The herald., 1898-12-10
VIM. f RYAN IS WANTED
TO BACK UP THE CHARGES HE
HAS MADE
HECKER DENIES STATEMENTS
And the War Inquiry Commission
Will Search for the Man Who
Had Influence
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special wire
WASHINGTON, Dec. 9.--The transpor-
tation to Spain by the United States OF the
Spanish prisoners surrendered at Santiago
was taken up by the War Investigation
Committee today, and Col. Hecker, who
made the contract for the United States
was called TO testify on this point. He said
there had been combine of New York
shipping concerns which would have caused
an outlay of 81, 100000, while the actual out
lay made was S5l3,000. The lowest bid was
from Philadelphia junk dealer, who, how
ever, had no visible means OF executing the
contract and admitted his own doubt as
to getting sufficient bond. This Phlladel-
phian, Col. Hecker testified, protested
against not being awarded the contract on
the ground that he had ''chance to make
some money out of it. The most feasible
bidder was the Spanish Transatlantic Com
pany. Their bid, unlike the others, relieved
the government of all medical attendance,
and finally, on the governments represen-
tations, the company agreed to reduce ITS
figures $lS0,000.
What induced the government to send
those people to SPAIN" was asked.
Don't know. The terms of surrender
provided it,"
Col Hecker read long statement signed
by VIM. T.. Ryan, detailing the methods of
with the attempted sale of ships to the gov
ernment Col Hecker said he did not know
Ryan.
Several members of the commission said
they would be glad to summon Ryan if he
could be found Asked if he was ever ap-
preached by President Mckinley relative
to the purchase of ships, Col. Hecker re-
piled, "Never but once"
He spoke to 1ie once about water barge
for which there was no use at the time, and
so | informed him. | never had any other
communication from him either directly or
indirectly.
What part did the firm of which Abner
Mckinley is 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 Col. Hecker's Office who
exercised much influence and could be APP
preached, Col. Hecker replied that negotia-
tions were conducted directly and that no
subordinate in the office could have exer-
cised any influence. That was the first di-
rect charge OF corruption he had seen
against himself, as he considered himself
| responsible for what went on in his office.
lie should, he said, like to be confronted
with Ryan. The commission decided to sum-
mon Ryan, if he could be found.
Surgeon NJ. L. Apple, the next witness,
was examined as to the camp site and di-
vision hospital at Miami, Fla. He did not
think that Miami was a good place for a
camp, but knew nothing about the reasons
| for its selection. The equipment of the hos.
pital there was good, but at times the water
supply was insufficient. Witness said he
had requested some Red Cross nurses of
DR.. Kent for services with the typhoid pa.
tients, but before they arrived he had been
instructed by Chief Surgeon Moss not tc
accept them.
Major. j. H. Appel, brother of the pre-
ceding witness, followed. He was in charge
OF the hospital at Tampe Heights until june
8, when he took charge of the Olivet, which
accompanied Skaters army to Santiago
He said the hospital at Tampa was we'll
equipped and supplied; that the patients
received proper care and attention, and
that the conditions generally were thor
onghly satisfactory. There were no COM
| Dlaints