The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-07-24
Washington Bureau st. Paul Globe,
Corcordn Building.

WASHINGTON, July 2S.-(Special)-
Repeated visits of representatives of
the Cuban Junta to the war depart
ment have finally given rise to all sorts
OF rumors as to the status of the de-
fection of Gen. Garcia. The report that
the Cuban commander had attacked a
detachment Of Spanish troops who
were coming into Santiago to surren-
der to Gen. Shafter, in pursuance of
orders issued to them by Gen. Toral,
caused a profound sensation at the
national capital. 1t was soon whis-
pered about that a crisis in dealing
with the CubanS was at hand. This
gained credence rapidly when 1t was
learned that Cuban leaders had been
in conference with reference to the re-
markable action reported to have been
taken by Gen. Garcia, and that the
Cuban junta had been given to un-
derstand that it would not be possible
to permit Garcia to conduct a cam
paign of his own in Cuba-especially If
It be one that might repeatedly upset
what was being done by the American
forces. 1t Is said that the junta rep
resentatives are not inclined to credit
the reports that have gained circula-
ton as to what Garcia is doing, and
say that, If they are true, the general
will be called to account.
GRAVE COMPLICATIONS.
At the war department today there
was an evident feeling of uneasiness
over the report from Santiago, by way
Of New York, that Gen. Garcia had
attacked Spanish troops who were on
the way to Santiago to surrender to
Gen. Shafter. The rumor was given
due credence, as it is expected that
Garcia will do all sorts of indiscreet
things unless he is quickly placated.
The government officials who have dis
cussed the action of Garcia in aban-
doning the American army and start
ing out to fight the Spaniards on his
own hook, are of the opinion that the
situation thus created Is far more seri-
Gus than the American officers in Cuba
seem to realize. There may be an en-
tire change Of programme necessary
should Garcia persist in his foolhardy
venture. The American forces, 1t Is
argued, cannot afford to make any fur
ther demonstrations against the Span
iards until they have had a settlement
with the rehellious Cubans. Some one
made a mistake at Santiago that is
liable to cause the government all sorts
Of trouble.
CENSURE FOR SHAFTER.
Today there has been open censure
of Gen. Shafter for practically ignor-
ing Gen. Gercia's escapade. and there
is harsher comment upon the lack Of
diplomacy that caused Shafter to over
look the Cuban commander at the flag
raising when the Stars and Stripes
were first unfurled over Santiago city.
Dewey's handling of the insurgents at
Manila is contrasted with the mistakes
made by Shafter, who was thought to
have a much easier task than that as
signed to Admiral Dewey. 1t is said
here that 1t would have been better
for Gen. Shafter to have asked Gen
Garcia to direct the unfurling of the
Stars and Stripes at Santiago than to
have incurred his enmity by complete
~ ignoring him. And 1t is beginning tC
be commented upon that Gen. Shafter
has made no official report of the trou-
BILE with Garcia, or, if he has, the gov
ernment is so embarrassed by its con-
tents as to determine to withhold the
facts from the public. It is believed