The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-06
MILES-ALGER DISPUTE
ANOTHER CHAPTER TO SETTLE WHO
COMMANDED THE ARMY.
Semi-OfHcial Statement that Miles Did
Not Direct Skaters Santiago Expe-
dftion Refuted by Dispatches.

KANSAS CITY. Mo-, Sept. 5.-The Star
this afternoon prints the following from
its special war correspondent, Mr.. W. II.
WheIplcy. touching on the Alger-Miles con-
troversy:
The statement made semi-officially from
Washington that Major General Miles was
not in command of the Santiago expedition
up to the time it left Tampa is not borne
out by the official records Of the War De-
partment. These records prove that Miles
not only conducted the preliminaries with
General Garcia, but was then recognized by
the War Department as general command
ing, even General Skaters army.
THE details of General Skaters equip
ment and method of movement were natu-
was devised by General Miles, whose di-
rections were issued to General Shafter by
him, which, after leaving Tampa, the latter
Tampa with the full knowledge that he was
subject to orders of General Miles, and up
TO that time the War Department recog-
nized this state of affairs, which is pro-
vided for in the federal statutes organizing
the army of the United States"
The above is shown. according to the Star,
by three kilograms. The first of these tele-
grams is from General Miles to General
Garcia, and follows:
Headquarters of the Army, in the Field,
Tampa, Fla, June 2.
Lieutenant General Garcia, Cuban Army:
Dear General-I am very glad to have
received your officers, General Enrique Col
lazo and Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Herman
DEE, the latter of whom returns Tonight
with our best wishes for your success. 1t
would be very great assistance If you
could have as large force as possible in
the vicinity of the harbor of Santiago de
signals. which Colonel Hernandez will ex-
plain to you, either to our navy or to our
army on its arrival, which we hope will be
1T would also assist us very much If you
could drive in and harasS any Spanish
troops near or in Santiago, threatening or
attacking them M r
ments coming into that garrison. While
of our army If you can seize and hold any
commanding position to tho east or west of
SSantlago; OF both. that would I1, be advan7
be exceedingly gratifying to US. With great
respects and best wishes / remain. very
major General, Commanding u S. Army
The second dispatch is Garcia's reply,
showing. the Star asserts. an understanding
with General Miles as to a plan of cam
paign. 1t follows:
Mole st. Nicholas, June 9, via Washing
ton. D. c.. to General Miles, headquarters
OF the army, Tampa, Fla; Garcia's reply
on June to your letter June 2:
: will take measures at once to carry
out your recommendation, but concentra-
ton of forces will require some time. Roads
bad and Cubans scattered. Will (mys-
teriousD march without delay Santiago
de Cuba well fortified with advanced in
be taken Spanish forces approximate L. :
900 between Santiago de Cuba and Guam
tanamo; 5000 militia. Will maintain a Gu
ban force near Holguin to prevent sending
reinforcements to Santiago
The above given to me by Admiral
Sampson to forward to you.
ALLEN, Lieutenant Colonel"
The third dispatch is from the War De-
partment at Washington and reads:
Washington. D. c., June 12.-Maj Gen.
Miles, Tampa, Fla:
THE following extract of telegram from
Admiral Sampson to secretary of navy re-
peated for your information: Y
" Mole ST. Nicholas-General Miles's let
ter received through Colonel Hernandez on
June 8. Garcia regards his wishes and Sug-
gestions as orders and Immediately will take
measures TO concentrate forces at the points
indicated, but he is unable to do so as early
as desired on account of his expedition to
Banesport, Cuba, but he will march with
out delay. All of his subordinates are or
dered to assist to disembark the United
States troops and to place themselves under
orders. Santiago de Cuba well fortified with
advanced intrenchments but he believes his
position for infantry can be taken as Miles
desires approximate 1900 regulars and
5000 militia between Santiago and Guam
tanamo He has sent force in order to pre-
vent aid going TO Santiago from Holguin
Repeats every assurance of good will and
seconds plans. SAMPSON
&C. d. GILMORE Second Assistant Ad-
jutant General"