New-York tribune., 1901-04-17
FRAUD TRIALS TO BE PRESSED.
GENERAL. MACARTHUR ASKED FOR FUR
THEIR INFORMATION-DENIA FROM
MAJOR DAVIS.

Washington April 16-Secretary Root to-day
a cable dispatch General Macarthur asking for
additional information concerning the reports or
frauds in Manila. A reply is expected tomorrow
While definite instructions have not been given
General Macarthur heretofore 10 make search
ing and complete investigation II is understood
that the requests for information were OF a char
acter to imply that the department expected such
an investigation to be made. Nothing definite has
been received from General Macarthur about the
alleged frauds. although reference has been made
to the investigation in cable dispatches received
from him. The first dispatch said there had been
exaggeration in the press reports. but the per-
sistence with which the reports have been reiter
ated. and the press dispatch to-day giving names
and specific amounts. have indicated the de-
partment officials that perhaps General Macarthur
fully advised when he made his first
port. The department intends have all the in
formation possible on the subject, and General
Macarthur will be expected TO push the trials and
make complete report of any and all wrongdoing.
Major George B. Davis. whose name men
toned in a dispatch from Manila being credited
on the books of Evans q Co having received
lOOl is In Washington. To reporters he would
say nothing when asked if he desired to reply 10
the assertion. He called upon by the War
Department. however. for an explanation. and said
he knew nothing about the matter. He closely
questioned, and said that he never had any money
from the firm mentioned had not borrowed any.
and could not explain why any charge should have
been made. Although he is In this country on
sick leave. he will Manila, and if the
matter is not cleared up when he arrives there he
will demand court of inquiry.
Evans of the firm of Evans Il Co.. is known to
some army officers in Washington Evans in
this country snort time and may be in
New-York, if he has not returned to Manila. 1t
is not known whether he is an Englishman, a
American a Canadian. He Niagara,
although from which side of the river is known.
At the Commssary Department General Weston
spoke of his subordinate. Colonel Woodruff. in the
highest Colonel Woodruff always has
borne the highest reputation in the army a
splendid officer and thoroughly honest man. he
said. There might be opportunities for small
frauds in a great depot such that Manila
but there would have be cousion among the
officers and the serSeants in charge il frauds
carried to any great extent. 1t depends largely
upon the honesty of the commissary in charge to
prevent any wrongdoing, and he would be very
likely 10 know If there was anything crooked going
on in large way. Where much business is
done 1t is almost impossible make an inventory
| of goods hand Before such inventory is
completed half of the goods may have been taken
away. The usual method is for the commanding
general and the commissary officer in charge to
go through the warehouse and inspect the stores
| and make statement to the stores hand at
a given time. It is recognized that such busy
man General Macarthur would be able to
make such an inspection. and even If he did he
would have to take the word of the commisSary
| for nearly everything, So matter of fact the
chief commssary has almost exclusive control and
is the held responsible. 1t is for this reason
] that a man of experience and rank is selected