The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-07-01

dispatch sent quite early this morning
from Skaters headquarters, saying
that the big military balloon was now
high in the air and was giving OppOr-
tunity for observation over great
sweep of country. This in itself was of
incalculable value to our troops. Brave
reconnOissances had been made, but
these were of little value compared to
what could be seen from a balloon a
mile or more in the air, commanding a
radius of observation of from 20 to 40
miles with powerful telescopes. Gen
Miles had seen these war balloons ia
successful use at AlderShOts again dur
ing the French military manOeuverS
when a six-hOrse wagon to which the
great airship was anchored, followed a
squadron of cavalry on the dead run
He says the German ships going at Is
knots have hauled these captive ball
looms along with them. At St Peters,
burg also he saw them operated during
manOuevers. This was the first actual
use of balloons by the American army
and the commanding general set much
store on the information they would
give as to the exact location of all the
Spanish forces, their points of concen-
tratiOn, the defences, the location of
Cervera's Warships in the harbOr and
possibly the progress of Spanish rein
forcements.
After the first announcement of Shaf-
ter was bulletined, the time dragged
Wearily, with nothing from the field to
every one was wrought. Gen. Skaters
assurance that he would keep you con-
tinually advised of the progress" gave
promise of early details. 1t had been
arranged that they should go first to
the White house, while the cabinet was
in session and then should be bUlle-
tined so far as warranted.
The officials showed every disposition
to keep the public completely advised
of actual occurrences.
According to Gen. Skaters report,
the attack on Santiago was begun by
the second division of the hfth army
corps commanded by Brigadier General
H W. Lawton. This division consists
of three brigades made up as follows:
First brigade, commanded by Col J. j.
Van Horn, Eighth Q. s infantry;
Twenty Z. S. infantry and the
Second Massachusetts infantry.
Second division, commanding officer
unknown, but supposed to be CoLBates,
First U. S. infantry, Fourth U. 5. in
fantry and TWenty-fifth L. S. infantry
Third brigade, commanded by Brig
adler General Chaffee, Seventh Z. ):
infantry; Twelfth U. S. infantry and
Seventeenth U. S. infantry.
It thus appears that the entire diYis-
ion which opened the hostilities of the
day is composed entirely of regular
troops, seasoned and experienced IN
battle, with the exception of the Second
Massa chusetts volunteer infantry, which
is regarded as one of the best Volun-
teer organizations of the army. Gen
LawtOn, who was chosen for the I'M
portant and responsible duty of opening
the battle by the capture of Caney ana
the interceptiOn of Spanish reinforce
ments now nearing Santiago IS de-
scribad as q good fighter and soldler or
| exceptional ability. He served in the
Union army, having entered as ser
geant of company E, Ninth Indiana vol
unteer infantry in April 1861 and be-
| ing successfully promoted through mer-
it on the field of battle to first lieuten-
ant of the Thirteenth Indiana Infantry
! in August. 1851. to captain in May, 1852.
| and lieutenant colonel in NoVembe-A
1864. Ia March. 1865. he was breNeteu
| colonel for gallant and neritorious ser
vices during the war. He entered the
| regular establishment in July, 1866 as
| second lieutenant OF the FOrty-drst in
| fantry (cOlored) and remained with
| that branch of the army until January,
| 1871, when he was transferred to the
Fourth cavalry with which he remained
until September, 1888. when he was ap-
| pointed inspector general with the rank
! Of major. He was subsequently, promo
ted to the rank of lieutenant colonel
and held that rank until the opening OF
| the war with Spain, when the president
| appointed him brigadier general of vol
| unteers and assigned him to command
/ of a division of the Fifth army corps
| commanded by Gen. Shafter-
Cabinet Session.
! Washington, July 1.-The cabinet was
| in session for almost two hours today
| but took no important action. The
| session was mainly occupied with dis
{ euSSlOn OF Jne news from otlnllIS0.
! Gen. Shafter's dispatch was read aloud
! before the members OF the cabinet The
| Associated Press dispatches also were
| read verbatim to the cabinet. There
J was a general feeling Of qualification
! shown at the cooperation rendered by
Admiral SIMPSONS fleet. Careful plans
| to this end were made in a general way
/ some time ago though leaving to Samp-
| son the wi lest discretion.
Besides the Santiago fight, the cab
| met devoted some time to questions
! connected with the operation of the
| war revenue bill.
After the cabinet meeting Secretary
Long said the fleet under Sampson was
| cooperating to the fullest extent with
| the land forces and that he expected
| great results. He suggested that there
| were two conditions certain in the San
| tiago situation. cone is he said, I'VE
surely will win, and the other that It
| will come about after hard fighting, but
fighting will tell. OF this we are GER
/ tain