The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-09-10
The President Must Act.
From the New York Telegram, Sept. ..

at is inevitable that if there Is no lnvest-
cation with full authority to bring out the
whole truth. and ordered for the express pur-
pose of disclosing the truth and nothing but
the truth popular opinion will be impressed
by such accounts as are made public. This
mornings Tribune editorial.
President McKinley's administration has
had no heartier we'll wisher or more earnest
supporter than our contemporary, the Tribune,
and when it declares that unless the grave
charges of maladministration in the War De-
partment are fearlessly probed to the bottom
the country will accept them as we'll founded,
it makes point which Mr.. Mckinley cannot
afford either to overlook or disregard.
That Congress will order an investigation as
soon as it meets does not admit OF question.
That popular sentiment, or, rather, popular
INDIGNATION, will demand that it be searching,
fearless and independents; that the grave re-
sponsbility be fixed where it belongs and the
gnilty nav the penalty of their dereliction IS
equally obvious.
But Congress does not meet yet for three
months. Meanwhile Congressional elections
are to be held throughout the country, and
the people will render their verdict at the
polIs on the issue as it is then presented.
| That the Democrats will not be slow to take
| advantage of the situation IS shown by the
following declaration made yesterday by the
New Hampshire Democratic State Conven-
| ton
ssWe commend to the generosity of CRATE
| full public the soldiers of the late war with
| Spain; sympathize and commiserate with all
such as are now suffering untold agonies, the
direct result of glaring incompetency and
I brutal neglect upon the part OF the War De-
| parttaent of the general Government, and de-
mand a thorough, impartial investigation OF
| that Department by a Democratic Congress
and the summary punishment of the men who
have prostituted patriotism to partisanship and
greed.
There can be no sort Of doubt that this lead
| will be followed by the Democrats in every
State in the Union. The War Department
| will be arraigned for the incompetency or ne
glect resulting in death and distress to the
| brave soldiers of the nation. The Admins
| tration will be held responsible for the War
Department and the Republican party for the
Administration.
Can Mr. Mckinley, can the Administration,
can the Republican party, can the country at.
ford to let that issue be raised and passed
upon by the people at the polls on specific
charges made by the entire press of the United
States and supported by cloud of witnesses
vet left unanswered, unmet, Hninvestigated by
the Government?
In the conduct of the war Mr.. Mckinley
| has had and deserved the hearty support Of
press and people, irrespective of party. The
Navy Department, which has played SO con-
spicuous part in the momentous events OF
dae past four months, has received nothing
hat praise The Treasury Department has at,
aended to the financial end without criticism.
The navy on sea and the army on land have
fought with bravery and efficiency that have
won Ahe plaudits of the world.
Fortunate for the nation would it be if the
same could be said of the branch Of the Ad
ADMINISTRATION charged with the duty of provid
ing forfhe transportation of troops, furnishing