The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-03-07
GENERAL MILES SURRENDERS
After a Spirited Correspondence With
h Court OF Inquiry, He Decides to
be Represented by Counsel Before
That Court

De represented by Counsel Before
That Court
Washington, March 3.-The latest
developments of the war department
court of inquiry into General Miles
beef charges was the appearance today
Of Major Jesse Lee, as counsel for the
general commanding the army. Major
Lee was so introduced to the court by
the recorder, Colonel Davis, at the be-
ginning of the afternoon session. He
began to cross examine witnesses at
once and with the first one antagonized
the court to the extent of demanding
the admission of certain letters as evil
dence, but vas refused. The proceed
ings were not marked, however, by any
! evidence Of unpleasant friction between
the court and the new counsel.
The appearance of Major Lee in the
, case is the elimination of considerable
| correspondence between General Miles
and the court as to the accuracy of
some statements made by witnesses on
the stand and which General Miles con-
sidered he had official data to prove
incorrect. 1t began with the testimO-
ny of Colonel Woodruff several days
ago to the effect that beef herds were
seldom if ever driven with troops in
the Indian campaigns of the west.
General Miles called the attention Of
the court to this case and was inform
ed by letter that if he chose it was
within his right to be present or to
be represented by counsel to keep
track of the examination.
General Miles replied that
it was sometimes the custom
in courts of inquiry to have
an officer to "assist the recorder in
keeping the records in shape"
The court replied to this that it did
not need any Resistance for it's re-
corder but suggested again that Cen
eral Miles could be present to aid coun-
sci in the examination of the witnesses
Or could be represented by counsel if
he wished.
To this General Miles replied today
that in accordance with custom in such
cases he would be represented hereafter
by Major Jesse Lee, "for the purpose
of participating in the examination with
a view Of eliciting the full truth per-
tanning to the subject under discus
sion"
This does not place General Miles in
the position OF defendant before the
court, but gives his counsel the right
Of conducting a direct or cross exam
ination as fully as he desires.
Colonel J. A. Case, of the Fourth
Pennsylvania, who served with General
Brooke in the Porto Rican campaign
testified that he had about six days
experience with ,anned roast beef. Al
first the men tried to keep the meat
after the cans were opened, but il
spoiled between meals. He ordered
the company cooks to make stews of {
whole can at a time and it proved
very satisfactory.
Captain A. M. Gray, of the Sixth
Massachusetts,, which went to Porte
Rico on the Yale when she carried
General Miles south said the principl,
u Of the complaint among his meI
was not as to the quality of the rations
) but because they were short in guam
tity.
> did not the Yale carry provision
. in her cargo aside from the men,
travel ration?" asked Colonel Davis.
, 81 understand that she did"
did you report this state of thing
: to any higher authority"
, 81 reported to my colonel"
, WAS there any higher officer oil
, board?"
Yes, there was the general com
handing the army"
While on detached duty on shor
: witness said his men got hold OF on
lot OF very poor beef, t~wo-thirds O
which was spoiled and the remainde
: OF wors quality than he had see
I elsewhere.