Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-01-25
GEN. EAGAN'S TRIAL
Accused Pleads Not Guilty, But
Qualities 1t.
his COUNSEL CLAIMS IMMUNITY
Prosecution Submits Only Two
Witnesses Against Him.
GIST OF THE PROCEEDINGS

Brigadier General Charles p. Eagan. COM
missary general of subsistence U. S. A.,
was placed on trial before a court-martial
today in the red parlor of the Ebbtt
House, charged with conduct unbecoming
an officer and a gentleman, and conduct to
the prejudice of good order and military
discipline. Thirteen days ago he committed
the alleged breaches before the war inves-
tigating commission in session in the
Lemon building. when he grossly and bold
ly assaulted Major General Nelson A. Miles,
and today thirteen of the highest officers
of the arm sat in Judgment upon the ac-
cused,
The proceedings drew very many people
TO the Ebbitt House in the hope that they
might secure admission. but while the ses
sions are to be open In the sense of per-
mitting newspaper representatives to he
present and report the proceedings, the
limited siZs of the court-martial chamber
necessarily bars out only those Immediately
concerned IN the work of justice
Arrangement of the Room.
The red parlor is on the second floor of
the Eboitt. 1t runs toward the south from
the north hall of tie building, and despite
the bright sky and strong sunlight outside,
it was dim inside. The parlor derives it's
Ae INT AiOii- tit pre- aiming itd OF the itfii-
ture and hangings. Down the center of the
south end of the room extended a long ta-
bic for the officers composing the court
This had blotters and writing material
scattered over il. AT the south end was the
seat of the residing officer, and at the op-
poslte end were desks for the judge advo-
cate ana the counsel for the defendant. In
truth, the accommodations were too small
for the convenience or comfort of those
necessarily employed in the trial. Only
afgr Iry,,r
for the press. and consequently there were
a large number of newspaper men who
Were Obliged TO take remote chairs ana
write with their knees for support.
Judge Advocate Davis was busy in the
parlor soon after o'clock. Shortly after
Mr., Frailey, connected with the counsel for
Gen Eagan. Joined him. The next arrival
was Ger. Frank, in full uniform. Then
came Mr.. A. S. Worthington the chief
counsel for the accused, and. following him.
Gen. Merritt, president of the court, accom-
panied by other officers. gorgeous in bright
uniforms and gold lace. They took their
stations around the table. but most of them
remained standing until the hour for con-
vening The time was spent in conversa-
ton and greetings.
Court Called to Order.
Promptly at 10 o'clock Gen. Merritt call
ed the court TO order and Judge Advocate
Davis then informally read the roll of Off
GERS and 1t was found that there were no
tNSSS4AeSSS' NO4 laws diLIOullCeu the ar
rangements for the accommodation of tre
newspapers and suggested that photog-
rapher be permitted TO make photographs
copies OF which could be obtained by any
newspaper desiring them.
Then Gen. Eagan. the accused, In full
uniform, looking pale but composed, was
ushered in at 1O:15 o'clock He took a seat
on a sofa against the west wall of the
room al the elbow of Mr.. Worthington
Detail of the Court
Col. Davis read the order of the Secre-
tary of War for the trial as follows:
WAR DEPARTMENT.
Washington. January IS 1899
By direction Of the President, a general
court-martial is appointed to meet in this
city, al 10 o oclock am. on Wednesday, the
10Th day OF January. 1899 or as soon there
after as practicable, for the trial of Brig
Gen. Charles P. Eagan, commissary gem
eral or subsistence, United States army.
ana such other persons as may be brought
before it. Detail for the court
Mai Gen. Wesley Merritt United States
army.
Maj. Gen. James F. Wade, United States
volunteers.
Maj, Gen. Matthew c. Butler, United
States volunteers.
Mai Cen Samuel B. NJ. Young, United
states volunteers.
Brig. Gen. Royal T Frank, United States
volunteers
Brig. Gen. Alexander c. Now. Pennins-
ton. United States volunteers.
Brig. Gen. George NJ. Randall, United
States volunteers.
Brig. Gen. Jacob Kline, United States
volunteers