7 M OL. XXXI. NO. 78. WILMINGTON, N. C, FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 1898. S1.00 PER YEAR. a SECRETARY ALGER Completes His Tour ol Inspection of Camps and Hospitals i f t t t t TimAni K K M ,H I N hi )K IV A A. 1 JL V - On Which May be Based Official Action The Camps Generally in Satis factory Condition, but Numerous Improvements Possible No Scene With General Wiley at Lexington Short Session of the War Commission General Lawton's Sani tary Report Evacuation of Porto Rico Soon to kbe Completed. Washington, September 27. The war Investigating commission resumed its labors at 10 o'clock today in the Lemon building ami at the close of the morning session gave out a number of documents bearing upon the work to be undertaken. These comprise the letter of Secretary Alger to the presi dent, requesting that the investigation be made; a brief address to the public in the shape of a resolution; a letter from Chairman Dodge to the secretary of war, enclosing a list of inquiries to the secretary and to the heads of the various divisions of the war depart ment, calling for specific information bearing upon the conduct of the war. The letter to Secretary Alger is as follows: "To the President: "I have the honor to ask that a board, consisting of from five to seven members of the most distinguished sol diers and civilians that can be selected be appointed by you, with full power to investigate thoroughly every bureau of the war department, in connection with the mustering, clothing, supplying and arming of troops, transportation, the letting of contracts and chartering vessels, and all expenditures of every kind, as well as the orders issued by this department indeed that every thing connected with the army be thor oughly investigated for your informa tion. 11. A. ALGER, "Secretary of War." The letter of Chairman Dodge to Secretary Alger is as follows: "Pursuant to authority conferred ujKn us by the president, we have the honor to request that you direct the adjutant general, the quartermaster general, the commissary general, the surgeon general, the chief of ordnance and the chief of engineers to furnish us, as soon as practicable, information as to the condition of their several de partments at the time of the declara tion of war with Spain, and the opera tions of those departments from that time until the present. We desire the information to include the following: "1. The times and places of the mob ilization of the regular and volunteer troops. "2. The organization of these troops into the various sub-divisions of the army, the personnel of the brigade, di vision, corps and army commanders, from the national guard or from civil and of their staffs, whether appointed from the permanent establishment, from the national guard or from civil life. "3. The amount and kind of camp and .garrison equipage and other supplies that were on hand at the beginning of the war, the amount subsequently pur- 'hn.srl when and where purchased. when and where delivered, and when ami where actually issued to the "4. Similar information in regard to furnishing the troops with arms and accoutrements "5. Which of the volunteers were armed and equipped in the various state camps and which in the general camps. "6. Upon whose judgement the va rious general rendezvous were selected and the reasons for such selection. "7. Full particulars relative to the transportation of troops by sea, giv ing an account of the provisions made for the accommodation and care of the sick and wounded. "S. An account of the quantity, quality and kind of food furnished the troops, and in case that any of them failed of being plentifully and season ably supplied, state the reasons there for. "9. As to the proper tentage, beds, linen, medicines, food and all other necessary equipment and supplies for the uso of the hospital corps of the army. If there was any lack of these things at any time, state the reasons therefor. "10. Whether the medical staff was efficient and sufficient at all times for the- proper care of the sick and wound ed, and if not, state the reasons there for. "11. Such information relative to the conditions and operations of the ord nance and engineering1 departments as will be of value to us in our investi gations. "We have outlined briefly a portion only of the information that we trust you will be able to give us. It will be satisfactory to have it communicated to us in writing or by the chiefs of the several bureaus in person, with the submission of such rvcords confirming their statements as they may be pleased to hand to us. "To aid you in complying with this request there, is submitted herewith a list of special questions to which, so far as is possible, answers are desir ed." INFORMATION DESIRED FROM THE SECRETARY. To Secretary Alger the commission has addressed six queries for his re pl y "1. Plan of campaign proposed im mediately after the declaration- of war; was it intended to move at ot?ce to Havana, or that the campaign should be postponed until autumn? rpT AT r A TT 7 T Tl T TV L U iR 1 n