New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-10-04
THE ARMY INVESTIGATION.
METHODS OF EXAMINING WITNESSES
CONSIDERED.

GENERAL WHEELER TO TESTIFY To-DAY-coM'
PLANTS ABOUT TRANSPORTS.
Washington, Oct. 3-AI the members of the
War Department Investigating Commission
were present at to-day's session except ex-Gov-
ernor Beaver, and the announcement was mace
that he would be in attendance tomorrow. when
General Wheeler will be the first witness before
the Commission. To-days session was devoted
largely to the consideration Of the method for
the examination of witnesses. and the question
OF administering oaths was discussed at consd-
cradle length. The members generally took the
position that under n strict construction Of its
powers the Commission had no authority to
compel a witness to be sworn by a member Of
the Commission. but there was a general opinion
that the witnesses would not raise technical OBJ
jections. and that they would in all probability
submit to. be sworn without opposition. 1t was
decided. however. to inform witnesses frankly
Of the status Of the BOARD. and to afford them
an opportunity to decline in case they go desire.
1t was suggested that the whole difficulty might
be avoided by getting the President to appoint
one Of the officers Of the Board notary public,
and it is probable that this request will he made
with the end In view OF having an official capa-
bic Of administering oaths present in of
emergency.
To Ex-Governor Beaver assigned the task
OF leading in the examination Of witnesses. but
there Is an understanding that other members
OF the Commission shall ask such questions as
they may desire. The Commission also received
several additional communications. which re-
ceived attention
At the afternoon session several complaints
were read in regard to the method Of trans
porting men from Santiago. the names Of the
vessels on which 1t alleged that abuses had
occurred being the Concho, the Seneca. the
Breakwater, the Olivette and the CITY of Wash
ington. 1t was decided TO make a thorough in
vestigation Of this branch OF the service. and
Chairman Dodge was directed to secure the
names Of the commanding officers, medical Off
GERS and representatives of the Quartermasters
Department on those vessels The Commission
also decided TO permit the presence during the
hearings of three stenographers representa-
tives OF the press. in addition to the representa-
tives OF the press associations.
The Commissioners called at the War De-
partment late to-day and saw Secretary Alger,
Assistant Secretary Meiklejohn and Adjutant-
General Corbn for a few minutes The call
purely personal
INVITATION FROM THE SURGEON GENERAL,
Surgeon-General Sternberg to-day sent the
following communication to the Commission.
The statement referred to as nclosed has been
Surgeon Generals Once. War Department
Washington. October 2 1895
General G: NJ Dodge. President OF Board to In
vestigate the War Department.
Sir: | have the honor to submit for the coneid-
Grafton OF the Committee of Investigation the in
closed statement relating 10 responsibility in the
Medical department of the Army. ! respectfully
suggest that the Commission A whole or a sub
committee visit the Office Of the Surgeon General
al an early day. for the purpose Of Investigating
the organization and methods of work which have
been employed in my Office during the with
Spain.
have received A copy Of the questions relating
70 the Medical Department. and shall do my best
10 answer these questions In full at early a date
as Is practicable. But considerable time will be
required owing to the enormous amount Of impor-
tant ofhcia business pertaining TO the regular adj
ministrative work Of the office To neglect this
would give Just cause for criticism, and | am sure
the Commission will agree with me that my FIRST
duty is TO provide for the proper of the sick
OF our armies In the field and in garrison far as
this lies In my power This has been my earnest
endeavor from the outset Of short and glorious
war with Spain. Very respectfully.
GEORGE NJ. STERNBERG,
Surgeon General, Y. s. A.