The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-10-04
WHEELER WILL
NOT RESIGN
VIII Remain in Service # the
President Wishes It
ORDERED TO HUNTSVILLE
To Assume Command Division of
Cavalry Destined for Cuba.
ATHE INVESTIGATING COMMISSION
Session Yesterday Was Devoted to
Matters of a Routine Nature.
WHEELER THE FIRST WITNESS
Complaints Read in Regard to Trans
porting Men From Santiago to
Montauk Point Thorough
Investigation Promised.
Session Yesterday Was Devoted to
Matters of Routine Nature.
WHEELER THE FIRST WITNESS
BY ARCHIBALD W BUTT.

Washington, October 3.-(Special.)-Gen-
eral Wheeler will not resign from the army
as long as the president needs his services
in the field. The president has asked the
general to reconsider his determination and
remain under orders The president has
supreme confidence in General Wheeler and
believes his congressional experience will
be Of special value just now in Cuba. Gen.
eral Wheeler had made made up his mind
to resign his commission when congress
should convene, but his decision has been
changed in accordance with the presidents
wishes.
Geenral Wheeler said that after appearing
before the war investigating committee to-
morrow he will go to Huntsville, Ala, to
assume command Of a division placed under
him. General Wheeler said that while his
future movements have not been definitely
settled, he understands that he will be sent
to Cuba in command of a division of cav
airy He will probably be stationed in
Santa Clara province. 1t is understood that
the regiments to be placed under General
Wheeler will be the Second, Fifth, Sixth,
Sventh, Eighth and Tenth, all of the regu-
lar army. The Tenth fought under Cen
eral Wheeler at Santiago and some amusing
stories are told of how the black soldiers
came to love and revere the little fighting
man from the south.
VIII Remain In Army
General Wheeler was asked whether he
would retire from the army in time to take
his seat in congress in December. 81 do
not know" replied General Wheeler. 'The
president saw fit to confer upon me the
highest honor, and 1 will remain in the
army until he tells me that he no longer
needs my services. How long that will be
I am unable to say"
On leaving the white house General
Wheeler met General Dodge who was on
his way to see and talk with the president.
The two soldiers greeted each other warm
ly, General Dodge introducing himself to
General Wheeler.
General Wheeler's division, which is to
assemble at Huntsville preparatory to be-
ing sent to Cuba, is to consist of the Sec
ond, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and
Tenth cavalry.
All members of the war investigation
commission were present at today's session
except Ex-Governor Beaver, and the an
nouncement was made that he would be in
attendance tomorrow, when General
Wheeler will be present as the first wit
ness before the commission.
Todays session was devoted largely to
the consideration of the method of ex-
animation of witnesses and in connection
with administering the oaths were discuss
ed at considerable length. The members
generally took the position that under
strict construction the commission had no
authority to compel witness to be sworn
by a member of the commission, but there
was also a general opinion that the wit
nesses would not raise technical objections
and that they, in all probability, would
submit to be sworn without opposition. 1t
was decided however, to inform witnesses
frankly of the status of the board and to
afford them an opportunity to decline in
case they desired to do SO.
Power of Notary Public
1t was suggested that the whole difficulty
might be avoided by getting the president
to appoint one of the officers of the board
to the Office of a notary public, and it is
probable this request will be made with
the end in view of having the officer quali-
fed to administer the oath on emergency.
Ex-Governor Beaver was assigned the
task of leading, in examination of wit
nesses, but there is understanding that
other members of the board shall ask such
questions as they may desire.
The commission also received several ad-
ditional communications, which received
attention. Among the members letter
from Surgeon-General Sternberg inviting
tho commission to visit his office. No ac-
ton was taken upon this invitation
At the afternoon session of the war in-