nlYcLJ, " I "2. When was the Santiago cam paign determined upon? "3. Why was Tampa selected as the base of operations? "4. Why were summer camps organ ized at Fernandina, Jacksonville and Tampa? "5. When was the Porto Rico cam paign determined upon? "6. Why were the troops held on transports for embarkation at Tampa and not permitted to sail for several days?" The resolutions adopted by the com mittee were as follows: "Resolved, That the secretary of war, the adjutant general, the quar- general and the surgeon general be ! requested to transmit to this commis- sion all complaints that have been re- j ceived by them since April 1, 1898, ! touching the conduct of the war. "9 That this rnmmissinn invites and ' is ready and will receive and consid- ; er any complaints about the manage- : ment of any of the various branches and of the war department, from any ! person or persons; that we respectful ly request that such complaints be made in writing, stating facts that the . party may know of his own knowl- i edge plainly and in details, giving names of any officers or enlisted man who may be charged with misconduct or incompetency, addressed to the sec- ! retary of the commission, at Washing ton, D. C." INFORMATION ASKED OF THE MEDICAL, BUREAU. The questions addressed to the medi- j cal department are: ! "What was the organization of the ! medical department on April 1, 1898? , How many officers, their rank, how ! many hospital stewards and what was 1 the size of the hospital corps? ' "How many ambulances and litters were available? i "An army of what size wras the de- partment able to completely fit out i with medical officers, stewards and hospital corps and necessary surgical instruments and supplies of every character? i "Between April 1 and August 31, 1898, what steps were taken for fully sup- lying an army of 250,000 men with all necesssary surgeons, stewards, hospital corps, ambulances, litters, surgical in struments and medical supplies of all and every character? "How many general hospitals were organized, where located, how equip ped and managed, number of patients and number of deaths in each case, between April 1 and August 31, 1898? "How many hospitals were establish ed at various camps, what were the ar rangements for the care and comfort of the sick and wounded, how many sick were cared for at each camp and how many deaths occurred? "What, if any, railroad ambulance trains were established, where were they located and used? "How many hospital ships were ob tained, how were they equipped, how managed and what work did they per- ; pormj u nat arrangements were made ; ami now weif me Airlines operating in 1 Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines j c supplied with medical officers, medical ' j supplies and food for the sick and ! wounded? "Were all vessels used in transport ing sick and wounded thoroughly in spected by a medical officer before troops were permitted to embark, and were they fully supplied with surgeons, surgical instruments, medical supplies of every character, potable water and proper food for sick and convales cents? "Were the armies operating in Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines fully supplied with efficient surgeons, stew ards and hospital corps, and with am bulances, litters, surgical instruments, medical supplies of all kinds and proper food for the sick and wounded? "Why were regimental hospitals in camps abolished and division hospitals substituted? '"How were the surgeons employed in the field, in camps and in general hos pitals selected? Was there any regu lar examination required and as a rule have they proved efficient and faith ful? "How were the hospital stewards, nurses and attendants selected? "What, If any, complaints in writing have been received by the surgeon gen eral?" The information required of the sub sistence department is outlined as fol lows: "What was the organization of the subsistence department April 1, 1S98, the number and rank of officers and number of commissary sergeants? "What additions In number and rank of regular officers and what number of volunteer officers were appointed in the subsistence department between. April 1st and August 31st? "On April 1, 1898, an army of what size was the subsistence department prepared to fully supply with officers and the necessary field rations and of what does that ration consist? "Between April 1, 1S98, and August 31, 1898, what arrangements were made for fully supplying with. food an army of 250.000 men serving in the field and in camp; what was the field ration and what was the ration in camp? "What arrangements were mrule for supplying the army in Cuba, the army in Porto Rico and the army In the Philippines, and of what did the ration actually consist In each case? "Were the troops in the field and those in camps fully supplied at all times with proper food? If not why not? "What, if any, complaints in writing have been received by the commissary general? There are interrogations of a similar nature addressed to the quartermaster general. The request of the