Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-01-15
TELLER DENOUNcES EAGAN
AN INCIDENT OF THE ARMY BILL
DEBATE.
The Colorado Senator Objects to Fix
Ing a Date for q VOte-Suggests
an Earlier Meeting.

A sensational denunciation OF General
| Eagan former commissary general of the
| United States army, was made in the Senate
| yesterday afternoon by Senator Teller Of
Colorado His statement included also the
administration because General Eagan had
been retired, according to the Colorado SEN
ator's charge, decoration and re-
ward for his attack upon the command
ing general Of the army.
In an appeal for the early passage Of
the pending army bill Mr. Carter Of Mon
tana declared that delay now would mean
an additional expenditure Of $500, 600 a day.
He asked that time be set for vote. but
Mr.. Teller objected.
Absolutely no progress was made with
the measure yesterday not single amend
ment being disposed Of finally.
MIR. Hawley's Appeal.
After The Stars report of the Senate pro-
ceedngs was closed yesterday afternoon
Mr.. Hawley made an appeal to the Senate
to cease discussion and pass the bill. He
pointed out the necessity of action in order
that the volunteers in the Philippines
might be relieved and withdrawn.
Twenty thousand men," said he will
have to cross the Pacific before the 1st of
July. and yet senators are here discussing
ihdp'Cis tldt were settled long ago.
Fellow senator's" concluded Mr.. Hawley,
earnestly, Il beg you to let this bill go
through and to start the work Of raising
troops to relieve the boys in the Philippines
/ want the money and the order to raise
troops to supply the deficiency and put
down our enemies, keep our flag floating
In the Philippines and maintain our HONOR
Mr.. Spooner (Wis.) advocated the enact
ment of that part of the bill which con-
ferred upon the President discretionary
thority to increase the size of the army.
1t added fexibility to the law, which he
regarded not only desirable. but neces-
sary. MIR. Spooner contended that the
pending bill conferred no authority that in
his opinion was dangerous, none that de-
tracted from the power of Congress and
none that was Objectionable.
Mr.. Mallory, in opposing the bill. could
see no reason why Congress should take
contemplated by the bill" He attacked
particularly the power conferred upon the
President to increase the strength of the
army.
a bill changing the time of holding the
circuit and district courts in the northeast
ern division of the eastern district of Ten
nessee was passed.
cussion Of his amendment was postponed
until today.
An amendment was offered by Mr.. Teller
to that section of the bill which author
has been suspended from duty either by
sentence of court-martial or by executive
order in mitigation of such sentence, strik-
ing out the words has been and Substi-
tuting therefor shall be hereafter"
After saying that the section had been
Incorporated in the bill for the purpose of
enabling the President to retire Genera!
Eagan, former commissary general of the
army Mr. Teller declared it was retained in
the bill in order that an officer of the army.
Major Joseph W. Wham, might be got rid
of. He cannot be gotten rid OF In any
not to be gotten rid of in any circum-
stances
Denunciation of EaSan.
In the course Of his remarks Mr. Teller
adverted to the case of Gen. Eagan at
some length. OF the beef furnished the
army he said, it was boiled and canned
and of very ancient lineage, some Of which
had made trip to Europe and back. be-
Ing fed to our soldiers after 1t had been
condemned by European governments. Mr..
Teller denounced General Eagan in sensa-
tional language LAS an officer Of the
United States army said the senator, "he
made an exhibition of himself and showed
himself to be miserable blackguard.'
Referring to General EaganS denial OF
General Miles charges as to "embalmed
beef" Mr.. Teller declared, This language
was brutal and low, and SO bad 1t could
not be overlooked, although there was
Mr.. Teller made a singing attack upon
the President for having retired General
Eagan, asserting that 1.-The retirement in
the circumstances, was decoration and not
a punishment and many of the American
people believe 1t was decoration and a
reward for his attack upon the general
commanding the army.
At considerable length Mr.. Teller then
discussed the case of Major Wham
Costing 100000.
t1o Of T-aIla NC ofo
ment. Mr.. Carter (Mont), one Of the mem
bers of the military affairs committee adj
dressed the Senate in an appeal for the
passage of the pending measure at an early
date He said that on the Pacific there
were only eight transports at the disposal
of the government for the transportation
of troops to and from the Philippines. By
beginning the work of transporting the
troops at once they might be able to COM
plete it by July l. the date of the expira
ton Of the present law. Otherwise it might
be necessary to employ special vessels, the
chartering and fitting up of which would
involve immense expense.
II think the Senate ought to know" said
Mr.. Carter that each days delay in the
passage of this bill will involve an addi
tional expenditure of at least $500 0OO''
II suggest" said Mr.. Cockrell (Mo), also
a member of the military affairs commit
tee, that the senator ought to have made
this statement earlier in the session and
not have waited until a mai ority had left
the chamber
Mr.. Carter said he would ask the Senate
to fix day for the final vote upon the
measure
Mr.. Teller declared Immediately that he
would object at this time to any date being
fixed for a final vote. He said he had not
unduly obstructed the consideration Of the
BILL but the propositions contained in 1t
were of such character to demand
full debate. If the party in power. said
he. desired to facilitate its passage, the
Senate could be asked to meet at IL o'clock
each day.
This bill is not a party measure" sug-
gested Mr.. Carter ut was reported to
! this body by a committee composed of
men of all parties. If the senator from
Colorado insists upon considering it as
party measure
THAT is gratuitous insult" shouted Mr..
Teller.
II was about to say continued Mr.. Car
ter, that II the senator from Colorado de-
sires to make this party measure he will
find 1t difficult to get a following in this
chamber