The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-10-07
The Former Secretary Makes Many
Drastic Comments on Their Action
in His War Volume.

General Alger's book on the Spanish
American war, which, his publishers
state, "has been delayed and changed
because of the death of President McKin-
lew" will be issued next Thursday.
Opening his book with survey of the
Cuban situation I'm 1895 General Alger
savs.-i1ffii he thoHehtfei- observer ef public
events during the years 1S95-is97 need
hardly be reminded that both the Cleve-
land and the Mckinley administrations
sought by every honorable means TO avoid
complications with Spain. though pro-
testing against the conditions prevalent In
cuba"
He then comments upon our unpre-
parcduess for war at that time and the
splendid spectacle OF the country's re-
sponse to the governments ultimatum
upon Spain. He then leads the reader
through the hurried preparations for
war. its embarrassments and difficulties.
the persecution Of the office seeker. the
disappointment OF hundreds ef- volunteers,
the demands Of sea coast cities and towns
for Immediate and impossible protection,
and the savage criticism OF the military
administration plans OF campaign. and
the battle with the apparently endless
list oi shortcomings and grievances.
EMBARRASSMENT CRITICISED.
Then follow the plans of campaign. the
er1barkation at Tampa. which was Sc
vsreiy criticised az the time, but which,
General Alger is now convinced that, All
things considered was not y mistake.
'rhe account of the march on Santiago
is graphically pictured, and prepares one
for the nght at FL caney and san Juan.
The Round Robin" incident comes in
for a fair share Of space. While the ne
gotiafions for surrender were pending be-
fore Santiago. the general officers of
Skaters army. met and signed a Round
Robin which was given out for publica-
ton.
This paper showed great alarm over
Tho threatened coming OF yellow and en-
tcr,c fevers. and went on 20 say this
army must be moved at once or il Will
periah" OF the Round Robin hself.
General Alger says he has no criticism
10 offer. But he does criticise the pub
licaton OF H. saying that ~ was one of
The most unfortunate and regrettable in
cidents OF tho war.
General Alger reviews at length the
differences between General Shafter aud
Admiral Sampson. aud quots many Off
In these words:
CALLS SAMPSON JEALOUS
"It n difficult 10 account for Admiral
ssmpson's seeming attitude toward the
army during the operations before San
tiseo, as well as TO excuse him for his
contradictory statement subsequently,
made in his official report
After the 81 OF July the admiarls con-
duct was due to the keen disappoint-
snent resulting from his non-participst ton
in the engagement with Cervera's squad
ron.
Possibly he feit that Skaters request
Cor conference on the morning of July
a. innocent though IL was. was respon-
.ible for his being deprived Of tho honor
actively participating as commander
sr-chicf IN one Of the most rema rka BILE
victories IN the annals of naval war
fare"
or the Miles Egan controversy over
The alleged furnishing Of cmbaimed beef
10 the army. General Alger says
The commission appointed by the
president az my request 30 Investigate the
conduct OF the war department M tho war
With Spain. commonly known az the
War Investigation. or the Dodge Commis.
sion. met ON the 2Nh day of September.
1905. Up 10 the glst OF December. 1895 this
commission had taken testimony iu H.
towns and cities and ~ many different
camps. granting wherever Il went 10 the
citizens. soldiers or eX-soldiers an oppor-
tunlty 10 appear for complaint or testi-
noony Of amy Kind regarding the conduct
of the war
The commission visited numerous
camps In which there were stu many
thousands Of soldiers. both regulars and
volunteers. who were invited 90 give their
evidtnce withou, regard 20 rank or ser.
Vice
"Ou The .lft of December the major
general commanding The army of the
United states appeared before the COM
r1IssFo1. then siftfng VI WashIncton. and
made hir statement with respect % the
canned. fresh and refrigerator meat fur
nished 10 the army during the war
ATTACK on MILES.
Although the commission had been
sitting nearly three months. the charge
v1to respect 10 canned and refrigera,ed
hsef were now made for the nrst time