The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-28
ALGER'S REQUEST.
Full Text is Made Public For
the First Time.


Secretary AIger to the president asking
for an investigation of the war depart
ment has been made public, as follows:
War Department, Washington, Sept.
8, 1888. To the President:-I have the
honor to ask that a board, consisting Of
from FIVE to seven members of the most
distinguished soldiers and civilians that
can be selected be appointed by you,
with full power to investigate thorough
" every bureau of the war department
in connection with the mastering, CLOTH
ing, supplying and arming of troops,
transportation, the letting of contracts
and chartering of vessels and all ex-
penditures of every kind, as well as Of
orders issued by this department-in-
deed, that everything connected with
the army be thoroughly investigated for
your information.
r. A. ALGER,
Secretary of War.
The war investigating commission has
given out the following letter to Secre-
tary Alger outlining the scope of their
work.
Office of the commission appointed to
investigate the conduct of the war de-
partment in the war with Spain. To
the Secretary of War-Sir: Pursuant
to authority conferred upon US by the
president, we have the honor to request
that YOU direct the adjutant general,
the quartermaster general, the commits
sary general. the surgeon general, the
chief of ordnance and the chief of engi-
neerS, TO TurnlSn US as soon as pTacC1~
cable information as to the condition
of their several departments at the time
of the declaration of war with Spain,
and the operations of those depart
ments from that time until the present.
We desire the information to include
the following, viz:
First-The time and places of the
mobilization Of the regular and vOlun-
Second-The organization of these
troops into the various subdivisions Of
the army, the personnel of the brigade,
division, corps and army commanders,
and of their staffs, whether appointed
from the permanent establishments from
the national guard or from civil life.
Third-The amount and kind of camps
and garrison equipage and other sup
plies that were on hand at the begin
ming of the war, the amounts subse-
quently purchased, when and where
purchased, when and where delivered
to your department, and when and
where actually issued to the troops.
Fourth-Similar informa ton in regard
to furnish the troops with arms and
accoutrementS.
Fffth-Which of the volunteers were
armed and equipped in the various
state camps, and which in the general
camps.
or judgment the various great rendez-
vous were selected, and the reason for
such selection.
Seventh-FulI particulars relative
giving an account of the provisions
made for the accommodation and care
of the sick and wounded.
Eighth-An account Of the quantity,
quality and kind of food furnished the
troops, and in case that any of them
failed of being plentifully and seasona-
bly, supplied, state the reasons therefor.
Ninth-As to the proper tentage,
beds, linen, medicines, food and other
necessary equipment and supplies for
the use of the hospital corps of the
army. If there was any lack OF these
things at any time, state the reasons
therefor.
Tenth-Whether the medical staff
was efficient and sufficient at all times
for the proper care of the sick and
wounded, and if not, state the reasons
therefor.
Fleventh-Such information relative
to the conditions and operations of the
ordnance and engineering departments
as will be of value to US in our investi-
cation.
we have outlined briefly a portion
onlv of the information that we trust
YOU will be able to give US. 1t will be
satisfactory to have it communicated
to us in writing, or by the CHIEFS or the
several bureaus in person, with the sub
mission of such records confirming their
statements as they may pleased to hand
to US.
To aid you in complying with this re-
quest there is submitted herewith list
of special questions to Whlch as Iar as
is possible answers are desired
Very respectfully,
GREENEVILLE NJ DODGE,
President.
To Secretary AIger the commission
has addressed six queries for his reply.
Information desired of the Secretary
of War.
1-Plan of campaign proposed imme-
diate1y after the declaration of war;
was it intended to move at once on Ha-
vana or that the campaign should be
postponed until the autumn.
2-When was the Santiago campaign
determined upon2
3-Why was Tampa selected as the
base of operations?
why were summer camps organ
| lied at Fernandina, Jacksonville, and
| Tampa?
5-Why was the Porto Rico campaign
! determined upon?
| 6-Why were the troops held on trans
| ports after embarkation at Tampa and
not permitted to sail for several days?