The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-08-12
TRANSPORTATION OF TROOPS

!
OF Coast Of San Domingo, July g. On
Board Transport Decatur H. Miller
When the United States government pays
$500 a day for a steamer to be used as a
transport, it would seem entirely reason
able to expect something more than a
certain combination of iron and wood
which an inspector has pronounced sea-
worthy. The delivery Of a steamer pre-
in her structure and conditions may be
all that is definitely stated in the contract
between the government and the lessees
Blu somthing more than that is implied
and there are, presumably, certain ap-
| purtanances for which thelessees are IL
able.
The lives of soldiers en- rounte to San
tiago, or Porto Rico. or Havana are but
inadequately assured il no more is provided
than the steamer itself. The dangers of
West Indian waters during the coming
weeks are a factor in the present cam
paign scarcely less important than the
risks of fever or an enemy's bullets. A
hurricane can wipe out a regiment quite
as effectively as can an epidemic of yell
! low jack or an enflading fire. The laws
! of the country take notice Of the dangers
| of the sea by imposing severe penalties
for neglect to comply with certain speci-
! fed regulations. The life of one who
/ travels by water, either for business or
! for pleasure is safeguarded by some ex-
tent by laws which require all vessels
used for passenger service to carry a
number Of boats, life RATS and life pre-
servers, proportions dto the carrying ca
| pacity Of the vessel. Those laws also pro-
vide that these appliances shall be kept
at all times in proper order and in posi-
ton for immediate use. Are the lives OF
our soldiers Of less value than the lives OF
travellers?
One of the steamers chartered for use
as a transport Is the Decatur H. Miller,
of the Merchants and Miners Transpor-
tation Company. She Is apparently a
stout built vessel, constructed for her run
from Baltimore TO Savannah, by the out
side route. l understand that the contract
price for her services is $500 per day. a
notice Of her inspection is publicly post
ed in the smoking room. Among the
safeguards said TO he included in her
equipment is a list of boats, which in
cludes ten of different types, and life
raft. We have on boarl soldiers crew
stevedores, all told, 1856 men. We are
equipped with four boats and one life raft
Hardly one of the boats are in a sea-
worthy condition. and only one OF them |
shows any evidence whatever Of being |
off the checks for many weeks. Further
comment would seem to be superfuous. |
How it is on other transports, do not |
know, but it would seem desirable that |
the matter receive a more careful atten- |
h2 civ
Nor is this all. The matter OF boats. |
RATS. life preservers, and appliances OF |
that character is provided for under a
license without which it is supposed that |
the vessel shall not leave port But there
are certain things not definitely specified
which effect perhaps the life and certainly
the comfort and health of the soldiers.
No doubt when a man goes 70 war he
takes certain chances, assumes certain
risks But ct IS not assumed that he is
to be expected TO risks or discomforts
which can be readily avoided. II our
object be no more than the getting OF
troops to Cuba, Porto Rico. or som other
place, 1t matters little whether they go
on palatial steamers or on RATS. II the
condition in which men and horses arrive
at their destination be a consideration.
me uleLlCl OF getting LiAelc OS-
comes matter of considerable import
ance Horses and mules are stored on
shipfooard under conditions which means
death TO some. exhaustion and unhtness
for use to Others. A better and more 5u-
dicious disposition Of the beasts on board
but it is not always possible 20 effect
changes after the vessel mas gotten under
way.
Another point has arisen on board the
Miller which until its adjustment, was
detrimental TO the health OF me men.
and which led 20 much discomfort and
protests among them. Their ratons con-
sist Of an ample supply OF timed goods
In suitable variety. But Il took several |
days and some vigorous talking before
any arrangements could be male for the
use Of the ships ranges on which the
food could be cooked This could be avoid
ID by having patriotic and accommodak-
Ing ships officers. or By having clear
and distinct understanding that the rank
ing military ofHcsr should have supreme
authority IN all matters concerning the
welfare OF troops and ho-ses- Tas safety
and the sailing OF tne ship naturally BE- :
oag in the domain OF theshio's captain :
IRE welfare Of ire soldiers is a mater I
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