Evening Star Newspaper, August 30, 1898, Page 1

— THE EVENING STAR. Secklbes or ee PUBLISHED DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Ave., Cor. tith St., by The Evening Star Newspaper Company. 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres't. New York Office, 49 Potter Building. sich. Stam ts served to subscribers in the cm thelr own account. at 10 cents vents per month. Copies at the The Evenin; eity by carrk Pet -week, ot conoter, 2 cents each. By msil—anywhere in the United States or Canada—postage prepald—O0 cents per mont! Ssfurdzy Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.08. | (Entered at the Post Office at Washington. D. C., as second-class moll matter.) © AN mail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Ratec ef advertising made known on application. e Eve q Star. No 14,197. HOME, SWEET HOME a That is What the District Boys Are Longing For. THE SICK IN FIRST BATTALION The Last Arrivals Held in Detention Camp. axis THE WORK OF RELIEF Maj. O’Brien wires The Star that the main want of the District boys is “Home, Sweet Home.” Among the sick in the 1st Battalion, just arriv- ed, are: Corporal Boulay, Privates Lelmont, Brighansen, Davis, Hyer, Hickey, Johnson, Nash and Proctor. Special Prem a Staff Correspondent. CAMP WIKOFF, Montauk Point, N. ¥., 30.—The plentiful supply of deli- jed here in the greatest abun- an in Camp Wikotf was Your dance for ¢ shown in the: ccrrespon o fina to what extent these previsions were be served to che men throughout the camp, end discovered a very curious condition prevailing. Men in many of the kere were seen, and it was learned t while . Wheeler had given orders beth at srehouses and through brigade quartermasters that these provisions are to be issued liberally, it was not generally un Gerstood that this was the case, and in spite of these orders, as a rule only sick en in the general hespii and in reg- imental hospitals were getting the specfs diet. As has been stated, there is very little difference so far as their needs are con- cerned between the sick men and the so- called convalescents or weil men. They are all weak and require the most appetiz- ing and nourishing diet that can be pro- cvred. It was learned that, as a rule, a limited supply of these delicacies were be- ing used in the regiments. In many cases the quartermaster sergeants, when mess has been served, have passed around a plate of pe sricots or other articles of the special diet to the weak convalee- ents in camp, the others being confined to the regular army ration. Ice has gen- erally been lacking in the camps, although a large quantity is brought to the store- houses daily, and there allowed to melt. It could be had in abundance if it were sent fer. Seventeen large cans of fresh milk were gilowed to sour a few days ago because it was not sent for, while at the same time men were without milk in many regiment although no other one article of food greatly relished by them. It is no ea Matter for a commanding major gene: to correct these shortcomings in a camp in which there are fifteen or eighteen thou- sand men. The provisions ire here, and if regimental officers do not see that their must go unprovided for. supplies of ics, milk and other on hand requires constant work of uling. and somehow this work is not at- tended to In very many of the regiments. ov men get them the: To keep th What makes this condition disgraceful {5 the fact that offi tables are well sup- plied. The privates ean do nothing for themselves. ‘There is almost no complaint heard nong them. A “kicker” is not regarded as vod soldier, and most of to complain, and ar case when e ow what they are entitled to. They t is set before them and say noth- them don’t like Gen. Wheeler's Order. Star's correspondent s in command of the camp, and e facts befor> him. He was evi- yy much annoyed, and promptly commissary depar ate officers throughout uctions to the former ed for the sp2cial diet nt quantites, and hould see that The Wheeler, Placed the den orders to both the ar aw General 1 to his subordi and in latter that they n ‘n their commands, whether re- or well, p2 given the special bundance. General Wheeler has that a commanding officer can do that his orders are carried out, The District Beys. > Distri ‘lum’ is seeing the storehouse is to men. Col. Harri 1 toe bis tent under though he aas detail of the hos- 8 in hos- he are improving | - Today the Ist Battalion will be untly witn the of the deceased private, J rived here on the transport mains to nington for inter- ace by s of the District ef Coiumbu ment will tov £0 out of detent in a new mp. The Is in in de- tion until Friday morning. Friends of soldiers in that battalion will not be »wed to £0 into the camp. Such visitors here are onty aliowed to stand outside the wher separates them from ey call to see. After today visitors into the camp of the 2d and 3d Bat- can go ons. Major O'Urien’s Messaxe. Maj. Richard A. O'Brien, the 2a ing to 1 “The office attal of these = from the experienced ns are rapid that the ly return Cot. Marries’ Ar Minnews up to the | auk yester given assurances that if irckey could make them comfortable after their mpaign y would want for nothing. Colonel Harries was in command ef all the troops on the transport, there being about S00 solciers belonging to dif- fer Colonel Harries has some relics that will excite the interest of the people of Washington when he gets them home. One is the horse that was rid- den by General Toral.in