adjutant general calls for specific information as to the number of volunteer troops for the war, including officers and men. and as to their distribution. Specific infor- s I ditions to Santiago. Porto Rico and the Philippines, the inquiries in each of 1 these cases calling for the number of regiments of regulars and of volun teers with maximum number of troops operating in each campaign specified, with the organization of the command, its commanding general, corps, divis ion and brigade commanders, the num ber of officers and enlisted men killed and wounded and the number who have died from wounds or disease. The adjutant general is also requested to supply the following information: Lo cation of camps in the United States, by whom selected; number of regi ments and number of officers and en listed men of regulars and of volun teers at each camp; organization of camps, names of commanding generals, together with names of division and brigade commanders, length of time each camp was maintained and num ber of deaths by disease at each camp. The commission adjourned at 12:30 oclock until tomorrrow at 10 o'clock. Washington, September 28. Secre tary Alger has returned to Washing ton. He Came to the war department immediately after breakfast and was soon besieged by a number of persons j who have been waiting for his return. I The secretary said that he had gained ' a ffreat deal of information as to con- j ditions in the camps and hospitals by hls inspection, which might take shape in oinciai action soon, ite went to tne White house and had a long talk with the resident about army conditions. He made a verbal report to the presi dent on the inspection of the army camps which he has just concluded. During the interview Secretary Long came over from the navy department with a friend and jointed the party in the cabinet room. ! On leaving the White house Secre ; tary Alger said he was much gratified with the condition of the camps gen erally. He refrained from specifical- Iy charging exaggeration of conditions ; of camp life, but said the results of I the trip of inspection were quite satis factory. He had visited, he said, every one of the camps, the hospitals and the sick. He was gratified, and es- pecially so, to find the men in the hospitals Steadily improving and that there were so many convalescents where the odds against them from their maladies had been great. Most of the men in the hospitals, he said, were in good spirits, cheerful and happy, and brightly looking forward to the time when they' would be well again. In a general way the camps were kept sat isfactorily, but there were, he conced ed, numerous points which might be improved upon, citing especially the unsatisfactory condition of the sinks at some points. At Jacksonville, he Said, the reports seemed to show a fairly large proportion of sick, but he .said the percentage of sickness was accounted for by the fact that the men sick of all the regiments departing and mustered out were kept in the camp. "The main trouble," said Secretary Alger, "which I found was perhaps the matter of the troops taking care of themselves. This was one of the great difficulties encountered. At some points the eating tents outside the camps, conducted by private enterprises, proved too tempting for soldiers and the results of improper and injudicious taking of food soon manifested them selves in the general condition of the men. These are things which some times cannot be helped and where there was a most rigid discipline along these lines the improved state of af fairs was very evident. Secretary Alger said the report of a quarters, at Lexington, when he was inspecting that camp is a absolutely without foundation. Thore was no scene, no high words and no excited language. The secretary says the story was made of the whole cloth. Secre tary Alger and General.5 Ludington and Sternberg each have letters from General Wiley, who was reported as having made accusations against them, expressing his regret that any such report was circulated, and de nyinc them in toto. THE WAR COMMISSION. Only four of the commission appoint ed to investigate the conduct of the war were present at the forenoon ses sion today, and in the absence of re plies to the interrogatories sent to the secretary of war and his subordinates, very little business was transacted. Colonel Denby was elected vice chair man of the commission and in the ab aence of Chairman Dodge, presided over today's session. The only important matter brought to the attention of the commission was a report by General Wilson, of the engineer department of the army, of which he is the chief. No statement was called for from him, because there were no charges against this depart ment, but General Wilson being a member of the commission, concluded that to furnish one would be an ap propriate proceeding. The document was held for disposition bv the full commission and, consequently, was not given to the press. A few letters were received from per sons offering to come before the com mission. These were replied to