The record-union., 1898-12-03

~ lOlS uISpdlCll lfOIIl I6uCTd1 Miles,
dated Playa del Este 21st., tells that
the general directions were given to
Shafter, to be executed under his orders
and supervision, in order to avoid con-
f1ict of authority or misunderstan ding
1t is in this message, which he also
published in his report, that he sug-
gested taking the troops to the high.
lands in the rear # Santiago, and if
that failed to break the disease, then to
send them to the New England coast.
The sanitary condition Of Santiago and
other cities in that part of the island,
the Secretary says, is terrible, and a
great amount Of work and money will
be Necessary to make them habitaole.
Still, cooler weather approaching, and
under the energetic supervision of Cen
eral Wood, it is hoped that his depart
ment will be in good condition before
the beginning of the next hot season
PORTO RICAN CAMPAIGN.
Next, the correspondence shows the
history of the Porto Rican campaign
July 9Th the Secretary telegraohed
Miles at Siboney as to what he had
determined upon, as he wished to direct
transports. Miles replied that after
comforting with Sampson, Cape San
Juan -was considered the best place to
land. He suggested a combined naval
movement on Porto Rico, and asked to
take with him 500 marines. He was
then sat Playa.
This last request was refused by the
Secretary. He said: Il do not think
well of your suggestion about marines.
We have enough army for our work
Do not take Colonel Humphreys away
from Santiago
Miles succeeded In getting Sampson
70 increase his naval convey, and then
telegraph under date of ST. Thomas,
July 26th, that circumstances were
such that he had changed his plans,
and taken the narbor of Guanica.
Secretary Alger, however, asked on
July 26th why the plans had been
changed. Miles replied, under date OF
the Both, from Ponce, that at first it
had been intended to select only a rem
devious at Port Fajardo, but that in
tention had become known, and the
Spaniards had been able to concentrate
in the vicinity. Then Port Fajardo
was not safe harbor, and he was with
out the lighters which he had expected
to meet.
August I'd, in a telegram relative to
SuppuES, 1tilCIdl NILES recommended
that the manufacture of Springfield ri
fles, 45-caliber ammunition, all white
canvas tentage and black leather equip
ments of every description be discontin-
ued, as they are obsolete, and should
mot be part of army equipment.
The Secretary's reply was as follows:
'War Department. August Sd. General
Miles, Ponce. Porto Rico: AS you ought
to know, the last caliber 45-Springfield
6rif1e was manufactured in '93. SmokeleSS
Epowder cartridges are now being manu-
|factured, and will be forwarded sug-
government has on hand The question
of currency and duties will be taken up
to-day. Your action requiring all duties
to be paid In United States currency is
s'ppafse x. ALGER, secretary Sc raaggs1 Of War
August 9th, General Miles telegraphed
that he had been informed that naval
vessels at Ponce had been ordered
around to San Juan. In order that
there might be no conflict of authority.
he requested that no aggressive action
be taken against that place; that no
landings be made or communication be
held with the Spanish commanders on
the island Of Porto Rico by the navy
That portion devoted to- the tele-
graphic correspondence Of the war
closes with q few dispatches indicating
the finish Of the Santiago campaign.
OFFICIAL REPORTS.
Next following q number OF reports
Of various officers and oficials to the
Secretary of War, some OF which are