command of San- tiago_whcn it was surreadered to the Amer- ‘fo the Editor of The Evening Sta ican forces and which was ridden by him during the month previous to the surren- der. The horse is a sprightly little animal, and he sniffed the alr indignanify and pranced about when he set foot on Ameri- can soil. Another valuable relic is a cannon that was located on the Spanish side at San- tiago just in front of the American trenches occupied by the Distriet of Co- lumbla troops. The cannon was there ready to open fire at the close of the truce and to carry death to the District boys. The troops were taken to the. detention camp and located three or four hundred yards from the 2d and 3d Battalions. First Battalion Siek. Among the sick in the Ist Battalion, D. C. Regiment, are: Corporal Bonlay. Private Belmont. Private Brighausen Private Davi ‘ate Hyer. ate Hickey. te Johnson. Nash. Proctor. The voyage from Cuba was without un- usual event. ‘Fhe sea was calm during the entire tripand but little seasickness trou- bled the soldters, who arrived in rather bet- harbor several coops of aken on board znd the soi- diers had the firs are meal they had eaten for 2 ment The Evening Star and the citizens’ relief ecmmittees of Washington have done splendid work in looking after the soldiers of the District of Columbia regiment here. Since their arrival all the local citizens here have been kept busy investigating the conditions cf the camp, and they are now assured that there will be no difficulty in the regiment getting a liberal supply of all things necessary for their comfort. Mr. Neumeyer spent yesterday in New York making a number of purchases on be- half of The Star of articles the regiment 1s not allowed by the army regulations. Mr. chairman of the citizens’ committee, has also been busy and has arranged for making the regiment more comfortable. Overcoats for the second and third bat- talions will be issued this evening when have left the detention camp, and vercoats will shortly be supplied the 1st Battalion. Towels, handkerchiefs, statton- ery, wash basins, toilet soap, ete., ete., are being sent into camp by the committees. KERN. MAKING THEM HAPPY Major Neumeyer Takes (omforts to the District Boys. More Contributions for the Relief Fund and Some Samples of Letters. A telegram from Major E. H. Neumeyer, who is in charge of the disbursement of ‘The Evening Star relief fund at Montauk, received at this office this morning con- veys the information that he was just leav- ing New York for Montauk with supplies and delicacies for the boys. The District regiment is in good hands at Montauk, and it can be relied on that Major Neumeyer and his assistant, Lieutenant Swigert, are doing everything possible for the comfort of the men. Sample Letters. Contributicns to the fund to make things cozy for the regiment continue to come to ‘Ihe Star. The following are samples of letters being received: Eyening Star Company: Inclosed finé check for $15 subscription to “the District volunteer regiment imme- diate relief fund.” My only son is a pri- - in Company C of that regiment, and ant to thank you for your effort to pro- vide for their comfort. I quite agree with you that now is the time to show our ap- preciation of their services. I am going to Montauk Point early next week, and will be glad to make further contributions to yeur fund if necessary. M. W. KERN. I am a little girl and feel sorry for our poor soldiers, and send you for them all the money I have !n my bank, which is only 50 cents; but I earned it all mysel: MLN. F. Contributions Received. The following contributions have been re- ceived by The Star for the tmmediate relief of the regiment: The Evening Star Newspaper Co. LL. Wm. Oyster. B. Hibbs & KaWee 2 A Mother. ‘hr. Xander. + $100.00 ++ 20.00 20.00 3.00 1.00 10.00 25.00 + 10.00 10.00 + 1.00 2.00 10.00 1.00 00 200 00 00 00) . B. Gurley & Co. . Sec. & Trust ¢ 1.00 + 100.00 2.00 20.00 2.00 alter H. Ac + 10.00 Hilbert Thesips + 100 5.00 10.00 = 20.00 Louis D. Wine . r Richard Sylvester 5.00 Wm. B. King + 20.00 Miss Ebber! + 5.00 Sidney Bieber. + 5.00 J. Soudheimer. + 6.00 W.-M. *. » 1.60 T. 3. Williams & Co. + 10.00 Mrs. B. Dreyfus. - 3.00 John R. Young. + 5.00 8. W. Meyer. ~ 5.00 La-te-la-sha + 8.00 M. N. F. . ww Wiiliam Galt - 20.0) .. 5.00 15.00 + 2.00 H. J. Finley... Total... DEATH OF A ROUGH RIDER. Belleved to Have Resided in W ington Prior to Enlistment. Special Dispatch to The Evenirg Star. RICHMOND, Va., August 50—A few we so a Rough Rider belonging to one of the companies from Tanipa was found in a vacant house not far from this city. He was delirious withfever. How he got there no one cculd tell. Many believed he was a deserter, and out of sympathy for i discovery was kept as quiet as ad the man taken to her ully nursed him, and a few day go he was removed to the Old Do- minion Hospital. Last night ke died. His name ed to be Stanley Wood- son, and if so his parents reside In Wash- n and he is highly commeeted. When Rough Riders were going from Tampa to Montauk Point the train stopped here and Woodson probably wandered off from ats companions while ill of fever. He is*a member of one of the most distinguished families in the south. He was a grandson of Capt. Griffin of Petersburg, _ and .a. nephew of Mrs. W. W. Parbam of. that city. Little was said about ‘his illness and efforts were made to keep his presence here u secret, as his relatives feared he was a deserter and would-be shot._ WASHINGTON, D. ©, TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1898-TEN PAGES. GEN. MILES’ COURSE Believed That He Desires a Court of Inquiry. 