The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1906-12-21

There Is great interest throughout the
army in the eourt-martial by which Capt.
Louis N. Koehler, OF the Fourth Cavalry,
IS being tried at Zamboanga, in Fam
boanga province, in the Island of Min
danao, Philippine Islands. No similar
trial in years has attracted so much at
tention in army circles. nor has any ex-
cited so much earnest comment.
Capt. Koehler is d West Pointer with
twenty-five years Of good service behind
him. Two of his brothers were army Off
GERS. who distinguished themselves and
lost their lives IN battle in the Philippines.
Among his brother officers he Is regarded
as an efficient officer but possibly some
what severe in his insistence on strict per-
Torrance OF duty. and inclined 10 be in
a degree contentious. This is the second
trial of Koehler within a year. It grew
out Of his comment on Gen Wood for the
part he took in the first trial
Primarily. the whole trouble is due to
quarrel between Capt Koehler and Mai.
H. l. Scott, of the Fourteenth Cavalry.
The army story is that Scott, in common
with several other officers. is a protege Of
Gen Wood
Cause of the Quarrel.
The cause Of the original trouble oc-
cured when Mai Scott was governor Of
the district Of Sulu. He was command
ing officer az Jolo. and, in accordance
with army regulations. was the officer to
whom the officer Of the day reported, and
from whom Instructions were received.
In the performance Of his duties Mai.
Scott had to be absent from his Office
j great deal when thus away he dele
gated his duty to his adjutant, who hap
pened to be a second lieutenant. Natur-
ally. when Capt. Koehler came TO report
10 this lieutenant it sailed him, and be
protested. He said it was a humiliation
because the lieutenant was seventeen
years his junior in the army.
Maj. Scott in reply said he had no
intention TO humiliate Capt Koehler, and
that he had delegated 10 the lieutenant
the business Of receiving reports and
giving instructions for the convenience
of officers themselves. It rendered 1t IN
necessary for them to wait until he
should show up He told Koehler 10 re-
port 70 the commanding officer in per
son if he did not want to report 10 the
lieutenant
Koehler appealed to the department
commander, through military channels.
Maj. Scott Endorsed the letter with the
statement that Capt. KoehleT could be
admonished from this Office. but knowing
his character and reputation I do not
think he viii be satisfied until he finds
that he viii receive no cOUntenance from
higher authority
This KoehIer regarded as reflection
on his character and reputation, and he
asked a court Of inquiry This was de-
MED. He then forwarded charges against
MAJ Scott, accusing him Of conduct IN
becoming an officer and gentleman. and
making false statements. The inspector
general of the Department of MindanaO.
who was sent to investigate. reported
against Koahler. Then Mai. Scott pre-
ferred charges. and the judge advocate
general recommended the trial Of Koch
Ter. He was found guilty and sentenced
TO be replimanded. and the sentence was
carried out by Gen Wood
Criticism of Gen. wood.
The order Of reprimand was severe
one in terms. Smarting under II, Koehler
forwarded through military channels, an
apTication for the reOpening Of the case
on the ground that he was refused cOun-
sci that he was not allowed time TO pre-
pare his case, and not permitted to get
needed witnesses. In this paper he criti-
cised Gen. Wood. He said; Through
cut the trial I was harassed by the feel
ing that I was at the mercy OF a superior
who would stop at nothing 10 protect his
friend Mai Scott" This sentence forms
the basis OF the charges under which the
recent trial was had The testimony
findings. and sentence are on the way 10
Washington. and as the verdict is be
lieved TO have gone against Capt. Koehler