The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-01-14
GEN. EAGAN CENSURED.
War Inquiry Board Returns His
Typewriter Testimony

WASHINGTON. JAN 13.-The war
investigating commission today took
prompt action on the sensational teSti-
mony submitted to it yesterday by
Commissary Gen. Eagan and sent the
statement Incorporating his testimony
back to him with the privilege of re-
submitting 1T If he chose to revise its
language. Further than this the com
mission determined it could not and
should not proceed. The commission
regrets that Gen. Eagan proceeded as
far as he did, and it is explained to-
day that the vituperative nature Of the
testimony was complete surprise to
the commission. and that but for the
rapidity with which Gen. Eagan read
his long statement and the absorbing
vehemence of its delivery, he would
have been checked at the time. One
member of the commission said today
that he was about TO move that the
witness be called to order, but decided
not to, believing, from the heated way
IN which Eagan spoke, such peremp-
tory action might precipitate some con-
troverSy.
The matter was taken up in executive
session by the commission yesterday
Immediately after Gen. Eagan had
closed, and ex-Gov. Woodbury., of Yer
mont introduced motion substantial
ly like that made public today and the
was unanimously voted at the execu-
tive session, preceding today's public
session. AT this time there was con-
siderable discussion on the point on the
use Of such language as taken advan-
tagt OF on the witness stand but the
general opinion was expressed that the
course taken in not interfering with
the testimony during it's delivery, and
then carefully considering it's propriety
was the best. AT the time OF the crea-
ton Of the commission the president
verbally assured the members that all
ishment for all they might say be-
fore that body, but members of the
commission say it was never intended
witnesses should be immune from pun
to indulge in such language as that
given utterance yesterday.
what further steps may be taken In
the matter, save as to the acceptance
or rejection of a revised statement. if
one is submitted, lies without the scope
OF the commission. If the statement is
returned with the vituperative and OBJ
Ject1onable language entirely stricken
out and with only temperate and con-
servatfve language used, the commits
sion will accept it and consider it as
any other testimony.
While the action taken today was
unanimous there were three absent
members Dodge, Col. Sex-
ton and ex-Gov. Beaver-two being i'll
with grip and the other, Gov. Beaver.
having business in Pennsylvania de
tanning him. lG
Col. DENLY, the ex-minister to China.
presided and at the executive session
expressed himself very vigorously. dis
patching Maj. Mills the official record
er, over to Commissary Gen. Eagan
with the rejected testimony, imne
diately after he had signed the accom-
panying letter. This was signed dur
ing Gen. Woods testimony, and was
made public Immediately after the ma
pers had been placed in Gen. Eagan's
hands Following is the commissions
letter:
Washington. Jan. 10. 1ss9-Brig. Gen.
Eagan, Commissary General War Denart.
ment: We respectfully inform you that after
your testimony was read yesterday, the fol-
lowing resolution was unanimously passed.
Moved That the commission receive Cen
Eagan's testimony without comment. that r.
be not printed at once, but held for the com
mission. Carried
Having now considered the questions in
volved, we have determined that in manv
instances the vituperative language used nv
you was not such ought to have been ad
dressed as witness to this board. We think
that the personal attacks and irrelevant state
ments contained I'm the papers submitted
should be eliminated, and before receiving n
as testimony, we request that you will revise
its language and if you choose, re-submit n
for our consideration. We herewith return
your papers. Very respectfully,
Charles DENLY, Vice President