The news & observer., 1901-01-16

TELLER MAKES AN
ATTACK ON EAGAN
IT EA ;,
HAS Shown Himself a Mis-
erable Blackguard."
AND YET He is DECORATED
Thus His Retirement is Construed by
the People.
AND YET He is DECORATED
NO PROGRESS MADE WITH The ARMY BILL
Mr.. Bacon Continues His Argument Agains
Lodging in the Presidents Hanss the
Discretion 10 Increase the Army
to Its Maximum Strength.
(By the Associated Press.)


to Its Maximum Strength.
(By the Associated Press.)
Washington, Jan. 14-In the Senate
today, Mr. Teller (Colo.) speaking on
an amendn.ent he had offered to the
Army Reorganization Bill, delivered a
sensational denunciation of General
Eagan, former. Commissary General of
the United States Army. His statement
included also the Administration for it's
action in retiring General Eagan.
Absolutely no progress was made
with the army measure today, not a
single amendment being disposed of
finally.
The pending question at the opening
of the session was an amendment offer
ed by Mr.. Bacon (Ga.), striking out
that provision of the bill authorizing
the President to increase the number
of non-commissioned officers and pri-
Yates in any troop of calvary
Mr.. Bacon declared that both the let
ter and spirit of the Constitution were
opposed to the idea of comforting upon
the President discretionary authority
TO increase the size of the army. Such
power was vested only on Congress and
the transfer of such authority was de-
parture from the principles fixed by
hundred years of American history.
After some desutory discussion Mr..
Bacon Withdrew his amendment and
offered another introducing the words
during the present eXigency of the SER
vice." so that the clause would read,
provided, that the President, during
the present eXigency of the service, in
his discretion may increase the num-
ber of corporals in any troop of caval-
ry to eight, and the number of privateS
4~- ty-siX."
allory (Fla.) said as to exigen-
il was possible an eXigency
Use for the use of an army in
inference of authority upon the
to increase the size of the
army within a maximum limit, Mr..
Foraker declared, was distinctly in line
with precedents.
Mr.. Bacon replied that the pending
measure, in which Congress abdicated
part of its power when enacted would
be permanent law.
Mr. Allison declared that the power
conferred by the bill upon the Presi-
dent could be exercised only with the
consent of Congress.
Mr. Hawley pointed out the neces-
sity of action in order that the Voun-
teers now III the Philippines might be
relieved and withdrawn.
An amendment was offered by Mr..
Teller (Colo) to that section of the bill
which authorizes the President to re-
tire any officer who has been suspended
from duty either by sentence of court
martial or by executive order in miti-
CATION of such sentence, striking out
the words "has been,' and substituting
therefor shall be hereafter
After saving that the section had been
incorporated n the bill for the purpose
of enabling the President to retire
General Eagan, former Commissary
General of the army, Mr.. Teller declar-
ed il was retained in the bill in order
that an officer of the army Major JOS
eph W. Wham. might be gotten rid of.
He cannot be gotten rid of in any other
way" said Mr. Teller. ''and he ought
not to be gotten rid of in any circum-
stances"
Mr.. Teller adverted to the case of Cen
eral Eagan al some length. OF the beef
furnished the army, he said, it was
"boiled and canned, and of very an
cient lineage, some of which had made
a trip to Europe and back, being fed to
our soldiers after it had been condemn
ed by European Governments. Mr.. Tel
ter denounced General Eagan in sensa
tional language. LAS an officer of the
United Stares Army" said the Sena-
tor, 'he made an exhibition of himself
L. 10 l1o hi
blackguard."
Mr.. Teller declared General Eagan's
language. ''was brutal and low, and so
bad it could rot be overlooked, although
there was very evident desire to over
look it,
Mr.. Teller made a singing attack
upon the President for having retired
General Eagan asserting that the re-
tirement, in the circumstances was
decoration ard not a punishment and
many of the American people believe
il was a decoration and a reward for
his attack upon the general command
ing the army
MIR. Carte. (Mont) appealed for the
passage of tte pending measure at an
early date.
Il think ,he Senate ought to know,
said Mr. Garter, that each days delay
In the passage of this bill will involve
an additional expenditure of at least
$50OO0O"
Mr.. Carter said he would tomorrow
ask the Sennle to fix day for final
vote.
Mr.. Tell4' declared Immediately that
he would obic.t at this time to any date
being fixed. Its propositions were of
such charae ter as to demand full de,
bate. If the party in power, SAID ne
desired to IA ilitate its passage, the
Senate could he asked to meet at Ii
o'clock eaca DAY.
This bill j. not party measure.
suggested Mr Carter. 1T was report
ed to this body by committee COM
posed of men of all parties. If the Sen
ator from Colorado insists upon con
sidering it o.; a party measure -
That is a gratuitous insult" shout
ed Mr. Telhr
Il was about to say continued Mr.
tF s.. srls,