The representative. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1893-1901, 1898-08-31
IN COMMAND
Proof That Gen. Miles Was
Recognized By the War
Departm snt.
Evidence That Secretary Alger
Succeeded in Mixing
Things Up.

KANSAS CITY, Aug. 30-The Star prints
three-column exclusive dispatch from j.
u. Whelpley, it's special war correspondent
who has just returned from Porto Rico
bearing upon the Miles-Alger controversy.
Mr.. Whelpley takes occasion to deny the
statement of recently published interview
In Porto Rico with Gen. Miles, wherein the
latter was quoted as casting reflections up
on the war department, was not genuine
and In support Of the statements already
made by 1t, the Star prints interesting tele-
grams that passed between the depart
ment and Gems. Miles and Shafter on the
points at issue.
Doubt is expressed by some,' says Mr.
Whelpley, "as to whether Gen. Miles ever
said these things they credit him with. 9th
ers suggest he may have said them in con-
tidence which was betrayed. l feel conf
dent continues the correspondent, Gen
Miles will stand by the interview re-
ferred to-
MY talk with him was not confidential
i went TO him as newspaper reporter, for
the avowed and express purpose of secur-
ing an interview. There were reserva-
tions from publication in the conversation.
This is proved by his refusal to answer
some questions which he would have an
swered had this not been SO. There was
no hint of confidence.
I'm this instance, however, no question of
veracity need arise. Gen. Miles himself,
even If ne so desired, could not conceal the
proof Of all he said. 1t is written in the
records of the war department, and If only
needs clearing away of inconsequent mat
ter to tell the story clearly and in FULL
The Stars article says:
THAT Gen. Miles was in command of the
entire army when in Washington is of
course evident. That he did not resign this
supreme command when he went to Tampa
and that it was he who was treating with
the Cubans for cooperation in Cuba is
shown by the numerous kilograms eX
changed with Gen. Garcia. The war de-
partment recognized Miles as chief when he
was in Tampa, for June IL telegram was
sent to him from Washington, which begins:
The following extract of a telegram
from Admiral Sampson to the secretary of
the navy is repeated for your informa tion,'
etc.
When. Gen. Shafter went to Cuba and
Gen. Miles returned to Washington the lat
ter did not resign his control of the situa-
ton, but, on the contrary, kept in close
touch as possible by wire with the move
ments of Skaters command On the 4th of
July he sent the following dispatches to
Washington addressed to the adjutant gen
eral:
Headquarters Fifth Army Corps, In
Camp Near Santiago De Cuba, July A.
There seems to be no reasonable doubt but
that Gen. Pando succeeded in entering San
tago last night with his force said to be
5000 men.
. This puts different aspect upon affairs
ana while we can probably maintain
selves, 1t would be al the cost of very con-
siderable fighting and loss.
Gen. Lawton reports that Cen Garcia
who was to block the entrance of Pando
Informed him at 10 o'clock last night that
Pando mad passed in on Cobra road. Lawton
says he cannot compel Gen. Garcia to obey
my instructions to place themselves in any
position where they will have to fight and
that If We intend to reduce Santiago we
will have to depend alone upon our own
troops, and that will require twice the num-
Der we now have.
L sent q message 20 Admiral Sannson
asking If he proposed entering the harbor
so as to give his assistance. Commodore
Watson replied that he does not know Ad-
miral SIMPSONS intentions since the de-
struct1on of the Spanish squadron, but does
not himself think the fleet should trv to go
into the harbor of Santiago. This under the
circumstances, is not very encouraging.
Have been expecting a division from
Tampa and Duffields second brigade from
Camp A!ger, but only small number of
recruits have appeared so far. II we have
to go and try and reduce the town now
that the fleet is destroyed, which was stated
to be the chief object of the expedition. there
must De no delay in getting a large body
of troops here
The town is in terrible condition as to
FOOD, and people are starving as stated bv
foreign consuls this morning but the troons
can fight and have large quantity of rico
but no other supplies. There will be nothing
done here until noon of the 5th. and 7 SIM,
pose l can put them off a little longer 70
enable people to get out. Country here is
destitute of food or growing crops. except
mangoes.
Men are in good spirits though If ;s
hard to tell how long the latter will con-
tinue.
1 am sorry tc say I am no better. and
In addition to my weakness cannot be ont
on account of slight attack of gout. but
nope to be better soon. Lieut. Milev
ing, and his report will be telegra phed i'm
mediately. do not send this in cinher
as time is precious.
SHAFTER,
Major-General'
1T was this situation which determined
Gen. Miles to go to Cuba The dav he
saled with reinforcements July z. he sent
'ne ioiio"ins oispatch from Washington:
MILES TO SHAFTER,
Gen. Sh"fter, SantinEo-':ake every
precautiOn against surprise ,n,p he
on the lookout that the cncmy doc.
not turn your right Hank and co,.
in on the line of your communicates
ReinfOrcements are being sent for.
ward as rapidly as pos"ihlc. but you
will have to be the Judge of the M.
sition you nrc to hold until the re-.
infOrcc ments can reach you.
MILES, Maj.-Gcn. Comn:andinr.,
Gen. Miles sailed for Cuba. On .Julv I,
at noon he reported his safe arrival to