The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-12-03
WHITEWASHERS At WORK
The War Investigation Continued
in Washington.
CONGESTION AT TAMPA
More Supplies Were Sent to That Point
Than Could Be Handled = There
Was Nc Confusion IN Load
ing the Troops.

Washington. Dec. 2-The war invests
eating commission resumed its sittings in
this city to-day. Colonel Charles Bird be-
ing on the stand. He was during the war
in the quartermaster generals office. hav
ing charge OF the transportation divi-
sion.
He had charge in the beginning of the
war Of the purchase of mules and he be-
lieved the prices paid to have been rea-
sonable. He said that contracts for rail-
road transportation were made in Chi
cago. st. Paul and other centers before
the beginning of the movement Of troops.
The prices secured were lower tina ordi-
narily given to individuals.
In moving troops tourist sleepers had
been secured where possible. and in all
cases a seat for each soldier was obtain
ed. As n rule the railroad companies had
been prompt I'm responding to the terms
of a contract. but I'm some instances I'm
the South there had been some delay I'm
the matter of equipment. The congestion
at Tampa was due to the fact that more
supplies were sent to that point than
could be handled. Colonel Bird said that
he and the secretary of war had co-ope-
rated together in chartering vessels for
water transportation. In some instances
II had been necessary to be quite arbi-
trary in securing some vessels. Rentals
paid for the chartered vessels were con-
sidered very low. the rate being 5 cents
per gross ton per day on vessels OF 1900
80. a.I $50. Ans n.An ~ So. ...e
OF the war IL had been necessary to in
crease the rate.
Colonel Bird also said that the trans
ports occupied between Tampa and San
tiago had been fitted up only to carry the
men and supplies to Havana. and this
was the reason why thew proved made
quate for a trip OF much longer dura-
ton.
Colonel William s. Patton. in charge Of
the supply and equipage division of the
quartermaster's department, was the first
witness of the afternoon. He was ques-
toned concerning a complaint mad by
Knox, the hat manufacturer. that a
fraudulent contract for hats had been
awarded TO a Philadelphia firm. and as
serting that the department, as repre-
sented at Philadelphia, was rotten and
corrupt"
Colonel Patton said he had this com
plant thoroughly investigated by several
officers, who had reached the conclusion
that the hats accepted were superior to
those offered by Mr.. Knox. Colonel Pat
ton said no outside influence had had any
effect upon his Office in the matter OF
awarding contracts for tents. clothing,
etc.
Captain James Mckay. a civilian and
an old sea captain I'm Florida and Cuban
waters, who was under General Hum
phrey, and had charge Of the details of
the transportation of troops to Santiago.
said that complete rations had been put
on each vessel and that the ship had not
been overloaded. This was contrary to
previous testimony. as was also a later
statement that each vessel that each
was to occupy had been desig-
mated before embarking. lie emphasized
this fact. saying the designation had been
made by General Shafter. and the colonel
of each of the regiments was evidently
informed in each case. He said there was
no confusion when the troops went
aboard.
'I saw alphabetically" there was no dis
order and no confusion" he said. land
that in all cases the regiments found
their quarters without any delay
Captain Mckay said there had been no
disposition on the part of the masters of
the transports to disobey orders or to
keep their vessels unnecessarily far out to
sea. as has been charged.
as had been charged.
Captain Mckay took exception to a ref
erence in Admiral SIMPSONS report which
he called 1.-THE wandering proclivities of
the transports.
"As a matter OF fact" he said, az
transports developed any wandering pro-
c~livities. this fact was due to the navy
| Captain McKay had not completed hts
testimony when the commission adjourn
ed for the day.