to die soon after greeting their native shores.  Those who had been so enthusiastic for the war were now quiet, and were eagerly laying the blame for the sorrow and suffering before them upon the shoulders of those who had conducted the war.  Few stopped to think that a good part of this woe might be justly charged to those who had constantly resisted the establishment of an adequate standing army, and who, with inconsistent vehemence, had urged the nation into a war, regardless of its military equipment.  The emaciated veterans arriving at Montauk were spoken of as the evidences of “military incompetency;” they were also evidence of that narrow statesmanship which ignores the constant suggestions of military experience.

* * * * *

     Headquarters United States Forces,
     Near San Juan River, July 3, 1898—­8.30 A.M.

     To the Commanding General of the Spanish Forces, Santiago de Cuba.

Sir:—­I shall be obliged, unless you surrender, to shell Santiago de Cuba.  Please inform the citizens of foreign countries, and all the women and children, that they should leave the city before 10 o’clock to-morrow morning.

     Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

     WILLIAM R. SHAFTER,
     Major-General U.S.V.

Reply.

     Santiago de Cuba, July 3, 1898.

     His Excellency the General Commanding Forces of United States,
     near San Juan River.

Sir:—­I have the honor to reply to your communication of to-day, written at 8.30 A.M., and received at 1 P.M., demanding the surrender of this city, or, in contrary case, announcing to me that you will bombard this city, and that I advise the foreigners, women and children that they must leave the city before 10 o’clock to-morrow morning.  It is my duty to say to you that this city will not surrender, and that I will inform the foreign consuls and inhabitants of the contents of your message.

     Very respectfully,

     JOSE TORAL,
     Commander-in-Chief, Fourth Corps,

     Headquarters Fifth Army Corps,
     Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 4, 1898.

     The Commanding General, Spanish Forces, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.

Sir:—­I was officially informed last night that Admiral Cervera is now a captive on board the U.S.S.  Gloucester, and is unharmed.  He was then in the harbor of Siboney.  I regret also to have to announce to you the death of General Vara del Rey at El Caney, who, with two of his sons, was killed in the battle of July 1st.  His body will be buried this morning with military honors.  His brother, Lieutenant-Colonel Vara del Rey, is wounded and a prisoner in my hands, together with the following officers:  Captain Don Antonio Vara del Rey, Captain Isidor Arias, Captain Antonio Mansas, and Captain Manuel Romero, who, though severely wounded, will all probably