The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-09-28
GETTING DOWN TO WORK
War Investigation Committee
Prepares Its Questions.
COVERS ALL THE GROUND
Six Inquiries Which Secretary Alger Is
Called Upon TO Answer-Msny
Points to Be Elk
planned.

WASHINGTON. Sept 27.-The war In
vestigation committee resumed its la
bors at 10 o'clock in the Lemon build
ing. At the close of the morning ses-
zion they gave out a number of docu-
ments bearing upon the work to be
undertaken. These comprise a brief ad-
dress 10 the public in the shape Of
resolutions, a letter TO the secretary
Of war, enclosing a list of inquiries TO
the secretary and various departments
Of the war department calling for
specific Information bearing upon the
conduct OF the war. The ~resolutions
adopted by the committee were as fol-
lows:
Resolved. first. the secretary OF war,
adjutant general. ouartermaster gener-
al. commissary general and surgeon
general be requested TO transmit to this
commission all complaints that have
been received by them since April l.,
1895. touching upon the conduct OF the
war.
Resolved. second. this commission
invites and is ready and viii receive
and consider any complaints about the
management of IN OF the various
branches Of the war department from
any person or persons. We respectful
" request UGH complaints be made in
writing. stating facts that the party
NAV know of his own knowledge, plain
" inc in detail, giving names of any
officers or enlisted men who may be
charged with misconduct or incompet-
ency. addressed to secretary OF the
commission at Washington"
To Alger the commission addressed
elk questions for his reply, as follows:
Plan OF campaign proposed imme-
dIately after declaration of war
Was II intended TO move at once on
Havana or that the campaign should
be postponed until atumn?
when was the Santiago campaign de-
termined upon?
When was the camp selected as a
base of operation?
Why were summer camps established
at Fernandina, Jacksonville n Tam
pa?
when was the Porto Rico campaign
determined upon?
why were troops held IN transports
after embarkation at Tampa and not
permitted to sail for several days?
Following Is the letter to Alger:
Sir: Pursuant to authority con.
ferred upon us by the president. we
have the honor to request that you di-
rect the adjutant general. the quarter
master general. the commissary gen
eral. the surgeon General. the chief o.
rdnance and the chief of engineers q
furnish us as soon as practicable in.
formation as TO the condition Of theiI
several departments at the time OF tn
declaration Of war with Spain and the
operation Of those departments from
that time until the present. We desire
the information to include the follow
ing. viz:
'"The times and places Of mobilization
of the regular and volunteer troops.
The organization of these troops int
the various subdivisions Of the army
the personnel Of the brigade, division
corps and army commanders and 81
their staff. whether appointed from th'
permanent establishment. from the ma.
tional guard or from civil life.
The amount and kim of camp and
garrison euuipage and other supple
that were on hand at the beginning o.
the war: the amounts subsequent,
purchased: when and where delivere,
TO your department and when an
where actually issued 10 the troops
and when and where purchased.
Similar information in regard to IN.
furnishing the troops with arms an
accoutrements.
Which Of the volunteers were armci
and equipped in the various stat
camps and which in the general camps
Upon whose r. mmendation O
Judgment the various general rendoz
vous were selected and the reason
for such selection.
Full particulars relative to IN
transportation Of troops by sea, rivin
an account Of the provision made 70
the accommodation and care Of the sic
and wounded.
A account Of the quantity. qualjt
and kind Of food furnished the troon'