The Irish standard., 1898-10-01

of the American people. Nobody denies
that the soldiers have been abominably
ill-treated, not only in Cuba but in the
American camps Somebody is to blame
If it be Alger let him he fired from the
cabinet and retired to private life.
The newspaper writer's have had con-
siderable to say about corruption, and
the presidents brother. Abner Mckinley,
Is said to have made piles of money in
brokers' percentage on nearly every ship
sold to the government during the war;
1t is said he has made five cents on every
pair of shoes sold by Wanamaker to the
government for the volunteer soldiers.
Quartermaster Lind. of the 18th Min
nesota, the candidate for governor, has
publicly declared that the shoes given to
the soldiers fell to pieces in a few days
after wearing them. But some Republic
cans MAY say that Wanamakcr is not in
the shoe business He is not, but he re-
ceived the contract to supply the shoes,
and bought them from Massachusetts
manufacturer, who had not the pull"
that he has with the administration.
1t is also said that Mark Hannas
brother, H. NJ. Hanna. has made for.
tune out of the war. Col Frank Heck
er, the one-time business partner Of Sec
rotary Alger, was commissioned as the
governments agent for the purchase of
transports, and it is said he need not
work hard for the rest of Ais life Mark
Hanna, the president maker. and Steve
Elkins, the West Virginian, had an eye
to business and received the contract for
furnishing 100000 tons OF coal to the
navy for war purposes. They were paid
$6i0 per ton, which is considered an ex-
orbitant price.
Secretary Alger got Shafter raised in
grade and placed him in command in
Cuba. and no one is rash enough to give
him credit for the victory at Santiago.
Henry Lewis, the New York journalist.
says of his promotion :"Alger put Shaft
er, the unspeakable forward to win the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS straps, which are
hanging upon the event of the war.
Miles, the senior major general and COM
mander of the army, WAS sidetracked.
Years ago Miles spoke slightingly Of
Alger as a soldier. He had some reason
for doing so. for Ayers resignation was
accepted but Is snort hours before the
charges of cowardice and desertion in
the face of the enemy. to which Sheri-
dan. Merritt and one other had fixed
their names, reached the war office. AL
ger never forgot the charges, nor for
gave the men who made them. Shortly
after his installation as war chief, Mer-
rift called at his Office to make formal
call
How do you do, general?' cried AL
ger, with nervous hilarity, extending the
joyous hand. Those old charges are
wiped out now. aren't they?'
Not necessarily replied the general,
overlooking the hand. So Merritt was
sent to the distant Philippines. and
Miles. who criticized, was made to do a
clerks duty at Washington, while Shat
ter was sent out to win glory
Now that the commission has started
an investigation let every citizen help it
in arriving at the truth. Let it go into
the matter of contracts ana find out any
rascality that may have occurred in the
purchase of transports and supplies Of all
kinds for the prosecution Of the war. The
people are resolved that the commission
get at all the facts, and that justice be
degree without fear or favor.