with a circular letter of which the following is a copy: "Dear Sir: "Referring to your communication of , the commission re quests that, upon receipt of this, you will forward a written statement, giv ing In as specific and complete a form as may be practicable, all facts based upon your own personal experience and knowledge, that will aid the pending investigation. This statement will be for the information of the commission only." At the afternoon's session the commission adopted a resolution declaring that It would not act upon requests from army officers and pri vates for assistance in securing promo tions, a change of camp and other like favors. A large number of such re quests haw been made and received by members of the commission and it was the unanimous opinion that it would be highly improper for the com mission, or for its members to give en dorsement to any applications calling for the action of the war department. LAWTON'S SANITARY REPORT. The following dispatch from Gen eral Lawton has been received at the war department Septembre 27th: "Santiago de Cuba. "Adjutant General, Washington: "Total sick 1,093, total fever 773, new cases 120, returned to duty 170; deaths 2. LAWTON." General Lawton's report, made to the war department tonight, indicates no material change in the health con ditions of the American troops at San tiago. Three deaths occurred yester day and 1,128 men are reported sick. Major William Devine, brigade sur geon of volunteers, has been honora bly discharged, his services being no longer required. NEWS FROM PORTO RICO. San Juan, Porto Rico, September 28 Word has reached here that a Porto Rican residing at Aguadilla, near May aguez, asked protection of both the American and Spanish troops against depredations by outlaws, which it was predicted would occur. In response to his request the Amer ican authorities sent to his residence two soldiers of a Kentucky regiment, who arrived there Sunday evening af ter dark. The resident had not notified the Span iards that he had requested American protection and some Spanish soldiers who had been sent to guard his house, arrived after the Americans and mis took them for outlaws. In the confus ion resulting the Spaniards fired, un fortunately killing one of the Ameri cans. The name of the dead soldier has not yet been ascertained. The in cident is greatly regretted by the Span iards. An informal meeting of the America evacuation commission was held this morning, but nothing of interest or importance was done. The Spaniards are offering at public auction large quantities of army rations and other government property which eannot be taken home with them. It may be ex pected that the evacuation of the is land will be completed Very shortly. Twenty-five per cent of the Ameri can troops in the island are on the sick list and it is impossible for them to recuperate here. The sick soldiers, it is said, could be sent home with mu tual advantage. A PITCHED BATTLE Between Striking Union 7Iiuers and Negro Miner More Trouble Feared. Pana, 111., September 28. Striking union coal miners and imported ne groes engaged in a pitched battle in the main street of this city tonight. Several hundred shots were exchanged. ,None were wounded in the ranks of the union men. The negroes were driv en from the city to their stockades, carrying with them, it is believed, a number of wounded comrades. One of ' the negroes Is reported to have died soo-i after reaching the stockade. Des- j ultory firing continues at midnight In the vicinity of the stockades. j The trouble, which has been narrow- ly averted between the striking coal miners of this city and negroes im- ported from the south to work the . mines, was precipitated at 8:30 o'clock this evening. As usual, the negroes from the stock ades at the Springfield and Penwell mines were making demonstrations on Second and Locust streets, the prin cipal streets of the city, by parading heavily armed. The union miners were in session at their hall, where a Chi cago labor leader was speaking. One of the negroes appeared at the foot of the miners' hall and engaged in a quarrel with a union white miner. Of ficer Samuel Smith immediately ar rested the black man and was escort ing him to jail when he was closed in by a posse of negroes, who, point ing their revolvers at Smith, threaten ed to kill him if he did not release the prisoner. Smith continued on his way to the jail with the man. Union min ers and others, meanwhile, went to Smith's assistance and the negroes were driven back. Smith took his prisoner to Operator George V. Penwell's store and upon Penwell's standing for. the negro's fine, he was released. Before Smith had released the prisoner, however, the negro posse had been re-enforced and assumed a threatening attitude to ward the white men. David McGavic. leader of the union miners, clubbed one of the blacks over the head with a revolver, it is said. For half a block McGavic forced the negroes to re treat and then a few shots were fired. The negroes retreated double quick to their stockades, secured