The age-herald., 1899-03-18
Effort Being Made to Distort Command ing Generals Evidence Into a Re- hection on Gallant Little Cav
 lryman-Sampson's Letter

Washington, March 17.-(special.) )-The attempt to make General Miles responsible for the attacks upon General Wheeler, re- gently emphasized before the war depart- ment with a view to preventing his becom- ing a fixture in the regular army, Is an- ther act in the anti-Miles crusade inaugura- ted by Adjutant General Corbin and others of tho army hostile to the commanding general.
 The movement against Wheeler originat- ed with a number of regular officers, and was encouraged by Corbin. The charges were that he fought the battle of La Guisi- mas without orders, and that he advised retreat on the second day of the battle of San Juan Hill. So soon as Corbin and his fellows realized what a storm of indgna- tion their fight upon Wheeler was precipi- tating, they attempted to throw the odium upon Miles and upon Steve Bonsal, who was with Lawton, and who has recently published a book.
 In making Miles responsible, they seized upon an ambiguity in the expression of an opinion of the major general commanding. made before the war Investigating com- mission. Now General Miles indignantly denies that he has been in any way party to the fight on General Wheeler He de- clares his statement was intended as 0 compliment to him, and boldly asserts that had it not been for Wheeler the success of the American arms would have been de- layed indefinitely and would have cost tre- mendous loss. He has been all along the constant friend of Wheeler, and now wants him given a permanent and prominent place in the army.
 Wheeler Files Stat atement
 General Wheeler at the instance of Gen- eral Miles, today filed with the war depart- ment a lengthy statement refuting every charge made against him, and showing that the battle of La Guisamas was fought in strict compliance with orders. and that he did not suggest retreat While General Wheeler's statement cannot be seen until the secretary of war authorizes It's publi- cation, it is known to quote from Rents communication to General Wheeler declar- ing as false the claim that he recommended retreat.
 It further incorporates letter from Gov ernor Roosevelt, in which the latter ex. presses amazement that Bonsal should hava written the unwarranted reflection upon General Wheeler. Governor Roosevelt goes on 10 say WlIHOul TeSSTNt that WI Wda the backbone of the campaign It sustains him in every position, and concludes by de- claring that he shall take occasion in his future articles upon the Santiago campaign to notice the present attacks upon General Wheeler and set the record right. This and a number of other letters and some tele' grams that have come without solicitation to General Wheeler are used in his state- ment.
 This recent movement against him Is td be boomerang. He will be given a place in the army.
 Gen. Miies' Testimony
 In spite of the fact General Miles was the first man who suggested Wheeiers aps pointment to a post in the army. hls en- emies are now putting out more by in- uendo than any other way that he is re- sponsible for the statement that General Wheeler fought the battle of La Guisimas without orders and that he advised Gen. eral Kent to retreat on the second day of the battle. In order to prove their report thei refer to Miles testimony before the war investigation commission. in which the latter did say that General Wheeler fought the battle without written orders in order to bring out the fact that the victory was due to the heroism of the little cavalry leader and not the result of preconceived plan of attack.
 Retracted the Statement
 When he learned that General Wheeler had been given verbal orders he retracted his statement and said that it was one of the best fought battles in the war, and gave Shafter equal credit with Wheeler for 1t.
 General Wheeler denies that General Miles ever said or did anything to reflect
 
 Continued On Second Page).