The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-02-23
HOW HE DETECTED CHEMICALS
SAYS HE ONCE ATE PRESERVED ANa
TELOPE THAT MADE HIM I'LL,
And the Refrigerator Beef Acted I'm
the Same Way-Packers to he Given
Chance to Hear His Report.

N---
WASHINGTON, Feb. 22,--To-day's pro-
ceedings of the court of inquiry. Investigate
ing the beef controversy, developed little
that was new. The testimony, with the ex~
ception of that of DR.. DAILY, surgeon on the
staff Of General Miles during the war, and
of Colonel Woodruff, assistant commissary
general, was generally in line of that OF
yesterday. The canned roast beef was gen-
orally condemned as unsatisfactory, while
the refrigerated beef was commended, the
chief complaint being that it often decom-
posed en- route to camp The testimony Of
representatives of the subsistence depart
ment was begun, that of Colonel Woodruff,
assistant commssary general, being the
most notable. He purchased more than SO0-
600 pounds Of canned beef and told of the
method of purchase and the reasons that
prompted it. He took issue with General
Miless contention that beef on the hoof
was the usual source of fresh meat supply
to the army. Another feature of the day
was the introduction of DIR. DAILY, who
charged before the war commission that re-
frigerated beef at Chickamauga, Jackson
vile, Tampa and in Porto Rico had been
treated chemically He was not examined,
however, in regard to this charge Colonel
Davis announcing that the contractors who
were attacked were entitled to be notified
of the examination on this point, that they
might have ample time in which to appear
should they decide to do so. The law re-
quired this, he said. Accordingly DIR. DAILY
was excused. after partial examination,
and will be recalled later. The Investigation
will proceed tomorrow, when General
Eagan, former commissary general. is ex-
pected to appear and tell the story of the
beef supply, as viewed by this department.
DR.. William II. DAILY, of Pittsburg, who
was major and chief surgeon of volunteers
during the war and who testified before the
war commission that he had discovered by
chemical analysis boracic and salycilic acid
in refrigerated beef furnished the army, was
the first witness to-day. His examination by
the recorder was conducted slowly and with
great care, developing with minuteness all
of Dr. Dalys duties while attached to Gen.
Miless staff. These. beside those Of an army
surgeon, consisted in making special reports
to General Miles on camp sites, water
supply and the like. The recorder very care-
fully developed the fact that most of these
reports were verbal or telegraphic, therein
differing from the now famous meat report
which was the cause of Dr. Days being
summoned as witness Therein the exam
ination differed considerably from that OF
the previous witnesses.
Dr. DAILY testified that he was assigned
to duty on the staff of General Miles and
remained at Tampa until a few days after
the Shafter expedition sailed, his duties be-
ing miscellaneous. under direction OF tbs
army medical department. Thence he went
to Key West, Miami and other points to
study proposed camp sites. Later he came
north and finally Joined General Miles at
Guanica, Porto Rico, sailing from Charles
ton subsequent to the latter's departure.
His duties he said, were those of attends
ing surgeon at headquarters and general
duties incident to the surgical and medical
needs Of the army. Sometimes he saids ha
acted in response to written and sometimes
to verbal orders. Colonel Davis questioned
closely the witness in regard to his duties
and character of his orders, evidently with
a view to the bearing these developments
might have upon the witnesses analysis and
report on beef
POINTS VISITED BY DAILY.
DIR. Daily said he remained in Porto Rico
five or six days after General Miles de-
parted. being ordered to supervise the care
full preparation of the transport Panama for
bringing convalescents north in a manner
previously been considerable complaint as
to the outhtting of returning transports He
received those orders about Aug. % and aft
er picking up a load of sick at various
points in Porto Rico sailed, on Sept. s, and
arrived at Fortress Monroe Sept. 10, landing
his patients in a greatly improved condition.
He reported to Washington where he was
unite III and was given sick leave. The SUR
geon general was pleased with his work on
the Panama and wished him TO remain with
her.
While still sick in Pittsburg DR. DAILY re-
ceiyed orders from General Miles to so on
an INSPECTION tour Of the new regiments in
the South who were being fitted out for
tropic service. This was the trip on which
witness became acquainted with the alleged
"embalmedp beef. There were several off-
GERS engaged in this inspection DIR. Days
Investigation was directed, among other
things. particularly toward the food supply
and cooking arrangements OF the regiments.
The general object of the inspection, accord-
ing to witness. was to get the troops into
the best possible condition for active service
and to render assistance and instructions
wherever needed. Reports were rendered
after the inspection of each camp visited.
These reports in the course ofregular routins
passed through the hands of the general
commanding the army. During this trip ha
became so III that he was Obliged TO return
home to Pittsburg where, after remaining
for some time on sick leave he rendered ais
resignation.
IDENTIFIED HIS REPORT.
In all of this very detailed recital the
question OF beef was not once broached by
the court, but when DIR. DAILY had been
chronologically carried through his ternl %