Evening star., 1898-09-12

In the field and in the camps? 1t is my
desire that the full and exact truth shall
be ascertained and made known. | cannot
too strongly impress upon you my earnest
wish that this committee shall be of such
high character as will command the COM
plete confidence of the country, ami trust
you will consent to serve
"WILLIAM MCKINLEY"
Up to last night most of those invited by
the President had been heard from. Some
CT them. however, had written that they
had the matter under consideration. and it
was thought to he desirable to await final
conclusions by all of those asked to serve
before making any announcement.
1t appears to be accepted among high
officials that General Gordon. Mr.. La
mont and Mr.. Lincoln are not likely to
accept. The two ex-Secretaries of War are
very busy men Of affairs, and it is thought
to be hardly probable that they can spare
the time for the work of the commission.
The opinion was expressed by high officials
that General Henderson, Colonel Sexton.
General Schofeld and DIR. Keen will serve.
AS stated, however some of the gentle
n en- have written that they had the mat
ter under ;dVSement, and there is con-
siderable doubt what the result win be.
General Gordon says that his health IS
too poor to serve on the commission.
Ex-Secretary William ID. Endlcott will
probably be invited to serve. The President
will ask other men of prominence
The four men who will probably be on
the commission are we'll known.
Four on the Comm ission.
Lieutenant General Schofeld was General
Miles predecessor as commanding general
of the United States army. and has held
the confidence of all of the Presidents of
the United States since Grant with regard
to political adherence. His experience in
the civil war as a corps commander, il IS
believed. fits him to pass judgment upon
the operations in the field Just concluded.
Charles F. Henderson of Nebraska was
senator from that state for two terms, and
also served with distinction in the war as
a division commander. He is at present IN
Washington.
Dr. w W Keen is a citizen Of Phiiade!-
phia ana has the reputation of being one
of the most scientific and able physicians
of that city. In his selection the PreSl-
dent supplies the technical talent necessary
to insure a sound inquiry into the conduct
of the medical department of the army.
Colonel James A. Sexton has best been
made known to the American people by
his election to the post of commander-in-
chief of the q. A. r. He has telegraphed
that he will accept
Col SextCn is a firm friend and great ad-
mirer of Secretary Alger. When qlies-
toned yesterday on the subject, CO.. Sex
ton said. according to a dispatch from
Chicago:
Il believe Mr.. Alger has done the best
that could he done under the circumstances
He is an admirable business man. He was
by far the best commander-in-chief tlte
Grand Army ever had. His administration
when head Of the Grand Army was marked
by energy and hard, patient work. He
greatly endeared himself 10 all Grand
Army men.
"As l interpret the work of the cooamis-
siCn il is only to investigate the q'lFrter-
masters commiSsary and medical depart
ments. These three departments are spe-
officially mentioned in the telegram. The
Public wants to know why so many brave
soldiers sickened and died. All minor mat
ters are now lost sight of. and the all-fm-
portant question is to fix the blame for the
sickness and death in our military camps.
Il accept the position gladly. A request
from the President Is equivalent to a com
mand. and my military training did not AL
low to hesitate in doing as Mr.. Nckin-
ley wishes