Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-07-01
SHAFTER HAS A WIRE AT LAST.
Telegraph Station Established With
fn Two Miles OF the City
of Santiago.

WASHINGTON, June 3O.-General A. w.
Greely, chief signal officer. tonight re-
ceived dispatch from Lieutenant Colonel
Allen, chief signal corps officer in Cuba,
announcing that telegram and telephone
station had been established at point
within two miles of the city of Santiago.
This information is of the highest i'm
portance TO the officials of the war de-
partment. as il insures to them practically
direct communication with General Shafter.
The information is significant, too, as 1t
shows that the American troops are within
rifle shot of Santiago. The telegraph station
being, of course, within the American
lines, its location conciusively indicates
that the forces OF General Shafter have
established themselves in advance of the
telegraph station.
The work has been done by Colonel Al
len, assisted by Major Green, of General
Shafter's staff. The shore point. at which
the military line connects with the French
Gable Company. will be advanced to Aqua
dores as soon as that town is taken.
1t is now held by Spanish forces, but the
purpose is to have the warships shell it.
after which it will be occupied on a shore
base.
Beyond this, the war department. has re-
ceived little news from General Shafter s
headquarters in addition to the important
reports received from him yesterday. In
fact, nothing but the actual assault re-
mains TO be reported, after the significant
statement made by General Shafter to Gen.
eIal Miles, that he expected to take Santiago
as soon as he got ready to move, without
waiting for reinforcements. The substance
of this dispatch was made known yester-
day. but the actual text can now be given.
1t was in reply to General Miles dispatch
of the 25th. saying:
CONGRATULATIONS on success attained thus
far. Regret deeply TO hear Of loss of your
heroic men. Gable what you desire for
your command"
General Skaters reply was primarily to
acknowledge the cnrgrat plations, but he
took occasion, in doing this briefly but to
the point, to state his plans in the following
words:
''xpect to.take the place as. soon as gel
ready to move. RejnforceHeats will moi
reach me-
The dispatch in full is as follows:
Playa del Este June %. i:3o p. M
Major General Miles. Commanding Army,
Washington. BaiIuiri, Cuba, June 2s.-
Thanks for congratulations. Affair was
Observation-Disclosures in which rough rid
ers participated. Nine sixty-four only en-
gagged on our side. But 1t was very de.
cisive in our favor. enemy retreating pre-
cipitate!y. Lack of cavalry only prevented
their capture.
Reports from Spanish sources from
Santiago say Were beaten, but per
sisted in fighting. and they were Obliged
10 fall back. Deeply regret loss of so many
brave men.
Expect to take place as soon as l ge
ready to move. Reinforcements will no
reach me. Horses stood voyage well
Would like horses and tprobably forD Thirt
battalion officers of cavalry and Wood!
volunteers.
Health and spirits of command excel
lent Began debarkation command Wednes
day. Last Of troops and artillery LANDED
to-day besides transferring from Acerra
deros, fifty miles off. 5000 troops of Garcia
All landed. Have something over AGO.
Cubans.
Hope to send you favorable repor
soon.'
General Skaters reference TO the condi
tion of men and horses was brought on
by an inquiry from General Miles, saying:
Telegraph condition of command, mum