The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-12-27
A HAY ARMoR.
Brilliant Suggestion by see'y Alge,
Which Wasn't Adopted.

ANOW 4OIA3 4<OlClIb0k GA UesohAA6
ton special to the Herald says:
New light Is thrown ON the events of
the war by complete file at the war
department. of the correspondence that
passed through the adjutant generals
Office relating to the campaigns in Cuba
and Porto Rico, which Gen. Corbin has
furnished the war Investigation com
mission.
One thing that is shown more clearly
than ever is that throughout the Santiago
campaign there was lack of corporation
between the army and and navy that
caused much i'll feeling both at Santiago
and Washington and was also probably
responsible for unduly prolonging the
campaign. Just where the responsibility
for his friction should be placed is a
matter that will require still further light
before it can be settled. 1t began ap-
parently when Gen. Shafter arrived at
Santiago and refused TO adopt the plan OF
attack suggested by Admiral sampson.
and was continued after Cevera's fleet
Was sunk and Sampson declined to send
his ships inside the harbor.
Unable to get Admiral Sampson to &C
into the harbor the war department. even
contemplated having the army clear the
way for the navy. as shown by this
amusing despatch from Adjutant General
C0rbin to General Shafter:
"Your telegram concerning the navy
entering Santiago harbor is received and
your action thoroughly approved. The
secretary of war suggests that if the navy
will not undertake to break through, take
a transport, cover the pilot house and
most exposed parts with baled hay. attach
an anchor to tow line, and II possible
grapple the torpedo cables and call for
volunteers from the army-not q large
number-to run into the harbor, thus
making way for the navy. Before
acting, telegraph what you think of 1t.
One thing Is certain the navy must get
into the harbor and must save the lives
of our brave men that will be sacrificed if
we assault the enemy in its entrench.
ments without aid. This is strictly con-
Hdential to you. =
What Gen. Shsfter thought of running
ship with deckload of indammable
baled hay past Notifications armed with
rapid fire guns does not appear, but be
did not see tit to carry OUT the instruc-
lions.
Secretary AIger wrote letter to Secre-
tary Long asking him to 'oroer the 1eef
off Santiago to at once force It's way into
the bay" Secretary Longs reply was
uObuluS luOF0 tudu q CuIo nOhhOW1oNSS
nient of the receipt of Secretary Alger's
letter, aud Admiral SIMPSONS orders to
avoid having his ships destroyed by
mines were not changed.
After the surrender of the city General
Shafter telegraphed for Instructions as to
the vessels IN the harbor, saying the navy
was disposed to take them. Secretary
Alger replied, "Be sure to take immed1-
ate possession Of all ships and boats in the
harbor They belong to the army.
While supporting General Shafter as
against Admiral Sampson there was
period before the surrender when the War
department feared General Shafter might
make the terms of surrender too favorable
TO the Spanish and this despatch was sent
to him by Adjutant General Corbln:
The President and secretary of war are
becoming impatient with parley. Any
arrangement that allows enemy to take
their arms had as well be abandoned
once for all, as it will not be approved.
The way to surrender Is to surrender, and
this should be fully impressed on General
Toral. / send this as your friend and
comrade and not by authority, but yeu
can be guided by it with entire safety.