The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-04-25
COGHLAN WILL
Be DISCIPLINED
First to Lose Command
of the Raleigh.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

NEW YORK. April 24.-The Herald's
Washington correspondent sends the
following: Before the Raleigh leaves
New York tomorrow for philadelphia
Secretary Long is expected by we'll
informed officers to take action which
will relieve Captain Joseph B. Coghlan
of his command.
In any event, it is said by these Off
GERS, that unless Captain Coghlan's
letter satisfactorily explains the indis
Greet speeches made by that officer he
will not be aboard the vessel when the
President goes to Philadelphia to par
ticipate in the festivities there.
Secretary Hay having removed all
chance of friction with Germany in
consequence of Captain Coghlan's re-
marks by a frank explanation. the only
thing that remains to be done to finally
close the incident is to carry out the
promise made to the Berlin Govern
ment to discipline the Raleigh's com
mander. This will be done immediate
ly upon the receipt of the explanation
which Captain Coghlan has been called
upon TO make.
Secretary Hay promptly closed the
diplomatic end of the incident during
a talk he had with ambassador Won
Hollenben, who called at the depart
ment to express the regret of his Cow
eminent that an officer of the United
States navy should go so far as to
discuss the conduct of Germany in the
manner that Captain Coghlan had done
both in the speech before the Union
League Club and that delivered at the
Army and Navy Club banquet Satur
statement that the Secretary replied
practically in this manner:
The remarks of Captain Coghlan, as
reported in the press, were indiscreet
and improper in their character. They
were said to have been uttered at a din
ner party given by a private citizen in
a private room of a club, and could
therefore have no public character
whatever The Navy Department
would take such disciplinary measures
as might seem proper.
The German ambassador was natur-
ally much gratified at this prompt eX-
PLANTATION Of Secretary Hay, and &C
quainted his Government by cable,
with the result of his call. The en-
bassy officials find it difficult to detach
Captain Coghlan from his position as
an officer of the United States navy.
and therefore they insist he should
be disciplined. The ambassador is
willing to wait, however, for the Navy
Department to take action, feeling as
sured that it will be of such character
as to fully atone for the offense.
l understand the complaint Of the
German ambassador has been brought
by Secretary Hav to the attention of
both the President and Secretary Long.
The latter called at the White House
to-day and talked the matter over with
the President. but so far as could be
subsequently learned there has been no
change in the programme which the
Secretary outlined on Saturday even
ing
Before taking action the Secretary
will await the receipt of the corrected
version of Captain Coghlan's speech
from that officer, with a statement in
explanation. He hopes that Captain
Coghlan mailed his answer this even
ing, so that he can get it before the
Raleigh sails tomorrow.
Naval officers scout the idea that
Admiral Dewey requested Captain
Coghlan to lay the facts regarding the
conduct of the Germans before the
American people, as they say he is too
gOOd QlSClpllndIldn W even eli Tain
the idea. Admiral Dewey is not con-
cerned in the matter in any way, as
Captain Coghlan is not now under his
command. and he will not be consulted
as to the action which the department
will take.
The Navy Department has no present
intention of court martialing Captain
Coghlan and will confine its action to
relieving him of his command, should
his explanation be unsatisfactory, and
writing him a letter of censure.