The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-07-01
WAR TELEGRAPH


WARRINGTON, June So-The War De-
partment received the welcome informa-
ton today that military telegraph sta
ton has been established at Seyilla, In the
center Of the present military operations,
| and that this line runs to point near Aqua
dores, where 1t connects with the French
cable line. thus bringing General 6hafter
into direct communication with the War
Department. General Greedy received Q
dispatch to this effect at 1880 from Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Allen. who has charge Of
telegraphic and cable operations. The in
formation was conveyed to the Secretary
Of War and General Miles and gave much
long sought and difficult to accomplish.
The work has been done by Colonel Allen,
assisted by Major Green Of General Shat
ter's stan. The shore point. at which the
military line connects with the French ca
BILE company, will be advanced to Aqua
dores as soon as that town IL taken. 1t
is now held by Spanish forces, but the
purpose is to have the warships shell 1t,
after which 1t will be occupied as shore
base.
Beyond this. the War Department has re-
ceivcd little news from General Skaters
headquarters In addition to the important
reports received from him yesterday. In
fact. nothing but the actual assault re-
mains to be reported after the significant
statement made by General Shafter to Gen.
eral Miles that he expected to take San
tiago as soon as he got ready to move,
without waiting for reinforcements. The
substance of this dispatch was male
known yesterday, but the actual text can
now be given.
1t was in reply to General Miles dis
patch of the 25th, saying:
Congratulations on success attained
thus far. Regret deeply to hear of loss Of
your heroic men. Gable what you desire
| for your command"
| General Skaters reply was primarily
| to acknowledge the congratulations, but
he took occasion In doing this to state:
EXPECT to take the place as soon as
get ready to move. Reinforcements will
not reach me-"
| The dispatch In full Is as follows:
playa del Este, June 28, 4:30 p.m.-Major
General Miles, commanding army, Wash
ington: Thanks for congratulations. At
fair was unimportant (skirmish in which
rough riders participated), 1854 only engaged
on our side. But 1t was very decisive In our
favor, enemy, retreating precipitately
Lack of cavalry only prevented their cap
| ture.
Reports from Spanish sources from San
tlago say we We're beaten, but persisted in
fighting and they were obliged to fall back.
Deeply regret loss of so many brave men.
Expect to take place as soon as get ready
to move. Reinforcements will not reach me.
horses for Third Battalion officers OF
cavalry and Woods Volunteers.
Health and spirits of command excellent.
Began debarkation command Wednesday,
Last Of troops and artillery landed today,
F; besides the transferring from Acerraderos
so miles, Of 5000 troops of Garcia. All
landed. Have something over 1000 Cubans.
Hope to send you favorable reports soon.
"sHAFTER.
major General U. s. ", Commanding"
General Skaters reference to the con-
dition of the men and horses was brought
out by an inquiry from General Miles say
ing, Telegraph condition of command.
number of men, condition of men and
horses and what you most need" Besides
the foregoing dispatches to General Miles
other official dispatches came to the de-
partment. 1t was in the above, however,
that General Shafter stated his expectation
to take the city before renforcements
reached him. The other official dispatches
gave the advance of the Spanish troops
from Manxanillo 5000 strong, and also ex-
pressed General Skaters belief that he
could take the city in forty-eight hours but
with considerable loss. The text of these
dispatches has not yet been given out, but
1t is likely to be made public later.