Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-08

NtW YORK, september THE United
States transport Obdam, having cr
board Major-General Nelson A. Miles and
Dis staff. Major Greenleaf, Captain Whit
lsy. the Second Regiment of Wisconsin
volunteers. consisting Of thirty officers
and SJ men. and the hospital corps. from
Porto Rico, arrived here to-day. Mrs
Nl.s. son, and daughter were also on
board the transport, which sailed from
Ponce ON september LIST.
Tae surgeon in charge reported all well
Oh board. and no sickness or deaths du-
rims the voyage. The troops were in the
bas, Of spirits. The big transport was
decorated profuscly with palms and
drapel with flags. From the fore truck
was flying the American ensign over a
large Spanish flag, while long strings Of
International code flags were floating from
each masthead TO the rails
STATEMENT FROM MILES.
The following statement, emanating
from General Miles. was given to the re-
rorters on board of the OLDHAM. 1t is IN
,ha form of "a letter in which General
Miles is mentioned in the third person:
"Wmne ut Porto Rico and during the
yOyase returning on the OLDHAM, on which
steamer were General Miles and STAFF,
and two battalions Of the Second Regl-
m-lt OF Wisconsin volunteers, 1 learned
taa following facts concerning the Cuban
and Porto Rican expeditions:
"Iu the first place let me say that the
war has closed. after being conducted
Lrsely as General Miles stated publicly
al tne beginning of the war that IL would
be. The statement was pdblicly made,
and a general order was issued by him as
commander Of the American army. in
which the plan ne has striven TO pursue
was observation-disclosures seeking 10
accomplish results with the least posi-
bic loss of life In an interview in the
latter part of May he said: The United
States Government is too strong. too
great, and too powerful TO commit any
foolish act i'm connection with the pro-
posed invasion of Cuba
so NEEDLESS RISK OF LIFE.
Referring 10 the proposed rush 20 the
fever-stricken city OF Habana. he said:
go officer is dt TO command troops, who
from any motive whatever, would need
sly risk the life OF n single soldier,
either from disease or the bullets of the
enemy. 1 have never sacrificed the lives
OF men under my command, and do not
propose To subject them 10 any unneces-
sary risks i'm the present campaign
"ln IN order issued 10 the army at an
carly date.'he directed that every officer
of whatever grade. will, so far as may be
iu his power guard and preserve the |
health and welfare OF those under his |
charge He must labor diligently and |
l.aIously 10 perfect himself and his SUI |
loI0nates in military drill instruction, |
Hd discipline. and above all he must con- |
sauuy endeavor. by precept and exam
.... 20 maintain the highest character 20 |
foster and stimulate that true soldierly |
spirit and patriotic devotion to duty
which must characterize an effective
army
PLAN FOR CUBAN CAMPAIGN.
"Jhe principles thus enunciated have
..1 zealously observed from the first
.H ug to- the fact that the season suited
r campaigning in Cuba had been eX-
aastsd in debates and delay i'm Congress.
and in necessary preparations, General
Uas was opposed 10 rushing an il-pre-
t.I mdisciphned. and unequipped
.Wg in q movement against the capital
If cuba. defended by 10000 trained Span
H troops. and i'm. this position he stood
.aCucaIly alone br several weeks. Ha-
..ul. Muanzas. Santiago, and few
....r points were drawn on his military
pap as hOtbeds of disease. destructive 10
.a my and places 10 be avoided, espe-
v during the sickly season. When
....Ir called upOn 10 submit a plan of |
.raaisn. bee did so. and put II in writ
.r lu substance, he took the stand. |
Hf that every EFFORT should be made 10
p the Cunns. and thereby enable
..u t0 har9ss the Spanish forces. The /
E of on 20 Habana should be encour- q
e.0. blt when the transports, loaded
.u troops. were out of sight Of land, I
lor should sail as straight as steam
oUer could bear them 10 the gate or the
antilles and the key OF the whole posi-
n Porto Rico. then, having seized and
-pled that island movement on
ta was 10 follow. by means of strong ;
'aIry force. which was TO be organized o
nl equipped by August or September
. contemplated that 1000 cavalry should d
thrown 20 the centre OF Cuba, cutting
spanish forces in two and moving =
ward 20 Habana. BY the time the
'. rrisDN Was over anu II Noulu bt |
npossible 10 manoeuvre an army. we .
lld move against that city well-or- .
1zed. well-equlpped. and well-dis-
pinned army, and complete the capture II
iAe Spanish forces. p
RELIEF or SHAFTER.
THE enclosure Of Ceryera's feet In the y
lfbOr Of Santiago changed the conci- -
o.s and made IL necessary TO move a :,
lIiary force 10 that point. General -
Aes while al Tampa. organized the ex- -
Hiion. and felt the Importance OF the =
.'efpfise so greatly that he requested ~
mission 10 accompany that expedition, !"
70 Immediately organize another 10 g
'h IT, This permission was not granted. -
Tar as accompanying that expedition -,
-s concerned. but authority was granted ''
equip second for movement ana
Iduon against the enemy in Cuba and
'No Rico However. before this expe-
lon was equipped. calls were made for
'll'ndl forces 20 80 10 Santiago ana j.
~ were Immediately forwarded ON | %