Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 November 1898 — MILES MAKES REPORT. [ARTICLE]

MILES MAKES REPORT.

Recommends Increase of the Standins; Army. Gen. Miles’ roiJhrt of the war with Spain, which it was alleged would contain some caustic criticism of the War Department and bureau chiefs, turns out to be wholly devoid of sensationalism. It has been made public by order of Secretary Alger, and is found to be merely a repetition of facts that are already well known, with such comment ns might naturally be expected from the general commanding the army. Gen. Miles explains the delays in receiving supplies when the troops were being assembled by the lack of preparation, and says that with so many undisciplined men in the camps there must necessarily be some sickness. Copies of letters and telegrams accompanying the report show that on June 26 Gen. Miles was directed to organize the Porto Uican campaign and to take command of both that force and Gen. Shaffer’s army. In a letter dated July 17 Shatter told Miles that Alger had promised him that he would not be superseded in command in Cuba. Gen. Miles replied promptly that he was the general commanding the army, and that Shatter was subject to his orders. Under orders from Washington Gen. Miles accepted the surrender of Santiago. Gon. Miles urges the early completion of coast defenses and favors increasing the standing army to 62,1500 men, or one soldier for every 1,000 of the population. In conclusion, he recommends the authorization of an auxiliary force of native troops in Cuba, Porto ltico and the Philippines, to be officered by United States army officers, and not exceeding two soldiers per 1,000 population of the islands,