New-York tribune., 1899-02-09
WAR COMMISSIONS REPORT.
BEEF CHARGES DECLARED NOT TO BE
SUSTAINED.
SEVERE CRITICISM OF GENERAL MILES
SECRETARY ALGERs CONDUCT OF THE
WAR nEPARTMENT COMMENDED.


Washington. Feb S-The War Investigating
Commission has completed its lahors. and its
report will be in the hands Of the President
tomorrow The report makes an important
feature OF the beef scandal. and dismisses as a
general proposition the charges that have been
made against the beef furnished 10 the Army.
II finds It is understood. that most Of the beef
was such as could be properly furnished as an
emergency ration. pointing out that the evil
dence showed II never intended to be any
thing hut an emergency ration. II saws there
were only two witnesses who really testified
against the beef General Miles and Major DAILY
the chief surgeon. who made the report regarded
as the most sensational forwarded 10 the Com
mission by General Miles. As to the testimony
Of these two witnesses the Commission. II is
understood. goes to point out the mass OF
evidence submitted To the contrary as onsettng
this testimony.
As to such Of the canned beef as was found
to be Objectionable the Commission points out
the effect Of the tropical climate in producing
liquefaction Of the fat in the meat and the con
seouent rendering Of the contents Of the cans
unpalatabie Most Of the beef, though. is found
10 have been satisfactory for emergency use,
where fresh beef or beef on the hoof could not
be procured The structures Of General Miles
made publicly on the beef and his public ex-
pressions in other ways. IL is understood are
subjected 10 severe criticism.
The report finds that the statements Of cheml-
cal treatment made by General Miles on the au-
thority OF Major DAILY. are not borne out by
the chemical experts. who were also placed on
the stand II quotes from Major Days tesu-
mony and then takes UP the testimony OF Pro-
fessors Clarke OF the Geological Survey and
Bgelow OF the Agricultural Department. VINO
made analyses Of the beef submitted, and fnds
that as a chemical expert. Major DAILY Is not
supported by other authorities and that there
fore. his testimony is regarded as not worthy
Of credence.
The methods and manner n loading the trans
ports IN General Skaters Cuban expedition
are also discussed, and responsibility is placed
for the results There are also said to he some
recommendations as to the organization Of Ger
tain branches u the Army. but the recon-
mendations are not radical AS 10 the admins
tration and conduct Of the war, the conclusions
Of the Commission are understood to he that
everything possible was done by the Depart
r'ent in the limited time at !ts command in
making preparations for the war and the re-
mort saws that the conduct OF the war not only
resulted successfully. but is worthy Of great
/ commentator.
The report rays that the evidence before the
Commission shows that Secretary Alger eNer-
cised proper diligence and supervision. and that
HE suhordinates also We're efficient, experienced
and faithful The Commission is unit IN us
findings and there is no minority report
At the outset the Commission divided itsei
into sub-comnittees for the separate considera-
ton Of designated branches Of the main sun
t.ct II inquiry These sub-re orts WI be aooed
r. the principal statement OF conclusions handed
to the President
The Commission held n session to-day that
extended well into tho afternoon. going over
details Tomorrow the members viii meet at
their Offices. formally attach their signatures
To the original document. and proceed IN a p3oI
/ 10 the White House TO inform the President ina,
tbev have completed their mission and 10 present
their report The Commission then VIII ceaSe
10 exist It's quarters will be vacated linmeul-
atelv and will be occupied by General Kennedy
and Major Watkins. ~ the Colonial hoaru-
Tho report Of the Commission is a docuinent
/ ~ 40 printed pages. Each member mas copy
TO retain. and arrangements have been mace 80
that the President will have as many copies uS
he wishes when ne makes the document puo"o'