El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1898-08-27
SHERMAN HORRIFIED
He Expresses His Opinion Freely


WASHINGTON, Aug. 27.-An inter.
view with ex-Secretary Sherman charg.
ing mismanagement and neglect upon
the war department has created tre-
mendous sensation throughout the
country and has added much to the in
terest with which department matters
are invested.
When asked today if he had been
correctly quoted Sherman replied that
he was, and speaking with intense
feeling of what he described as mon
strous mismansgemert,h he said:
81 do not see how there can be any
mistake or misrepresentation as to the
condition of affairs among our soldiers
at Santiago and in camps. Offici al re-
ports and statements of responsible Of
ficers and men who suffered are all to
the same effect, that their horrible suf-
fering aud great loss of life resulted
largely from the inadequate provision
for the care of the sick and wounded,
and from the fact that suitable food
was not provided.
WV
talk about, and no possible excuse can
be offered. 1 cannot say what individ-
ual authority is responsible, but the
facts themselves are mOnstrous, and
whether the fault lies with officers in
the field or the secretary of war him
self, the responsibility should be fixed,
and the persons responsible be punish
ed
How much longer the administration
will stand the odium of .gross misman-
agement in the war department is the
chief topic of discussion. Hourly the
evidence of Alger's sincompetency is in
creased by the news of sickening de-
velopment. 1t is said the president is
about to order general court of inqui-
ry but will wait until Miles reaches
One distinguished visitor to the
white house, before the president left
this morning, said, Sherman struck
the nail squsrely on the head in hold
ing Alger responsible for the abuses
that have grown up in the war depart
ment which have caused SO many brave
American soldiers to die"
Il do not believe" said another Wis
itor, "that Mr.. Mckinley can afford to
carry the burden imposed by Alger's |
The whole country,
of partisan lines. has given |!
the president enthusiastic approval |
and support. Had it not been for the |
outrages perpetrated by the war de-
there would not have been a
blot upon his administration.
''He would be most unwise to share
Alger's responsibility. He owes it to
1he country to insist upon an investiga-
ion that will place the blame where it
belongs. II Alger is not gull
~ of the charges made against his de-
Dartment, he should be eager to prove
MS innocence"
Secretary Alger may yet forestall |
congressional action by resigning.
Gen. Miles will arrive in Washing
on the middle of next week, and as
soon as the president returns from his
vacation he doubtless will be given
chance for an explanation. Should he
,ot display the proper spirit, it is pos
'ib!e that court martial will be Or
Tered. Indeed, it is strongly limited
lbcut the war department today that
he will either have to disclaim all res
for the attacks and charges
against his superior, the secretary of
war, or be cited to appear before a
court martial.
His friends say this is exactly what
ne wants, and that if called upon to
defend himself in that way, he will
otove everything charged and more.
It is possible that personal interviews
Miles and Alger may bring
about better understanding but from
present appearances an open battle
seems almost Unavoidable.