The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-10-16
INSIDE STORY OF A MILITARY CRIME.
How and Why General Miles Was Side
tracked to Further the Ambitions
of General Corbin.

Icy. he (Sherman) received a visit
from Alger. Such was the unctuous
tact employed by the latter on this oc-
oasion that Alger's appointment as
secretary OF war followed a few lays
later. He was undoubtedly helped TO
the place by sherman. whose regret
for the mistake is evidenced by his re-
Gently published recommendation that
Alger should be impeached.
IL often happens that a man who mas
risen from an humble station Is
ashamed Of his origin and early pow
ehty. Not so-be it said to his credit
is IL with Alger. on the contrary ne
is exceedingly proud OF the fact that
he H. self made-that he began life as
a poor boy. born in a log cabin on an
Ohio farm. and hat he has risen by
his own exertions to political eminence
and the possession Of millions or
money. II is recorded that his son.
who was made a captain recently on
Miles staff. while in college sent him
a bill OF $40 for a dress suit. As he
wrote a check for the amount. he OBJ
served: My boy. at your q | worked
two years at the forge for SO" The
secretary himself Rays that his first
earnings were our cups of -four, re-
cetved from a farmer for a days labor.
At IL wears of age he was getting "
a month on a farm. and six years
later he earned only Sis a month-far
less than is paid to the meanest mes
senger in the great government Office
over which he now presides. II was
Ayers first distinction to win a prize
by pitching a load of hay I'm five min
utes. He was then a lusty fellow. six
feet tall and remarkable for muscular
strength.
This article is not intended to be
biographical. but merely to bring the
reader into closer acquaintance with
the three men who controlled the man
agemsnt of the wsr with Spain, so far
as land operations were concerned.
Any remarks which throw light upon
their personal traits and Characters
tics As individuals cannot be otherwise
than interesting at the present time.
Ayers history is familiar enough, and
most people know that he first became
conspicuously identified with Michigan
when he was made captain of the sec
ond regiment of cavalry from that
state in the civil war. Charges OF
cowardice were brought against him,
but never came TO trial. His millions
were made in the lumber business He
became governor eventually, and fin
ally. in the national convention which
nominated Benjamin Harrison, IL
seemed for one dazzling moment as N
he was going to reach the ultimate
inhibition or an American citigen.
II is rather a relief to pass from Al
ger to the discussion OF a far stronger
and more virile personality. which may
be said to have dominated the recent
war. Henry G. Corbin, now adiutant
general of the army. Is a magnificent
physical specimen of manhood. Con-
siderably over six feet In height and
broad OF shoulder, he looks the beau
ideal of a soldier. His military nous
tache and goatee are slightly gray and
his chin is iron.
Alger Is secretary of war. and Miles
Is general OF the forces of the United
States. but Corbin Is the real head and
manager of the military branch OF the
government. During he conflict with
Spain he dominated the war depart
ment and controlled every movement
Of the troops. Deliberately assuming
an attitude Of antagonism toward