New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-05
GENERAL EAGAN EXPELLED.
NO LONGER MEMBER OF THE
LOYAL LEGION.
fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]

fBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBUNE.1
Washington. May A Brgadier General
Charles P. Eagan. formerly Commissary Gen
eral OF the United States Army, is no longer
member of the distinguished Military Order Of
the Loyal Legion. At a largely attended meet
ing of the District Of Columbia Commandery
last night resolution was passed by vote OF
more than two-thirds OF those present, declaring
General Eagan's membership in the organization
forfeited This action was taken as result Of
the finding of the court martial which tried Cen
eral Eagan for conduct unbecoming an officer
and a gentleman because of his vituperatve
Miles before the War Investigating Commission.
General Eagan did not lose his membership,
however without a desperate struggle on the
part Of his friends and supporters. The resolu-
ton made the principal business of the
meeting Of the order. before elaborate ban
quet. Commander John NJ. Harlan, one Of the
Associate Justices OF the United States Supreme
Court, presided. General Eagans conduct, 1t is
said was Endorsed by some of the members pres
ent. considerable number stood up for the
deposed General. and sought to have his actions
passed over without loss OF membership in the
Loyal Legion. They contended that his punish
ment was severe and humating enough as II
is at present. and that 1t would not be proper,
considering his past services in the Army, to
drop him from the rolls
MEETING LARGELY ATTENDED.
The spirit of the meeting was. however. mani
testify against General Eagan, and his friends
unable 10 stem the tide which had set in
against him. Practically all the officers Of the
Army now in Washington were in attendance
al the meeting, as IT was we'll understood that
the question Of General Eagan's conduct and
membership would be brought up and passed
upon. In view of this fact those who were de-
termined that the conduct Of General pagan
should not go unpublished far the order
is concerned were in attendance in large num-
bers. An effort made TO have the proceed
ings conducted in secrecy and a resolution was
carried. practically unanimously. censuring the
unknown person who divuged certain informa-
ton regarding the attitude Of the Loyal Legion
in General Eagan's at the last meeting.
The resolution concerning this matter declared
that IL the name of the member could be ascer-
IL from the rolls. For this reason the members
were retcent in speaking Of the action taken
Mst night
me matter of General Eagans membership in
the organization has been under consideration
for some time-in fact, ever since the finding OF
the court-martial-and once twice before IT
has come UP in the business meetings and has
been warmly discussed. but the friends Of Cen
eral Eagan and those who counselled against
haSty action nave heretofore succeeded IN put
ting the matter off from time to time. At the
April meeting II was warmly discussed At
that time Senator Hawley was present. and took
the floor in the defence OF General Eagan. JUS
tice Harlan also left his position presiding
officer of the meeting and took the floor to ad-
wise moderation. On his suggestion the question
was postponed until last night.
CONTEST OVER THE RESOLUTION.
When the resolution declaring General Eagan's
membership forfeited was brought UP last night
the members were prepared for 1t. and lively
discussion ensued. Both General Miles and Cen
eral Eagan were auded in earnest speeches.
which were heartily applauded. The resolution
was drawn with great care. 1t having been con-
sidered that the offence Of which General Eagan
has been found guilty by the court-martial was
not such would permit the order. under its
constitution. to expe him.
The effect Of the resolution as adopted Is,
however practically the same as II declares his
membership forfeited. Consideration was also
taken of the high standing Of General Eagan in
the Army and while the majority Of those pres
ent expressed in way or another the belief
that owing to the finding OF the court martial.
n was necessary TO take some action against
him there was nevertheless Willingness 10
make the punishment sound as light as possible.
When the vote was finally taken there was
majority Of more than sixty out OF the nearly
one hundred members present in favor or the
resolution More than one hundred members
voted TO declare the membership forfeited and
about forty voted in favor OF General Eagan
General Eagan is now at San Antonio, Tex,
and n is expected that he will shortly start for
San Francisco whence he VIII sail FOR Hawan.
where his son has a large plantation. and where
he will make his home in the future.
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