The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1899-02-24
THE ARMY BEEF SCANDAL
GEN. EAG1N TESTIFIES BEFORE
COURT OF INQUIRY.
Good-His Understanding Was That
"thc Refrigerated Beef Should be Per-
fectIy Good Seventy-two Hours After
1t Left the Ship"-Beef Oh "The HOof"

Washington, Feb. 23.--The testimony
| Of General J. F. Weston, who was at
the outbreak of the war assistant COM
missary general and who is now acting
ance of General Eagan were the feat
ures of to-days proceedings of the
court of inquiry investigating the
charges of General Miles as to the beef
supply to the army, while in Cuba and
and Porto Rico. Each contended that
the canned roast beef was a. whole
some and nutritious component of the
army ration which was furnished the
Santiago and Porto Rican expeditions,
and took issue with the regular army
who had criticised it. General Eagan
appeared in full dress uniform of
brigadler general, wearing a sword,
greeted the court smilingly and pro-
ceeded to testify.
In reply to questions he said he con-
sidered carefully the question of fresh
beef for the army, when beef on the
hoof or refrigerated beef could not be
supplied. He was very favorably i'm
pressed with the canned roast beef, and
united with other officers of the depart
ment in adopting it. He understood the
navy had used it for many years with
entire satisfaction. In introducing
canned roast beef it was the intention
to use it as an incident, and the men
could take OF or not as they liked The
best way he said, for it to be usedwas
in a stew with vegetables. The first
complaint about this beef came from
Captain Philip Reed of the commissary
department. Witness was surprised
and ordered all officers who had the
beef to examine and report. All re-
sponses endorsed the beef. The ques-
tion of supplying refrigerated beef
came uo at once with the war, and
there were many consultations with
packers representatives about the
beef after being taken from the re-
frigerators. Refrigerated beef and
frozen beef were sent to Tampa for
test and witness recollection was that
the frozen spoiled first Mind you
however," said General Eagan, ''this
was not process beef, that is beef
treated with chemicals"
General Eagan said the department
never considered it possible to get ma
tive beef in Cuma and the proposition
for the government to buy and take its
own herds to Cuba was never consider
ed seriously. Colonel Davis read the
contract with Swift &, Co. for the Porto
Rican supply of refrigerated beef Cen
eral Eagan identified the copy. The
beef concern was required to put in re-
frigerator plants on ships where nee
essary. Beef was to be from steers
not less than 600 pounds
dressed, and so preserved by the refrlg-
Grating process as to be perfectly good
and fit for use seventy-two hours after
delivery from the refrigerator on ship" |
A similar contract for the supply for |
the forces in Cuba was presented. |
Swift & Co. were the lowest bidders,' |
said General Eagan, explaining. "My |
understanding was that the beef should |
be perfectly good for seventy-two hours
after 1t left the ship"
General Eagan said when the war
came there were three plans for fresh
beef supply-refrigerate beef, beef on
the hoof to be furnished by contrac-
tors, and for the government to own it's
own herd. All his experience taught
him the undesirability of the govern
nent owning its own herd, the expense
and trouble, straying of the cattle and
inconvenience of slaughter all arguing
against It, Refrigerated beef, he con-
sidered first choice and when the beef
offered it and guaranteed it's
he accepted it. Without
the hearing of General
Iagans testimony the court adjourned
Until Tomorrow, when it Is expected he
will be before the court the entire fore
loon, explaining the circumstances at
ending the furnishing of comnissary
supplies.