Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-01-13

the testimony delivered -Dy hbA bciOip
the commission yesterday. a letter OF
transmittal explains the action OF the
Gen. Miles said this morniDg that ne
had taken no action in regard to the
publications in the newspapers at
tributed to Gen. Eagan villfying bin,
in some instances with obscene ian
puaee. and ne did not intend TO take
euy action until the authorities i'm
mediatelv over Gen. Eagen had had an
He is indignant, but
calm. He saws that he has authority
to order Gen. EAgan under arrest, but
he would wait Tor others to take the
initiative. He doesn't think the Ian
guage Injurious to him, but its full pub
LEGATION in the newspapers constitutes
the gravest military otfense. General
Eagan refu5es TO say anything at all,
and keeps to his Office.
Ger. Wood. recently returned from
Santiago, testified that ne and many OF
MS men had seen harder times as to
food and everything else Incidental to
army life in Indian campaigns IN the
West than st Santiago. The food was
ample aud there were no complaints ex-
cept from volunteers. There was, he
said, absolutely no trouble with regard
10 refrigerated beef when it was handled
and eaten under conditions for which
il was intended. He said that, all
things considered, the conduct of the
war had been eminently successful and
should be entirely satisfactory TO the
American people.
Col. James Sexton, commander-in-
chief of the Grand Army OF the Re-
public and a member OF the war inves
tigalion commission, is very sick at the
Arlington Hotel. He has infamma.ory
rheumatism and kidney complaint that
give rise 10 grave fears.
TIE annual report Of the interstate
commerce commission was made public
to-day. The commissioners maintain
that the law, in its present shape, can
not be enforced. Recommendations
Tor amendment Of the law, previously
made. are repeated. Rate cutting. it is
said, Is still prevalent, but the genera!
public Is 10. benefited, as only the big
Shippers. the men OF great cap!:al, are
favored. Smaller dealers ara injured,
often ruined, by secret rates.
The entire time of the cabinet meet
ing to day was aiken with general
discussion of the testimony Of General
Eagan before the war investigating
commission yesterday. The different
members OF the cabinet declined to ex-
,r SO their opinions as to what ought TO
be the course persued and would only
say that the entire matter has been LETT
TO the President and Secretary Of War
who will take whatever action they
deemed desirable. 1t is most probable
action will be taken bat whether it vii.
iisa TO the dignity OF q court-martial
c2unot be ascertsined. 1t is suggested
ay friends Of Gen. Eagan that IN case
ofeither court-inartial or court OF in
ouiry he would have sufficient defense
ia the fact that st the beginning of the
investigation Secretary Alger publicly
declared that no army officer should
come to harm on account OF any testi-
mony given before the commission.
4 member OF the cabinet stated after
the meeting that the opinion of the
members that Gen. Eagan'a language
10 his testimony yesterday went beyond
the limit which should be regarded by
an officer and gentleman. He also
stated that come action would surely be
taken.
The House appropriation committee
has received petition from clerks in
quartermaster's Office of the War De-
partuent requesting additional compen-
sation for extra service rendered during
the war with Spain.
Rev. Sam W. Small to-day fled a Pc
tition OF voluntary bankruptcy in the
Supreme Court Of the District. He
places his liabilities at IS, 432 Is, and
assets at 5000.
A newspaper reporter, acting as
spokesman for g number OF his craft,
asked Secretary Alger, in the hearing
of q large crowd of people this morning,
il the department had taken any action
regarding General Eagan'5 statement.
The Secretary Redeemed, and address.
ing every one in the room said loudly /:
do you think that is q proper ques.
ton to ask me?n Eyes" replied the
reporter. For moment the Secretary
tried to annihilate the questioner with
whitening look. For another mo-
ment he seemed to be upon the point
of another retort. Finally he turned
around and hurried angrily away.
EMr. N. B. Harlow of Alexandria, and
Senator Martin and Congressman Rixey
OF Virginia were at the War Department
yesterday evening in reference to the
Kettle Bottoms Improvement in the
Potomac. Mr.. Harlow got there all
the information that was obtainable on
the subject and submitted it to the
chairman OF the House river and harbor
committee, but ,judg ng by the past that
Will be the eud Of ii, unless the solid
Virginia delegation in Congress make
it their business to urge the necessary
appropriation.
In the Senate to day Mr.. Martin in.
troduced a bill TO promote and retire
assistant surgeon J. T. Bransford Of
Chesterfield. Virginia, who took charge
of gun on the Gloucester at Santiago
and was complimented therefor in naval
orders. II is thought the bill will pass.
The following changes in the fourth
class postoftices of Virginia were made
to-day Aliens Creek, Amherst coun-
~, Emmett D. Major appointed post
master, vice R. &. Christian, resigned;
Stone Mountain, Carroll county, Field
en- L. Collier, vice ]. W. Marshall, re-
signed.
General Miles is lucky. The unseen
~ language General Eagan applied
to him Yesterday is SO generally con.