The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-12-10
COMBINE OF
SHIP OWNERS
Attempted to Put Up Price on
Government Work.
HECKER REVEALS SECRETS
Says That on One Occasion He Was APP
preached by Brother Abner Nc
Kinley Who Had Worth
less Barge for Sale.
HECKER REVEALS SECRETS

Washington, December 9.-The transport
tation to Spain by the United States of the
Spanish prisoners surrendered at Santiago
was taken up by the war investigating
commission today, and Colonel Hecker,
who made the contract for the United
States, was recalled to testify on this point.
He said there had been a combine of New
York shipping concerns, which would have
caused an outlay of 81 100000, while the
actual outlay made was $4,000.
The lowest bid was from a Philadelphia
junk dealer, who, however, had no visible
means of executing the contract and admit
ted his own doubt as to getting sufficient
bond. This Philadelphian, Colonel Hecker
testified, protested against not being
awarded the contract on the ground that he
had "a chance to make some money out of
it. y The most feasible bidder was the
Spanish transatlantic company. Their
bid, unlike the others, relieved the govern
ment of all medical attendance, and, finally,
on the governments representations, the
company agreed to reduce its figures about
$3.50 900.
What induced the government to send
those people to Spain,' was asked.
Don't know The terms of surrender
provided for it,"
Colonel Hecker read a long statement
signed by one william E. Ryan, detailing
the alleged methods of the transportation
bureau in connection with the attempted
sale of certain ships to the government
Colonel Eecker said he did not know Ryan.
Several members of the commission said
they would be glad to summon Ryan if he
could be found.
Asked if he was ever approached by
Abner Mckinley relative to the purchase of
ships, Colonel Hecker replied: Never but
once. He spoke to me once about a water
barge, for which there was no use at the
time, and | SO informed him. l never had
| any other communication from him, either
directly or indirectly"
"What part did the firm of which Abner
Mckinley is member, play in the sale
of ships?" asked Ex-Governor Woodbury..
"None at all as to the army" replied
Colonel Hecker 81 do not know as to the
| navy
Asked as to Ryan's charge that there
was a subordinate in Colonel Hecker's Of
flee who exercised much influence and could
be approached. Colonel Hecker replied that
the negotiations were conducted directly
and that no subordinate in the office could
have exercised any influence. That was
| the first direct charge of corruption he had
seen against himself, as he considered him.
self responsible for what went on in his Of
| fee He should, he said, like to be con-
| fronted with Ryan. The commission de-
cided to summon Ryan If he could be
found.
Surgeon A. e. Apple, the next witness,
was examined as to the composite and
division hospital at Miami, Fla He did not
think Miami was a good place Tor camp,
but knew nothing about the reasons for
the selection. The equipment of the hosp1-
al Wn pOOd. hut at times the water
supply was insufficient. Witness said he
had requested some Red Cross nurses Of
| Dr. Kent for service with the typhoid pa
tents, but before they arrived he had been
instructed by Chief Surgeon MOSS not TO
accept them.
Major A. P. Apple, brother of the pre-
ceding witness, followed. He was In charge
of the hospital at Tampa Heights until
June s, when he took charge of the OIL
vette which accompanied Skaters army to
Santiago. He said the hospital at Tampa
was well equipped and supplied; that the
patients received proper care and attention
and that the conditions generally were
thoroughly satisfactory. There were no
complaints.
When camp was broken at Tampa he took
| aboard the Oivette all the equipment of the
| division hospital. Only the patients were
| left behind The Olivette had aboard equip
ment and supplies sufficient to accommo-
date 200 patients for two weeks. He had
100 patients aboard the Olvette when the
transport fleet reached Cuba. They were
transferred to the Olivette route from
tue other ships. The wounded from the
Quasimas fight were put aboard the Oil
vette. He had no application from the
medical corps ashore for medical supplies.
He denied that the ship purpose remained
off shore to avoid the opportunities of
medical officers ashore. The Olivette went
north July with 275 patients aboard. 1t
haa all necessary supplies aboard. Witness
described the case of Lieutenant William
Tiffa~y He was a convalescent from ma
laria. He was on deck every day and when
landed at Boston seemed In good condition.
1t was not fact that he could not retain
food on his stomach He gained strength
steadily during the voyage.
On arrival at Boston, he telegraphed the
acknowledgement saying there were a num-
Ter of officers aboard who should have sick
leave and his recommendation was ar
proved. Tiffany was among them He told
the officers that they could go to their
homes, but warned them that they must be
careful. Heidi not know exactly when
Tiffany left the ship. He advised him to
remain until he disposed of the enlisted
men, but when he inquired Tiffany had
gone.
could it be- said that Tiffany, who died
within seventy-two hours starved to
death?' asked Dr. Conner.
ut could not" replied Major Apple en-
phaticaly Tiffany during the voyage had
expressed himself well pleased with his
treatment. Witness did not regard him as
q very sick man. He was distinctly con-
valesoent.
When he took charge later Of the Puablo
Beach hospital It was not in good condition.
volunteer officer, DIR. Arto, had been in
charge.