Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-04-24

VIII take is not yet known, whether he will
simply be reDrimanded and relieved of his
command, or whether he will be court
marualed on charges of conduct unbecom-
ing an officer and a gentleman. The mat
ter Is under consideration by the authori-
tleS To-Day, and action is suspended pending
the receipt of Capt. Coglan's response to
Secretary Longs request for an explana-
tlon. The ordering the officers trial by
court martial would necessarily involve his
arrest ana relief from command of the Ra-
leigh. Although the Navy Department is
disposed TO be lenient with Capt. Coghlan
on account of his distinguished services in
tne philippines, it is conceded that it cam
not consistently overlook his alleged fla-
grant violations of the ethics and regula-
uons of the service
The incident is not likely, in itself. to
lead to any serious trouble with the Ger
man government. Its occurrence at this
.iine e Is regretted as particularly inoppor-
tune, when the governments have lust
reached an am!cable agreement for the set
it lonisiil ol amor her disputed question in con-
hecIioh with the Samoan government.
Now Suffering Penalty.
Although standing high as a man of
courage and determination. Captain Cogh-
Ian has never been conspicuous for a dis
play OF tact and discretion when the exer-
else of those qualities was especialIv desir-
able. Captain Coghlan is now suffering the
pehaty OF previous lack of self-control in
the performance of his duty Some time
ago he wrote letter to Mr.. Moran, a clerk
IN the bureau of navigation. accusing him
OF persecution and threatening to get even
with MN II it took him the rest of his life
1T Is said the letter was very profane and
ABUSIVE 1t was turned over to the Secrt-
tary OF the Navy and Coghlan was court
martialed. He was sentenced to a long
tefm OF suspension from rank and duty,
ana during that time lost thirteen numbers
ne rega1hed six OF these, however through
ms promotion for gallant services in the
pattle OF Manila bay. lie recently asked to
nave the other numbers restored to him.
and the department had the matter under
favorable consideration when the present
issue arose.
1t is questionable whether Captain Cogh
ian can make any explanation OF his recent
conduct that will relieve him entirely from
punishment, unless he is able to show that
he has been entirely nisrepresented in the
matter. and did not make the remarks AT
tIlbuted to him. Inasmuch as he has re-
peated his criticisms of the German admiral
several times, it is not expected that he will
attempt to shield himself on the ground
that he was misquoted.
Secretary Hays Disclaimer.
The Cosh!an controversy will probably
be deprived of all international significance
by formal disclaimer by Secretary Hay
on behalf Of the United States government
OF any responsibility for the utterances of
capt. CoehIan with respect to the German
government or any of its representatives.
rms Will leave the settlement of the case
SO faf as this government is concerned in
the hands of the Navy Department. There is
ground for the statement that Secretary
Hay has not made an apology to the Ger
man government except in so far as such
acton may be embraced in a formal eX-
preston OF regret to the German anbassa-
dor for the unfortunate incident
The Announcement In Berlin.
BERLIN, April 24.-It is announced in a
semi-oficial note today that the United
States Secretary of State Col John Hay
has expressed to the German ambassador
at Washington. DIR. Won Ho,leben. his
strong disaRpsngabPf the conduct of Capt
Joseph EfS e5fasf of the United States
cruiser Raleigh.