The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-12-24

nation of His Recent Newspaper
Interview on the Subject-The
Generals Explanation Not Being
satisfactory to the Powers that BE
He is Given n Most scathinG Re-
buke by the War Secretary for
MeddIinE in Matters that do Not
Concern Eifni-The Affair Causes a
Circles.
Washington, December PA deter
n51natfon on the part Of the administra-
tiOn absolutely to terminate Iufthel
discussion of the Sampson-Schley con-
troversy took shape III the Dupncatloh
today of some remarkable correspon-
dence that has passed between Secre-
tary Root and Lieutenant General
Miles. relative to the iatter's interview,
published in a Cincinnati paper, COM
rnenting upon the Schley case When
the interview appeared 1t attracted
considerable attention officially, but af-
lCr the lapse of two days without any
sign of official action, the conclusion be-
came general that the interview would
be ignored. Therefore, the publication
this afternoon of the full correspon-
dence on this subject created a sensa-
ton in army and navy circles.
1t is seldom so severe a reprimand is
administered to an officer Of high rank
i'll either service. What the result may
be cannot be foretold. although it is as
sumed that General Miles will submit
without further comment.
The nearest parallel to this case OF
late years, excluding the incidents con-
I ected with the celebrated beef inquiry.
was that of Rear Admiral Richard
Meade, who, upon returning from
cruise in Venezuelan waters with the
White squadron. accorded an interview
&c Il New York newspaper, severely crit
icizing the administration for it's lack
Cf vigor in dealing with the Venezuelan
question. The outcome of that case
vas the early retirement of the rear
admiral from active service.
That General Miles appreciates the
situation is shown by the deep concern
ne manifested today and his frequent
visits to the office of Secretary Root.
1t was necessary for MIN to write two
letters to meet the demands of the de-
rartment, and even then, there was no
EXPRESSION of satisfaction on the sec
retary's part at the second explanation
However, Secretary Root himself re-
cards the incident as closed. At least
he does not propose to take any further
acton unless obliged to do so.
The full text of the correspondence
which passed between the secretary OF
war and General Miles. follows:
War Department,
Washington December 81.
Sir: I am instructed by the presi
dent to call your attention TO the in
closed report of an interview with you.
appearing in the Associated Press
newspapers of Tuesday, December 18th.
end to enquire whether the observations
apon the action of a coordinate branch
Of the service, in a matter now pending
n the navy department. were made as
reported, and. if so, to afford you such
opportunity for explanation in writing
rs YOU desire.
Very respectfully.
"ELIHU ROOT
Secretary of War.
Lieutenant General Miles, Headquar-
ters of the Army"
The interview referred to by Secre-
tary Root was as follows:
Cincinnati. Ohio, December 16-
General Nelson A. Miles. commanding
the United States Army arrived here
today accompanied by Mrs. Miles.
They are guests of Mr.. and Mrs. Frank
Wiborg, at Clifton. Mrs. Wiborg being
ralo rix-n Of III
af the finding of the Schley court of
inquiry, General Miles said:
II am willing to take the judgment
of Admiral Dewey in the matter. He
has been q commander Of a fleet and
as such has known the anxieties and
responsibilities which rest on man
under these circumstances. He was in
strumental in the destruction of one
spanish fleet. and knows and realizes
The feelings that encompass an officer
under such conditions.
" L think Dewey has summed up the
matter I'm a clear and concise manner.
and I believe his conclusions viii be
endorsed by the patriotic people Of the
United States. I have no sympathy
with the efforts which have been made
to destroy the honor of an officer under
such circumstances
To the secretarx's letter. General
Miles made this reply:
Headquarters Of the Army,
Washington, December 20.
THE Honorable, the Secretary OF War
"Sir:-Replying to your note OF the
18th instant, / have the honor to state
that my observation, as substantially
reported had no reference to the action.
pending or otherwise, OF a coordinate
branch of the service; they were merely
my personal views based upon matters
set forth in various publications which
have been given to the world, and con-
cerning which 1 conceive there was no
improperly in expressing an opinion
the same as any other citizen upon a
matter of such public interest.
MY observations were in no sense in
tended as a criticism OF any action