The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-03-21
CANNOT REMAIN SILENT
General Wheeler Aroused by
Bonsal's Misrepresentation.
DENIES THE STATEMENTS
Due to the Brave Men Who Fought at
La Guasimas-Roosevelt and Law
ton Iudorse General Wheel
er's Protest.

Washington, March 26.-Adiutant
General Corbin to-day MADE public the
statement which General Wheeler has
felt called upon to make, in order. as
he says, to refute certain allegations
which reflect upon the cavalry division
which he had the honor to command.
The statement is exceedingly volum-
nous and is accompanied by an appen-
dix, made up from letters from officers
who were connected with General
Wheeler in his operations, to support
the allegation he makes.
Wheeler begins with the declaration
that some statements were made be-
fore the war investigation commission
regarding the battle Of La Guasimas
which do great injustice to that part
of the army which fought in that bat
tie. Stephen Bonsal states that Cen
eral Wheeler was guilty of disobedience
of orders. General Wheeler says that
to remain silent and neglect to refute
the untruth of the charges made by
Bonsal would be disloyal to the soldiers
and to the country. He notes that it is
with the approval of Major. General
Miles. the commanding general, that he
makes the explanation now submitted.
The history of the movements begins
with quotation of a statement made by
General Lawton before the war COM
mission, to the effect that he had been
directed by the general commanding to
proceed to and capture Siboney. Cen
eral Wheeler tells how the troops land
ed how ne had pointed out to Shafter
the necessity Of pursuing and beating
the Spaniards before they could retreat
behind their strong breastworks at
Santiago. and how Shafter and many
officers fully concurred in the necessity
for speedy movement. He reports
Skaters order to proceed to JuaraEua
and throw forward pickets to Jaragua-
cito"-otherwise Siboney. He quoted
various notes to show Skaters anxiety
to get Wheeler rapidly forward in order
to reach Lawton, whom he found on the
road just before reaching Siboney.
Wheeler tells of the reconnaissance he
made personally and Of a consultation
that night with General Lawton and
Colonel Wood. He says the Cubans pre-
dicted that the Spaniards would leave
Siboney and Santiago that night. When
the advance began next day General
Wheeler says the regular troops and
artillery were ordered upon the main
Siboney and Santiago road. while the
rough riders and some of the other cav
airy organizations were, on the recon-
mendation of General Castillo, sent by
the less frequented and most difficult
road.
The Spaniards We're found in the same
position the next morning about three
miles from Siboney and General Wheeler
gives a description of the action that
followed. He goes on to show now
necessary it was TO act promptly and
that every movement was in strict ac-
cordance with the orders of General
Shafter. He insists that the Spaniards
were in a position where it was advan-
tageous for the Americans to attack
them rather than allow them to fight in
their blockhouses and other defenses,
which they occupied al the time Lawton
received his orders
Says General Wheeler: THE least de-
lay and this opportunity would have
been lost. | knew that he tShafter)
wanted the enemy to be impressed with
American bravery and determination. |
knew the American people had sent US
no Cuba for special purpose and that
prompt attack on the Spaniards would
aid in attaining that purpose. This
dread Of yellow fever) added to and
emphasized the imperative necessity of
prompt action on my part The victory
was due entirely to the chivalric cour-
age of the 964 brave American soldiers
who fought the battle. The statement
that they We're ambushed was absolute
ly untrue. The statement that they
were aided in any way, shape or form
by any other troops is also untrue The
nearest American troops were about
four miles off when the fight commence
ed and the victory had been won and
the enemy had been in precipitate re-
treat fully two hours before they reach
ed the field
Taking UP the charge that Wheeler
had been relieved Of command on the
night of the 30th and had no command