The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-10
NO FAVORS WERE SHOWN
COL. HECKER's TESTIMONY BEFORE
THE WAR INVESTIGATORS.
Abner McFinIey's Firm Had Nothing
Transporting Spaniards.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.-The transporta-
ton to Spain by the United States of the
Spanish prisoners surrendered at Santiago
was taken up by the war investigating
commission to-day, and Colonel Hecker,
who made the contract for the United
States. was recalled to testify on this point.
He said there had been a combine of New
York shipping concerns which would have
caused an outlay of s., 100000, while the ac-
tual outlay made was $685. 900. The lowest
bid was from a Philadelphia junk dealer,
who however, had no visible means of ex-
ecuting the contract, and admitted his own
doubt as to getting sufficient bond. This
Philadelphia, Colonel Hecker testified, pro-
tested against not being awarded the con-
tract, on the ground that he had "a chance
to make some money out of it," The most
feasible bidder was the Spanish Transit
lantica Company. Their bid, unlike the
others, relieved the government of all med
ical attendance, and, finally, on the govern
ment's representations, the company agreed
to reduce its figures about $1SO,00O
What induced the government to send
those people to Spain?" was asked.
Don't know. The terms of surrender
provided for it,"
Colonel Hecker read a long statement
II. Il.
alleged methods of the Transportation Blu
reau in connection with the attempted sale
of certain ships to the government. Col
Hecker said he did not know Ryan. Sew
eral members of the commission said they
would be glad to summon Ryan if he could
be found. Asked if he was ever approached
by Abner Mckinley relative to the purchase
of ships, Colonel Hecker replied: Never
bnf T. 10 tor
barge for which there was at the
time, and | so informed him. [ never had
any other communication from him either
directly Indirectly
What part did the firm of which Abner
Mckinley is a member play in the sale of
ships? asked Ex-Governor Woodbury..
None at all as to the army" replied Col
Hecker. Il do not know as to the navy"
Asked as to Ryan's charge that there was
subordinate in Colonel Hecker'S office
who exercised much influence and could be
approached, Colonel Eecker replied that
the negotiations were conducted directly,
and that no subordinate in the office could
have exercised any influence. That was the
first direct charge of corruption he had
seen against himself, as he considered him
self responsible for what went on in his
office. He should he said, like to be con-
fronted with Ryan. The commission de-
cided TO summon Ryan il he could be found:
Maj. A. III. Appel, who was in charge of
the hospital at Tampa Heights until June
8, when he took charge of the Olivette,
which accompanied Skaters army to San
equipped and supplied. that the patients re-
ceived proper care and attention, and that
the conditions generally were thoroughly
satisfactory. There were no complaints.
Witness described the case of Lieut.. Will
liam Tiffany, who came north on the Oil
vette. He was a convalescent from ma
laria. He was on deck every day, and when
landed at Boston seemed in good condition.
1t was not a fact that he could not retain
food on his stomach. He gained strength
steadily during the voyage. On arrival at
Boston he telegraphed the adjutant general,
saying there were a number of officers
aboard who should have sick leave, and his
recommendation approved. Tiffany
was among them. He told the officers that
they could go to their homes, but warned
them that they must be careful. He did
not know exactly when Tiffany left the
ship. He advised him to remain until he
disposed of the enlisted men, but when he
inquired Tiffany had gone
could it be said that Tiffany, who died
within seventy-two hours, starved to
death?" asked Dr. Conner.
1T could not replied Major Appel, en-
phatically Tiffany during the voyage had
expressed himself as well pleased with his
treatment. Witness did not regard him as
a very sick man. He was distinctly con-
valescent. When he took charge later, OF
the Pueba Beach hospital, it was not in
good condition A volunteer officer, DR..
| Arto, had been in charge.