Evening star., 1898-09-26

United States army, recorder Of the COM
mission, WAS born in New York; appointed
TO the Military Academy from Illinois.
graduating in 1877; was assigned to the
l2th Infantry, becoming a captain in this
regiment in 1894. and in July. 1S.iS was ap-
POINTED major and inspector general United
States army. Major Mills served in a
number of Indian wars in the W est, from
lN1S to 1852; was military attacbe To the
Scandinavian countries. and was an -il-de-
camp Of Maj. Gen. Ruger. Was engaged
in the revision of drill regulations.
Richard Neightman, secretary of the
commission, was born in Washington. Oc-
tober, 1913. He Joined the confederate
army in September 1861, and served con-
tinuously until May. 1886. Was paroled at
Shreveport, La For twenty years after
ward he resided in that state, the last
thirteen having been devoted to journalism
in New Orleans. Since 1891 Mr.. Weight
man has been an editorial writer on the
Washington Post
Scope OF Inquiry Unlimited.
The statement of President Mckinley
made to the commission to investigate the
conduct of the Spanish-American war when
the latter visited the White House Satur-
day clears all doubt in regard to the scope
of the inquiry the commission is to make.
No limit is placed by the President upon
the scope Of the investigation. 1t is to in
the President assures the commission ia a J.
vance that he will afford IL every facility
in his power for the prosecution OF tho most
searching inquiry into every part oI the ad-
ministratiOn of the war.
In addressing the commission, the Presi-
dent said, among other things:
Before suggesting the matters which
shall come before YOU Tor Investigation, /
desire To express my appreciation 10 each
of You FOR your willingness To accept Tie
patriotic service To which yen have been in
Nitcd. You are 10 perform one OF The high
est luh!lc uuucS ifat ctH fall 20 Il citizen,
and your unseItishness in undertaking IL
makes me profoundly grateful
There has been IA many quarters severe
criticism oI The conduct Of The war with
SPAIN Charges OF criminal negicCI Of the
soldiers in camp ana field ami hosnltal and
in transports have been 50 persistent thIt
whether true or false, they have made a
deep impression upon the country. II is
my earnest desire that you shall thorough
Iy investigate these charges and make the
fullest examination ot the administration Il
tn. War Department in all of its branches,
with the view TO establishing the trUth OF
ldlSlty oil these accusations. 1 nuI Gu9n
you no limit to the scope of your lnvesti.a-
ton. OF all departments connected with
the army invite the closest scrutiny and
examination, and shall afford every facility
Tor the most searching inquiry. The Zee
ords Of the War Department and the as
sist4nce Of its officers shall be subject 10
your call.
cannot impress upon You too strongly
my Wish that Your Investigation shall be
50 thorough and complete that your report,
when made, will fix the responsibility Tor
any failure or fault by reason Of neglect,
lncompetency or maladministration upon
the officers and bureaus responsible there
Tor, II 1t be found that the evils complained
OF have existed.
The people of the country are entitled to
know whether or not the citizens who so
promptly responded to the cali Of duty
have been neglected or misused or mall
treated by the government h which they
50 willingly gave their services. II there
nave been wrongs committed. the wrong
9oerS must not escape conviction and pun
iShment"