New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-30
THE WAR INVESTIGATION.
SOME ECCENTRIC FEATURES.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: The War Investigating Commission APP
pointed pass upon the conduct OF the war De
parment har been examining into some expendi-
lures OF public funds which comment has been
made The subject was not preached when secre-
tary Alger appeared on the stand yesterday. In
any event. the Commission would hardly have
thought Of connecting the Garter court martial
which happened over a year ago with the spanish
Frauds involving a loss to the Government OF
unfortunately 5000 600 were committed by Captain
Oberlin NJ Carter. OF the Army Engineers. In the
Savannah River improvement about two years ago.
and Carter brought TO trial by couri-martial
in December. 1897. The court found him guilty ana
rot only sentenced him 10 dismissal but recon-
mended criminal proceedings. The Army regua-
items provided that the record Of the court should
go 10 the majo general commanding the Army Tor
Endorsement Ii was known that General Miles
would promptly approve the sentence. fo"eriui
Senatorial influences brought 10 bear by
Carriers New-York friends for his exoneraton ana
the record of the court did not go to the COM
manding General
The case with its volumlnous record passed 10
the Judge Advoca te- Generals office where AFTER
exhaustive review. disagreement was ionhu
with the proceedings. and then the Secretary OF
War sent all the papers TO ex-senator Edmunds
Mr. Edmunds kept the papers most OF the summer
and while he found few flaws they were no' Oh
sufficient importance 10 alter the situation Inc
papers have row been turned over to Attorney
General Griggs and Assistant Judge-Advocate-
General Bar. Of the Army. has been oetaleo W
help him in studying the questions involved
Just where the war with Spain has had anything
10 do with the Carter still appears hard 10
perceive: but the following document on the sub
feet seems TO have been sent by the secretary ol
War 10 the Controller of the Treasury:
The President having convened the cour marital
that tried a case against Captain O. NJ Carter'
OF the Corps Of Engineers United states Army,
he became the reviewing aut nnsd NAM an, Legal
questions and is considered an important one ailc
on this account It was deemed by the fresluent
to be advisable to have the record examined by an
able lawyer Ia civil life, and accordingly ne en-
PSyed IPe FGmunGs has rendered the service con
tracted for and II Is now proposed 10 pay MN ior
You are respectfully requested TO inform this
Departmen whether ne bspHw h cam
be paid out Of the appropriation ior ,he e nn
troll Of the Secretary Of War and is be expended
For professional services rendered and expenses
incurred in the Carter court martial case, VIZ;
Services ... 5000 90
Expenses for travel and storage 80 40 81 ~
For seuographic and 'ypewrtng Work.'..'''' o'' Oo
Total ...........- s54lG -
hereby certify that George r Edmunds was en-
poyed by the President 10 review the EeCoTq IN s,,e
Garter court martial case which under me iSw NV;
that the account herewith IS for services rendered
by reviewing the said case for the freSioeh'
This letter is in the routine form Of warrants for
payments out OF the National Defence Fund. But
can Il be seriously thought that the employment OF
Judge Edmunds to develop defence Tor carter
constituted a measure Of Nationa. defence
The Controller OF the Treasury, whose judgment
in such matters is not only excellent but final
thought otherwise, and has written TO Secretary
Alger In response 10 his inquiry the following:
In the absence Of any statement or certificate tina I
the employment Of the Hon: George r. s.dinunI NUM-
as legal counsellor for the President In the court
martial case referred 10 was on wb spn,n am am
of the opinion that the voucher submitted cannot
pc paa ou nor T do reca any other appropriation
out OF which same can he legally paid.
Perhaps an arrangement may now be made 10 let
the Controller look over the Carter case Itself with
a view 20 promptly disposIng Of 1t.
A further example OF the character and amount
Of information extorted from witnesses before the
Commission appointed by the President to IN
vestigate the conduct Of the war was conspicuous
in the verbat tim report OF Secretary Ayers testi-
nony at yesterdays session. The record shows
that General Beaver asked the Secretary Of War
this question
General do YOU know why the Inspector General
after his appointment to command was sent to
| Santiago?
Secretary Ager replied:
At the request Of the major-general mmanding
inspector on his staff. Whether the lnspector-1ien-
ra WIS given eommadd at ms own reqI Sy tSs
/ ma general commanding the Army l DO not
/ know
| Now the following official dispatches are fur
| nished 10 the War Investigating Commission by
| Adjutsnt- General Corbin.
Adjutant-C Generals ONCE.
Washington. June 6. 1898.
Major General Breckenridge, Tampa Bay Hotel
Florida.
| him on the expedition has been approved by the
Secretary of War. Govern yourself accordingly.
| II. c. CORBfN, Adjutant-General.
Adjutant- Generals Office.
Washington. June G. 1898.
/ Major General Shafter. Tampa. Fla.
/ The Secretary OF War consents TO General Breck-
/ inridge accompanying you In the capacity OF a
staff officer only. suggested by you Please COM
/ munlcate this TO General Breckenridge.
| II. c. CORBIN Adjutani-General.
/ why is II that neither The Tribune nor any other
Republican paper seems TO observe these interest
ing developments in the present relentless investga-
| ton? hruN Ian
! Washington Jan a. 1899.