The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-07-26

When 1 read the article in the Journal
l thought it rather strange, as Col Ames
is in San Francisco and would unQues-
tionably personally look after all of our
boys. I can say nothing regarding the
plans further than that the boys will
not want for any comfort that the state
Of Minnesota can give them. The Pre-
sidio hospital ISL believe, a very good one.
Col Fredrichs told me that he received
excellent care while in the hospital after
his return from the Philippines last fall,
and that every one else received cor
responding careful care. I expect within
twenty-four hours to know more definitely
just what shape the men are in, and If
they have been discharged from the
service. Several other men have been
in my office who have spent a time in
the hospital at San Francisco and they
all speak highly of it, and 1 believe the
assumption that 1t can afford the boys
all the care and proper treatment they
need is warranted. I have heard some
bitter complaints from returning volun-
tees about the food on board the boat,
but I have yet to hear the first COM
plant Of the rations in the Philippines.
The story in the Journal is probably
somewhat colored. 1t is easy to imagine
a large number of sick men after a long
and tiresome journey, with poor rations,
landing on a hot day. If the men were
IL
ly the fault of the military officials, but
1T is safe to assume that they did not
suffer long, as the hospital is but short
distance from the wharves and the IA
Vorable reports we hear of 1t bears out
this assumption.
HOPES FOR THE BEST.
1T must be understood that until
the men are discharged I can do nothing
towards their return to Minnesota. We
can, however, through Col Ames, add
to their comfort and If it is not found
practicable to bring them to Minnesota
Immediately some steps will be taken to
make easier the days spent in the hos
pital. 1 feel no particular anxiety, as
Col Ames' message treasures us, and
pending further advices from him we
can do nothing
"As to just what will be done I cannot
say, except to promise to do everything
in my power to make comfortable our
brave boys who have so faithfully
served their country in the Philippines.
WHAT STEVENS SAYS.
Congressman Stevens was also shown
the article and he Immediately wired As
slstant Secretary Meiklejohn and the sur
geon general of the army calling atten-
ton to the report and asking that steps
be taken to provide proper care for our
sick boys.
IL this report is true" said Congress
man Stevens, sit is shame and an out
rage If our boys are to be treated that
way we will demand of the war depart
ment that the officials who have this mat
ter in charge remedy the matter. The
thirteenth Minnesota, rs well as any 9TH
er returning volunteer organization, de-
serves the best that can be given them.
and the reported treatment can only in
spire Indignation on the part of all Of our
citizens. could almost believe it of Cen
Shafter, and If the report is true the mat
ter should be fully reported to the war
department. I expect to hear from the
Washington officials tomorrow"
ARE ON AMERICAN SOIL.
Thomas Cochran, chairman of the ex-
ecutive committee of the Thirteenth Reg
iment Auxiliary association, was seen at
his home on Western avenue and stated
that he had seen the account in the Min
nespolis paper and had tried for some
time to get the governor by telephone.
There is no explanation of this,'' said
Mr.. Cochran, "after we know it to be
fact. Col. Ames is supposed to be in
San Francisco, and it will be strange If
he does not take prompt action in looking
after our boys. Minnesota will take care
of her sick, and I feel confident that Gov
Lind Will leave no stone unturned to give
our sick soldiers all the care and comfort
that can be secured for them. The boys
are now on American soil and we need
have little further apprehension for those
who have come back in the Morgan City.
They will, I think, be well taken care Of
in the Preside hospital, which is we'll
regarded and will furnish ample accom-
mediation for all our boys until they are
ready to make the trip home.
Speaking Of the matter Of neglect OF
the troops" said Mr.. Cochran, continu-
ing, "I think it should be said in justice
to Gen. Otis that the rations which have
been issued the boys in Manila have been
| first-class. The officers and men receive
from the government the same rations,
and any extras which the officers have
come from the outside. 1 think Gen. Otis
has done excellent service In the matter
of subsistence and should have credit for
| this at least, when you consider that the
| transport rations have been reported any
| thing but the best"
GEN. BUNKER NOT ALARMED.
Mr. Cochran, on the part of the auxil-
larry association, sent the following tele-
gram to H. ]. Mccoy, an old friend liv-
| ing in San Francisco
Kindly inquire condition of Thirteenth
Minnesota men returned on Morgan City.
Report by wire anything needed for their
comfort"
The message was sent by Mr.. Cochran
| early in the evening before the arrival of
the telegram from Col. Ames saying that
he had taken the matter in hand. Gen.
c. S. Bunker, father of Lieut.. Bunker,
was seen last evening and said:
eff I had son among the arrivals on
the Morgan City L should have no mis-
givings whatever. The Preside hospital,
/ what know of it, is a good one, and the
boys will have the best that the govern
ment can give them. Last fall, when they
had even less accommodations and facil-
tiles than now, the general character of
the hospital was highly spoken Of by
those who spent any time there"