The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-12-06

Washington, December3.-At today's
session of the war investigating COM
mittee the examination of Captain
MacKay, who was in charge of the
transports Of the Santiago expedition,
was continued He said the question
of disembarking the troops upon the
arrival of the transports was careful
~ considered before the expedition left
Tampa, but, owing to the haste with
which all arrangements were made,
It was not possible to procure stern
anchors for moOring purposes for all
the vessels. Captain Mackay also
superintended the embarkation Of the
troops which came north from San
tiago after surrender, and he indig-
nantly denied many Of the published
statements regarding the filthy cOndi-
tiOn of the transports. There had been
plenty of ice for the snlps at Santiago,
mainly supplied by the Red Cross and
he had personally superintended the
loading of the supplies for the ships.
He himself came north on the Seneca.
She was crowded with sick soldiers
from SibOney. He admitted that many
of the soldiers were berthed between
decks; that the water was unpalatable,
caused by the rolling of the ship and
that the soldiers suffered other dis
comforts, but many of her crew were
sick and there were eXtenuating cir
cumstances. He heard no complaint
of lack Of medicines There were two
contract surgeons aboard. He denied
emphatically the statement that Colo
mel Humphreys devoted all his time to
getting quartermaster and cOmmissary
stores notwithstanding requests
for medical stores.
In conclusion he gave it as his opin-
ion that when the expedition sailed it
had ample facilities for landing. The
difficulties subsequently were due to
the loss of some of the lighters and a
tug en- route and the rough water in
the harbOr at DaiQuiri and SibOney.
He claimed the transport captains
showed disposition to obey orders.
THE CAMP AT CHICKAMAUGA.
Lieutenant Colonel G. w. Goethal,
Brookcs staff, criticised the condition
of the camp at Chickamauga, which
he said was bad, owing to the fault of
the soldiers to use their sinks He de-
scribed the condition at headquarters
as particularly dirty" He did not
think that fact set very good example
for the rest of the corps. The witness
described General Brooke's expedition
|D or
for any vessel except the ST. Louis,
upon which he was embarked. The
conditions of that ship" said he, were
awful. The state rooms were not
cleaned, the bedding was foul, there
was no ventilation, and the meats were
abominabe" Still he did not think
the troops were incapacitated by reason
of the voyage. This characterization
sof the great American liner caused evil
dent surprise.
Senator McLaurin, of South Caro-
lina,, and Mr. Jno. A Smith, represent
ing the city authorities and CONNER
cial organizations of Charleston, were
at the war department today. The
people of Charleston believe that the
government should make use of that
city as one of the shipping depots of
troops for Cuba and it was for the pur-
pose Of urging that this be done that
the call was made. They were assur-
red that i'll conformity with the in
strnctions of Secretary Alger, issued
some time ago, the war department
intended to utilize the facilities af-
forde1 by the South Carolina city an6
that General Wilson's corps be sent
there as soon as it was determined to
begin dispatching troops for Cuba in
large numbers.
PREPARING FOR AMERICANS IN
CUBA
Havana, Decenber, S:i5 D. MAT
moon today the American forces having
previously taken charge of Sancti and
Trinidad, in Santa Clara province,
the Stars and Stripes were officially
and with impressive ceremonies hoist
ed over the city halls and military.
government and other public buildings
in the cities When the flags were un-
furled the bands played The Star
Spanglad Banner" and the soldiers and
large crowds Of citizens cheered en-
Enthusiastically
All the troops which have arrived
here SO far are in excellent health.
The Second engineers, together with
300 Cubans of General Menocors divis-
ion as labOrers, are busy preparing
the camp for the troops Of the Seventh
army corps, which are expected TO ar
rive here shortly.
The Spanish transport Grand Antilla
sailed today for Spain with 1,447 Span
ish troops: the F'ulda will sail on Mon