Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-09-09
ALGER MET SHAFTER
Two Secret Conferences Between Them at
Camp Meade.
Then the Secretary Went West-20, 600
Troops Were Reviewed by
the War officials.

CAMP MEADE, MIDDLETOWN, Pa
September 9.-Secretary of War Alger and
General Shafter were at Camp Meade to-
day. They witnessed a review of the troops
and made a hurried tour of the camp
General Alger resumed his journey at
noon to Detroit, and General Shafter went
to Washington. They were closeted to-
gether an hour this morning in the Sec
retary's private car, which was run on a
siding at Camp meade station.
While General Graham was arranging for
the review Secretary Alger and General
Shafter had another conference lasting
thirty minutes. What passed between
them neither would say except that it was
a private affair.
General Shafter said the Secretary was
a very dear friend, and that they had been
in the civil war together as colonels He is
at work on his report of the Santiago cam
paign and expects to complete it tomorrow
What Shaftor Says.
Speaking of the controversy with General
Miles, he said:
ut is all poppycock There is no friction
between Gen. Miles and myself-at least,
there wasn't when he left Santiago. Our
relations have always been pleasant, and
do not understand the meaning of all this
talk. The general may have been talking
tut believe thai much of it is due 10 an
tagonistic newspapers, whose motives are
certainly not patriotic
Secretary Alger is accompanied by Mrs
Alger and their son, Capt. Fred. Alger, who
is suffering from camp fever and was too
weak to witness the review.
Gen. Shafter brought with him his aid
Maj. Miley, and little Cuban boy, to whom
ne took fancy while in Santiago and
adopted.
Gems. Alg.r and Shafter were driven to
Gen. Grahan's headquarters in an open
carriage with Col. Hecker and Maj. Hop
klns, special aids to the Secretary.
After being received by Cen Graham and
his staff, the Secretary was asked if he
would like review. He said he would
and the entire corps of 10000 troops was
massed in two 81 teat fields and marched be-
tiaSuished guests.
II was an inspiring sight and Secretary
Alger and Gen. Shafter were very much
pleased Both said they were delighted
with the camp and the superb arrange
mentS.
COmplimented by AIger
Secretary Alger complimented Chief Sur
geon Girard on the sanitary condition Of
the camp and gave directions to extend the
water system TO the general and regimental
hospitals. He said it was too early TO de-
termine whether this would be made a
permanent barracks. He would have to
know more about the climate and its effect
upon the boys before he established perma-
nent rendezvous
Gen. Alger Will spend a week at his
home, in Detroit, after which he will make
tour of all the camps, beginning at Gin
cinnat, and going to Lexington, Knox
vile, Chattanooga and as far south as
Jacksonville. He will also visit the hos
pitfalls to see if the sick and injured are
properly cared for.
When asked what he had to say about
the criticism of the War Department the
Secretary replied that the people have no
idea of the great task of equipping and
sending an army across the water.
1.-The War Department he added asks
no favors. All it wants and expects is fair
treatment"
General Shafter was delighted with the
appearance and condition of the men at
Camp Meade, and said ii was an ideal Ioca-
ton. He expects to meet General Miles
tomorrow in Washington. He said the
Santiago campaign was one of the most
successful in history. His army was in a
position where he could not retreat and
ii was necessary to force the fighting
Many chances were taken which would
not have been taken in the face of any
other army than that of Spain.