Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-08-31
controversy Over Conduct of the
War.
REPORTED DESIRE OF THE PRESIDENT
Evils Said to Be Due to Restric-
tive Laws.
TO AVOID OPEN RUPTURE.

Nothing more definite concerning the War
Department controversy can be known un-
til after the return of Gen. Miles. 1t Is in
ferred from what Secretary Alger has said
thus far that 1t is his present intention TO
have Gen. Miles court-ma r;ialed on his re-
turn IL he acknowledges responsibility for
the interview attributed to him. 1t is also
accepted as a fact tha; Gen. Miles is seek
ing general inquiry into the conduct of
the war, and that he is bent on demanding
court CT iLquiIy on his return. The Presl-
dent, however, may take hand in the mat
ter and secure suspension OF hostiities
between the Secretary of War and the gen
eral commanding the army
A Congregational Inquiry.
The President is said TO have expressed
himself privately on the subject of an In
quiry into the conduct of the war. and II Is
dec-ated by persons in a position to know
that the President wants the Investigation
conducted by Congress. He is quoted as
stating TO distinguished man In Congress
that an investigation by Congress would
not be subject to the suspiclon of prejudice
in favor Of the Gimy which might attach to
an inquiry conducted by officers OF the
army designated by the department or even
by the President himself. 1T is further un-
derstood that it has already been agreed
that Representative Hull, who is chairman
OF The House committee on military affairs
is to introduce a resolution authorizing an
investigation by the House committee as
soon as Congress reconvenes.
President May Intefere.
1t is expected. therefore. that the Presi-
dent will interfere to prevent a court-mar-
tal and VIII try to make peace between
General Miles and Secretary Alger He
can prevent the department from taking
the Initiative, but If General Miles de-
mands court of inquiry il will have TO be
granted He may, however use his Inriu-
ence to induce Miles to refrain from MAX
ing the demand. AT all events no doubt
is entertained that the President will ex-
ercise all the power and Influence no has
10 prevent an open rupture in the de-
partment and a premature opening Of the
investigation of the conduct of the war.
Evils Due to IL I Tame.
IL Is inumated that in congressional
investigation 1t can be demonstrated that
much of the suffering inflicted upon the
soldiers was due to restrictive laws which
bound the hands of the department with
red tape and which the minority in Con-
gress prevented tie majority from cor
rectfng.
1t is stated by recognized authorities
that the President could IL he desired
without process or explanation relieve Gen
Miles from command of the army by desIs-
mating another to the superior command
the position being one held by assignment
and not by virtue of superior rank among
the major generals
1t is said that President Cleveland at one
time intended to supersede General Miles
by the assignment of General Merritt to
the superior command, but was advised
against taking such step in the absence
of any excuse which would be recognized
as valid. Ii is not believed that President
Mckinley will contemplate such a move.