The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-13

empIoyments in private life. No man or
woman who has stated to US that he or she
had any material matter touching the sub
Ject OF our inquiry TO communicate has been
refused hearing.
IAN the members of the commission have
been engaged in taking testimony. 1t has
happened that subcommittee have been
occupied in hearing witnesses at four diff
ferent places at the same time. The COM
mission visited in person most Of the old
camps. AS rule, the inspection was not
only of camps but of troops and supplies,
and much valuable information was OBJ
tanned by contact with officers and enlisted
men; AT all of these places we have in
Vlted. sometimes with special insistence,
every person to come before us and testify
VINO could throw any light on the conduct
or the war department in any of its
branches.
ANY charge of corruption or intimation
or fraud or bribery in connection with the
letting of any contract, even a hint Of
wrong doing. has been carefully investi-
gated: 1t may be said now, at the beginning
or TINS report, that there has been no evil
dence before US that any one In or con-
nected with the War Department has dis
honestly received a dollar We have made
persistent efforts to secure the attendance
OF persons to whose names rumor had at
tached an allegation that they knew of
corruption of officials in the War Depart
ment, but these men have either denied the
statements attributed to them or have main
tanned silence when invited to tell what they
knew"
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS.
of the conduct and management of the war,
the report gives comments and suggestions
touching certain matters which came under
consideration as logical Consequence of the
inquiry pursued by the commission. Refer
ring to the question Of retired officers, the
report says: "Unde, existing laws the Off
GERS of the army are retired when they
reach the age of sixty-four. We have had
before
on the retired list, who are men of expert
ence and distinction, that this law should
De SO amended as to give to the President
Inc right to call into active service any
retlred oHlcer during the time of war. This
TlSht exists as to the retired officers of the
navy and it seems TO US there is no reason
why II should not be extended to embrace
retired army officers.
1t does not appear reasonable that an ar
Dtrary law should prevent, during the ex-
lstehce or war, the use of experienced men
merely on account of their age We think
II would be wise TO make it discretionary
with the President to use the officers on the
retired list for filling positions during war
ana not trench on the active organization
that may be needed in the field. During the
recent war many positions were filled by
the appointment Of civilians to which re-
tired oincers could have brought profession
al training. valuable knowledge and large
experience"
In the matter of regimental officers the
commission found that all volunteer COM
manos othcered by men of military expert
ence and training Jared much better than
those ofiicered by amateurs. The soldiers
We're more effectively cared for, enjoyed
better health and were better fed and
clothed. The commission recommends for
the future strict examination into the
quallhcations of all officers appointed to the
army, regular or volunteer. The establish
ment of schools of instruction for inexperi-
enced officers taken from civilian life to
meet the emergency created by the war is
mghly commended. Quite number of regu-
lar officers assigned to the command of vol
unteer troops adopted this expedient and
the results were eminently satisfactory
A most important criticism by the COM
mission is as follows: THE routine work in
the departments, in oRr opinion, is far be-
yond what is necessary, and each year
seems to increase it. The methods en-
ployed make it almost impossible to trans
act business promptly. The heads of all de-
partments, officers of large depots, chiefs of
staff, departments, corps and divisions have
necessarily been obliged to give the time
and attention to details which should have
been given to matters of larger moment. No
Well-regulated concern or corporation could
transact business satisfactorily under such
regulations as govern the staff departments
and the fact that every officer of each of
the staff departments holding responsible
positions has been obliged to ignore routine
demonstrates the necessity of a thorough
reform"