10 EXAMINE CONDUCT OF THE WAR The Department, It is Thought, Will Try to Block Him. COURT-MARTIAL PREFERRED No doubt is entertained in official circles that the interview attributed to Gen. Miles, and the publication this morning of various orders to substantiate the statements made in the alleged interview, forshadow an oren controversy between the general com- manding the army on the one hard and the Secretary of War and Gen. Corbin on the other. The prevailing opinion is that Gen. Miles has come to a deliberate deter- mination to make an issue on the co! et of the war, to fix his own status and to lo- cate the responsibility for bad management nd blunders which may have occurred, involving unnecessary suffering and loss of life. The communication from Gen, Shaf- ter to Gen. Miles on July 17, in which the former notifies the general commanding the army that be was told by the Secre- tary that Gen. Miles was not to supersede him in cor-mard there, confirms the state- ment to that effect made in the original in- terview, and leads more strongly to the ccnelusion that the interview was at least the result of a talk with Gen. Miles. A Star reported asked Secretary Alger this morning if he would make any state- ment concerning the publication of orders and dispatches this morning in continuance of the controversy. The Secretary declin- ed to make any statement, not desiring to enter into a newspaper controversy, One in.portant question, however, he consented to answer. The reporter asked if the tele- gram informing Shafter that he was not to be superseded deposed General Miles, the general commanding the army. The Sec- retary replied: “It did not. posed.” It is believed that General Miles desires a court of inquiry, and that if the oppor- tunity is offered him he will ask for one soon after his arrival in this country. The question whether or not General Miles was in command while at Santiago and whether Generat Shafter was warranted in his com- munication to General Miles of July 17 de- pends upon the character of the communi- cation from the department in which Gen- eral Shafter was informed that he was not to be superseded by General Miles. Article 122 of the Articles of War provides that where several commanders come together the officer of highest rank “shall command the whole and give orders for what, i needful to the service, unless other specifically directed by’ the Prestdent, cording. to the nature of the case. The Officer in Command. The construction put upon this by the usage of the army is that the ranking offi- cer shall invariably command when pres- General Miles was not de- ac- ent, not superseding the officers ranking below him, but taking command above them and of them, unless the President by direct order in the particular case desig- nates the officer of inferior rank to com- mand. If, therefore, the communication to General Shxfter from the department was an order placing him in command over Miles, ‘such an order would be in accord- ance with the rules of war, but a mere ccmmunication informing General Shafter that Miles was not to supersede him would not, according to the best authorities, have any force. General Shafter in communi- cating the fact to General Miles sa ply that he “was told by the Secretary’ that Miles was not to succeed in command, and, according to the best information available here, that was the case. It is sald that there is no order on the files of after the department p in com- mand over Miles, disvat sent to Shafter was merely a communica- tion conveying information sent from the adjutant gene: Under the a present in Santiago, was either in command of Shafter and all the army under him, or else Shafter was in command of Gen. Mil and all the army under him, Miles being subject to the crders of Shafter as officer superior, and_ there temporarily not being commander of the whole army of the United States. Secretary Alger says that Miles was not deposed, and it is understood that no formal order was issued placing Shafter in command over him while he at Santiago. This being the ease, i€ it is as it appears, it may be regarded by Gen. Miles as a pertinent inquiry and prop abject of investigation, as to what author- in the absence of an order, there was communication to be sent from department to General Shafter ad- it for a the vising the latter that he was not subject to the orders of the general commanding the army. A Court of Inqairy. If Gen. Miles is seeking a court of in- quiry, persons familiar with military meth- ods are of the opinion that the deparument will endeavor to block him in that pur- pese, and this inference is borne out by the fact that none of the assertions attributed to Gen. Miles is being called in question by either the Secretary or General Corbin pub- licly. Article 115 of the Articles of War pro- vides: "A court of inquiry, to examine into the nature of any transaction of, or accu- setion or imputation against, any officer or soldier, may be ordered by the President or by any commanding officer; but, as a court of inquiry may be perverted to dis- henorable punposes, and may be employed, in the hands of weak and envious com- Mmandants, as engines for the destruction of military merit, they shall not be ordered by any commanding officer, except upon a demand by the officer or soldier whose con- duct is to be inquired of.” ‘The President