Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-12-23

tant General COrbin was the first Wit
ness before the War Investigating
Commission to-day, and was rlgldly
questioned regarding the selection OF
Camp Alger, Va. he testified that the
removal of Camp Alger was dictated
by the Secretary OF War himself, and
That it's original establishment was
recommended by Cape. Seaourn, OF
Miles staff. Gen. Corbin said at the
time it could not be a good camp
ground because there was not sum
cient range for rifle practice. He was
not certain of Capt Seaburn'S exact
status, but he had understood Capt.
Seaburn mad been sent by Gen. Miles,
TO make the inspection of the camp
site.
Did Gen. Miles protest against or do
anything against the selection OF the
camp" he was asked.
mot to my knowledge" was the an
swer. Gen. Corbin added that he did
not know the reasons for discontinue
ance OF the camp. Questioned as 10
Camp Wikoff. Gen. COrbln said that
the troops and horses that arrived
there about August w-re those left
behind in the South from the eXpedl-
tions to Santiago and Porto Rico, and
the transportation of these had not,
sd far as he knew, led to railroad con-
gestion or interfered in any way with
fhe carriage of supplies for the troops
Subsequently arriving He denied that
the contract with the Long Island rail-
road gave exclusive control, and said
the only restriction made in the ar
rangement was the desirable one OF
+ i,oo or no
at the camp. He said one reason for
its selection was the excellent facili-
ties for water transportation. He
said the camp at Tampa was never
designated for anything but a point
of embarkatiOn, and said the first COM
plants he had heard from Camp
Thomas, Chickamauga, was in the
press.
ASKED when he first seriously appre-
heLded there would be hostilities Gen.
Corbin said he might say he did not
nQusly contemplate war until it was
for he had hoped to the last
kbat it would be avoided. On
army, for one of its size,
1ipped and thoroughly sup
e never was an army, he
Il equipped, better clothed,
EN1d or with better morale than
our regular army at that time He
said prior to the war there had been
no complaints of refrigerated or canned
beef, and that they were used by the
armies of the world and in commerce.
1t was no new experiment.
Seriously speaking" said Gen. Cor
bin, Il do not think that the depart
ment contemplated war until it was de-
clared by Congress and appropriations
were available. OF course, the posi-
bilities were thought Of but there were
no general preparations except so far
as the department was able to meet the
possibilities that confronted it."
Col. DENLY, who conducted the exam
inatiOn, here suggested to Gen. Cor
bin that he observed the latter was
cautious and reticent and explained:
1T is not our object to criticise STRAIT
egy That is not our business. The
strategy of the war may have been
right and may have been wro ). But
our object is to determine whether the
War Department acted deficiently."
Gen. Corbin said when Gen. Skaters
expedition started it took all the trans
ports it was possible to obtain. The
supply was not equal to the demand. 1t
had been planned TO carry about $4,000
troops at that time, instead of the H.
600 taken.
DO you know anything about Gen.
Miles despatch of June "a, | think
letter to the Secretary OF War in
which he proposed to have the army
march clean through Cuba and take
fifty thousand prisoners and work
them and treat them kindly" Gen.
COrbin was asked.
Yes, SIR" was the answer. THAT
letter was received and did not receive
the approval of the Secretary of War"
you say the proposition made by
Gen. Miles to carry on the campaign
in the manner which he indicates in
that letter was disapproved?"
1T was not approved" replied Gen.
Corbin.
Il would ask you whether the plan
of campaign against Santiago as adopt
ed was recommended by Gen. Miles?
mo, sir, do not think the recon-
mendations made in that letter of May
q were approved" was Gen. Corbin 5
J reply.
Gen, Corbin said there had been a
shortage of uniforms, canvas and tent
age. The factories had not made the
advance preparation that had been eX-
pected. There had never been any
trouble concerning provisions he said
He said the matter Of medical supplies
and medical officers was left to the
surgeon general, and that the President
in every case would not listen to APP
pointing a medical officer until recon-
mended by the surgeon general on the
ground of fitness. He had no sugges-
lions to make based on the experience
of this war, but should be afraid to see
another war for fear it would not re-
suit so we'll, or with so little loss of
life. Gen. Corbin was asked how it
happened if there was anything wrong
at Chickamauga or Camp Aiger, that
the inspectors general did not reach it.
He replied that he did not see any of
the inspectors reports from Chicka-
manga.
Gen. Dodge asked if daily reports
were received as to equipment and sup
plies by telegraph from the various
commands.
Gen. Corbin Eyes, sir And as
fast as they were received by me a
copy of each was sent the same day
to the heads of the departments con-
cerned. Often the Secretary himself
endorsed them with the order to hurry
along the things needed. Very fire.
quently the Secretary would call for
the official and discuss with him the