The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-08-25
viii Be Made Only for the Purpose
Of Historical Accuracy.
GEN. ALGER'SvISIT TO NEW YORK
IL May Have Political Significance
in Addition TO the Reason that He
Gives. of Inspecting the Con-
dition of the Men of Camp
WykoG ut Montauk
Point. \. 4.

Yesterdays Washington Star says: Ths
publication Of an interview credited TO
General Miles concerning tho Santiago
campaign. in which considerable irrita-
ton IS shown, has excited great deal OF
comment. especially in the War Depart
ment. General Corbin. on whom the in
terview bears particularly hard-Generai
Miles being quoted as saying that Corbin
sent secret dispatch tc General Shafter
assurance him that the presence OF Miles
would make no difference to his COM
mand. etc.-would not discuss the matter
publicly. IL is very apparent. however,
that there Is a great deal OF feeling Ia
the department and there is more or less
OF a disposition 10 "A division OF sentiment
as 10 the merits OF the threatened con-
troyersy. No one Is authorized 10 say
whether the interview is accurate. or
whether. indeed. General Miles has au-
thorized any publication OF his views. but
It is much in line with the talk that has
been going on privately here for some
time. and Is apparently the outcropping
OF differences which It appears to be I'M
possible TO conceal
AN INVESTIGATION.
The Secretary of War is considering
the advisability OF having thorough In
vestigation OF the conduct OF the war
early enough 10 enable tho department
10 respond promptly 10 any inquiry by
Congress on the subject as soon as that
body assemblies Allegations and sugges-
tions such as those made In the alleged
Miles interview. together with publica-
tions of an insinuating character with
out any claim OF authority. and the Inn
mense amount of talk which il being In
dulged in privately strengthen the con-
victon Of the department that the best
possible thing would be to- have "a thor
ough investigation OF the conduct OF the
war. The idea Is not 10 make this inves-
tigation I'm the form of a court-martial or
court of inquiry based on charges
against any one. but TO conduct st with
reference TO historic accuracy for. the
purpose Of a report, 40 80 90 bring out all
the facts and let the responsibility for
the faults. wherever there are any. fall
where 1t will. II Is regarded now as al
most certain that such an investigation
will be had.
ALGER'S VISIT To NEW YORK
Considerable gossip Is being INDUCED In
concerning the visit OF Secretary AIger
to New York and Montauk Point. The
reason given by Secretary Alger himself
for his visit that he wants to see for
himself what Is the situation with respect
doubtedly one reason. may not be- tho
only one. 1t Is reported that another
motive was that the Secretary desired
an opportunity to meet Colonel Roosevelt
or some OF his political friends with an
informality hardly possible in Washing
ton, and 10 correct the misunderstanding
IN connection with the correspondence be-
tween General Alger and Colonel Roose-
Welt II is known that Secretary Algor
regretted very much. and In fact was
grieved by the construction put upon this
correspondence by the public. and that he
desires 10 maintain most cordial relations
with Colonel Roosevelt. A political mo-
tive was attributed to Secretary Ayers
letter 10 Roosevelt by a good many pub
lications. and II is said now that what
ever political object might have been IN
view at that time which would be bene-
fitted by antagonzng Colonel Roosevelt.
IT Is not one which I'm the present state
OF public sentiment i'm New York would
still obtain. Friends Of Secretary Alger
deny that there ever was any politics In
the matter. and say the Secretary's feel
'ings toward Colonel Roosevelt are very
friendly and strongly influenced by ad-
miratiOn.