New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-15

o,s EXPERIENCES IN PORTO RICO AND
on THE OLDHAM RELATED

CRITICISM OF SUPPLIES FURNISHED TO
-ur NFN-HE MAKES NO REFLECTIONS
on HIS SUPERIOR OFFICERS.
fey TELEGRAPH TO TIE rnBUNrl
r-..b,nston. Oct 1.-THE Commission investi-
ting the conduct OF the Army in the war de-
'o,es nearly all OF to-day to the examination Of
~ / l. Seaman, of New-York. surgeon and
.,or Of the LIST Regiment United States Volun-
49, ENGINEERS whose return from Porto Rico
as s,cnalized by sensational interviews in sew
.rsI highly enterprising newspapers which the
actor declared on the witness stand to-day
,sver took place Dr. Seaman had been sum
,oned TO Washington by orders from the Sur
sson.Generai. and was not informed until he
cached here this morning that he was expected
., testify before the Commission In addition
% this surprise. he was startled by an ntima-
,,,n that he might be held subject 20 military
.s,lnIine for the remarks attributed to him in
nublished interviews. This fact. together with
ss nhvsical debilitation due 10 bis experiences
% Porto Rico had the effect Of placing him
,omewhat at a disadvantage before the Com
mission but he proved a capable, conscientious
and forceful witness. and the statements which
rsre made by him could not be shaken by the
everest cross-quest!oning. The ordeal was an
.yceedingy trying one.
Dr. Seaman was pitiably ernaciated, having
Inst more than one-ffth Of his weight during the
campaign. Unaccustonned TO the rigor OF mill
,srv life and unfamiliar with the exactions OF
.ru1y discipline. he was compelled by the ques-
,,ons put 10 him TO make replies regarding the
,.cbpicalites OF military service as affecting the
subsistence Of soldiers. At one time in the ex-
animation he exclaimed dramatically that he
xss ready 10 answer ali interrogatories affecting
,is professional qualities and duties as sur
saon but he declined 70 be drawn into any
criticisms Of his superior officers or TO comment
m matters with which he unfamiliar He
avoided expressing mere opinions on subjects
10. Of a medical nature, holding that opinions
r.re not what the Commission wanted. but
Facts
Altogether DR.. Seaman made favorable I'M
pYssion on most Of the members Of the Com
MISSION although he had some sharp tits with
Two of them. These We're due, however, in the
main 10 his rundown and excessively nervous
condition, and 1t Is probable that after week
or so Of rest and recuperation he will be re-
called before the Commission 70 testify again.
IN the mean time the War Department will
probably take no steps 70 prosecute him for his
ALLEGED utterances in public on the arrival Of the
obdan az New-York
Dr. Seaman. after his testimony before the
Commission, called on Surgeon-General Stern
berg and Adjutant-General Corbin. To the lat
Ter he said that he had made no statement
dsrogatory 70 the Secretary Of War or any Of
his superior officers. He left Washington az
~ n.
Lieutenant Hill. Of the Navy, was also Wit
ness He was in charge Of the landing Of the
Army at Santiago. and told the story OF that
exploit
The Commission will devote tomorrow ~
prepa, alton for its Southern tour. and will hold
no session.