Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-06-25
Rumor of Transfer of Camp Alger
Again Discussed.
GEN. GRAHAM'S SIGNIFICANT WORDS
court-Martial to Investigate Meth
DDS of Punishment.
!.
POSTAL IRREGULARITIES
Special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.

Special Correspondence of The Evening Star.
CAMP ALGER, Va. June %, 1898.
After lying dormant for several weeks,
the old specter Of a change in the location
In Camp Alger has reappeared to haunt
the daily steps of the storekeepers and
hucksters of Falls Church. This time
however 1t may be that the story heard so
often and presented in SO many different
lights may not be altogether without fodn-
dalton. Some alarm was limited at and
some apprehension freely EXPRESSED, when
first the site, now in use, was suggested
that the water supply would fail during
the hot months of summer. 1t is to this
fear that the present rumor is to be at
tributed.
"A contractor from Washington came into
camp recently to obtain a permit to erect
natitorium. He was directed first to the
provost marshal, and by him to General
Graham. The contractor was particularly
anxious to know whether the site of the
camp was to be changed, as he intended to
invest, he said, not less than 81 500 in his
enterprise. General Graham advised him
not to begin the erection of the building,
suggesting that 1.-The camp might be moved
at an hours notice" He then proceeded
to say that the water supply of the camp
was growing less and less plentiful, and ex-
pressed his personal apprehension lest it
should fail completely before the camp
that he had men now at work looking into
the country about Manassas paying parti-
cular attention to the subject of water dur
ing July and August.
Corps headquarters refuses to discuss the
subject. This may or may not be signifi-
cant. Corps headquarters has so far con-
sistently refused to discuss everything else
before the orders concerning the subjects
under discussion were published.
Methods of Punishment.
The question of proper punishment and
Of the use of barbarous and torturing in
struments is likely to be finally settled for
the period OF the whole conflict with Spain
within the next two or thrae weeks. Col.
John 7. Barnett of the 159th Indiana will
probably be the instrument of his solution
of very troublesome problem. His saw
horse still stands. but in view of the liz
dignation aroused by the discovery Of the
institution no one has lately been subject
ed to its torture. The circular letter sent
out by Gen. Graham Thursday morning
was probably delivered to col. Barnett this
n orning. His regiment will return to camp
this afternoon tonight, when his an
sWer will probably be made to Gen. Ora
ham and then transmitted to the War De-
partment. 1t Is probable that Secretary
Alger will at once direct a court-martial
This tribunal will determine whether or
not Col. Barnett is culpa5la, and If cul-
pable, to what degree.
Two inspectors reported TO Falls Church
this morning to look into the alleged postal
fraud. They spent the entire morning in
company with Col. s. NJ. Welch, jr., Of the
Goth New York, and Quartnrma stcr IIouk
OF the 9TH Ohio, taking up and examining
the letters lying loose abou- the yaris in
the vicinity of the post Office. A singular
fact developed by this examination is that
nc st Of the letters found are addressed to
the New York regiment. Those connected
with The investigation seem 10 lie of the
opinion that while there may DE no positive
frauds. there are unquestioned indications
of gross carelessness.
Under general order from The War De-
partment, Col. A. G. Girard, surgeon in
chief of the corps, is preparing scheme
for the management of division hospitals.
A letter of information Is to be prepared in
Col. Girards office and transmit I'd to the
staff and line officers of all the regiments
in camp. This letter will shov the met he cs
of treating the wounded on the march ana
In camp. Details for the general manage
ment of division hospitals vii. lie formC-
lated. The plan under consideration is in
tended to apply to all division hospitals.
Engage in Mimic War.
While out practicng with blank cart
ridges yesterday, Maj. Young of the 9th
Ohio Colored Volunteers encountered the
Sth Ohio. The two commands were soon
engaged in mimic warfare, charging, firing
from behind trees and defending and at
tacking chosen positions. Col Woodward
Of the 9th Massachusetts, chose II take a
hand In the fight also, ANA soon had his
men on the ground to see that there was
sufficient excitement all along the line.
Falls Church was much disturbed by
the noise and smoke, and sent several
couriers over to the camp to investigate.
Similar battles will be fought at frequent
intervals by all the troops. the ordnance
department having issued $50 blank cart
ridges to each man for that purpose.
Col. Marcus Kavanagh of the 1th ILL.,
ncis expects to find time Monday to con-
duct a court martial and sham battle at
the same time. One battalion is to leave
camp two hours ahead of the other and
intrench itself in some position IF advan-
tage in the country about Dunn Loring
Tie others will endeavor to overtake the
first, or, failing in this. TO drive their COM
rades out of their chosen position.
Capt. Little, chief commssary of The
LIST Division. has been relieved and will be
succeeded by Maj. David Hemphill.
Gift of Rcsimental Flag.
A beautiful f1eg of regulation size has
been purchased by the I'd Tennessee This
flag will be presented to the 9th Pennsyl-
vania as a mark of appreciation of the
many courtesics extended the Tennessee
boys by their friends in the 9Th. When
the I'd Tennessee came into camn they
were without provisions and were Supplied
By the 9th Pennsylvania with a sufficient
amount of food to last them until they
could obtain the supplies awaiting them at
Dunn Loring. This and many other kind
nesses have heen remembered. Three
stI Gamers attached to the flag have these
Inscriptions: Camp Alger. Falls Church.
Va" Sixth Pennsyive mia Volunteer In
fsntry," and Second Tennessee Volunteer
Infantry" tt
The flag cost nearly $ltO. the money be-
ing raised among the enlisted men Of the
regiment. The presentation will be made
today or tomorrow during the ceremony of
"trooping the colorsr, IN which both reg
iments will participate do
The members CT Ccmrany A. I'd Tonnes
see. have secured an aluminium tag. with
each soldiers name, and number stamped
thereon. This tae is WorE around the neck
and in case of accident serves as q means
OF Identical ioa. Objections are on each
tag giving Instructors, to the finder to for
ward the number az band to the proper
A book Of biblical texts, bound in strong
| linen and containing san Identification
blank. is being distributed among the men
o. the 9Th Ohio. Chaplain Keiffer Thought
| the book a practical. Helpful guide and the
| men Of the 9Th aretmuch inclined to re-
L