might order a court of in- quiry without its being demanded by the otficer involved, though no one but the President could do so. This would be an extraordinary thing, however, and it is not remembered that any President has ever ordered a court of inquiry which has not been demanded. If Gen. Miles should de- mand a court of inquiry, it would have to be ordered, but such a demand must be based on an accusation or imputation against him, which he aims to refute. But as the matter now stands the accusation or imputation has not been against Miles, but rather, if the alleged intsrview was author- ized by him, the imputation has been made by him against the dep&rtment or officials of the department. If any rtion made by him were denisd by Secretary Alger, Gen. Corbin, or any official of the depart- ment, or officer of the army, he would he in a position to demand a court of inquiry, but as long as his statements are permit- ted to go uncontradicted, authorities hold that h> will not be in a position to demand such an inquiry. o Either Secretary Alger or General Corbin might base a demand for a court of in- quiry on the interviews and other publi cations! in connection with this contro- versy, but it is understood from those who have talked with those officers on the sub- ject that they are not disposed to make such a and, but are more. likely to move for a court-martial. A Court-Martial. This, it is said, they may do by officially TWO CENTS. THE STAR BY MAIL. Persons leaving the city for any period can have The Star mailed to them to ary address in the United States or Canada, by ordering ft at this office, In person or by letter. Terms: 13 cents per week; 25 cents for two weeks, or 50 cents per month. Invariably in advance. Sub- scribers changing their address from one Post-ofice to another should give the last address as well as the new one for unbecoming conduct in criticising the department publicly. Th¢ @ifference be- tween having the matter before a court of inquiry and a court-martial would be that in the latter General Miles would be sub- ject to conviction, under the charge, if he were guilty, even of a teehnical breach of propriety, and this conviction would stand out prominently as a coynter to any dis- paragement of the conduct of the war which might be developed during the ex- amination of the court-martial. Either a court-martial or a court 6f inquiry could and’ would go into an investigation of the entire question of the conéuct of the war in all its branches and with reference to every detail, but in a court of ingutry at- tention would be focused immediately upon the question of the conduct of the war and the personality of General Miles would be lost sight of. Whereas, in a court-mar- tial the point of attention’ would be Gen- eral Miles himself, and, if he were con- victed of a technical breach of propriet this being the main issue, it would likely distract attention from the developments during the course of the examination by the court as to the conduct of the war, in- volving the charges of neglect to provide necessaries for the health and comfort of the army or general mismanagement in any branch of the service. Will Be Asked to Ex, in. When Gen. Miles returns to Washington he will be asked for an explanation of the recent interviews with him and the publi- cation of the dispatches of the War Depari- ment which the department has not made public. Until the arrival of Gen. Miles the War Department will not discuss the matter. Secretary Alger says that the department will not-enter into any controversy with its subordinates, and does not propose to dis- cuss matters affecting Gen, Milcs curing his abrence. As stated, there is no doubt at the depart- ment that Gen, Miles made public the di: patches of the Secretary, Gen. Shafter and himself published this morping. That such action on the part of Gen. Miles ts a breach of military regulations is said at the de- partment to be the case. It is known, how- ever, that no military court can obtain proof that Gen. Miles made public the di patches {f he and the person to whom they were furnished refuse to give the infor tion. No military court can compel a civil- jan to testify if he does not want to. Th has been developed in several militar; trials. The alleged interviews with G Miles he may be also called to account fo: y are disavowed. They would place him in the uttitude of criticising h ior officers and subject to military cipline. The Topic at the Departme The publication of the dispatch takea togecher with previous inter the Kansas City Star, was the topic of conversatioa among officers of the War Department, and the general opinion was eapressed that after the Spanish w the war between the Secretary general commanding the army i lieved that after what has occurred it be impo: ple for good relations to be es tablished again. Already there is a di: sition by some to ke sides in the ques t:on, while others deplore the conditions as tending to lower the tone of the army and to do irreparable injury to the service, Effect on Legistation. Tt is seen that such a contest will not end in the War Department, but will extend to beth houses of Cengress, and that power ful supporters of both men will engage in that criminaticns and reerim tons will be made wkich will tend to dis parage men connected with the WAT" and scriously affect the standing of the ar in the eyes of the world. Another effect whic is feared is thet upon legislation-which wilt be asked