Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-07-28
SPANISH TROOPS IN PORTO RICO
CONCENTRATING AT SAN JUAN.
NO FRESH NEWS FROM MILES
WAR DEPARTMENT NOT DIsPLEAsEI
BY CHANGE IN PLANS.
1t Brings Diplomatic Advantage o
Partial Possession of Island Pri-
or to the Suing for Peace
Wainwright Com
mended.
Copyright, 1885, by the Associated Press,

Copyright. 1895. by the Associated Press-l
ST. THOMAS, D. ". l.. July 27.-The
Spanish troops in Porto Rico are being
drawn from the outlying towns and are
concentrating upon San Juan. The de-
fenses of the capital are being strength
ened.
WASHINGTON. July 21.-Nothing was
heard from the Miles expedition to-day at
the war department, but Captain Higgin-
son, the senior officer Of the naval con-
voy, forwarded a brief cablegram that
gave keen delight to the navy department
because of the unstinted praise it accord
ed to a popular and dashing young officer.
"Dick' Wainwright, the commander of
the little Gloucester. Wainwright, having
been commended by his superior, Higgin-
son, for his actions at Guanica, enjoys the
solitary distinction of being the only Of
ficer attached to SIMPSONS fleet who has
been twice officially commended since the
war began.
Tie dispatch from Captain Higginson
was as follows:
ST TauMAS, July 26-Secretary of the
Navy. Washington:
Arrived here with General Miles and
the United States troops to-day at s:15
a m. Landed them safely. There are no
batteries outside. Gloucester entered the
har5or and landed company of sailors
under command of Lieutenant Harry B.
Huse, Z. S. N, and Lieutenant Wood.
Dispersed small company of Spanish SOL
diers. Hoisted flag. Commend Lieutenant
Commander Richard Wainwright and Off
GERS for gallantry capturing Guanica.
Transports discharged without any oppo-
sition, assisted by boats of Massachusetts.
1 have telegraphed Admiral Sampson.
'HIGGINSON.
Pert Guanica, Porto Rico, July Is, 1885,
The war department has reconciled itself
to the summary change in its plans made
by General Miles when he landed at Guam
lea instead of on the northeast coast of
Porto Rico, as previously agreed upon. 1t
Is surmised that he was led to make this
change by reason OF the detention of his
lighters, and foresaw a weeks delay in
effecting a landing unless he went in where
he did and ran his troops and artillery di-
rectly ashore. He thus has avoided expos
ing his troops to the hardships suffered by
Skaters men, as they lay for SO many
days on Santiago. 1t is also suggested that
the general had scored an important dplo-
matte advantage in setting foot upon Porto
Rican soil before the first overtures had
been received from Spain looking towards
peace.
The departure of General Brooke and
General Gaines from Hampton Roads which
is expected tomorrow to reinforce General
Miles in Porto Rico is a very substantial
evidence of the purpose of the government
not to abate the prosecution of military Op-
erations at this stage of the negotiations.
The two generals are embarked on rapid
liners, and should reach General Miles by
next Monday. putting him in possession of
a sufficient force to begin the movement
ulon San Juan at once.
While the war officials are reasonably
certain that General Wilson. with that
Part of the Porto Rico expedition which
sailed under his command from Charleston,
has already formed a junction with Gem
eral Miles and his army at Guanica bay.
no information to that effect has been re-
ceived. General Miles informed the war
department that he had sent vessel to
meet General Wilson's expedition and
guide it to Guanica. This was done be-
cause General Wilson expected, when he
left Charleston. to land at Point Fajarde.
As the plans of General Miles were
changed after General Wilson was beyond
the reach of telegraphic communication. 1t
became necessary to intercept him.
1t is expected that General Schwan and
his command will arrive at Guanica to-
morrow, or at the latest Friday. Following
Schwan, General Brooke. who is scheduled
to sail from Newport News early to-mor-
row morning, and will arrive at the rem
devious not later than Sunday morning
1t is not expected by the war department
officials that General Miles will attempt to
bring on general engagement before the
latter part of next week
The second captured battle flag was re-
ceived at the war department to-day. with
brief note from General Shafter, as fol-
lows:
Fragment of Spanish flag captured by
the Thirteenth United States infantry at
San Juan. July l.
inspector Breckenridge. who had been a
member of General Skaters staff, called
at the White House this afternoon and per-
sonally described to the president the con-
| ditions existing there when he left, July
20. He spoke particularly of the remark
able enthusiasm displayed by the United
States troops there and of their COOL brave
conduct under fire. He also minimized the
yellow fever conditions. and said that the
| troops had been fully prepared in advance
for its appearance. E