Evening star., 1898-08-02
TO FIX THE BLAME
Medical Department at Santiago to
Be Investigated.
ORDERS SENT TO MAJOR HAZARD
Condition of Things on the
Concho.
THE PRESIDENT MAY ACT

An effort will be made by the War De-
partment to ascertain the identity of the
official at Skaters headquarters who is
responsible for dispatching to the United
States transports loaded with soldiers and
which are alleged to be unsuitable for the
work to which they were put. With this
end in view, Surgeon General Sternberg
has sent the following dispatch to Major
Havard the chief surgeon with Skaters
army:
The management of the medical depart
ment at Santiago is severely criticised.
Sick and convalescents sent on quarter
masters transports are said to be over
crowded, not properly supplied with medi-
cines or medical attendance with suita-
bic light diet Who is responsible? Report
in full and take measures to prevent SIM
liar occurrences in future. Acknowledge re-
ceipt.''
AT the same time rigid investigation is
to be made of the charges by the Red
Cross officials and others concerning the
shameful condition of the transport Con-
cho, which reached New York several days
ago. Secretary Alger has taken much in
terest in this matter, following SO soon the
case of the Seneca, which about ten days
since brought to New York a large number
Of sick and wounded suffering from lack
of medicine and attention. The investiga-
tion Will be made by Col. c. H. HeyI of
the inspector generals Office.
Gen. Sternberg feels that injustice is done
the officers Of his department in the criti-
cisms made of the use of the transports in
bringing the sick and wounded north ani
in the pr eparations for the Journey AS
matter of fact, he said today, he did not
know that the Concho was to be used as a
temporary hospital ship, the first intima-
ton of that character being known when a
telegram reached him announcing the ar
rival of the vessel al Norfolk. The loading
OF the ship with supplies, including ice
other than of medical character does not
come under the supervision of his bureau,
and his officers, he says, should not be
charged with any derelictions in that re-
spect.
The President May Take Action.
President Mckinley and Secretary Alger
will probably order an investigation of the
charges Of neglect of sick and wounded on
the transports Concho and Seneca, as we'll
as Of the management of the surgical and
medical end of affairs at Santiago.
Having been soldier, the President is
aware of the usual complaints that follow
from soldiers, but he has recently had
numerous complaints that are made by
substantial people indicating incompetency
somewhere. He is determined that this
shall not continue. Secretary Alger feels
the same. Both have endeavored from the
beginning to have the soldiers well Or SICK
supplied with everything that should be-
long to them and to the requirements of
the situation.
In official circles there Is considerable
talk today. Some officials are disposed 10
place blame officials in this city, while
others say that there were abundant sup
plies at Santiago for the Concno and Sem
eca, thereby putting the responsibility on
officials at Santiago who allowed the boats
to leave without the necessaries for sick
and wounded.
1t is said that there is no doubt that II
President Mckinley ascertain where
the blame lies he will make the guilty per-
sons suffer. He has always insisted that
every preparation should be made to care
for the army. That is why ne was so care
full in instructing Gen. Miles that his cam
paign in Porto Rico must be conducted
carefully and with foresight SIS to all that
might be necessary.