to hetter the army. It is gener- ly understood that the regular force will have to be largely increased, a: til the conquered island: re dispo it feared that legislation tn this direction be hampered by the inevitable contro- versy betweea the Secretary and the gen- eral comm inding. came MOVEME to Hong Kong to Be Dock The Navy Department has been inform2d that the Niagara, Saturn and Sterling left Caimanera on the 27th instant for Fort Monroe; that the Olympia and Raleigh have arrived at Hong Kong to be docked, and that the Yale is at Tonpkinsville ¥.; the Vesuvius at Newport, the at Fall River and the Suwanee at Norfolk. Although nine of the United States war- ships safled away from Norfolk yesterday bound for Boston, it is sa Department that this is fot to be taken as a sign that Hampton Roads is to be abandoned even temporarily naval station. Acting Secretary Allen said this morning that the department intended to use Hampton Roads and the Norfolk navy yard to the fullest extent for administra- tive purposes. It never had been intended to make the roads a concentration point for the. North Atlantic fleet. But naval vessels would be continually entering the roads, and the Norfolk navy yard would be kept pretty well oceupied in all prob- ability for a long time to come in making the numerous and extensive repairs and changes upon vessels of the fleet, that can be conveniently and safely docked and pre- pared® there The vessels that sailed yesterday will be kept at Boston only long enough to repair them, but meanwhile they will be opened to the inspection of the public, and, con- ing as they do, of the best type of cruisers, they will be objects of great ir- terest to the pul —————+ e+ —___. THE WEST INDIAN COMMISSIONERS. Members of Gen, Wade's Stafl! Who Will Accompany Him. Gen. Wade, chairman of the Cuban evac- uation commission, will be accompanied to Havana by the following members of his staff: Maj. W. E. Almy, Capt. J. B. For- aker, Maj. C. J. Allison, Capt. L. C: Gris- eem and Capt. Jay Cooks, 3d. The auxil- jary cruiser Resolute, which is to take th? members of the commission to Havana, has errived at Tompkinsyille. She will sail from New York Saturday; and proceed direct to Havana, . The cruiser New Orleatis, which is to be Admiral Schley’s flagship during his service on the Porto Rican commission, sailed from Caimanera, Cuba, on;the 26th _in- stant, for San Juan, Porto Rico, and is undoubtedly there by’ this time. Ernest L. Tosca, who has-been connected with the Havana consulate for six years and General Lee's secratury for three years, has-been detailed to go to Havana with the Cuban military commission as one of its secretaries. He will be specially use- ful because of his Knowledge of Cuban af- fairs, i Personal Mention. Dr. Wm, Gurley Schafhirt, who has been ill for several weeks, ha¥ rettrned from At- lantic City greatly improved. Rudolph Sweet of this city left with the troops at Fredericksburg, Va., for Jack- sonville, Fla. He is the grandson of the late Rev. P. H. Sweet of Georgetown and also ec.sin of Prof. Fay of the Annapolis Academy. i Chas. A. Schott sailed yesterday on the Umbria for Bristol, Enel He goes as the representative of the Jeoast and geo- detic survey to’ ation meeting of the Britist’ Association to bey ‘ico, year there in building” Dr. C. B. Purvis ana to Dujuth by of. Mackanac MR. M’KINLEY’S PLANS His Visit to Canton to Be Only a Few Hours Long. THEN GOING DIRECT 70 MONTAUK He Will Probably Bé There on Friday and Saturday Next. LONG VACA'TTION LATER CLEVELAND, Ohio, August 30.—While President McKinley very much desired to pay more than a brief visit to his old home in Canton he finds that the duties of his office are such that he will be obliged to cut his visit there to a mere call. The President will spend a couple of days in camp at Montauk Point and Camp Wikoff, so as to correctly inform himself as to the condition of affairs and the truth of the reports that have been circulated, from personal observation and contact with the men. = ‘The presidential party will be at Colonel Myron T. Herrick’s residence, “The Over- look,” on Euclid Heights, in this city, until Thursdvy morning, when they will leave for Canton, Big preparations have been made’ to re- ceive the President and Mrs. McKinley there by their old friends and neighbors and the people of Canton in general. It was the intention to make the occasion a civic jubilee. All this, however, will now be modified In a measure by the fact that President McKirley and party will only be nton for two or three hours, and will take a train for New York. Undoubt- edly the President will be given a royal welcome during his short stop over in Can- ton. On the east2rn trip, which is part of the program outlined, the presidential party will hardly stop longer at New York than will be necessary to catch a train for Camp Wickoff and Montauk Point. The President will probably be in camp at the two places mentioned on Friday and Saturday, leaving Mrs. McKinley in New Yerk city, whither he will return to spend Sunday, and then go back to Wasnington. The trip from Canton to New York will be made over the Pennsylvania road, depart- ing from Canton during the afternoon of Thursday. President and Mrs. McKinley, the latter's maid, and Mr. George B. Cor- telyou, assistant secretary to the President, ympany the chief execulive to Nw e President really had no very defin- plans for spending his time on this trip e started out,” said bis secretary de