The times., 1899-02-08
GENERAL WA SIiNGTON
NEWS AND GOSSIP

General EnSnn's Punishment. -
The time for making public Commits
sary General Eagan's punishment was
well selected. The conditions could not
have been more favorable if they had been
specially prepared in advance. The at
tention of the country has for the time
being been diverted from Eagan and his
case. The situation in the Philippines
and the ratification of the Peace Treaty
are the all-absorbing topics Of discussion
among the people. They will probably
hardly give second thought to Eagan and
his fate. And by the time the present
excitement dies down the Eagan matter
may be almost forgotten. Under ordinary
conditions the farcical character of Gen
eral Eagan's punishment would receive a
rough reception at the hands of the press
and the public. The Administration could
not hope to escape without severe ar
raignment for its clemency to the hero
OF the embalmed beef scandal. 1t is not
unlikely that Mr. Alger had in mind the
existing conditions when he urged the
| President to make public his decision in
the Eagan case without delay. The
truth is that Eagan's punishment is prac-
tically no punishment at all. He is, in
effect, placed upon the retired list six
years in advance of the time that he would
have retired in the natural order Of things
for age, with this difference: he will draw
full pay for the six years instead of the
reduced pay of retired officer. The
Government loses his services, whatever
they were, while Eagan loses nothing but
his reputation and his good name, which
had been forfeited already. He is given
six years leave of absence on full pay,
an honor that is only conferred by bust
ness houses and private corporations for
long and faithful services. before he takes
his place among the honorably retired
officers of the army. 1t cannot be said
| that General Eagan will be deprived of
any chances for promotion by reason of
his suspension. He had reached the high
est possible rank in the commissary
retired Commissares General living.
| Eagan will have the advantage of being
/ able to draw more pay than any of them
| for the next six years.
| Many army officers declared last night
! that the Presidents treatment of Eagan
would have tendency to destroy the dis
cipline and morale of the army Having
Eagan's example in mind, they said. any
| officer will feel at liberty to call his su-
| perior officer names whenever the spirit
moves him to do so, believing that his
! only punishment will be a mild reprimand
or a suspension with pay.
| 1t is recalled in this connection that q
number of years ago when Judge Advo-
| cate General David G. Swain was tried by
a court martial for conduct unbscomine
an officer and gentleman, and conduct
| prejudicial to good order and military dis
| cipline," and sentenced to be dismissed in
disgrace from the army. that President Ar
! thur commuted the sentence to suspension
for twelve years, but on half pay. Mr.
| Arthur was sharply citicised for his course
| in the Swain ease, but Swaim's punish
ment was Severe" when compared to that
meted out to Eagan.
Some curiosity was manifested in mill
tary and political circles as to just what
| Mr.. Mckinley meant by his reference in
his formal order suspending Eagan tc
mitigating circumstances which were de-
yeloped during the trial. Many perceived
in these words vicious thrust at Major
General Miles. That the Administration is
seriously incensed with General Miles and
intends to call him to account in some way
| If possible hardly admits of doubt.