Evening star., 1898-11-02
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR
General Alger's Views of the Manner Of
Conducting It.
Praise for Soldiers and Sailors and
Tribute to the President-Gen
Gree!!'s Remarks.

Discourses on the Spanish-American war
were delivered last evening by the Secre-
tary OF War and the chief signal officer Of
the army before TIE Mems Club of the
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Mr.. Charles Moore presided during the
evening. and there was large attendance.
Following the informal talks by Secre-
tary Alger and Gen. Greedy, a violin solo
was rendered by Mr.. Anton Kaspar, ac-
companied by John Porter Lawrence on
the piano. and their execution called forth
appreciative applause.
Secretary Alger spoke of the war the
manner in which it had been thrust upon
the country, the unprepared condition OF
the gove ernment, and the great effort tha:
was made to equip an army of $50, go men
speaking of the manner in which war had
come upon the country after the destruc-
tiO2 of the Maine, Gen. Alger remarked:
The gauge Of public thought carried
such great pressure that there was no
stopping it."
Then. he said, 100000 men were :,ut in
the field. all eager to go to the front while
there was scarcely any equipment for
them.
There were" he said. "some old guns,
with black powder, in the arsenals. but
there We're few modern guns, except those
in the regular army.
CONSIDER these men, unprepared as they
We're and you can realize what an under
taking 1t was to equip them. There was
not factory in the United States that
could manufacture canvas for tents rap
idly enough, though they We're running to
their full capacity day and night.
Extended to All Departments.
The same condition existed in respect 10
all camp equipments, he said. and there was
not mule or army wagon at command
though 1000 wagons and $1,000 mules were
needed All the ho
mules had to be manufactured. Speaking OF
the campaign at Santiago the Secretary
said
When it IS known what these men en-
dured and how bravely they bore their paIt
at Santiago, in faroff Manila and later in
Porto Rico we will have d history which the
United States will be proud of instead Of
something to criticiSe.''
These words called forth applause and he
Secretary, speaking further said that every
night during the trying days of the war the
President constantly remained in his Office
until very late hour.
And he said, IF a book could be writ
ten of what transpired there; of the anxious
hours of the President while waiting for
the news that came over the wires, and of
the great work done. / am sure it would
stir the heart of every patriot of the United
States, and | say all honor praise and glory
to the President He sat there in our coun-
ellis and backed up every suggestion that
was made to him, and to him, | say all
honor is due
The Secfetary's remarks We're loudly an
piauded.
We knew our men at Santiago We're suf-
fering; that they We're without shelter: that
they were probably short of ratiOns but tn,
fleet Of vessels taking the expedition there
had taken eve thing EeeGed and that Would
be required for lot,uIng Ine supplies. The
storm carried the lighters off and other
lighters from Mobile were also lost.
The men carried such equipment as they
had on their backs. The nation that can
furnish such army and achieve such
marvellous work in so short time ought to
have the gratitude of the United States, and
the world Will sing their praises whether
America does or not"