The times., 1899-01-14

The intimation that Secretary Alger
might ignore the remarks and fail to order
a court-martial was received with ab5o-
lutte incredulity, many OF the strongest
friends of the Administration remarking
that il Secretary Alger should venture on
such course of action he would imperil
his own position.
The commission is severely condemned
for permitting such language TO be used
in its presence. 1t is held that it should
have stopped General Eagan in the very
beginning and not have permitted him TO
finish his statement. No committee of
the House or Senate would dream of per-
mitting such words to be uttered before it.
and if it should do so its chairman would
soon find himself in utter disgrace. One
of the most prominent representatives in
the House said yesterday that the scene
would go far to render valueless the con-
clusions of the commission.
Some members declare that when Cen
eral Eagan asserts in such terms that Gen
eral Miles should not be received by gem
tlemen. he brands himself as being un-
worthy 10 make the last pretense to gem
tlemanly qualities
The incident will certainly have d strong
effect in the army reorganization bill now
pending in the House. If General Miles
continues his present temperate conduct
II is claimed, the chances are that the bill
will be amended so as to enlarge and de-
fine the duties OF the commanding general
OF the army so as to protect that officer
and abolish the anomalous situation that
exists. under which he is held responsible
for officers over whom he has practically
no control. In the opinion of many mem
bers. there is truth in the suspicion that
puts Secretary Alger at the bottom OF Gen
erai Eagan $ conduct. and they think there
is no telling how far things may go.
Congressman are disinclined to be quoted
in the papers as to their opinions, but
many OF them have privately declared their
intention to advise with the President
on the subject if speedy executive action
is not taken. A few congressman were
quite willing to be quoted. amongst them
being some of the most prominent men in
the House, both Democrats and Republi-
cans.
Mr.. Evans of Kentucky said: Il have no
: hesitation in saying that ] have never
known of so shameful an incident in all my
| life. II is the most outrageous attack ever
made on an officer of our army. Nothing
can excuse such statements made official
ly before an investigating committee,
against brother officer. | know nothing
OF the merits of the controversy. Affairs
have passed the stage when this should be
considered Eagan should be court-mar-
tailed instantly and dismissed in disgrace
from the army His conduct is outrageous
and has. disgraced us in the eyes of the
whole world
/ Mr.. Dinsmore of Arkansas, said: "I
think it very unusual and shameful that
any officer should use such language to
/ his senior for any cause, and Gen Ea-
| San should unquestionably be disciplined
/ for his remarks. They bring reproach on
! the entire service"
Mr.. Mann Of Illinois, said: Gen Ea-
| gans remarks went far beyond ordinary
| decency. no matter what the proyocation
| might be"
| Mr.. Lcitz of Ohio said: "A fash Of
| lightning sometimes reveals things that
cannot ordinarily be seen. If we can
! have a little more thunder and lightning
| in the War Department the public will
find that General Miles is the real
| military patriot here in Washington
and Will not have much interest in saving
other officers from humiliation, nor cure
much who is exposed. II they can find out
who is responsible for the unnecessary
| disease and death that have humiliated
the American army and disgraced the
American people"
Congress does not accept the idea thai