New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-02-18
BEEF INVESTIGATION BEGUN.
THE COURT OF INQUIRY HOLDS A
SECRET SESSION.
GENERAL. MILES MAY TESTIFY ON MON
DAY - WESTERN PACK1NG-HOUSES
TO BE VISITED

TO BE VISITED.
Washington. Feb 1.-THE Court ~ Inquiry 10
investigate the charges made by General Miles
I'm regard to the quality II the beef furnished to
the Army met to-day in the rooms formerly oc-
cuped by the War Investigating Commission In
the Lemon Building The full membership was
present and the Court went into secret session
10 discuss the prermlnaries Of the proceedings
ana 10 map out the line ~ inquiry 10 he pur-
sued
Colonel Davis. the recorder. said this afternoon
that probably all Of tomorrow will be occu-
pied I'm examining reports Of regimertal and
other commanders who took part in tho Cuban
and Porto Rican campaigns the object being
10 select witnesses to be summoned In addition
10 these reports the proceedings 81 the War
Investigating Commission will be looked 70 for
suggestions u Witnesses. The taking Of testi-
mouy is not likely 20 begin before Monday The
session then will be- open. General Miles Is eX-
pected to testify first. presenting his charges
and the foundation for them. The investigation
viii poe limited strictly 20 canned roast beef and
refrigerated beef but the scope Of the in
ouiry Will be 50 comprehensive as 10 follow the
beef from packer 10 private soldier, 80 that
the action ~ the packers and al war Depart
meut cials connected with the beef supply will
poo investigated. Colonel Davis said that the
inquiry would continue indefinitely. and he could
give no idea to when it would end
Speaking further OF the investigation ana the
probable testimony. Colonel Davis said the Court
was not limited in its sittings 10 Washington.
hut. under the order COM ching 1t. could travel
from place o. place The list Of witnesses will
include many civilians. a. Well as Army offlcers.
suggestions as TO witnesses from any quarter.
4 10 cid q q
would be- summoned who might throw any light
on the controversy
II was learned this afternoon that the Court
has practically determined to visit the packing
houses I'm Western cities from which beef vas
furnished. Chicago. South Omaha. Kansas city,
and perhaps St Louis. will be visited.
Some OF the officers whose reports General
Miles has submitted to the Court are now IN the
philippines Their testimony will not be sought.
OF course they could not be ordered here and
the taking Of their dispositions would be attended
wish too much delay and Inconvenience. II was
pointed out Boy member Of the Court That their
.s,trl.uv would Dee cumulative and Therefore
really unnecessary. since ii would be- IN accord
generally with what would come from officers
,,ha are accessible Tn dispositions ~ a num-
b-r ~ officers now I'm cuba VIII boz taken
The Court VIII meet at 1880 a. ~. tomorrow
and resume behind closed doors the work or
mapping out the plan OF procedure and prep"f-
inc th. list Of witnesses 10 be summoned
The Board appointed % fix the responsibility
flr the Joss y 2ODOM pounds Of beef furnished
to the Porto Eicau eXpedtion has not finished
hearing testimony and has not framed its con-
illusions Captain Schoror the recorder Of the
Board said to-day that il would be- two weeks
before any report would be ready. as the Board
vas awaiting important testimony In response
L. The series - questions sent 10 officers ana
others connected with the expedition. Jutli
these answers are received II will be Impossible
20 reach conclusions