The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-01-14
in ARMY CIRCLES.
Eagan's Conduct is Considered n
Grave Evcnt-War Department OIL
cials Wish the Department Could
"lFasli lis Linen Indoors"


Grave Evcnt-War Department ON.
cials Wish the Department Could
"IFasli It's Linen Indoors"
WASHINGTON, D. c., Jan. 1S:-Army
circles this morning had scarcely re-
covered from the shock received yester-
day by the statement OF CommIssary
General Eagan. Still, in the consider
alton OF the matter. the officers had
reached the point where they began to
appreciate the real gravity Of the event,
and to understand that it was not to
be discussed lightly. and without due
thought OF the consequences. the case
being one without precedent in the mil
itary history OF our country. Therefore,
there was notable dLsIncllnatioa on
the part Of the officials to express for
publication their opinion on the merits
OF the case. This was true from Sec
retary Alger down to the lowest COM
missioned officers. But, privately, 1t
was evident that nearly all regretted
the incident, md deplored!it as calcu-
i
was pointed out that the immediate cf-
feet would be 10 accentuate more
sharply the division OF the army into
two camps. and thus 10 injure the
chances of the enactment OF lcgisla-
ton favorable TO the military establish
ment..
The sober second Judgment Of the
coolest minds on both sides, meaning
by that the friends OF General Eagan
and the friends OF General Miles, are
inclined TO the opinion that no action
Will follow yesterdays eruption. 1t
has already been intimated at army
headquarters, accepting theoretically
General Eagan's disclaimer OF his re-
sponsibility to the major general COM
manding the major general OF the army
as binding, that this places the respon-
slbility for anything he says or does
on the department.
Presidents Solemn Promise.
The department, however, is stopped
from action In this case, no matter what
the inclination of the officials might
be, by the fact that the President has
given his solemn promise to protect
the witnesses who might appear before
the war investigating committee from
the consequences OF any testimony
they might give there. He was COM
pcticd 10 give this pledge at the begin
ming OF the investigation, by the open
iniimations in certain quarters that
army officers would not dare to testify
to all they knew that would reflect up
on the administration of the war de-
partment. When General Miles made
his first statement before tho commits
sion. IN which lie spoke OF embalmcd
beef as being furnished the soldiers.
General EnSan resented this, but found
upon sounding the officials OF the de-
partmeHt that he could no. prefer
charges against General Miles OF slnn-
derinS him. rs he desired to do, because
The Presidents promise protected the
commanding general. ns well us NIL the
other witnesses. This led 10 General
EQgan's attempt, BY Il letter, addressed
to General Miles. 10 learn if lie Ind
said the things published In the news
papers us part OF his testimony.
EaSan's Purpose.
The purpose was to secure rcpcti-
ton. II possible, outside or the commits
sion's chambers. OF the offensive state
merts. In which case tho foundation,
General Engan thought. might have
been laid for formal charges. This
attempt. however, failed, and General
EnSan, being thrown bnck upon the
testimony given by General Miles bc-
fore the commission. and finding him
beyond reach. according 10 the rules Of
military law, awaited himself OF the
sumo means. according 10 his friends,
Of redressfng his grievances. Accord
Ing 10 this view, therefore. the matter
han narrowed down TO u personal issue
between the two officers. for the reH-
Rons stated. the army officials advance
Ina this now Rtp tRn,nnt that nnIthSr thn
rfRsllfElf ~ Ep1:HiaHlsY,!n:eA.rf VI