The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-02
MAI. KOEHLER FACES
LONG PRISON TERM
Conviction on Grave Charges
Might Bring Sentence
of 80 Years.
PHOTOGRAPH IN EVIDENCE
Accusations VIII Not BE Printed
Even In Report to
Washington.

Srw LONDON. Conn. March These
in the secret trial Of Major Benjamin VI.
koehler at For. Terry on Plum Island on
charges OF grave immortality. The names
are given In the order in which they were
heard by the court. Capt. Philip II.
Worcester OF tho Coast Artillery, Lieut..
Austin q. Fricl,. Coast Artillery, Second
Lieut.. Harry L. King. Coast Artillery. Fort
Totten; James Ward. civilian. ex-Sergeant
AZ Fory Terry Harry Wilson. civilian, ex-
private at Fort Terry.
Capt. Worcester and Lieut. Fr,ck are
stationed at Fort Terry and are the pr,n-
c!pai accusers Of Major Koeh.er.
The specifications against Major Koch
Ter will not be printed even in tho official
report OF the court-rnar;!al sent to Wash
ing;on. Lieut.. Frick on the witness stand
told a story with names. dates and places
extending over a period OF several years
since Lieut.-Col. Richmond p. Davis was
In command OF Fort Terry.
The testimony OF Capt. Worcester and
Second Lieut.. King wns unimportant
James Ward accused Major Koehler Of
immortality. pointing his finger at tho
Major from tho witness stand. A photo
dence against tho accused man has been
introduced in evidence.
Gravity of the Charges.
Major Koehler will allegc a conspiracy
to secure his downfall. The character
OF the charges against him is such that II
convicted h. may be sentenced to ninety
nine years In prison. He is ~ years old.
anything approaching the maximum SEN
tence would be life imprisonment A con-
viction would carry dismissal from the
army in complete disgrace
Major koehler will aiege that certain
officers at Fort Terry conceived q personal
hatred OF him and conspired TO compass
his ruin by these charges. The blacken-
ing evidence against him will be- explained
in "A manner that he and his counsel
believe will be absolutely convincing evil
dence OF franeup.
Only five OF the thirty-five witnesses
for the prosecution have 80 far been
heard. Only about twenty OF these Wit
nesses will take the stand in person. The
deposltlons of the rest have nearly all
been received to DO used against Major
koehler.
marry N.IScn eN.prlNate AT fOFt Terry.
was the other witness at the court mar
tails last session on SATURDAY besides
James Ward Wilson told the court that
he had no personal knowledge Of any
such acts as Major koelller STANDS ac-
cused OF. After various efforts At ques-
tioning him he was excused. -
To Coerce stubborn witness.
The court IS said 10 have teleg-apAed
s.. I
the Federal Court there compelling VIII
son TO testify wish "A view TO having him
adtadged IL. contempt OF court II he still
refuses TO answer questions. Wilson was
then Lex go. Another cN-soldier at Fort
Terry named Davis IL still held az the
for1 rs a witness for the prosecution.
One OF the witnesses declared 10 d
SuN reporter to-day that Major Koehl.r's
conduct had been the subject OF damaging
report about the fort ever since. ~ a
newly created Major. he took command
in July. 1871, This witness declared that
nothing was ever dore In regard 10 the
alleged misb-havior OF Major Ko.hl--
until he incurred tho enm!.y OF certain
officers.
The first o. the expected transfers from
Fort Terry came yesterday and was effec-
tive to-day. Capt. Ellis OF the Coast
Artillery was ordered TO general recruit
ing duty At Fort Slocunl, New York. He
said:
II was expecting II. am glad 10
get away from the fort. No. do not
know whether or not I shall be called
as witness III the court-martial. | have
not yet been served with Il subpoena
Lieuts. Steeso, Humphreys and Smith.
the last two from Fort Monroe. have been
sent For to testify. Col. Sidney :. Jordan
who's. failure TO appear to sit as u mem
be OF III. colrt-ruartIal excited much
eDp,llAt and della s.l the trial a.
did not come. Il has since been learned be-
cause he ~ TO be called ~ "a witness.
whether by the prosecution or defenc. Is
uncertain.
The secret trial goes on Tomorrow