The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-09-26

Washington, September o5--.The com
mission appointed by President Mckinley
to investigate the administration OF the
war department IN relation to It's con
duct of the Hispano- American war viii
begin its nbors formally tomorrow. The
commission effected an Organization yes
terday by electing General Granville NJ.
Dodge, president; Mr.. RicbarA Welghiman,
secretary, and Major stephen c. Mills, OF
the regular army, recorder,
The presldent is understood to BE- thor
oughly pleased with the personnel OF the
commission. It was his efforts to secure
as members Of the commission men of the
highest character and standing, in whose
opiulon and Judgment the country would
have all confteace. He desired, also. TO
have represented on the bOlrd al phases
OF public aud political feeling, every Sec
ton of the country, and all classes of bust
ness, professional, commercial and MILF
tary. The men whom he has appointed ae
possessed VI wade eSpcrterce, many OF
them having distinguished themselves
either In the Union or Confederate army.
He feels assured that the verdict OF the
COMMISSION Whatever IL may be IN the III
ouiry IL is about to conduct, Will be ac-
copied and approved by all right-iuludc
and r!ght- thinking American citizens.
lL0l II rs o-psrsi,t u b desire thAl the
inquiry should he rigid ana searchipg was
Indicated BY hih statement TO the commits
son when II as embed at the White House
for conference with him Yesterday Ma
lIfnA is placed by the president upon The
scope OF the investigation. 1t is 30 include
every department. OF the army and the
president assures the commission In adj
vance that he viii AFFORD it every facility In
his power for the prosecution OF the mosl
searching inquiry into every part OF tha
admpistrti0n OF the war.
In addressing the commission tho presi-
dent said. among other things
Cent men Before suggesting the mat.
tors which shall come before you for in.
veausation desire TO express my apprecia-
ton 10 each OF you for your Willingness tC
accept Che patriotic service TO which yol
have been invited. You are to perform on,
OF the highest public duties that can fnl
10 citizen ana your unselfshuess in un
deftaking 1t makes me profoundly grateful
There has been IN many quarters sever,
frithiam of the conduct OF the war viii
Spain\ Charges Of criminal negligence o.
soldiers In camp and field and hospital ant
In transports have been 80 persistent tina
whether true or false, they have made d
deep impression upon the country II A.
my earnest desire that you shall thoroughly
investigate these charges and make the
fullest examination of the administration
OF the war department IN all OF It's branches
with the view 10 establishing the truth OF
falsity of these accusations. | put upon
yon no limit to the scope of your nvestiga-
ton, OF ell departments connected with the
army invite the closest scrutiny and eN
nt,Nt, ts.v. n.t,l
for the most searching inquiry. The --~
cords of the war department and the Us
sistanee of It's officers shall be subject t.
your cali,
Il can not impress upon you too strong
ly my wish that your investigation shall
be so thoroughly and complete that you
report, when made Will fix the responsible
lity for any failure or fault by reason o
neglect, incompetency or maladmiu!str,l.
ton.upon The officers aud bureaus responsi,
Bile therefor--f it be found that evils com
planned of have existed.
The people of the country are entitle,
TO know whether or not tho citizens VIII
so promptly responded to tho call of dut,
have been neglected or misused or NAL
treated by the government 10 which the,
so willingly gave their services. II Their,
have been wrongs committed, the wron,
doors must not escape conviction and pun
ishment"
The following are biographical sketche
OF all membsrS OF the commission excep
DIR. Conner of Clnctnnati, who has no
yet arrived, in Washington:
Major Generol Grenville NJ Dodge, presi
DENT OF the commission, was born April /.
1881, and entered service April 1861, a
captain; commanded the SixteeaIh corps 4
the Atlanta campaign In 1864. He left til
army In iS66 built Union Pacific ratlroa
and Texas paclfie He was member O
congress from Iowa; since then has bee
connected with railway systems OF tn
UNITED States president of several rail
roads. Succeeded General W. T. Sherma
"a commander Society of the Army Of tn
tennessee. He is now commander OF In
military order OF Loyal Legion, State c
New York
Major General Alexander Med. MeCool
United States army (retred), is a memb2
OF the fighting Mccook family OF oli,
He was born April 20. 1891, aud appol mic
10 the military academy Ds 1877 gradual
Ing In 1852 When the civil war cam
he was appointed colonel OF the First Obi
volunteers Aprh ID. 1861; promoted nlajo
general United STAKES volunteers July Il
1862. He was IN command OF a division 1
the Tennessee and Mississippi campaign q
Febrwary-June 1862 and of ths FIrs
army corps In the advance into Kantucl,
which resulted in the battle OF PerryvQi,
he was n command Of thu right wing q
mo Fourteenth army corps, Tslaesse
campaign Of 1903, including the battle I
Stone River, and OF the Twentieth arm
corps AT the bIttls OF Chickamaltga II
was engaged In the defense OF the capitf
et the time OF Earlys raid He was prc
NOTED to major general In 1894 ana r.
tired on April %. 1897. He was sllected b
PNgident C1evelaIah az tho official renrf