The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-08-03
THEY WILL TRY
TOFIX THE BLAME
The Medical Department at Santiago
to Be Investigated.
ORDERS SENT TO MAJOR HAZARD
A Rigid Investigation to be Made OF
the Charges ofRed Gross Officials
Concerning the Condition of
the Transport Concho.

WASHINGTON. August 2.-An effort
will be made by the War Department 10
ascertain the identity of the official AT
Skaters headquarters who is responsible
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-General Sternberg
has sent the following dispatch 10 Major
Hazard, the chief surgeon with Smarter 5
army:
The management Of the medical de-
partment at Santiago is severely criti-
cisGd. Sick and convalescents sent on
quartermaSter's transports are said 10 be
overcrowded. not properly supplied with
medicines or medical attendance or with
suitable light diet. Who is responsble2
Report In full and take measures to pre-
vent similar occurrences in future. Ac-
knowledge receipt"
RED CROSS CHARGES.
At the same time a rigid investigation IS
% 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 I'm this matter. following
so soon the case of the Seneca. which
about ten DAYS since brought 70 New
York a large number % sick and wounded
suffering from lack of medicine and at
tention. The Investigation will be made
by Colonel G. II. Heyl Of the inspector
generals Office
General Sternberg feels that injustice
is done the officers OF his department in
the criticisms made Of the use Of the
transports In bringing the sick and
wounded North and IN the preparations
for the Journey. As a matter Of fact, he
said to-day he did not know that the
Concho was 70 he used as a temporary
hospital ship the first intimation Of that
character being known when a telegram
reached him announcing the arrival Of
the vessel at Norfolk. The loading OF the
ship With supplies, including ice. other
than Of a medical character. does not
come under the supervision Of his bureau,
and his officers. he SAYS. should not be
charged with any derelictions m that re-
spect.
PRESIDENT MAY TAX; ACTION.
President Mckinley and Secretary Al
ger will probably order an investigation
of the charges OF neglect OF sick ard
wounded on the transports Concho and
Seneca, as we'll as The management Of
the surgical and medical end II az airs
at Santiago.
F1tNluS brTU q cNll4FTr TIC EEF-llFlL -
aware OF the usual complaints that follow
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 10 them and to the
requirements Of the situation.
In official circles there is considerable
talk to-day. Some officials are disposed
10 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 respon-
sibility on officials at Santiago who al
lowed the boats 20 leave without the
necessaries for sick and wounded.
II is said that there is no doubt that
II President Mckinley can ascertain
where the blame lies he will make the
guilty persons suffer He has always In
sisted that every preparation should be
made TO care for the army. That IS why
he was 90 careful in instructing General
Miles that his campaign in Porto Rico
must be conducted carefully and with
foresight a. to all that might be neces-
sary.