Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-06-25

wardcd. The only other report was that
from Col. Allen. as to the telegraph lines,
which made incidental reference to the
press reports of our casualties. Capt.
Wainwright's name appears in the official
dispatch for the first tire, there being no
former report of mis- being among the
wounded. AS Gen. Shafter now reports
him uninjured all concern about him is
removed.
Capt. Wainwright belongs to the 1st Cav
airy. His full name is Robert F. P. VAIN
wright. He was born in Pennsylvania and
appointed to the Military Academy from
New York
Gen. Skaters dispatch throws consider
able new light on the general situatio of
the advance forces. 1t makes evident that
Maj. Gen. Wheeler, commander of the Cav
airy Division is with the advance force
The rough riders ard the regular cavalry
forces which participated yesterday are
part of Gen. Wheelers command. 1t is felt
to be characteristic cf that dash and impet-
ucsity of Wheeler that he should be lead
irg the advance, and it is taken as an
swering some of the comments made upon
the age of some of the volunteer leaders.
Decisive Fight Near.
Gen. Skaters reT ort that our troops are
row about a mile and a half from Seviila
shows how rapidly the American troops
have pushed forward. They have already
passed Juragua leaving it three miles in
the rear Sevilla is the point where he
Spaniards claim they will make a des-
rerate stand, and with our forces only
mile and one-haif eff, it is apparent that
a decisive fight is near at hand. 1t is fiFe
miles from Sevilla to Aquadores and two
miles further to Santiago. This shows our
troops to be about eight and one-half miles
from Santiago, according to Gen Shat
ter's report
Secretary Alger says he is determined
to give the public full and fair account
of the operations of the army in Cuba so
far as it can be done without improperly
exposing campaign plans.
Severe Loss of Rough Riders.
The press reports of the engagement
were accepted without question by The
army officers SO far as they went. 1t was
evident, however, that these were, from the
nature of the case, prepared very hastily
and necessarily omitted many facts that
are necessary to enable one TO form
clear conception of the details of the move
ment attempted by Gen. Lawton and Col.
Young which resulted in the severe loss
for the rough riders. The opinion seemed
to be based on insufficient evidence, 1t l.
admitted, that the latter may have been
ambushed. If this was not the case .hel
their tactics would compare unfavoraoiy
with these adopted by the United States
regulars under Lawton. The latter seemed
to have adopted their usual 1ndian-hgnt-
ing tactics, not disdaining to take adj
vantage of every tree and all possible
cover in driving backward the Spaniar,is.
The rough riders were supplied with at
least two Colts automatic machine guns
when they started from Tampa, and the
officials waiting to hear whether these
were used with effect or not. These little
guns weigh but thirty pounds, so they are
easily transported on mule back, and may
even be packed along with tripod by
soldier for short distance. They would
seem to be an ideal arm for cleaning out
an ambuscade anu saving the attacking
force from exposure.
Message From Admiral Sampson.
Only one message came during the night
to the Navy Department from Admiral
Sampson and 1t was in no wise connected
with yesterdays engagement. The report
was current that he had notified the de-
partment over night of his intention to be
gin the bonn mba rdment of the forts at the en-
Ol lOudy anu 10
continue the bombardment until the last
gun was silenced. No such cablegram was
received but no doubt is felt that Admiral
Sampson, who is in full and free oommuni-
cation with Gen. Shafter, will use his ships
in the manner referred to if it is deemed
best to do so. He has not, however, noti-
fled the department of any such intention.
American Dead Not Mutflnted.
In reply to the telegram from the depart
ment requesting definite Information con-
cerning the mutilation of the four bodies
of the marines killed in the outpost of
Guantanamo. Rear Admiral Sampson tele-
graDhed as follows:
PLAYA DEL ESTE, Cuba,
June 81, 1893.
Replying to your dispatch l have to re-