The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1898-07-29
SHAFTER EXPELS SCOVEL.
Four Other Newspaper Correspond
ents Deported From Cuba.
ANSWERS ATTACKS ON HIM.
The Condition of tbs Troops in Santiago
Rapidly Improving-Feedlng HOOD OF
the spanish Prisoners OF war-Makes
No Mention of the Garcia Letter.

u
ter reported by cable yesterday that
the condition of the troops at Santiago
was rapidly improving, and said he
hoped in the course of day or two to
have them all located in comfortable
camps, where they may rest and re-
cuperate, and where the sick may re-
cover. He is feeding 1000 of the
Spanish prisoners of war, and although
he has not yet been able to furnish them
with tents, yet this deficiency is being
made good, and meanwhile their pres
ent condition is no worse in this re-
spect than was their condition before
the surrender.
The general makes no mention OF
the alleged letter from Garcia to him
self, nor does he speak of any friction
between them, hence the department
has come to doubt the authenticity OF
the published stories on these sub
jects.
In his report to the war department
relative to conditions at Santiago, zen
eral Shafter has thrown some hght
upon difficulties in which certain OF
the newspaper correspondents there
have involved themselves. From his
report it would appear that, animated
by an ambition to take a prominent
part in the important events following
each other in rapid succession at San
tiago after the initiation of the nego-
tiations for the surrender of the city,
a few of the correspondents were
guilty of grave breaches of military
law, necessitating prompt corrective
action by General Shafter.
Thus, for instance, one correspond
ent, in his efforts to take part in the
flag raising over the city hall, resisted
the military officers in the execution
of their duty. and even attempted
personal assault upon the commanding
general. This made him subject to
summary and severe punishment-even
death-yet General Shafter, probably
realizing that ignorance OF military
law was the explanation of the action,
contented himself with eXpelling that
correspondent from Cuba.
A more serious offense, from the fact
that it might easily have led to rioting
and loss of life, was that of three other
correspondents, who, it appears by
General Skaters report, by circulat-
ing infammatory posters, stirred up
the town. They were likewise de-
ported, and as evidence that he has no
ill-feeling toward the paper represent
ed by them, but desires only to exer-
else such control as is imperatively de-
manded in the interest of safety of our
troops and protection of the people
under their care, General Shafter has
declared that these correspondents
may be Immediately replaced by others
from the same paper, who Will observe
the rules of prudence. No mention is
made of any other cases requiring at
tention, and it is indicated that the
relations between the newspaper men
and the army officers at Santiago are
generally amicable and satisfactory.
In very dignified manner General
Shafter takes notice of some of the
severely critical newspaper articles
that have appeared, touching the con-
dition of the troops before Santiago,
while they lay in the trenches He
admits that there was a shortage OF
tobacco for a time, but shows conclu-
sively that there was no lack of the
necessaries of life, and that the troops
were adequately supplied with hard
bread, bacon, sugar and coffee. AL
though this bill of fare is not as extern
sive as that afforded troops in garri-
son, it embodies the main features of
the army ration while on field service
and removed from base of supplies.
AS it has been alleged in some quar-
tiers that there was a lack of purpose
in the battles incident to the advance
upon Santiago, it is interesting to note
that while General Shafter admits
that for two days he was himself lying
i'll, owing to the great heat and ex-
posture, he asserts that the plans laid
down in advance for the movement
were carried out with absolute exact
ness.