The times., 1899-03-21
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1899.
General wheeler. Statement.


Whatever may have been the intentions
of the Administration in the direction Of
injustice to General Wheeler in order that
the credit for the fighting before Santiago.
due TO him. might be given to a favorite
of the Alger ring, they are morally GER
tain TO be now abandoned
General wheeier's modest, soldierly re-
view of the operations OF the cavalry di-
vision under his command in Cuba, sup
ported as it is by unassailable facts and
official records, has settled the controversy
concerning his actions and generalship
in connection with the battles OF La
Guasimas, FL Caney. and Siboney for all
time. II proves beyond question that
Little Old Fighting joe acted in COM
plete accordance with his duty, respon-
sibilities. and orders from first to last.
Together with the independent evidence
OF officers and soldiers of all ranks, from
General Miles down to the men whose
lines first felt the sting of Mauser
bullets, the statement is conclusive
that whatever military glory was
achieved in Toral's front was gained under
the command and through the BRAY
cry and ability of Gen. Joseph Wheel
er. But for his phenomenal activity
in getting within striking distance of
draw to their strong intrenchments
at Santiago, and in advance of Law
ton. who had a long start ahead of him,
it is regarded as certain by military men
that the campaign would have been longer
and far bloodier than it was
No one can now doubt that it was Gen.
eral Wheeler's foresight, confidence in his
troops, and fearless determination alone
that prevented disgraceful retreat from
the ground he had won with nine hundred
and forty-six gallant Americans against
many times that number of Spaniards
holding strong defensive positions. Moth
ing that hereafter may be said to min
imize the service OF the great cavalrist
will in the least degree alter or modify
the estimate or admiration of the American
people for the army hero of Santiago.
1t only remains to be seen what the
Commander-in-Chief will do about it all.
Hints have been dropped that the Presi-
dents political control is afraid that any
recognition Of General Wheeler's war SER
vice, such as would be involved in giving
him q command with chance for further
distinction. might be dangerous as tend
ing TO make him a Presidential quantity
in 1900. We are inclined to think that
Mr. Mckinley has too much common
sense TO take any such view of the mat
ter. As a popular hero who had been
prosecuted and robbed of his laureis, the
general might, indeed, be a very consid-
cradle stumbling block to somebody next
year. If the Republican aspirant for re-
nomination is not ill-advised, he will lose
10 time in taking advantage of his present
opportunity to delight the country by do
ing honor to one that it universally hon
ors.
We are much mistaken in our soldier OF
Santiago il ne would not vastly prefer a
major generals commission in the army
to the Presidency of the United States il
the choice were offered to him on a
gold plate. Wherefore. good politics" as
well as the minor considerations of right
justice. and national decency would seem
to significantly point out the path OF Ex-
ecutive duty in the case of General
Wheeler