New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-12
THE SECRETARYS STATEMENT. '

THE SECRETARY'S STATEMENT.
washington. Oct. 11.-Folowing are Secretary
Ayers replies to the questions OF the War De-
partment Investigating Commission;
War Department.
Washington. october ., 1898
Major General Grenville NJ. Dodge. President
Commission appointed by the President to
Investigate the conduct Of the War Depart
ment in the war with Spain
Sir: ] have the honor herewith TO mana you
information desired from the Secretary of War
as referred 10 in your letter of September q.
r. A. ALGER, Secretary of War
INFORMATION DESIRED FROM THE SECRE-
TARY OF WAR.
First-Plan Of campaign proposed Immediately
after the declaration OF war; was Ii intended 10
move at once on Havana. or that the campaign
should be postponed until the autumn?
Answer-Immediate blockade by the Navy Of
the important ports Of Cuba, as directed by the
Presidents proclamation The holding Of troops
at points nearest to Cuba to be available IN any
emergency which might arise. and especially 10
he ready for prompt assistance in case the oper-
atoms Of the Navy should make the use OF land
forces necessary or desirable.
Early in May plan was partially matured
to land force at Mariel, point about twenty
six miles west of Havana, reports having been
received that in its immediate vicinity were
high grounds, well Watered. and suitable for
camping troops preparatory for movement
upon Havana later If II was deemed advisable;
the thought being that possibly an assault might
De nf1de upon the forces defending that city
before. the rainy season set in Orders were
issued'to that effect May 9, but subsequently
Plans were changed on account OF further in1or-'
nation that there would he great danger TO the
health Of the troops in that vicinity, and also
on account OF the uncertainty Of the movements
OF tffe5 enemys fleet. 1t was then determined
70 keep the forces in the United States at points
near Cuba as possible for immediate embark
alton should emergency demand It, The San
tiago campaign proved to be that emergency
II should be added further that it was be-
lieved. after consultation with medical author-
ties, that troops camping in Southern States
during the summer would become somewhat &C.
climated for their services In Cuba
THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN
second-When was the Santiago campaign de-
termined upon?
Answer-The Santiago campaign was made
necessary by the presence Of Admiral Cervera's
feet in Santiago Harbor. but had previously
been contemplated point on the coast
where a reconnaissance in force was 10 be made
10 ascertain the strength Of the enemy in the
different localities in eastern Cuba.
The immediate destruction of Admiral Ger
veras fleet was necessary. and 10 enable the
Navy TO accomplish this the military force un-
der Major-General Shafter L. s V. was d.
rected 70 move at once on the city and Province
Of Santiago This movement was FASTENED by
reason Of a telegram received from Admira!
Sampson on June T. stating that he had bonn
barded the fort at Santiago June and silenced
the works quickly, and if 10000 men were
there city and feet could be captured within
forty-eight hours.
(see copies of kilograms herewith attached
marked "a" B." &C." D." e" f" q"
HI
1t is proper to state that after the date of this
message the Spanish garrison was largely re-
inforced The opinion Of Admiral Sampson was
douotless correct at the time The troops
sailed from Tampa on June II, 1898, with To-
sss officers and men.
Tbird-Why was TAMPA selected as the hasa
of operations
Answer-On account Of the shipping facilities
al that point and its comparatively short dis
lance from Cuba. rendering any movement Of
the troops possible on short notice. as the prog
ress OF the blockade any other sudden condi-
ton might require
CAMPS IN THE SOUTH
Fourth-why were summer camps organized
at Fernandina, Jacksonville and Tampa
Answer-An Of the early camps in the South
we're selected with special regard Cor the health
Of the troops and their convenience for prompt
movement by rail and water. The camp at Fer
nandna was organized on the recommendation
Of the Major-General commanding the Army.
The camp al jacksonville was selected on the
recommendation OF Major General Lee, United
States Volunteers, commanding the Seventh
Army Corps. copy Of telegram herewith at
tached marked "1)
A permanent camp vas never contemplated at
for embarkation and were kept there TO be
ready FOR any emergency. and later to embark
for Porto Rico. and upon the signing Of the
protocol the troops, being no longer required
az Tampa were sent TO Huntsville, Ala,
camp selected by officers detailed to ascertain
best camping site. having in view the health
and comfort Of the soldiers.
F!fth-When was the Porto Rico campaign
determined upon?
Answer-The Porto Rico campaign had been
long under consideration. and the ORDERS 10
carry II out We're issued June 20, lsJS tsee
copy Of letter herewith marked j 10 MAJOR
General Miles. u. s. Army
THE DELAY AT TAMPA.
sxh-Why were the troops held on trans
ports after embarkaton at Tampa and not per-
ndtted 10 sail for several days?
Answer-Troops were held on transports after
embarkation at Tampa on account OF the ad-
vice received from Commodore Remey that
Spanish cruiser, second class and spanish t0I-
pedo-boat destroyer seen by Eagle, Nlcholas
Channel. Cuba. destroy convoy"
Gee copies of kilograms from Navy DePar'-
ment herewith marked X" Il and M
Sent IN cipher May 81, 1898. 2:ao a. M
. Washington, May 30. io5o
Gajor-Ceneral William r Shafter Tampa, Fla
With the approval OF the Secretary OF war you
are directed TO take your command on transports
tnd proceed under convoy Of the Navy 10 III,
Vicinity OF Santiago &c Cuba. land your force az
;eogneat may dictate. under the protecnoSh nd "a
,,hs Navy and move 1t on 10 the hlgn grouno Cor
biufs overlooking the harbor, or into the lhieips
sason G ,blr enable y cover 70 e Navy as it
ns men n small boats 20 remove toIpenosS' ia
With the ala Of III. Navy capture or Destroy Inv