The Wilson times. [volume] (Wilson, N.C.) 1896-19??, 1899-05-12

to the court was that IF the packers of
the country are guilty, it must be
known" Replying to this direction,
the court says:
"The court finds that at the out
break of hostilities, in April, 1898, the
packers of canned beef were engaged
in the manufacture of an article of
standard quality, well known to the
trade and the subsistence department,
under the name of canned roast beef.
The methods of packing then in use
were the same as those habitually en-
ployed in the preparation of the meat
as an article of commerce, and the
court does not find that they under
went any change during the progress
Of the war.
"The large purchases for the use Of
the military forces during the months
of May and June, 1898, were made not
at the solicitation OF the packers or in
consequence of efforts put forth by
them for that purpose, but by order
and upon the initiative of the commits
sary general of subsistence, and pur-
chases being made in every case by
officers of his department in the usual
manner"
Reolying specifically to other ques'
tions set out by the president, the
court says:
"The canned beef was described as
fresh because it was not salted. but
the meat was not old or stale. The re-
frigerated beef furnished the army was
not doctored or treated with any other
agency than cold air.
"1he meat purchased for the army
was the meat Of commerce /; both kinds
refrigerated and canned-were such
as are we'll known in both hemispheres
as commercial articles, of which there
is and has been very large consump-
tion not only by the trade generally.
but by the United States navy and by
the armies and navies of Europe
mo reports Of un6tness or unsuita-
bility Of the beef sent from the United
Stetes were forwarded to the war de-
partment by any general officer serving
in Cuba or Porto Rico while the field
operations were in progress, nor were
any reports received until more than
one month after hostilities csased."
Washington, May 1.-THE president
is commander in.chief of the army and
my superior. He has approved the
findings of the Wade court of inquiry.
Therefore, have no comment to
make. 1t would be an unsoldierly act
were I to do so."
With these words, General Miles re-
piled to Star reporter, who saw him
for moment to-day, with regard to
the probable action he would take in
view Of the adverse report ofthe court
will you formulate protest to the
president" was the next question.
IL have nothing to say. No, Sir"
replied the general.
evil you inspire congressionalin-
vestigation?"
mo, sir. | will not talk upon the
subject"
"Do you believe congress will rectity
the matter?"
II do not know what congress will
do, nor have l any means of knowing
in advance what verdict the result Of
an investigation might develop. have
no comment, criticism. or statement,
to make in this matter, and you may
take it as certain that any alleged in
terviews or intimatlons to the contrary
said to come from me are wholly and
unqualifedty false.
II was, and am now, actuated solely
by the consideration of the health,
lives and integrity Of the army. My
duty is done.
Inquiry was made as to status OF the
officers criticised and what course they
might pursue and it was stated that as
military legal proposition it was i'm
possible for any action to be taken by
any of the officers aggrieved. They
might demand court Of inquiry, but
this was court of inquiry which re-
commended that no further action be
taken; this being approved by the
president, precluded any further in
quiry. General Eagan, who is specified
in the report, is not likely to ask for
any further investigation. Lieutenant
Colone Haus, of General Miles staff,
the other officer criticised, feels it
kaopIv E;s friends sav he WAS among