Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-02
War Department Considering the
Yellow Fever Question.
EXTENT OF INFECTION AT SANTIAGO
The Control of the Soldiers in
the Hampton Home.
CHI AN GE OF LOC CATIO o N

Inc w ar department Is watching WIN
great solicitude the progress of yellow fe-
Yer at Santiago. Reports received yesier-
day were more encouraging, but it is real
lied that there is still grave danger in the
situation.
In this connection 1t is learned that as
late as the eighth of last month Gen. Miles
formally recommended the removal of the
United States troops now quartered at San
tiago in transports to some port on the
northern coast of America. Gen. Miles is
is thoroughly familiar with the conditions
at Santiago, as he was present in person
last year when the yellow fever made such
ravages among the American troops then
stationed there.
1t Is said that as matter of fact the rate
of infection among the soldiers at Santiago
is greater at this time. in proportion to the
number of men present, than last year.
Gen. Miles, it is understood, called atten-
ton to this fact in his recommendation, and
urged it as one reason for the prompt re-
moval Of the men to the north.
Thus far his recommendations have not
been carried out Gen. Wood moved the
troops back into the hills and is trying to
cope with the situation without dispensing
with the presence of the soldiers.
The Fort Monroe Garrison.
War Department officials this morning
moval of the garrison of regulars from
Fort Monroe.
Some difficulty is being experienced in re-
moving the troops. None of the steamship
companies will take them. 1t was intend
ed that the troops should be taken by the
Pennsylvania transport from Fort Monroe
to Cape Charles and by the Pennsylvania
road TO Battery Point, but the Norfolk AL
thorities have notified the Pennsylvania
officials that if the transport is used for
that purpose she will not be allowed to en-
ter Norfolk for five days. which would cut
off communication for the road between
Cape Charles and Norfolk
Surgeon General Wyman has made an
other vigorous protest against taking the
troops to Battery Point, Del, and has
earnestly recommended to the War Depart
nient the advisablity of going much farther
north. The matter has again been taken
up with Gen. Merritt, and ii is quite likely
that the recommendations of Gen. Wyman
will be carried out.
In that case it may be possible to charter
steamer to carry the troops to some place
on the coast
of the country to which Gen. Merritt pro-
poses to take the garrisonS from Fort
Monroe has been ravaged by yellow fever
in the past and il the soldiers have been
may spread the disease along the line of
travel from Cape Charles to Battery Point.
In this event ii is claimed Wilmington and
Philadelphia would not be safe.
1t is said that if yellow fever spreads
further in Virginia the garrisons at Fort
Washington, Fort Myer and Washington
barracks may have to be removed to north
ern posts.
The Soldiers Home Inmates
The telegram of Gov. Tyler of Virginia
appealing to the War Department to take
the inmates OF the National Soldiers Home
at Hampton to some point in the north was
considered by officials today. 1t is claimed
at the War Department that the depart
ment has no jurisdiction over the Soldiers
Home, and would have no right to remove
the men. 1t is insisted further that the
board Of managers of the Soldiers Home
nave funds of their own, and could do as
they pleased in the premises
1t IS expected that renewed representa-
lions Will be made to the War Department
on this subject before the week is over
when the deplorable condition of the in
mates becomes better known. 1t is thought
not unlikely that the Grand Army of the
Republic will take the matter up and insist
on some one in authority assuming respon-
slplIlty Tor such measures as may be neces-
Sary to rescue the unfortunate inmates of
the home from their peril whether such
action contemplated removal or not
The fact that 1000 veteran survivors of
the civil war, many of them members Of
the Grand Army of the Republic, and all
OF them the object of the sentimental re-
gard of the nation, are penned up within
the narrow precincts of the home, exposed
to infection, is likely, 1t is said, to arouse
the sympathy of the country. Ii has aIways
been the policy in yellow fever epidenics
it is claimed, to thin the population around
the infected district, deprivtng the fever OF
material to feed upon. This. of course was
done under proper surveillance to prevent
spreading the contagion to uninfected dis
tricts. Gov Tyler's recommendation for the
removal of the inmates is in line with this
policy.
Gen Corbin said today that the War De-
partment has no more authority to remove
these men from the Soldiers Home than it
would have to pick up and transport any
other body of private citizens and would
have no funds to defray the expenses
.onrd of Managers Control.
The control of the Soldiers Home at
Hampton and the other volunteer homes
is vested in board of managers, appointed
by the President. The Secretary of War
and the President are ex-officio members
of this beard, and Gen. Franklin is presi-
dent of the board.
The War Department this afternoon de-
cided finally to send the Fort Monroe gar
rison to Battery Point, Delaware. 1t will
be remembered that the order issued last
Monday directing the removal of the gar
rison gave Gen. Merritt, commanding the
oepdrtmeht OF the east, authority to desig-
nate the station. He chose Battery Point.
Surgeon General Wyman of the marine
hospital service has earnestly protested
against sending the men to that place. but
the War Department has decided to uphold
Gen. Merritrs recommendation.
The department has also decided not to
take the initiative in any movement relat-
ing TO the inmates of the Soldiers Home T
Hampton 1t is said that if the board of
managers of the Soldiers Home call unon
the department for aid assistance will be
given in carrying out any plans the board
may suggest, otherwise the department ill
do nothing in the premises.