The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-06-30
JOINED BY WIRE.
Washington is Connected With
Shafter's Headquarters.

Washington, June 3O.-The war de-
partment received the welcome inform
alton today that a military telegraph
station has been established at Seyilla
in the center of the present military
operations and that this line ran to a
point near Aquadores. where it con-
nected with the French cable Ifne, thus
bringing Gen. Shafter into direct com
munication with the war department.
Gen. Greedy received a dispatch to this
effect at 1890 o'clock from Liuet. Col.
Allen, who has charge of teIegraphic
and cable operations. The information
was conveyed to the scertary of war
and Gen. Miles and gave much salts
faction, as it accomplishes an end
long sought.
The work has been done by Col. Allen,
assisted by Major Green of Gen. Shaft
er's staff. The shore point, at which
the military line connects with the
French Gable company will be advanc-
ed to AgUadores, as soon as that town
is taken. 1t is now held by Spanish
forces, but the purpose is to have the
war ships shell it, after which it will
be occupied as a shore base.
Beyond this the war department has
received little news from Gen. Skaters
headquarters in addition to the import
ant reports received from him yester-
day. In fact nothing but the actual as
statement made by Gen. Shafter to
Gen. Miles, that he expected to take
Santiago as soon as he got ready to
move without waiting for reinforce
ments. The substance of this dispatch
was made known yesterday but the ac-
tive text can now be given. 1t was in
reply to Gen. Miles dispatch of the
25th saying: Congratulations on sue
cess attained thus far. Regret deeply
to hear of loss of your heroic men. Ca
Bile what you desire for your COM
mand."
Gen. Skaters reply was primarily to
acknowledge the congratulations. but
he took occasion in doing this Briefly
but to the point, to state his plans in
the place as soon as 1 get ready to
move. Reinforcements will not reach
me"
The dispatch in full is as follows
Playa del Este, June 2S.4:30 p. M
Major General Miles, commanding
army, Observation-Disclosures Cuba,
June 28.-Thanks for ongratulations-
Affair was unimportant-(skirm in
which rough riders participatedD; 964
only engaged on our side. But it was
very decisive in our favor, enemy re-
treating precipitately. Lack of cavalry
only prevented their capture.
Reports from Spanish sources from
Santiago say we were beaten but per-
sisted in fighting and they were obliged
to fall back. Deeply regret loss of SO
many brave men.
Expect to take place as son as L get
ready to move. ReinforcementS will
not reach me. Horses stood voyage
well. Would like horses for third bat
talon officers of cavalry and Woods
volunteers.
Health and spirits of command ex-
ceuent. Began debarkation command
Wednesday. Last of troops and artil-
lery landed today besides transferring
from Aserraderos, fifty miles off, 5000
troops of Garcia. All landed Have
something over 1000 Cubans.
Hope to send you favorable reports
soon. (Signed) SHAFTER,
''Major General. U. S. v, Command
ing"
General Skaters reference to the
condition of men and horses was
brought out by an inquiry from General
Miles, saying: Telegraph condition of
command, number of men SICK, condi-
ton of men and horses and what you
most need.'' Besides the foregoing dis
patches to General Miles, other official
dispatches from headquarters came to
| the war department. 1t was in the
above, however, that General Shafter
stated his expectation to take the city
before reinforcements reached him. The
other official dispatches gave the ad-
vance of Spanish troops from Manza-
| milo, 5000 strong and also expressed
General Skaters belief that he could
| take the city in forty-eight hours but
| with considerable loss