The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-11-11
THE REPORT OF
GENERAL MILES,



storm. with his present force and that
he seriously considered withC iawing and
taking UP a new position on the high
ground between San Juan river and
Sibony.
A number Of other dispatches are quot
ed. which have already been published,
referring to General Miles trip to SAN
tiago and Skaters request for aid from
Sampson.
HIS VISIT TO CUBA.
General Miles next treats Of his vist
TO Cuba at the head of reinforcements
and OF the prelmnaries to the surren-
der.
A telegram from Secretary Alger Is
quoted dated July 18th to General Miles
authorizing him 10 accept the surrender
of the Spanish forces and giving terms
on which this could be accomplished.
If these were rejected General Niles
was 10 use his discretion and order an
assault.
The details Of the surrender, which are
now so well known are gone INTO ana
General Miles says that he informed
General Shafter that he (Shafter) could
appoint the commissioners 10 draw uo
the condition Of arrangements for carry
ing out the terms OF surrender. Gene
raj Miles report on the Santiago campaign
contains a number OF kilograms that
passed between Secretary Alger. General
Shaf;er and himself which have hereto
fore been published.
PORTO RICAN EXPEDITION.
The report treats OF the expedition TO
Porto Rico General Miles on July 4th
had cabled Secretary Alger that II was
important 10 20 10 Port Farjar1o. Cape
san Iuan. direct. lie was anxious to
proceed as rapidly as possible and after
some delay, authority was granted and
he started
The story OF that successful campaign
is well known and the report adds little
TO the general understanding. except 10
clear 10 the destination OF the expedi-
ton. which was so puzzling az the time.
The general expedition was To be landed
by lighters and launches, which had not
arrived and the General decided to land
al Guanica. as the enemy had doubtless
become aware Of the original destination.
and then 10 move on TO Ponce.
PRAISE FOR OFFICERS.
OF the nineteen DAYS campaign In
Porto Rico, General Miles saws: The
success of the enterprise was largely
due to the skin and good generalship OF
the officers I'm command OF the different
divisions and brigades. Strategy and
skill accomplished what might have oc-
casioned sreious loss To achieve In any
other way. The loss Of the enemy In
killed wounded and captured was nearly
ten times our own. which was only thTs5
killed and forty wounded. Thus the
island of Porto Rico became a part OF
the United States.
lie mentions by name. especially. the
officers Of his staff and the general off,
GERS engaged, and recommends a small
Fist of officers for promotion and brevets.
REMARKABLE RECORD
Generallzing upon results. the report
reads: ut l. gratifying TO record that
during the war not a single defeat has
been met and not a prisoner. color. gun
or rife has been captured by the enemy
In this respect the war has been most
remarkable. and. perhaps unparalleled
Under all circumstances and in spite Of
many most trying difficulties. the troops
have maintained the fortitude OF the
American character and the honor OF
their arms
General Miles closes his report with
some earnest recommendations for the
Improvement of the military service
He trusts the experience OF the last few
months will be valuable to the people
and TO the government.
COAST DEFENCES.
The value OF coast defences. he saws.
has been proven. and the system should
be completed without delay. He favors
the adoption OF a standard OF strength
for the army TO meet the country's
growth and suggests that II be one SOL
der for each 1000 population. yielding a
force OF $3.50 While this force 10 al
ready provided for. unfortunately thu
authorizing act requires the army to be
reduced TO its former inadequate basis
on the termination OF the war
General Miles. In conclusion, recon-
mends the authorization OF an auxiliary
force OF native troops In Cuba. Porto
Rico and the Philippine Islands to be Of
ficered by United States army officers
and not exceeding two soldiers for 1000
population OF the island. and all OF these
increases he urges should be made at
anca thav ora ~ vital frr,porfau