Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-10-07
8,atlp RenMebec Journal.
RESPONSIBILITY
Continued from page l.,

the sinks had encouraged the presence
of a multitude of flies, which bred dis
ease by carrying germs from the sinks
to the tents. They were,'' said the
general, las thick throughout the park
as they ever could have been in Egypt,
and they went back and forth from the
sinks to the mess tables of men and
officers with the greatest impunity,
covering everything in sight"
Gen. Boynton was questioned at
great length as to where the RESPONSE
bility for this condition of affairs lay,
and he said that it was with the brig
ade and regimental commanders. Il
am satisfied. he said, that the physi
clans reported to them the condition
and warned them of the serious conse-
quences of falling to obey the surgeon
generals orders for the covering of the
sinks. but they could not give orders.
they could only advise
In discussion With Capt. Howell, on
the question of rations supplied to
Camp Thomas, Gen. Boynton volun
teered the suggestion that there had
been no complaints from Southern SOL
diers in the camps, and he continuedv
II do not believe we would have heard
half the cutlery that has been raised if
all the soldiers had been from the
South
Gen. Dodge said that only two or
three charges had been received from
the South and these not from soldiers.
Testimony of Gen. Boynton being
concluded. the commission adjourned
till afternoon.
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee was before the
ut aft
While he was at Tampa. Gen. Shafter
had been in command and he dee) had
very little knowledge of the method of
furnishing the supplies. He said that
at one time his corps had numbered
29,600 men. but was now less.
Gen. Lee had no complaint to make
in regard to supplies. In June, when
the expeditions were being gotten off
there was some delay, but this was
natural and. since then, supplies of all
kinds had come with regularity and in
abundance.
ssThere have of course" he said.
been some complaints. Soldiers are
like school boys. They sometimes
complain even when there is no occa-
sion for complaint
He thought the army ration was
to campaign in a tropical climate,
vet he thought some changes might
be made. He was of the opinion that
DIT would be better to send the live ami
mails to Cuba than to send refrgera-
tor meats as at present According
to his ideas. the men should have mora
fruit and less meat.
During the course of the questioning
it developed that Gen. Lee had been
notified that he would be expected to
move. his corps to Cuba in the vicinity
rot Havana. about the first of November
and that he considered his troops prop
ef1y equipped for the campaign. He
considered the Spanish uniforms bet
& ter adapted to a tropical climate than
,sours, as, they We're cool and could be
washed. He was fearful that the
shirts and blouses of our men would be
found TOO heavy for comfort
Gems Lee made the significant an
arcungenent that he was counting on
las1dhfg in a friendly country. as he
had received direct information that
the American troops would be welcom-
ed not only by the Cubans but by the
Spaniards as WELL He said the conser-
vative and property owning Spaniards
were especially DESTROYS to have the
American troops come for the preser-
walton of order.
speaking of his command. Gen. Lee
stated that the health of the troops had
been good-only about 2 per cent. be-
ing SICK he had insisted upon a very
thorough inspection of the camp and
upon having his forces thoroughly in
structed by the staff officers, who mad
fafi n n1 ;r,Nxl
purpose. He said the meat was receiv-
ed in refrigerator cars and that as a
rule 1t was coed. In a few instances
the outer edges of large pieces of meat
were spoiled. as was also the bareback
in one or two cases.
A shipment of potatoes was reported
to be in bad condition and board
was appointed which condemned all
the goods. AS to the efficiency of off
GERS appointed from civil life, Gen. Lee
said some of them learned their duties
very promptly. others very slow 70
learn: others never learned but a
majority did. He believed that volun
teers would always become effective
and especially when confronted by the
enemy.
Gov. Beaverread letter complaining
OF the situation IN the Jacksonville
camp. This letter said the camp was
filthy. the bread moulded, the doctors
generally drunk, etc.
Is that from my commando" Gen
Lee asked. in surprise.
When he found that it was, he said
that he was astonished and asked for
the name of the author. He said in
this connection, that occasional COM
plants had come to him and those
which he had examined he had in every
case found to be unfounded.
Then" said Gov. Beaver, after some
further questioning. you consider
yourself in good condition in every way
to start on the expedition to Cuba?''
Il do" replied Gen. Lee. Touch a
button and we are prepared even to go
to Madrid
He expressed the opinion that it was
impossible for any foreign troops to do
any great amount of campaigning IN
Cuba in the summer months, on ac-
count of the heat. Not even the Span
ish and Cuban forces had ever been
very active in the summer season. He
H., I'll, u