the plans aicng the way been constantly receiving tele- and other matters in connection with the war that needed his attention. President McKinley and party had intended ing two or three days with Abner Mc- y, the President's brother, at Somer- set, but the plans were changed. It is the irtention of the President to get as much st as possible while here. He will prob- y return to Washington for a short time after this trip and intends taking a longer vacation a little later this fall.” During the morning President and Mrs. McKinley, accompanied by Colonel and Mrs. Herrick, went for a drive through the par >— WILL JOIN THE PRESIDENT. Members of the Cabinet Will Go to Camp Wikoff. President McKinley will be joined by most of the members of the cabinet and the ladies of their families at Camp Wikoff, Montauk Point, next Saturday. Secretary Alger issued invitations to that effect tod Those in Washington who accept the invitation will leave here in a special car attached to the Congressional Limited Friday afternoon, and will arrive t Camp Wikoff Saturday morning. Se- pretaries Long, Bliss and Wilson and At torney General Griggs are out of the city at present, but they will in all probability arrange to avail themselves of this oppor- tunity of seeing and conferring with the President on national affairs requiring im- mediate attention. In accoraance with in- structions sent toGen. Wheeler, commafid- ing the forces at Montauk Point, there will be no review or military ceremonies on the occasion of the visit of the President, who desires merely to look over the camp and to show his personal appreciation of the brave soldiers who accomplished so much and suffered so severely in the battles around Santiago. The eabinet party’ go- ing from Washington will return to this city Sunday evening or Monday morning. +e +____ TO SUCCEED SCHLEY. Commodore Philips to Command Second Squadron of the Fleet. An order was issued by the Navy Depart- ment today detaching Commodore J. W. Philip from command of the battle ship Texas at New York and placing kim in command of the second squadron of the North Atlantic fleet, with the cruiser New York as his flasship. He thus succeeds te the command formerly held by Rear Ad- miral W. S. Schiey and to the quarters on e New York formerly occupied by Kear AGmiral W. 'f. Sampsen, as commancer-in- chief of the North Atlantic fleet. Although the latter Will remain in nominal command or the fleet during his service in Havana as a member of the Cuban evacuation con- mission, cil the rcutme duties in connection therewith will be actually performed by Commodore Philip as the second in com- mand and the serior officer present. Commodore Rush R. Wallace, retired, has been relieved from further duty as a mem- ber of the light house board ‘and ordered home. His place on the beard has been taken by Capt. J. J. Higginson, formerly commanding the battle ship Massachusetts and now president of the special board censidering the question of the disposition of the vess2!s composing the auxiliary fect. +e TERIOR DEPARTMENT CHANGES. Recent Transfers, Reinstatements, Promotions and Appointments. The following official changes have been made in the Department of the Interior: Office of the Secretary—Reinstatement, W. Scott Smith of New Hampshire, clerk, $1,600. Promction—Charles A. Clements of the District of Columbia, clerk, $1,600 to $1,800. ‘ : Penstbn office—Transfer in grade—William R. Frisbie of Arkansas, clerk, $1,800, to medica! examiner, $1,800. Promotions—John F. Blackmar, clerk, $1,600 to $1,800; Robert R. Cooke of Virginia, clerk, $1,400 to $1,600; John N. Culbertson of South Dakota, clerk, $1,200 to $1,400; John L. Paine of New York and John D. Bloodgood of New York, spe- cial examiners, §1,300, to. clerks, $1,400; Charles G. Townsend of Michigan and Frederick A. Read of New. Hampshire, clerks, $1,260, to 4 a Sit acteg AP RS Tarna ttnes L. Burritt of Wisconsin and Lincoln Fitz- ld of Iinois, clerks, $1,090 to $1,200: ry instatements—William H. Thorne of New York, clerk, $1,200; Mrs. Frances F. Cougle of the District of Columbia, Harvey G. El- ls of Vermont, Miss Thercsa G. Houghton of Massachusetts, Albert J. Xanten of lowa and Miss Nettie B. Browne of Georgia, copyists, $909. Resignations—Miss Alice L. Bannon of New York, cerk, $1,209; Hum. phrey M. Burfield of Ohio and Frank R. Mead of Minnesota, copyists, $00). Office In@ian affairs: Appointment—al- bert O. Wright of Macison, Wis. a super- Yisor of Indian schools, $1,500, vice James J. Anderson of Illinois, resigned. Promo- “ionsSamtel D. Caldwell of Pennsylva- ia, clerk, 1,00) to $1,200; Miss Elizabeth L. Gaither of Pennsylvania, copyist, $04), to clerk, $1,000. Resignation—Daniel | H! Kent of Pennsylvania, clerk, $1,200. Patent office: Appointments—Abram Meyer of New York, Simon N. Mallory of Massachusetts and James R. Ketner of Georgia, messenger boys, $300. Promotion {Alexander H. Jones of the District of Co- lumbla. assistant messenger, $72), to copy- ist. $720. eneral land office: Resignation—Chas. Z. Landreau of Virginia, coprist, S00. Jobn L. Stevens of Boone, Iowa, hee been eppointed a special commissioner to tak= other and further evidence respecting the Des Moines river land setilers, $6 per diem. George Morris of Mobetie, Tex., has been authorized to act, without co: pensation, as custodian of the Fort Elliott abandoned military reservation in Texas, vice Robert Faussett, resigned. —— +o +__ RELIEF SHIP BARRED. Havana Authorities Stop the Land- ing