Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-30
THE WAR INQUIRY.
COMMISSION EXAMINES AND CLAssI-
FIEs COMPLAINTS TO PRESIDENT.
A DOCTOR DEFENDS CAMP THOMAS.
Says It's Site Was Admirable-Gene-
raj Wheeler Expected to Testify
Next Week-Information Requested
of Merritt, Otis, and Merriam.

WASHINGTON, September 29.-The
war investigating commission confined
itself at it's afternoon session to-day TO
the examination and classification Of
complaints which have been made TO the
President. A large number of such COM
plants have been received at the White
House Those examined in this session
deal in the main with Camp Wikoff and
Camp Thomas, but some of the letters
also make charges concerning other
camps. They relate especially TO the food
served the soldiers, and to hospital ac-
commodations, and none Of them was Of
a very striking character. One lady,
whose son is stationed in Honolulu, wrote
that he was encamped on a centipede
hill, and said that his food was INSULT
cient to meet his demands. She asked
the President to see that he had better
care.
Circular letters were sent to the writer's
or ar the complaints, asking them 10
make their charges specific, and to state
whether they spoke from personal know
ledge or only from report.
DEFENCE OF CAMP THOMAS.
One OF the letters read to-day was from
Dr. Sims, of Chattanooga. 1t was writ
ten to a friend in Ohio, In response to
an inquiry for the facts in regard to
Camp Thomas and was forwarded by the
person who had received II 10 the Presi-
dent. DR.. Sims said in this letter that
,horo ...o, M f,,sfffca tion for tho charoe
that the site of tic camp wac not desi-
raoie. IL was. ne saio, admirable. The
Doctor said that at the beginning Of the
camps career, the hospital facilities were
limited, but that these had been increased
until they were adequate to meet the de-
mands on them.
The commission expects to begin taking
testimony next week. General Wheeler
is expected to be among the first wit
nesses called.
The examination OF complaints to the
President was continued at the afternoon
session.
OPERATIONS IN THE PACIFIC.
decision was reached at this session
to include in the work an inquiry int
the conduct OF the War Department In
regions. and to this end letters were writ
ten to General Merriam. in command Of
the Department OF the Pacific; to Gene
raj Otis. in command OF the Philippines
| and to General Merritt who occupied Ibli
| latter post until recently. The letter I,
| General Merritt Is as follows:
I'VE have the honor TO request you 4
| furnish us. as early as possible. will
such information as you may possess a
| TO the adequacy or inadequacy OF th'
| ouartermaster, conimissary. and medica
supplies. and the medical star. of TIL
troops under your command. while In th'
| country. while en- route. and while yol
| were in camp at Manila, and whether o
| not such supplies were promptly AM
| sufficiently issued TO the troops. Also
as to the proper or improper preparation
| of the transports for the Transportation
| Of your troops to your station. We woul
also be pleased to be informed as 10 n
| ration issued 10 the troops"
The letters to Generals Merriam an
| Otis are copies Of the letter TO Genera
Merritt. except that Merriam Is asked I
supply information concerning the expe
dition to Hawaii.