rifles, re turned to Locust street and challenged the miners to fight. The opposing forces lined up in the street, the ne groes with Winchesters, and the min ers with shotguns, rifles and revolvers. Neighboring business houses were im mediately closed, lights extinguished, and citizens generally sought their homes. At the word of command fir ing commenced. The first volley, it is said, came from the negroes. The union men responded with a volley and heavy firing continued for five minutes. Much of the shooting was wild and entirely harmless to the white men who finally drove their enemies in full retreat to the stockades. The negroes are thought to have carried several men with them and one is reported dead. A second encounter between whites and blacks occurred twenty minutes after the first battle, near the Penwell stockade, but the firing- was scattered and it is not believed to have been a serious engagement. The miners had full charge of the business streets at midnight. Desultory rifle reports could be heard from the Penwell and Spring sides stockades, but no person would venture into the streets near the mines and very few are loitering about the business or residence sections. The union miners say the battle of tonight is only a foretaste of what may be expected to follow. They blame Op erator Penwell for the trouble and say they will tomorrow swear out warrants charging him with inciting- tonight's riot. Governor Tanner "will be asked to send militia to protect property and to remove the negroes. Senor Congosto Says all are Dead THE GUBAN QUESTION Declared by One Who Ha Studied It to be a Social, Not a Political Problem. Cause of tbe Delay la tbe Evacuation of Cuba Six Thousand Sick SpanUh Soldiers Torals Bad C.cncralshlp As signed as Cans of Capture of SauU ago Spain's Future Navy. New York, September 2S. Among the passengers which arrived today on the steamer City of Washington from Havana were Dr. Jose Congosto, secre tary general of Cuba, and Captain Fred Sharp, of the Merritt &. Chapman Wrecking Company. The City of Washington brought forty-one cabin passengers and a small cargo composed chiefly of cigars and tobacco. Captain Sharp thinks the collier Merrimac, sank at Santiago harbor, can be floated. Dr. Congosto said: "The evacuation of Cuba by Spain is a matter of time, but when I left Havana everything was progressing well. I do not care to en ter into all the reasons for the delay, but one of the principal causes is the fact that we have over 6,000 sick who must be taken care of and cannot be left behind. "The problem of the future of the island is a difficult one, and I have studied it without prejudice, and as a result of this study of years I believe that it is a social problem and not a political one. UI course politics will enter into the solution, but the great question is how to bring the most prosperity and the greatest happiness to the people of Cuba." Dr. Congosto was asked as to the condition of the reconcentrados. "There are no reconcentrados now," he answered with a smile. "What has become of them?" was the question. "They are gone." "Where?" "God knows," was the reply. "Do you mean to say they are all dead?" "That probably explains it better than I can. It is a subject which I prefer not to discuss." When asked as to the establishment of a new navy for Spain, Dr. Congosto said: "Spain is still a great country, and she ought to have a great navy and probably will." Discussing the fall of Santiago and the surrender of General Toral, Dr. Congosto said: "There were brave sol diers at Santiago and if their leader lacked courage he deserves to be pun ished. Santiago shquld not have fal len as it did and If Toral had not en tered into negotiations with the enemy it is likely that there would have been a different story to tell today. It is not true that the Spanish army there lacked supplies and ammunition, for they had plenty of both, which they turned over to the Americans. If Toral had pushed forward instead of retreat ing toward the city, he certainly would have caused a repulse. These are things which he will have to explain." New Jersey Democratic Convention. Trenton, N. J., September 28. The democratic state convention today nominated for governor of New Jersey Alvin W. Crane, the prosecutor of Es sex county, and adopted a platform which, in a measure, supports the democratic national platform. The convention, however, defeated a propo sition to specifically endorse the plat form adopted by the Chicago conven tion of 1896. The silver men accept ed the situation gracefully. The platform contains the following: "We denounce the gross, open, crim inal incompetency of those placed and defiantly kept in charge of the affairs of the war department of the present administration of the government or the United States, resulting in the needless loss of thousands of American soldiers' lives, and the Infliction of horrible suffering and tortures upon thousands of the brave defenders of the country's honor; and we charge the present administration of the gov- e-iment of the