The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1898-10-20
THE REPLY OF ALCER
Explains Plan of Campaign
to Board of Inquiry.
WHY CHANGES WERE MADE
The Reasons for Selecting Tampa as .
Base and Cause Of Delay In
Embracing.

Base and Cause OF Delay In
Embracing.
Washington, Oct. 18.-Seciet AL
gers reply to the questions submitted
by the commission appointed by the
president to investigate the conduct of
the war department in the war with
Spain was made public today. The
secretary of war replied to the several
questions as follows:
First-What was the plan of cam
paign decided upon Immediately after
the declaration of war? Was it decided
to move at once on Havana, or that the
campaign should be postponed until
the autumn?
Answer-Immediate blockade by the
navy of the important ports of Cuba,
az directed by the president 8 proclama-
ton. The holding Of troops at points
nearest to Cuba, to be available In any
emergency which might arise, and es-
pecially to be ready for prompt assist
ance in case the operation Of the navy
should make the use Of land forces
necessary or desirable. Early in May
a plan was partially matured to land
force at Mariel, point about 26 miles
west of Havana, reports having been re-
ceived that In its immediate vicinity
were high grounds, we'll watered and
suitable for camping troops preparatory
for movement upon Havana later, il
it was deemed advisable; the thought
being that possibly an assault might
be made upon the forces defending that
city before the rainy season set in. Or
ders were issued to move on May 19,
but subsequently, the plans were
changed on account of further informa-
ton that there would be great danger
to the health of the troops In that
vicinity. and also on account of the I'M
certainty of the movements Of the enc
my's feet. 1t was then determined to
keep the forces in the United States at
points as near Cuba as possible, for i'm
mediate embarkation should an emer-
gency arise. The Santiago campaign
proved to be that emergency. 1t may
be added further that it was believed.
after consultation with medical author
titles, that troops camping in Southern
states during the summer would be-
come somewhat acclimated for their
services in Cuba.
Second When was the Santiago
campaign determined upon?
Answer-The Santiago campaign was
made necessary by the presence Of Adj
miral Cervera's feet in Santiago har.
Dor, but had previously been contem-
plated as one point on the coast where
a reconnaissance in force was to be
made to ascertain the strength Of the
enemy in the different localities in
Eastern Cuba. The immediate destruc-
ton of Admiral Cervera's feet was
necessary, and to enable the navy to
accomplish this, the military force un.
der Major General Shafter was directed
to move at once on the city and prov
ince of Santiago. This movement was
fastened by reason of telegram re-
ceived from Admiral Sampson, June 2.
stating that he had bon barded the forts
at Santiago June 6 and silenced the,
works quickly, and If 10000 men were
there the city and feet could be cap
tured within 48 hours. It is proper to
state that. after the date of this mes
sage, the Spanish garrison was largely
reinforced. The opinion of Admiral
Sampson was doubtless correct at the
time. Tohe troops sailed from Tampa
June IA, 1893, with 16.988 officers and
men.
Third-Why was Tampa selected as
the base of operations?
Answer-On account of the shipping
facilities at that point and it's compare
tive short distance from Cuba, render
ing any move Of the troops possible on
short notice as the progress Of the
blockade or any other condition might
require.
Fourth-Why were summer camps
organized at Fernandina, Jacksonville
and Tampa?
Answer-All Of the early camps in
the South were selected with special
regard tor the health of the troops and
their convenience for prompt movement
by rail and water. The camp at Fer
nandina was organized on the recon-
mendation Of the major-general COM
manding the army. The camp at
Jacksonville was selected on the recon-
mendation Of Major-G General Leo. conn
manding the Seventh army corps. A
permanent camp was never contem-
plated at Tampa.
Fifth-When was the Porto Rico
campaign determined uponl
Answer-The Porto Rico campaign
had been long under consideration. and
the orders to carry it out were issued
June "a, 1893.
Sixth-Why were the troops held in
transports after embarkation at Tampa
and not permitted to sail for several
days2
Answer-Troops we're hold on trans
ports after embarkati0n ct Tampa on
account OF advices received from Com
smodore Ramey that Spanish crnjser.
second -class. and Spanish torpedo de-
etroyer were seen BY Eagle. Nicohlas
channel, Cuba; destroy convoy.
AGray e Camp wheeler.
Huntsville, Ala, Oct. 13.-One sol
der was killed. two fatally wounded
and two seriously wounded at Camp
Wheeler today. Soon after the arrival
OF the Tenth cavalry, one Of the menu
hers was arrested by provost guard
fnr dfanrdarlv. conduct and an attempt