be taken against
that place; that no landings be made com-
forces on the island OF Porto Rico by the navy
That portion devoted TO the telegraphic eorre-
sIoncence OF the Mdf closeS Win rev olspatthse
indicating the nnish or the santiago campaign.
Next follow number Of reports of various oii-
GERS ah9 oiIclals 70 ths sesI IetaIy % War, soifo
of which are indorsed by the secretary. OF the
Military Academy. for instance, he indoraed the
recommendation for an Increase or the number OF
cadets by twenty annually, 20 De appointed BY
the President, and one by each senator, TO supply
the officers needed for the army Of the future.
or the adjutant generals recommendations the
secretary says they judlcious and merit tha
favorable consideration Of Congress. Instead Of
increase OF pay fcr oifcers serving IN the West
Indies and Philippines to the next higher grade,
as recommended by the adJutent general, the Sec
retary thinks that the pay Of those officers as Wen
those in Alaska should be Increased 50 per
cent. while they are 50 serving, because Of the
additional expense they are put 10. lie says tho
question Of payment for damages to farms and
other property By movement OF troops will he
made the subject Of special communication 10
Congress He recommends that $50 instead OF $l0
should be allowed for the apprehension OF a de-
serter.
Treating OF the quartermaster generals report.
the secretary picks cut an interesting fact lie
shows that the government purchased sG 500 horses
and mules, 5,l19 wagons. 559 ambulances and s3D7s
tens of coal and chartered seventy-seyen vessels
and purchased sixteen steamships The Of
the Missouri was generously donated IL the United
States. with the services ~ her captain and her
crew. by her owner r n, Baker. of Baltimore,
and Is a valuable hospital ship. Tile cost Il