The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-02-03
GENERAL MILES
TO BE RELIEVED :
PersisteotIy Rumored in Washington
That Such is the Case, but No
Confirmation Had.
A special to tho Kew Ywk Press from

A special to the New York Press from
Maior-Genera Nelson A. Miles is TO be
relieved OF command ass eenef il-ln-chlel
of the army of The United States.
The President has borne with Miles IN
subOrdnatiou and attacks upon the Wy ar
Department m1i patience has ceased 70
he Ii virtue. The interview given out last
lacks ON the War Department. demands
action by the administration TO maintain
Whether Mai0r-General Merritt or Ma
for-Genegal Brooke VIII Dee ordered 20 take
the communicated is not fully de-
cidod but Miles VIII have to step down.
He Will not Doe permitted further 90 back
mp assaults upon bis suucri0rs with the
prestige of th. h hest military rank.
MUCH INTEREST AROUSED.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2.-Great interest
was expressed to-day throughout the War
Department ln The reiterated newspaper
reports that severe action was medhated
by The department and The administration
in the case OF General Miles. who has
been quoted in numerous recent inter-
views as coulemuirB the quality OF meat
tufnis Aeu tne army br contractors our
ing the war, and maintaining that he had
evidence in reserve which would SUBJ
stanuate his charge that chemicals were
used Ia preserving the contract beef.
IT, may De definitely stated that no oti-
cial acllon Ads been taken looking 10 q
court-mart'al. "a court of inquiry or 20 the
sending Of General Miles to the command
Of a department.
IMPOSSIBLE TO VERIFY.
Yesterday Washington Star says
Although there is considerable gossip
in military end other circles over re-
port that the President az the request
or the secretary of War; has practically
determined % discipline General Miles
Tor hls course lu the matter OF the Deei
supplies. and particularly because of his
alleged public criticism OF the adminis-
trati0n iu the newspapers and otherwise
IL is extremely difficult 90 get an official
expression Of opinion on the subject
Those ln positln % know the Views
OF the Pre- idont and the Secretary or
War persis'cnty decline 90 saw any
thing whatever ON the subject. General
Miles and bis friends are equally refiront
Consequently 10 was impossible to-day 10
ascertain the truth of current rumOr
that the Secretary Of War had written
General Miles % letter calling attention 90
number OF newspaper statements tt-
triouted % HIM with "a request 10 be IN
formed as 20 their authenticity
III has been varl0usly asserted ir the
newspapers that General Miles Is 10 be
tried by court-martial for alleged Niola-
tons OF the articles OF war; and again
that he is 20 De relieved OF his present
duties in command OF the army ard
given more subordinate command out
side OF the city of Washington. 80 for
Es can De 0scert8lncd. the principal basis
Tor these rumors lies in the strained re-
latlons which have existed between Sec
rctary Alger and General Miles almost
from the beginning Of the Spanish war,
which have recently resulted IN an a.
most complete severance Of eletions or.
fetal as well as personal until 10 mas
come 90 be believed I'm certain quarters
that an open rupture between tho Two
Officials is Inevitable -