Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-03
TO FIX TIE BLAME.
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. AT sAxTI-
AGO TO BE INVESTIGATED.
SHInEPuL CONDITION or TRANSPORTS
Charges of Red-Cross 0mcisls ON
THIS Subject Also to he Looked
Into-The President May Take
Action.

WASHINGTON, August 2.-An EFFORT will
be made BY the War Department to as.
certain the identity Of the Official at
Skaters headquarters who IL responsi.
bic for dispatching TO the United States
transports loaded with soldiers, and which
are alleged TO be unsuitable for the work
TO which they were put. With this end in
view, Surgeon-Generai Sternberg has sen,
the following dispatch to Major Hazard
the chief surgeon with Skaters army:
THE management or the medical de-
partment at Santiago IL severely criti-
cised. Sick and convalescents sent on
quartermaster's transports are said to be
overcrowded, not properly supplied with
medicines or medical attendance or with
suitable light diet. Who Is responsible
Report in full and take measures to pre-
vent similar occurrences in future. Ac-
knowledge receipt"
RED CROSS CHARGES.
At the same time rigid investigation
is to be made OF the charges by the Red
Cross officials and others concerning the
shameful condition OF the transport Con-
cho. which reached New York several
days ago. Secretary Alger has taken
much interest In this matter, following so
soon the case of the Seneca, which about
ten days since brought to New York
a large number OF sick and wounded suf-
fering from lack OF medicine and atten-
ton. The Investigation will be made by
Colonel c. II. Heyl. OF the Inspector-Gene-
rails office.
General Sternberg feels that injustice is
done the officers of his department In the
criticisms made of the use of the trans
ports in bringing the sick and wounded
North and in the preparations for the
Journey. AS matter of fact. he said
to-day, he did not know that the Concho
was TO be used as temporary hospital
ship, the first intimation of that charac-
ter being known when a telegram reached
him announcing the arrival of the vessel
at Norfolk. The loading of the ship
with supplies. including fee. other than Of
a medical character, does not come under
the supervision of his bureau, and his Of
ficers, he says, should not be charged
with any dereliction in that respect.
PRESIDENT MAY TAKE ACTION.
President Mckinley and Secretary Alger
will probably order an investigation of
the charges of neglect Of sick and wound
ed on the transports Concho and Seneca,
as we'll as OF the management. OF the
surgical and medical end Of affairs at
Santiago.
Having been a soldier, the President is
aware of the usual complaints that fol-
low from soldiers, but he has recently
had numerous complaints that are made
by substantial people indicating incompe-
tency somewhere. He is determined that
this shall not continue. Secretary Alger
feels the same. Both have endeavored
from the beginning TO have the soldiers,
we'll or sick, supplied with everything that
should belong to them and to the require
ments OF the situation.
In Official circles there is considerable
talk to-day Some officials are disposed
to place blame on officials in this city.
while others say that there were album
dant supplies at Santiago for the Concho
and Seneca, thereby putting the response
bility on officials at Santiago who allowed
the boats to leave without the necessaries
for sick and wounded.
1t is said that there Is no doubt that II
President Mckinley can ascertain where
the blame lies he will make the guilty per-
sons suffer. He has always insisted that
every preparation should be made TO care
for the army. That is why he was so
careful in instructiDg General Miles that
his campaign In Porto Rico must be con-
Quoted carefully and with foresight as to
all that might be necessary.