of Supplies. Telegraphic advices were received at the State Department today to the effect that Miss Clara Barton of the National Red Crees arrived at Havana yesterday on the steamer Clinton No. 2, with supplies for the starving inhabitants of that country, and the Spanish authorities at Havana re- fused to allow the supplies to be landed, and imposed a fine of $500 upon the mas- ter of the relief ship because he had no manifest. The matter is now under con- sideration by the authorities here, and steps will be taken to secure the landing of the supplies and a remission of the fine. The absence of the manifest 1s not ex- plained. The vessel cleared from Santiago for Havana NINE HUNDRED DROWNED Three Transports of Spaniards, Fleeing From Philippines, Lost. Sixteem Priests Were Among the Number — Foundered in a Heavy Storm. TACOMA, Wash., August 30.—The Hong Kong Daily Press is authority for :he statement that 900 Spaniards, including sixteen priests, lost their lives scveral weeks ago when the Spanish gunboat Leyte was captured by a vessel belonging to Admiral Dewey's squadron. The Leyte hed been stationed in an ad- jeining is'and, where the insurgents were numercus anj aggressive. Tie latter were gvining ground repidly, and 90 Spaniards boarded three sailing vessels in an en- dgavor'to escape massacre. The Leyte undertook to tow these three transports to Manila bay, where the Span- iards aboard ther were to surrender to Admiral Dewey, if they could not land somewhere sooner and resch Manila under cover of darkness. Afier the Leyte had towed them down Parpangas river and some distanc> along the coast a heavy storm came up, making it necessary for the gunboat to cut her tows loose and proceed to Manila for as- sistance. Before getting there she captured by the Americans the next day, and an American vessel was dispatched io find the three transports, but failed to dis- cover any trace of them. The natives on the nca:by coast say they saw nothing of any vessel. The Hong Kong press finally reached the conclus:on that the vessels foundered with all on board. ae Dee FUTILE SEARCH FOR ANDREE. Walter Wellman’s Expedition 1 formed by Northhorst’s Party. TROMSOE, Norway, August 30.—The steam whaler Fridtjof, having on board Walter Wellman and members of his expe- dition to Greenland, has returned after landing an expedition at Cape Tegathoff, on the southern point of Hali’s Island. While the Wellman party were returning they met the expedition to Franz Josef Land under Dr. A. G. Northorst at Koenigs- kar Island, and were informed that all search for Prof. Andree, the missing bal- loonist, had proved futile. Prof. Northorst’s expedition is financed by King Oscar and a number of private persons, and sailed early this year with the hope of finding Prof. Andree, the missi balloonist, who ascended from the Island of Tromsoe on July 11, 1897, and whose fate is unknown. ———— DINNER IN SCHLEY’S HONOR. Relatives and Close Friends Present. WESTPORT, Cern., August 30.--Rear Admiral Schley, who spent the night at ibe residence of his son-in-law, R. 8S. Wort- ley, in Saugatuck, left for New York eaci tcday, intending to return to Saugatuck in the afternoon. This evening, at the Wortley residence, there will be given>-a ¢inner in honor of the admiral, at which relatives and close friends of the officer will be present. Admiral Schicy leaves torrorrow for his Gutres as a member of the Porto Rico com- mission. Will Be END OF HER REGENCY. Proclamation in Holland by Queen Wilhelmina’s Mother. THE HAGUE, August 30.—The Queen Regent of Holland, in a proclamation just issued, upon the occasion of the end of her regency, her daughter, Queen Wilhelmina, coming of age temorrow, expresses warm pleasure at seeing the whole nation “ranged jeyously around the throne of the young queen,” thanks God that her dearest wish has been heard, and, after thanking the people for their loving and faithful support of herself, invokes God's blessing upon the youthful sovereign and concludes: “May our country become great in every- thing in which a small nation can be great.” a FIRE LOSS 8500,000. Nashville Business Houses Destroyed by Flames. NASHVILLE, Tenn., August 30.—Fire treke out at 2:10 o’clock this morning in the fifth floor of the large establishment of the Phillips-Buttorff Manufactory, dealers in stoves and tinware, on College street, and spread rapidly, destroying this building and those occupied by A. J. Warren, furni- ture dealers; Phillips & Stevenson, stoves «n_ tinware, and the Davie Printing Com- pany The building occupied by the 1. 21. National | ERLE rt ARRAN AE ONE THOUSAND SICK - ne Startling Report About the Troops in Porto Rico. OUT OF THE ARMY OF 16,000 MEN One-Half Are Cases Requiring Prompt and Careful Attention. Sees LIS IS INCREASING —— THE PHILADELPHIA, August 30.