United States with be- ir solely responsible for the horrible results of Incompetency of government officials, continued after the appalling results were repeatedly brought to the attention of the president of the Unit ed States and his official advisors. Do You Read What people are saying about Hood's Sarsapaxilla? It Is curing the worst cases of scrofula, dyspepsia, rheuma tism and all forms of blood disease, eruptions, sores, boils and pimples. It is giving strength to weak and tired women. Why should you hesitate to take It when it Is doing so much for others? Hood's Pills are best family cathartic and liver tonic. Gentle, reliable, sure. Tbstsyllatbatjittiist Actasl tts ssww it tttra fartbsf taaa arry tW Absolutely Pure ftovfti ftAjowa trwvtm to., fcrw vcmm. IIOOSEVKLT NO.niNATKD New York's Housing Hepubllrau Con eutlon Kuthuslasm f or lUr Pret deut and the Hough ICIder. Saratoga, N. Y., September 27. The republican convention nominated the following ticket today: For Governor Theodore lloomvilt, of Oyster Bay. Lieutenant Governor Timothy !. Woodruff, of Kings, (rc-nomlnatti.) Comptroller William J. Morgan, of Erie. Secretary of State John T. McDon ough, of Albany. State Treasurer John 1?. Jackel, of Cayuga. State Engineer Kd ward A. lkmd. of Jefferson. Attorney General John C. Ihivlcs, of Oneida. The following committee was ap pointed to be an advisory board for the state committee: Thomas C. 1'latt, Chauncey M. Depew, Frank I Uncock. Edward Lauterbach and Frank H. Witherbee. The convention was called to order at 12:25 o'clock by Chairman O Dell. Enthusiasm found free reign and tho names of party leaders, both national and state were cheered. The mention of President McKinley's name in tho address of Temporary Chairman Fayno was the signal for wild and continuous cheering and Delegate Charleu A. Moore, of Brooklyn, capped the ( Umax by asking for three cheers which wen; given with a will. Senator Horace White, of Syracuse, was chosen permanent chairman. The report of the committee on res olutions was called for, but General Woodford, chairman of that commit tee, was not present to present it, tho original draft of the platform having been amended at the meeting of tho committee. The convention decided to proceed to nominations, and J. Hyder Cody, of Hudson, who nominated Governor Black two years ago, took tho plat form to perform again the same ser vice. Mr. Cady was frequently inter rupted with applause. At 4:55 o'clock Chauncey M. I)-pew took the platform to nominate Theo dore Roosevelt. For some minutes Ir. Depew could not begin his speech for tne applause that ensued. The por tions of his speech relating to McKln ley were received with much applause and there was a vigorous reception of his tribute to Governor Black. When Dr. Depew told of the charge of the Rough-Kiders and mentioned Colonel Roosevelt, the audience was almost crazy. Every man was on his feet vo ciferously cheering. When, Mr. Depew had reached the point in hin HiM?ech where he alluded to the non-effect of Mauser bullets, two men rushed down the aisle bearing a big portrait of Col onel Roosevelt in Rough-Rlder uni form. There was a three minute Inter ruption and the picture was taken to the stage and set up. Dr. Depew finished at 5:25 o'clock amid applause that was almost a pan demonium. The nomination was seconded by i. number of delegates and then Ellhu Root, who had been substituted as a delegate in the convention, was called to the platform by the chairman and made a long statement tending to show the eligibility of Mr. Roosevelt, to hold office. The roll call began at 7:15 p. rn. and was concluded at 7:41. The vote waa announced as follows: Roosevelt 753, Black 21S. Then the auditors and the delegates rose In a great mass and cheered. Judge Cady got the floor and moved the unanimous nomination. While the question was pending. Sen ator Krum, who had supported Gov ernor Black, said: "On behalf of Gov ernor Black and his friends, I pay that they will stand by Theodore Roosevelt as he stood by the country." I'l SIOMTS IX (OVFKIIFX K It la Agreed That Fowler and Llojd Will ISotli Coutlnue In the IUre-Ju-dlelml Ticket to be Settled Later. (Special to The Messenger.) Raleigh, N. C, September 28. The populist and republican conference committees adjourned this morning at 12:30 o'clock. The republicans met wltl the populists at their headquarters. Both Chairmen Thompson and Ilolton declined to talk about the meetlnir when they came out. I learn, however, that the republicans agreed to support Fowler for congress In the Third dis trltc. A republican said that "Fowler had made concessions." The republican convention, which meets Thursday, will be Instructed to endorse Fowler. Lloyd, will run against White as a "figure head." An agreement will be drawn up and signed by Holton and Thomp son. Matters in several counties were discussed. Arrangements for the Judi cial ticket were left to a subsequent meeting. A republican committeeman admit ted to me Kluttz's election. 4ip "

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