New-York tribune., 1902-03-30
THE GENERAL DEFENDS HIMSELF.
Headquarters Of the Army

-A~riN-Ni 60 -SA u Tie AZ my
Washington, D. c., March 24 1902
Respectfully submitted TO the Secretary Of
In accordance with the verbal message re-
ceiTed from Colonel Carter through Mr.. Brandt,
a clerk in the ad1Utant. generals office. I have
the honor % return my letter Of February i.
lSuZ. with Endorsements thereon.
IN connection with my letter and the indorse-
ments thereon I desire 10 say that I regret that
the honorable Secretary should have been under
the impression that a proposition that was
prompted in the interest OF humanity would in
any way be regarded as spectacular and sensa-
uonaL' should not anticipate any such
suit I would call attention TO the last page of
my letter. in which I distinctly stated: This
need not reflect in the slightest degree upon the
services Of the military. interfere with the
civil governments that have been may be
established think II Will be admitted that
no such objection raised by any OF
the Governors Of States or Territories or de
partment commanders when the numerous Ind
ian delegations left their territory 10 come 10
Washington.
would also call attention % the fact that last
winter. while on official visit 10 Cuba. I
appealed 70 by members OF the constitutional
convention who said they wished 70 corlrnuni-
cate directly with the President, and l advised
them TO make such a request. On returning 70
Washington 7 reported the fact TO President
Mckinley, and urged that he grant their request,
should II he made. He did 50, and the delega-
ton came to Washington. The result most
gratifying not only 10 our government authort-
ties. but 10 the people Of Cuba as we'll. All this
done without the slightest reflection upon
Major General Wood or objection on his part,
far as I know.
Referring 10 that part Of my communication
which states that the warfare in the Philip
pine Islands had been conducted with marked
severity. and to the remarks of the honorable
Secretary on that point. It is proper 70 say that
7 mad in mind such information as IS conveyed
in the letter Of Governor William H Taft, ad-
dressed 10 the honorable Secretary. dated Wash
ingtOn, February I. 1902. well as other COM
muncations that have been referred 70 these
headquarters or received by
Concerning my going 10 the Philippines, II
was my purpose nearly year ago 70 do so, and
this was with the knowledge OF the Secretary
OF War and the approval Of the late President
Mckinley. but the journey was postponed in
corseq quence Of the increase IN and reorganiza-
ton Of the army.
The suggestion contained IN my letter, that
in going to the Philippine Islands take certain
natives OF Cuba and Porto Rico, and return
ing bring back certain Of those Of the Philippine
Islands. was prompted by my belief that the
result would be satisfactory 10 all concerned.
Since this measure. as suggested. IS not deemed
advisa bic. do not ask for its further cOnsidera-
tiOn. and making my delayed visit to the
Philippines, which l hope 70 do in the near
future, I shall devote my attention 10 the condi-
tton and requirement Of the troops in that
division, the same as I have in respect 10 other
portions Of the army
NELSON A MILES. Lieutenant General
Commanding United States Army