Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 92, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1898 — A GLORIOUS RECORD. [ARTICLE]

A GLORIOUS RECORD.

Remarkable Work During the Three Months of War. GEN, SHAFTER PRAISES HIS TROOPS. Issues a General Order In Which the Achievement, of Hia Army Are Recounted and the Bravery of Hla Men Extolled. Washington, July 25. —With the week just closed the United States saw the end of the third month of the war with Spain and the responsible officials, from the president down to the lowest employe who has to do with shaping the course of events, feel nothing but satisfaction at the progress made. An army of 250,000 men has been mobilized, armed and equipped and much of it has seen service. The battles preceding the capture of Santiago have been remarkable in many respects, and in the opinion of military experts have covered the United States army engaged with imperishable glory. Modern warfare of a type developed in these engagements was absolutely new and untried not only to the United States army but to the world. No such charge is recorded in history as that made upon the stone fort and the blockhouses crowning the hills of El Caney. There have been engagements between trained troops and savage races in the jungles of India and on the hills of South Africa of late years that conveyed in a slight manner the possibilities of modern weapons. But these battles fought by

the Fifth army corps have been the first in which large bodies of troops of civilized nations on both sides have been engaged with all the implements of modern warfare, and the result is bound to be highly instructive to the military student and to extort admiration for the splendid fighting qualities of the United States soldiers from the most unwilling critics. Shafter’s Words Of Praise. Santiago, July 25. —Following is Maj. Gen. Shafter's order, just published: "Headquarters United States Troops In Cuba, Santiago de Cuba, July 19—General Order No. 26: The successful accomplishment of the campaign against Santiago, resulting In Its downfall and the surrender of the Spanish forces and the capture of large amounts of military stores, together with the destruction of the entire Spanish fleet In the harbor, which, upon the investment of the city, was forced to leave. Is one of which this army can well be proud. This has been accomplished through the heroic deeds of the army, and to its officers and men the major general commanding offers his sincere thanks for their endurance of hardships heretofore unknown In the American army. The work you have accomplished may well appeal to the pride of your countrymen, and has been rivalled upon few occasions In the world's history. Landing upon an unknown coast, you faced dangers in disembarking and overcame obstacles that, even in looking back, were Insurmountable. A Record of Bravery. "Seizing, wlth'the assistance of the navy, the towns of Baiquiri and Siboney, you pushed boldly forth, gallantly driving back the enemy’s outpost In the engagement of La Quaslna and completed the concentration of the enemy near Sevilla, In sight of the Spanish stronghold at Santiago de Cuba. The outlook from Sevilla was one that might well have appalled the stoutest heart. Behind you ran a narrow road, made well-nigh impassable by rains, while to the front you looked out upon high foothills covered with dense tropical growth, which could only be traversed by bridle paths terminating within range of the enemy's guns. Nothing deterred, you responded eagerly to the order to close upon the foe. and. attacking at Caney and Ban Juan, drove him from work to work until he took refuge within his last and strongest entrenchments. Immediately surrounding the city. Despite the tierce glare of a southern sun and rains that fell In torrents, you valiantly withstood his attempts to drive you from the position your i valor had won. Holding In your vtcellke grip the army opposed to you, after | 17 days of battle and siege, you were re- | warted by the surrender of nearly 24,000 prisoners, 12,000 being those In your imi mediate front, the others scattered in the i various towns of eastern Cuba, treeing I completely the eastern part of the Island i from Spanish troops. Mourns for Dead Heroes. "This was not done without great sacrifices. The death of 250 gallant soldiers and the wounding of 1.254 others shows but j too plainly the tierce contest in which you wete engaged. The few reported missing are undoubtedly among the dead, as no prisoners were lost. For those who have fallen in battle with you, the commanding general sorrows, and with you will ever cherish their memory. Their devotion to duty sets a high example of courage and patriotism to our fellow countrymen. All who have participated

in the campaign, battle and siege of Santiago de Cuba will recall with pride the grand deeds accomplished and will hold one another dear for having shared from the sufferings, hardships and triumphs together. All may well feel proud to inscribe on their banners the name of Santiago de Cuba. “By command of Maj. Gen. Shafter, "E. J. M'CLERNAND, “Assistant Adjutant General."