The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-01
IN DIRECT C0MMU NICATION.
General shafter viii Attack Santiago
without Waiting for Reinforcements.

come TO the navy department from Ad-
miral Sampson making the slightest
reference to the Spanish story of the
sinking of the Brooklyn by a shell
from the Santiago harbor defenses. As
Sampson is within an hour or two's
reach OF the cable station and his or
ders would require him to report in
stantly on any such occurrence, the ofii-
cials have no hesitation in denouncing
the story as fabrication. Reports re-
celved at the navy department of the
collision between the Dolphin and New
ark Indicate that il took place near Key
West. The Dolphin smashed her stem,
filling the forward compartment back to
the collision bulkhead. 1t is expected
three weeks will be consumed in making
repairs.
The war department received welcome
information to-day that military tele-
graph stations had been established at
Sevilla, in the center of the present
military operations. and this line runs
to point near Aguadores. where il con-
meets with the French cable line, thus
bringing General Shafter into direct
communication with the department.
Beyond this the war department has
received little news from General Shaf-
ters headquarters in addition 10 the inn
portant reports received from him yes
terday. In fact. nothing but the actual
assault remains to be reported after the
significant statement made by General
Shafter to General Miles, that he ex-
pected to take Santiago as soon as he
got ready to. move, without waiting for
reinforcements The substance of this
dispatch was made known yesterday,
but the actual text can now be given. 1t
was in reply to General Miles dispatch
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 yeur command"
General SKATERS reply was primar-
lily to acknowledge the congratulations,
but he took occasion in doing this 10
state: Expect to take the place as
soon as / get ready to move. Rein
forcements will not reach me-"
The dispatch in full is as follows:
Playa del Este. June rs. 4:30 p. m.-
Major General Miles. Commanding
Army, Washington: Thanks for con-
gratulations. Affair was unimportant
skirmish In which rough riders parti-
cipated. Nine hundred and sixty-four
only engaged on our side, but re-
suited very decisively In our favor En-
emy precipitatedly retreated Reports
from Span!sh sources from Santiago
say we were beaten but persisted in
fighting and they were obliged to fail
back. Deeply regret loss of so many
brave men.
Expect to take the place as soon as
l get ready to move. Reinforcemenrs
will not reach me. Horses stood voy-
age well. Would like horses and
(probably "for') Sd battalion of cav
airy and Woods volunteers. Health and
spirits of command excellent. Began
debarkation command Wednesday,
Last of troops and artillery landed to-
day besides transferring from Acerra-
deros. so miles, of 1900 troops of Gar
cias. All landed. Hope to send you
favorable reports soon.
"SHAFTER.
Major General Il. S. V. Commanding"
General Skaters reference TO the
condition of the men and horses was
brought out by an inquiry from Gem
eral Miles. saying: Telegraph condi-
tion of command. number of men sick.
condition of men and horses and what
you most need
Besides the foregoing dispatches to
General Miles. other official dispatches
came to the department. 1t is A fact.
however, that they believe that General
Shafter stated his expectation to take
the city before reinforcements reached
him. The other official dispatches gave
Manzanillo, 5000 strong. and also ex-
pressed General Skaters belief that he
could take the city in As hours but with
considerable loss. The text of these
dispatches has not yet been given out,
but they are likely to be made public
later.