The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1898-09-27

Washington, Sept. 27.-The commits
sion appointed by President Mckinley
to investigate the administration OF
the war department in relation to its
conduct of the Hispano-American war
begins its labors formally to-day. The
commission has effected an Organiza-
ton by electing Gen. Granville NJ.
Dodge president, Mr.. Richard M.
Wrightman secretary and MAJ.
Stephen Mills, of the regular army,
recorder.
The president is understood to be
thoroughly pleased with the personnel
Of the commission. 1t has been his ef-
fort to secure as members of the COM
mission men of the highest weight and
standing, in whose opinions and judg-
ment he could have the highest conf
dence. For this purpose he has ap-
pointed on the board all phases of
politics, members from all sections,
members of commercial and military
circles. 1t is the hope that the verdict
of the commission, whatever it may be,
will be accepted by all classes as final.
1t is the presidents desire that the in.
quiry should be rigid and searching,
which was indicated by his statement
to the commission when it assembled
at the White House for a conference
with him Saturday The president
said, among other things:
Gentlemen: Before suggesting the
matters which shall come before you
for investigation, l desire to express
my appreciation to each Of you for
your willingness to accept
The Patriotic Service
to which you have been invited You
are to perform one of the highest po-
litical duties that can fall to a citizen,
and your unselfshness in undertaking
that makes me profoundly grateful.
''There has been in many quarters
severe criticism of the conduct of the
war with Spain. Charges of criminal
neglect of the soldiers in camp and in
field and in hospital and in transports
have been so persistent that, whether
true Or false, they have made a deep
impression upon the country. 1t is my
earnest desire that you shall investi-
gate these charges and the fullest eX-
animation of the war department in all
it's branches, with the view to eStab-
fishing the truth or falsity of these ac-
cusations. | put upon you no limit to
the scope Of your investigation. OF all
departments connected with the army,
1 invite the closest scrutiny and eXami-
nation, and shall afford every facility
for the most searching inquiry. The
records of the war department and the
assistance of it's officers shall be sub
ject to you call. l cannot impress
upon you too strongly my wish that
your investigation shall be
So Thoroughly Complete
that your report, when made, will fix
the responsibility for any failure or
by reason of neglect, incompetency or
maladministration upon the officers
bureaus responsible therefore, it be
found that the evils complained of
have existed.
''The people of the country are en-
titled to know whether or not the citi-
zens who SO promptly responded to the
call of duty have been neglected or
misused or maltreated by the govern
ment to which they so willingly gave
their services If there have been
wrongs committed the wrongdoers
must not escape conviction and pun
ishment''
The following are the members Of
the commission: Maj. Gen. Grenville
NJ Dodge Of Iowa; Col. ]. A. Sexton
of Illinois, Capt. E. p. Howell of Geor-
gia, Maj. Gen. J. NJ. Wilson, chief of
engineers of United States army; Hon.
Charles DENLY of Indiana, late minis
bury of Vermont, Gov. James A.
Beaver of Pennsylvania, Maj. Gen. H.
Med. McCook, of the army Getired);
~ of