The times., 1898-10-17

1t has developed that the So-called
neutral zones" which were permitted by
the War Department to encircle military
camps proved to be veritable plague
spots. In some instances these zones
were iniquitous to the last degree.
Army officers declare such conditions
would not be permitted to poison the
atmosphere about the most rude encamp-
ment of band of Fiji Island warriors,
and denounce the liberation of neutral
territory around American camps as an
outrage and disgrace.
One of these zones surrounded Camp
Alger, which was near enough to WASH
ington for its infectious character TO
be fully understood here, and many state
ments have been made as TO how the
denizens of the zone introduced disease
| and death into the camp through the
agency of their doubtful wares. Cnsound
fruit, indigestible pastry, unsuitable food
and Illicit liquors were dispensed with
, great freedom to the soldiers, and II is
not to be wondered at that the hospitals
were always well populated with sick
and dying men in blue.
Gen. Graham's admission before the
| Alger Relief Commission that he was
| compelled to order the discontinuance
of the food and fruit booths in the camp
and that they were afterwards removed
to the neutral zone" developed the re-
sponsibility for this abuse and placed it
/ where it belonged-on the War Depart
ment.
I Ii was stated in testimony by Gen Gra-
| ham that the contract for the lanu lof
camp sites made by Mr.. Alger's agents
and approved by him allowed "a neutral
! zone of thirty feet all around the leased
/ property." and the owner placed the
booths there out of the camp jurisdiction.
! In other words. the Secretary of War
| made a sort OF country fair or circus out
| of the military establishment by virtually
! leasing privileges in the neutral zone
| TO men whose object was to make money
! from the soldiers. according 10 the old
time theory that for enterprising nom
! Combatants the time OF war Is the time
| to get rich
| Accordingly these zones about camp AL
, ger and other camps presented scenes
| very similar 10 those witnessed about cir
! cuses and fair grounds. There were ven
/ ders of scientific cider. indigestible pies
! and cakes. intoxicating liquors with homi-
( cldal tendencies in many cases hand
4 made without regard TO the internal rev
enue service or its war tax. Green trult,
| over-ripe fruit and decayinS fruit was
sold: also food which would defy the di-
gestive organs OF an ostrich. Lager beer
placed in soda bottles and labeled soft
| stuff was disposed of by wholesale and
! retail and other abuses We're tolerated
until the zones became cOrdons OF death
Gen. Graham found these abuses could
not be checked when he took command Of
Camp AIger. because, as he stHted il:
The contract had been made before
my arrival. But had I been consulted /
| would have objected 10 any reservation
of ground by the owner | did all could
| to prevent the sale Of improper food by
| placing a guard about the booths
| This did not check the evil. for the
men continued to gorge themselves with
improper food and beverages.
A friend Of Gen. Graham is authority
| for the statement that he suggested TO
the War Department that the camp be
moved in order 10 get rid Of the disease
and death-producing zone. but the War
Department declined to entertain his
proposition Had the camp been moved
it was the generals intention to establish
a virtual dead-line so far as the hawkers
of improper food and drink were concern
ed and keep such persons beyond it by
means of pickets and sentries.
At Camp Cuba Libre. near Jackson
| vile, similar conditions existed until tho
more sensible and thoughtful of the sol
diers took the neutral zone matter into
their own hands. They mobbed certain
cookshop keepers and wrecked theil
booths.
This zone business has become an I'M
portant factor In the army scandal" said
an army officer last night, 'and If the
Alger Relief Commission declines tc
probe further into these suspicious con.
tracts and abuses, the matter will be laid
before Congress for investigation. There
is something in this matter which should
be brought to light, and it will be-