Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-01-27
ALGER ON THE STAND.
War Investigating Commis-
sion Yesterday,

WASHINGTON, JAM 26.-Secretary AL
ger, in response to an invitation of the
war investigating commission, appeared
before that body to-day. The secretary
was sworn by General Wilson, after which
Governor Beaver. after asking permission
to use the title general instead of 'Mr.
Secretary" began the examination Of the
head of the war department.
Secretary Alger. in beginning. stated that
he had been on duty at the war depart
ment constantly during and after the war
with Spain. The chiefs of bureaus in the
department, he said, were generally APP
pointed to such places because of senior
ity. but the president. if he thought prop
er: could break this rule.
When asked In regard to expenditures
secretary replied that the larger part had
been devoted to Strengthening coast de-
he had brought with him memoranda pre-
pared by heads of bureaus giving details
of the expenditure of this fund.
During the continuance Of the war he
had been kept constantly advised of all
actions taken by the several bureaus. The
chiefs OF bureaus often reported to him
advised of any important act in regard to
departmental work, the head of one of the
bureaus was to blame. If any report orig
mating outside of the department came to
him, he investigated it at once.
During, the early part OF the war; with
were sss Was not because Of
lack Of funds. but because it was impos-
sible to handle properly SO large body Of
recall having received during the war COM
plants in regard to food furnished the
army. There was shortage of food at
Santiago. not because there were no sup
plies, but because they could not be un-
loaded from the ships. No old soldier. be-
Criticism Of the fosod 3rnshed the armg
under the circumstances. He had never
had any cause during the war for complaint
Was the head of any bureau guilty of
failure to discharge his duty during the
continuance Of the war;" asked Governor
mo, SIR" replied Secretary Alger.
did any report come to you of any ir-
regularities. or Of any fraudulent practices
in the contracting for supplies furnished
to any department."
did You. directly or Indirectly. have
any interest in the selection of any of the
camps occupied by any. Of the troops?"
mo, sir. I do not know that anyone
connected with me had any such interest"
tract for materials supplied during the
Not a cent in any :, ny GO contract" replied the
docs that apply to transports pur-
chased?"
Have you received any complaint from
the major general Of the army while at
Porto Rico as to the quality Of refrigerated
and canned roast beef furnished the
The secretary. replying, referred to his
annual report, quoting a dispatch from
General Miles asking that. no more beef
supply there. General Miles had said some-
thing about beef that had spoiled there.
The chiefs of the several bureaus OF the
department had never assembled to hold a
council of war.
Secretary Alger next told Of the inspec-
ton Of the camps, & especially 1,;la the tour OF
He (Alger) never had received any official
| complaint from the armies in the field in
regard to fresh or canned meat furnished
| the troops.
Have you, , any ~ .nfermatiOn ,sa that mea,
-. Nothing but what had been brought out
Beef. he went on, has been used as an
army ration for many years. and Its use
No complaints had been, received by him
| from the camps in regard to beef.
When asked whether he was personally
the secretary said with positiyeness:
| II have not; never had. directly or in.
| directly. interest in any property or, in
He had never received an official report
| that beef furnished the army had caused
He had received reports from several
| sources that at Chickamauga and Camp
Thomas, there had been lack of medicines
gnted and Supplies a
had never received a report from the sur
geon general that he was unable to fur
| nish supplies.
In regard to the arrival Of the Fifta
| corps at Montauk. he said that every pos
sible precaution had been taken to make
| the camp healthful and comfortable. There
had been many deficiencies that it was i'm.
possible to remedy. but everything that
could be. done had been done.
| This closed the examination and Secre-
| tary Alger was asked whether he wished tC
| volunteer any statements, but he declined
| to make any statement.