The record-union., 1898-10-12
Secretary AIger Replies to Ques-
tions of the Commission
Appointed BY the President TO Investigate
the Charges Of Msmanagement.
Explains in Detail the Actions of
the War Department in the Sc
lection of Rendezvous Camps
for the Large Number of
Soldiers Called Into the Service
During the Conflict With Spain.

WASHINGTON, Oct 11-Secretary
Alger's reply to the questions submit
ted by the commission appointed by
the President to investigate the con-
duct of the War Department in the
war with Spain was made public to-
day. The Secretary of War replies to
the several questions as follows:
First-Plan~ of campaign decided up
ON Immediately after the declaration
of war. Was it decided to move at
once or 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 procla
nation, the holding of troops at points
nearest to Cuba to be available in any
emergency which might arise, and
especially to be ready for prompt as
sistance in case the operations of the
navy should make the use of land
forces necessary or available.
Early in May a plan was partially
matured to land a force at Mariel,
point about twenty-siX miles west of
Havana, reports having been received
high grounds, we'll watered and suitable
for camping troops, preparatory for
movement upon Havana later if it
was deemed advisable; the thought be-
ing that possibly an assault might be
made upon the forces defending that
city before the rainy season set in.
Orders were issued to move on May
18th, but subsequently plans We're
changed on account of further infor-
nation that there would be great dam
ger to the health of the troops in that
vicinity; and also on account of the
uncertainty of the movements of the
enemy's fleet 1t was then determined
to keep the forces in the United States
at points as near Cuba as possible for
immediate embarkation should an
emergency demand it. The Santiago
campaign proved to be- that emergency
1t should be added further that it was
believed, after consultation with med
ical authorities, that troops camping in
Southern States during tlve summer
would become somewhat acclimated for
their services in Cuba.
Second When was the Santiago
campaign determined upon?
Answer-The Santiago campaign was
made necessary by the presence of Ad-
miral Cervera's fleet in Santiago har-
Dor, but had previously been contem-
plated as one point on the coast where
a reconnaissance in force was to be
made to ascertain the strength of the
enemy in the different locations in
Eastern Cuba. The immediate de-
struction of Admiral Cerveras fleet
was necessary, and to enable the navy
to accomplish this the military force
under Major General Shafter was di-
rected to move at once on the city and
province of Santiago. This movement
was hastened by reason of a telegram
received from Admiral Sampson on
June 1th, stating that he had bonn
barded the forts at Santiago on June
9Th, and silenced' the works quickly
and if 10000 men We're there the city
and fleet could be captured within
forty-eight hours.
1t is proper to state that after the
date of this message the Spanish gar
rison was largely reinforced. The opin-
ion of Admiral Sampson was doubtless
correct at the time. The troops sailed
from Tampa on June II, 1898, with
16,9SS officers and men.
Third-Why was Tampa selected az
the base of operations?
Answer-On account of the shippine
facilities at that point and its com
parative short distance from Cuba,
rendering any movement of the troops
possible on short notice as the progress
of the blockade or any other sudden
condition might require.
Fourth-Why were summer camps
and Tampa?
Answer-All of the camps in the
South were selected with special regard
for the health of the troops and their
convenience for prompt movement by
rail and water The camp at Fernan-
dina was organized on the recommen-
dation of the Major General command
ing the army. The camp at Jackson
Vile was selected on the recommended
tion of Major General Lee, command
ing the Seventh Army Corps. A per-
camp was never contemplated
at Tampa. Troops We're sent there
to embarkation, and were
kept there to be ready for any emer-
gency, and later to embark for Porto
Rico.
Fifth When was the Porto Rico
campaign determined upon?
Answer-The Porto Rico campaign
had been long under consideration. and
the orders to carry it out We're issued
June a, 1898.
Sixth-Why were the troops held on
transports after embarkation at Tampa
and not permitted to sail for several
days?
Answer-Troops were held on trans
ports after embarkation at Tampa on
account of advices received from Com
modore Remey that Spanish cruiser,
second class. and Spanish torpedo de-
st-oyer seen by Eagle in Nicholas
Channel, Cuba; destroy convoy" See
copies of kilograms from Navy Depart
ment herewith:
washington, May 80, 1898 (sent in
cipher May 81. 1898, 2:30 a. m).
Major General William r. Shafter,
Tampa: With the approval of the Sec
retary of War, you are directed to take
your command on transports, proceed
under convoy of the navy to- the vieini-
ty of Santiago de, Cuba, land your force
at such place east or west of that point
as your judgment may direct. under
the protection Of the navy, and move it