The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-02-14

now able to help about the house, and
am much improved in health. Mrs
A. WALKER, CALLICooN DEPOT, n. Y.
of evidence as applied in legal proceedings
should not be adhered to. but considerable
latitude should be allowed.
RULES OF EVIDENCE FOLLOWED.
while, therefore, in general, the rules
Of evidence have been followed, we have
not hesitated to relax their application
when thought advisable. During our ses-
sions we examined 1875 witnesses. All of
these were sworn except one. who declined
to take the oath The chief examination
was conducted by the member designated
for that purpose, but each witness was
Intercepted by every member of the COM
mission who desired to do so.
"Our purpose. in the discharge of our
duties, was to arrive at the facts touching
the conduct of the war, and no effort was
spared by US in reaching that result. We
have examined the secretary of war, the
commanding general, heads Of departments
officers of corps divisions, bTigades, regi-
ments and companies, non-commissiOned
officers and privates. nurses and persons
from many employments in private life.
No man or woman who has stated 10 US
that he or she had any material matter
touching the subject of our inquiry to COM
municate has been refused a hearing.
'AT the members Of the commission have
been engaged in taking testimony. 1t has
happened that subcommittee have been
occupied in hearing witnesses at four diff
ferent places a the same time.
THE commission visited in person most
of the old camps.
CAS- a rule, the inspection was not only Of
camps, but of troops and supplies. and
much valuable information was obtained
by contact with officers and enlisted men.
AT all Of thes eplaces we have invited
sometimes with special insistence, every
person to come before us and testify who
could throw any light on the conduct of the
war department in any of its branches.
ANY charge of corruption or intimida-
ton. Of fraud or bribery in connection with
the letting of any contract, even hint of
wrongdoing, has been carefully investi-
gated.
'Tt may be said now. at the beginning Of
this report, that there has been no evidence
before us that anyone in or connected with
the war department has dishonesty re-
ceived dollar We have made persistent
efforts 10 secure the attendance of per-
sons TO whose names rumor had attached
an allegation that they knew of currup-
ton of officials in the war department, but
these men have either denied the state
ments attributed to them or have main
tanned silence when invited to tell what
they knew"
Before proceeding to a specific descrip
ton of the conduct and management of the
war. the report gives comments and sug-
gestions touching certain matters which
came under consideration as a logical con-
sequence Of the in~S,ry pursued. Referring
10 the question of retired officers, the re-
port SAYS:
Under existing laws the officers of the
army are retired when they reach the age
Of Ca We have had before us many sug
gestions made by the officers on the retired
list, who are men Of experience and dis
tinction, that this law should be so amend
ed as to give the presidenj the right 10 call
into active service any retired officer dur
ing the time of war. This right exists as to
the retired officers of the navy. and it
seems to US there is no reason why it
should not be extended to embrace retired
army officers.
''It does no tappear reasonable that an
arbitrary law should prevent. during the
existence of war, the use of experienced
men merely on account of their age. We
think it would be wise % make it dis
creuonary with the president TO use the
officers on the retired list for filing posi-
tons during war. and not trench on the
active organization that may be needed in
the field.
During the Scent war many positions
were filed by the appointment of civilians
to which retired officers could have brought
professional training, valuable knowledge
and large experience"
In the matter Of regimental officers. the
commission found that all volunteer COM
mands Offered by men of military expert
ence and training Jared much better than
those differed by amateurs. The soldiers
were more effectively cared FOR. enjoyed
better health. and were better fed and
clothed
The commission recommends for the fu-
ture a strict examination into the qualif-
cations Of all officers appointed TO The
army, regular or volunteer. The establish
ment Of schools Of instruction for mex
perienced officers taken from civilian life
10 meet the emergency created by the war
IS highly commended. Quite number Of
regular officers assigned 20 the command
Of volunteer troops adopted this expedient
and the results We're eninen-ly sa,isfac-
tory. \ most important criticism by the
commission IS q sfoLows:
The routine work in the departments.
in our opinion. Is far beyond what IS neces-
sary. and each year seems 10 increase II.
The methods employed make II almost i'm
possible % transact business promptly
The heads of ali departments officers Of
large depots. chiefs Of STAFF. departments.
corps ana divisions have necessarily been
obliged 10 give 10 details the time and
attention which should nave been given
20 matters OF larger moment No well
regulated concern or corporation could
transact business satisfactorily uuder such
regulations as govern the STAFF de3art-
menJs. and the fact that every officer Of
each q the STAFF departments holding
responsible position has been obliged %
ignore routine demonstrates the necessity
OF a thorough reform
The report now proceeds 70 take % the
subjects in their regular order. beginning
with the army
DECLARATION or WAR
'oa TIE Isl day az April. ass. tie