Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-09-15
ing the Cuban and Porto Rican expe


ditions:
In an order issued to the army at
an early date, Miles directed that
Every officer of whatever grade will,
80 far as is in his power, guard the
health and welfare of those under
his charge. He must labor diligently
and zealOusly to perfect himself and
subordinates in military drill, instruc-
ton, and discipline, and above all
constantly endeavor to foster and
stimulate that true soldierly spirit
and patriotic devotion to duty which
must characterize an effective army
The principles thus enunciated have
been yea 'ously observed from the
first
When finally called upon to sub
NIT the plan of the campaign Miles
did so and put it in writing. In sub
stance he took the stand first, that
every effort should be made to equip
the Cubans and thereby enable them
to harass the Spanish forces. The
cry of on to Havana should be en-
couraged, but when the transports
loaded with troops were out of sight
OF land, they should sail as straight
as steam power could bear them to
the gates of the Antilles, and the key
of the whole position-Porto Rico
then, having seized and occupied that
island, the movement to Cuba was to
follow by means of a strong cavalry
force, which was to be organized and
equipped by August or September. He
contemplated that with 10000 cavalry
thrown to the center Of Cuba. cutting
the Spanish forces in two, moving
west to Havana, and by the time the
rainy season was over it would be
possible to vancouver the army, we
could nave against that city, vel. Or
ganized, well equipped we'll dis
ciplined, and complete, and capture
the Spanish forces.
"On July Sd, Shafter telegraphed
that his losses had been greatly un-
derestlmated; that he had met strong
er resistance than he anticipated:
that he was seriously considering the
advisability of falling back to posi-
ton five miles to the rear; and that
he had been unable to be up dur ne
the heat for four days. Under such
circumstances Gen Miles telegraphed
Gen. Shafter that he would be with
Dlm within a week with strong rein
forcements, Of course taking the
troops prepared for the second ex-
petition. which had been ordered by
the president to operate against tn
enemy in Cuba as well as in Porto
Rico.
Ihese were the circumstances I'M
der which Miles left Washington. ar
nVlng at Santiago July II, not as a
private individual nor as a visitor
ANY pretense that he went there dis
robed of authority or of official ca
pacity is too childish to be considered
by sensible man. From the moment
he arrived at Santiago, he was re-
sponsible for what might occur. He
designed to disembark the troops and
artillery named on the west side OF
Santiago, as was understood before
leaving Washington, and before he
went ashore he made necessary ar
engagements accordingly. He then
proceeded to the front, and after con-
sulting with Shafter, note was sent
to the Spanish commander by Shafter
saying that the commanding general
of the United States army was in his
camp with strong reinforcements and
that he would meet him beween the
lines at any hour agreeable. The re
ply of the Spanish commander was
that he would meet him at II O'Clock
the next day. The meeting was helC
and after some conversation between
Shafter and Toral, Miles frankly in.
formed the Spanish general that ht
had left Washington six days before
and it was then the determination O.
the government that this portion o.
the Spanish army must be captured o.
destroyed He also informed tn,
Spanish general of his reinforcement
arrived with him; that some Of thes,
forces were already disembarking AM
the remainder would be disembarket
on the west side of the harbor; an
that it was useless for him to con
tend against the inevitable. Thes
transports could also be plainly seel
by the Spanish from Moro castle an
other points. Toral replied that a
long as he had arms and ammunition
he had to fight in order to maintai
the honor of the Spanish army. 1
response he was informed that he a
ready had maintained the honor G