Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-12-03

kAhSAS III
by rail directly from Havana and Matan-
zas.
If the above plan is approved, troops
could be ordered TO embark on the trans
ports Immediately. and the purpose would
be the occupation of Spanish territory, first
by moving our troops as speedily as pos
efble TO Santiago de Cuba and Porto Rico.
and. later. to the north coast of Cuba,
especially our cavalry; this military occI-
patton to continue until hostilities ceases.
Very respectfully. NELSON A. MILES.
Major General Commanding.
Difficulties in the Way.
without indicating what disposition was
made of the suggestions contained in this
dispatch, Secretary Algcr goes on to brief
ly explain the conditions which confronted
the American army at that moment. The
secretary Of the navy was convinced that
Csrvera was in Santiago harbor. and every
energy was bent to concentrate a military
force near Santiago TO aid in the destruc-
tion of the Spanish fleet and the capture
Of the city.
The great difficulty was the want OF
transports: the loading facilities at Port
Tampa were imperfect, and there was great
confusion caused by the large concentra-
ton of supplies there. The railroad IA
cilities were inadequate; there was a fall
ure to label the cars. and the postofiice
was congested SO that bills of lading were
delayed. Few of the thirty-six transports
finally gathered there were fit for sucn
service. but they were the best that could
be had. and. while they were rated at
2S.coo passengers in capacity, even the
1900 persons transported was a larger
number than should have been carried.
Fortunately, they arrived without serious
accident, however.
The first duty for which General Shafter
was selected, viz, to make reconnois-
sance in force about 5000 strong on the
south side of Cuba. Secretary Alger says,
was abandoned on account of the move
ments of the enemy's fleet. Says the sec
retary:
Miles Selected Shnfter.
Major General Shafter was selected to
command the expedition TO Cuba by the
major general OF the army, who made
the recommendation to the president and,
with this recommendation. the secretary
OF war was in full accord. Results proved
the wisdom Of the assignment.
Next in order the secretary quotes his
dispatch of May 81, sent at 80 o'clock at
night. to General Shafter at Tampa, di-
recting him to start for Santiago, TO land
east or west of that point, IN his own
Judgment. and move on 10 the high grounds
in such position as TO destroy the garrison
there and cover the navy as ii sends its
men in small boats TO remove torpedoes,
or. with the aid of the navy, capture or
destroy the Spanish fleet reported 10 be
in the harbor. General Shafter was 10
accomplish this with the least possible de-
lay, making use of the insurgents. but be-
ing careful not TO put too much confidence
in any persons outside of his own troops,
lie was ordered to cooperate with the
navy and communicate with Sampson and
schlcy, and, upon completing his task I'M
less his command had suffered severe loss,
WAS TO proceed 10 Pinto de Banes and await
orders.
Great Confusion at Tampa.
The report states that. May 50, General
Miles left for Tampa to assist in the en-
barkation of troops June the secretary
telegra phed Shafter at Tampa that Samp-
son reported Cervera safely bottled in San
tiaso harbor and urged immediate aid from
his troops. Sampson reported I6.0DJ Span
fish troops the garrison OF the vicinity.
The following day a dispatch was received
from Shafter at Tampa explaining the de-
lays i'll the embarkation of the troops us
lay is said 10 be that great quantities OF
stores were rushed III promiscuously with
no facilities 10 handle OK store them. The
railroad for ten miles back from the wharf
was single track ana Il narrow place in
which 10 work. The capacity of the place
had been greatly exceeded. He CShafterJ
would not delay minute. but would not
send his troops away until they were prop
erly equipped. General Corbin, in reply,
General Skaters accomplishments.
Then follows The dispatch of June 5, oi
General Miles. already published in his re-
port, saying that the expedition had been
delayed through fault OF anyone con,
nectcd with ii. continuing, he said:
This expedition is 80 important that
desire TO go with this army corps or TO i'm.
mediuely organize another and go with il
10 join this and capture position No. =
Now that the military is about TO be used
believe ii should be continued with every
energy, making the most judicious disposi
tion OF it TO accomplish the desired re
suits"
Shafter Ordered to Hurry.
A telegram from Sampson OF the eth
translated by the secretary. ito Major Gen
eral Shafter or Major General Miles" a.
Tampa, declares that he has silenced tbs
works at Santiago. that, If 1O.oo0 men wer,
there, the city and fleet could be taken
that every consideration demanded imme
diate army movement and. If delayed, tn,
city would be defended more strongly b.
guns taken from the fleet. Following with
cut explanation is this dispatch 10 Genera
Shafter at Port Tampa from Secretary Al
ger. dated the 1th:
since lelegraphing you an hour since
the president directs YOU 10 sail at one
with all force you have ready
In reply, Shafter said he would sail tn
next morning, which was as early as stear
could be gotten up. This was p. m. an
at s:s4 p. m. Miles. at Tampa, telegraphe
directly to the president:
Prom the commanding officer down 4
the drummer boys, everyone is impatien
10 go. and annoyed at the delay. Tn
last OF the troops from Chckamauga ar
rived this morning and have been equippe