—The yacht May, which arrived in this city today from Porto Rico, via Newport News, brought report of the representatives of the national relief commission—ex-Minister to Italy Wm. Potter, Wm.Van Renssclaer, Louis C. Van- uxem and Dr. G. G. Graff—who went to Porto Rico to superintend the distribution of the supplies sent to the sick soldiers by the commission. The May, which was loaned to the gov- ernment by Mr. Van Rensselaer, left this city on August 6, and reached Ponce, Porto Rico, August 11. The report states that the commissioners reported to Gen. Miles and were by him referred to Col. Greenleaf, chief surgeon of the army in the field. Co!. Greenleaf ordered the seventy tons of med- ical supplies to be taken from the May and placed in the lower floor of the custom house, which is now being used as the head- quarters of the army in Porto Rico. After giving details of the distribution of the supplies, the report sa’ “In almost every instance we found the army surgeons most anxious to have at their disposition money for the purchase of needed luxurier for the sick, such as fresh milk, ice (when obtainable) and canned goods, and we are happy to report that in every case we have been able to meet the demands made upon us. The Sick List. “There are about 16,00) American soldiers in Porto Rico, and on the day of our de- parture, August 22, there were over 1,060 men on the sick ‘ist. Of this number one- half were cases requiring prompt and care- ful treatment. There was a large number of typhoid cases; but on the 22d inst this disease was not on the increase—a fact which indicates that the malady had been carried from the camps at home, and not indigenous to Porto Rico. However, there was a very large increase in diarrhoea, dysentery, dengue, or break- bone fever, and malarial disorders, due to the hot, unhealthy rainy season, just com- mencing, Which causes the water supply to be filled with mglarial germs from the con- stant decaying vegetation. “All medical authoritics in the army fa Porto Rico agree that the sick list is in- creasing, and that an alarming condition may be exp:cted ess the War Depar:- ment promptly arrarges barvacks for the army of occupation and immediately pro- vices additional transports (the hospital ship Relief being insufficient) to remove such of the sick as can be safely trans- ferred home, the convalescents and those enervated by climatic conditiens. It ts impossible for men from a northern c’ima‘e to recuperate in a tropical country during its most unhealthfcl season. Belated Medical Supplies. “In conclusion, we are giad to report that we reached Porto Rico with our medical and hospital supplies just at the time wh= they were most needed, as, owing to the lack of steam launches with which to un- Icad the vessels in the harbor, and those hard aground on the coral reef, the m jeal department could not secure its sup- plies [2ompily, and our consignment had been most carefully selected, containing many tseful articles not supplied in the hospital equipment of the United States army. “We cabled to the rational relief com- mission on the 221 instant to forward ‘ Porto Rico a consignment of Mght zr ceries, such as condensed cream, cereals canned soups, clam broth, &c., a’so paja ras and underclothing, all which are much needed in the hospitals, and are not obtainable in the is'and. Attached to the report is a letter from Gen. Mies thanking the commissioners o: behalf of the army for the supplics and for a big consignment of American flags also a letter from Col. Greenleaf, express- ing thanks for the gift of an ice-making chine, in which he says: I cannot adequately express the satis- fection with which the results of this dona- tion will be received by the sick. Ice i this country is an expensive luxury, co ing $30 per ton in Porto Rican money, which necessitates the exercise of rigid economy on the part of our meéical officers in its use. To have the output of such a machizic at our disposal is a blessing, the tenefits of wnich can only be appre by those who have served in these Pitals.” The May's Passengers. In addition to the three national reliel commissioners, the following officers and men returned on the M. Colonel Jchn W. Clous, deputy judge « vocate general, United States army; ¢ onel John Biddle of General Wilson's staff, who with Captain #iarry Alvan Hall of the 16th Pennsylvaniat and Lieutenant E. M Fuliington, also of sGeneral Wilson's staff. ure commissioned by that commander tc present to the President of the United States the royal Spanish ensign, cap- tured August 9, in the engagement at Coamo; Mr. James Wolcott Wadsworth, congressman from the thirtieth New York district; Major Clayton Parkhill, chief sur- geon, Ist Division, Ist Army Corps; on sick leave, Lieutenant John Workiser, 19th United States Infantry; Lieutenant W. Howard Pancoast, with privates A. R. Chester and Wilsen Pottor, all of Light Battery A, Philadelphia; James G. Clark and Herbert Childs of Troop A, New York; on furlough, Add'son Kelly, P. L. Over- field, Joseph Knight and Samuel Boyle, all of Battery A, and Myron R. Stowell, war correspoadent, Pittsburg Times. Dr. Graff will remain temporarily in Porto Rico, and will cable from time tc time the needs of the commission in the island. —_>_—_ JUSTICE WHITE'S DECISION. Expected to Make It Definitely Known Later in the Week. Justice White is to have a conference with Secretary Day when the latter re- turns to Washington, about the end of the present week, and it is supposed that it will be then definitely determined whether or not the former will consent to abide by his first decision to serve as a member of the peace commission. At last accounts the justice was in Cooperstown, N. Y., on vacation. M. Thiebaut, the secretary of the French embassy, had a long confer- ence with Acting Secretary Moore today supposedly with reference to the accom: modations to be provided for the commis- sion when it reaches Paris. While details are not arranged, it is believed that the Freneh government will afford the body suitable apartments in the French foreign office, and that the body will be treated with ' distinguished consideration. How-