Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-12-15
WAR INVESTIGATION.
Commission Hears Evidence About
Transportation Of Spaniards.
HOSPITAL At TAMPA WELL EQUIPPED
The Patients on Hoard the O'ivette Hnd
Everything Necessary, According ~
Mai AppeI-Pabio Beach HO pitai
Not In Good Condition.

Washington, Dec. 10. The transpor.
tation to Spain by the United States
Of the Spanish prisoners surrendered
at Santiago was taken up by the'war
investigating commission yesterday
and Col. Hecker, who made the con.
tract for the United States, was called
to testify on this point He said there
had been combine OF New York ship
ping concerns which would have
caused an outlay Of 81, 400, 900, while
the actual outlay made was S5lS'OOO.
The lowest bid was from Philadel-
phia junk dealer, who, however,
had no visible means OF exc
cutting the contract and ad-
mitted his own doubt as TO getting
sufficient bond. This Philadelphian.
Col. Hecker testified, protested against
not being awarded the contract, on
the ground that he had "a chance to
make some money out OF it, The
most feasible bidder was the Spanish
Transatlantic company. Its bid, I'M
like the others, relieved the govern
ment of all medical attendance, and,
finally, on the governments represent
tations, the company agreed to reduce
Its figures about $3.50, O00
Col. Hecker read long statement
signed by one William Il. Ryan, de.
failing the alleged methods OF the
transportation bureau in connection
with the attempted sale of certain
ships to the government. Col. Hecker
said he did not know Ryan Several
members of the commission said they
would be glad to summon Ryan ii he
could be found Asked II he was ever
approached by Abner Mckinley rela-
tive to the purchase of ships, Col
Hecker replied: Never but once He
spoke to me once about q water barge,
for which there was no use at the time
and SO informed him. never had
any other communication from him,
either directly Or indirectly"
what part did the firm Of which
Abner Mckinley Is Il member play in
the sale Of ships9" asked ex.Gov. Wood
bury. None at all as to the army"
replied Col. Hecker 81 do not know
as to the navy
Asked as to Ryan's charge that there
was subordinate in Col, Hecker's
Office who exercised much influence
and could be approached, Col. Ilecker
replied that negotiations were con-
Quoted directly and that no subordi-
nate in the Office could have exercised
any influence. That was the first d.
rect charge OF corruption he had seen
against himself, as he considered him
self responsible for what went on in
his office. He said he should like to be
confronted with Ryan, The commits
sion decided to summon Ryan II he
could be found
Maj A. II. Appel was in charge Of
the hospital at Tampa heights until
June s, when he took charge Of the
Olivette, which accompanied Skaters
army to Santiago. He said the hos.
pital at Tampa was we'll equipped and
supplied; that the patients received
proper care and attention, and that
the conditions generally were thor.
oughly satisfactory There were no
complaints. When camp was broken
at Tampa, he took aboard the Olivette
all the equipment Of the division hos.
pital. Only the patients were left
behind. The Olivette had aboard
equipment and supplies sufficient to
accommodate 200 patients for two
weeks. He had 100 patients aboard
the Olivette when the transport
fleet reached Cuba. They were trans
ferred to the Olivette en- route from
the other ships. The wounded from
the Guasimas fight were put aboard
the 0livette He had no applications
from the medical corps ashore for
medical supplies. He denied that the
ship purposely remained off shore to
avoid opportunities OF medical officers
ashore. The Olivette went north July
'with s75 patients aboard. 1t had all
necessary supplies aboard. Witness
described the case Of Lieut., Will
liam Tiffany. He was convalescent
from malaria 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 lie gained strength
steadily during the voyage.
On arrival at Boston he telegraphed
the ad jutant general, saying there were
number Of officers aboard who should
have sick leave and his recommends
ton was approved. Tiffany was among
them. lie told the officers that they
could 60 TO their homes, but warned
them that they must be careful. Ha
did not know exactly when Tiffany
left the ship. He advised him to re.
main until he disposed Of the enlisted
men, but when he inquired Tiffany
had gone.
could it be said that Tiffany, who
died within ~ hours, starved to
death@ asked DR.. Conner. ut could
not" replied Maj Appel. Tiffany,
during the voyage, expressed himself
as we'll pleased with his treatment"
Witness did not regard him as very
sick man. He was distinctly GONZALES.
cent When he took charge, later, OF
the Pablo Beach hospital it was not
in good condition. volunteer officer,
Ia A rfa Lad ham In ah anna