The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-08-30
MILES-ALGER CONTROVERSY.
CORRESPONDENT WHELPLEY RE-
AFFIRMS HIS VERSION OF 1T.

Him-No Condolences Were Betrax-
the Controversy Absolutely Gem
Uine-TeIegrams to the War De-
partment Introduced In support of
the StOrS-Gen. Miles the Recognize
ed Head of the Army After He Left
Washington.
Kansas City, Aug. 29.-The Star this af-
ternoon prints a three-column exclusive
dispatch from Mr.. ]. D. Whelpley, its spe-
cial correspondent, who has just returned
from Porto Rico, bearing upon the Miles,
Alger controversy.
Mr.. Whelpley takes occasion to deny the
statement that his recently published in
terview in Porto Rico with Gen. Miles,
wherein the latter is quoted as casting
reflections upon the war department, was
not genuine and in support of the state
ments already made by it, the Star prints
interesting kilograms that passed between
the war department and Gen. Miles and
Shafter on the points at issue.
Doubt is expressed by some," says Mr..
Whelpley "as to whether Gen. Miles ever
said these things I credit him with. 9th
ers suggest he may have said them in
confidence which was betrayed. I feel con-
fident," continues the correspondent
Gen. Miles will stand by the interview
referred to.
My talk with him was not confidential.
I went to him as a newspaper reporter,
for tho avou-ad a,1 axpraeeod ,,,,,v,osn 90
securing an interview. There was no res
ervation from publication in the conversa-
tion. This is proved by his refusal to an
swer some questions which he would have
answered had this not been so. There
was no hint of confidence.
I'm this instance, however, no question
of veracity need arise Gen. Miles him
self, even if he so desired. could not con-
ceal the proof of all he said. 1t is writ
ten in the records Of the war department
and it only needs a clearing away of in%
consequent matter to tell the story clearly
and in full"
The Stars article says. "That Cen
Miles was IN command of the entire arpIs
when In Washington is, of course, evt.
dent. That he did not resign this SUI
preme command when he went to Tampa
and that it was he who was treating with
the Cubans for cooperation In Cuba, is
shown by the numerous kilograms ex-
changed with Gen. Garcia
THE war department recognized Gen.
Miles as chief when he was in Tampa for
June y a telegram was sent to him from
Washington which begins: 'fFollowing
extract of telegram from Admiral Samp-
son to Secretary of Navy is repeated for
your information, ETC.
when Gen. Shafter went to Cuba and
Gen. Miles returned to Washington, the
latter did not resign his control of the
situation but on the contrary, kept in as
close touch as possible by wire with the
movements of Skaters command
'On the 4th of July Gen. Shafter sent
the following dispatches to Washington,
addressed to the adjutant general:
Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, In
Camp Near Santiago de Cuba, July A.
There seems TO be no reasonable doubt
but that Gen. Pando succeeded IN entering
Santiago last night with his force said
to be about 5000 men,
This puts a different aspect upon af-
fairs and while we can probably main
tain ourselves, 1t would be at the cost of
very considerable fighting and loss
Gen. Lawton reports that Gen. Gar
clds WHO WAS W DlCCh tUc entrance OF
Pando, informed him at 10 o'clak last
night that Pando had passed in NJ Cobra
road Lawton says he cannot compel Gen.
Garcia to obey my instructions to place
themselves in any position where they
will have to fight and that If we intend
to reduce Santiago we win have to depend
alone upon our own troops and that we
will require twice the number we now
have.
E" 4 sent message to Admiral Sampson
asking II he proposed entering the harbor
so as to give us his assistance. Commo-
dore Watson replies that he does not know
Admiral SIMPSONS intentions since the
destruction of the Spanish fleet, but does
not himself think the fleet should try to
go into the harbor of Santiago. This, un-
der the circumstances, Is not very encour-
aging.
Have been expecting a division from
Tampa and Dumeld's Second Brigade
from Camp Alger. but only a small num-
ber Of recruits has appeared so far. If we
have to 60 to try and reduce the town
now that the fleet is destroyed, which was
stated to be the chief object Of the expe-
dition, there must be no delay in getting
a large body OF troops here.
' The town lis IN a terrible condition as
to food, and people are starving as stated
by foreign conspls this morning but the
troops can fight and have large quantity
of rice. but no other supplies. There will
be nothing done here until the 5th, and
suppose / can put them off little longer
20 enable the people to get out. The ooun-
try here is destitute of food or growing
crops. except mangoes.
Men are IN good spirits, though It Is
hard to tell how long they Will continue
SO.
II am sorry TO say / am no better
and In addition to my weakness cannot
be out on account of a slight attack OF
pout, but hope to be better soon Lieut..
Miley had interview with consuls this
morning and his report will be telegraph
ed Immediately. ! DO not send this In
cipher, as time Is precious.
'Shafter Major General
1T was this situation which determined
Gen. Miles TO 20 to cuba. The day he
sailed with reinforcement, July Z, he sent
the following Dispatch from Washington:
Gen. shafter. Santiago Take every
precaution against surprise and look out
that the enemy does not turn your right
flank and come Ia on the line Of your COM
municauous Reinforcements are being
sent forward az rapidly as possible but
vou viii have 70 be the Judge Of the po-