New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-03-28
K0EHLER CASE ENDS,
FINDING IS SECRET
Verdict Is Believed to
Involve Serious Con-
sequences.
MAJOR SAYS HE IS
IGNORANT OF 1T
Officers Composing Court Martial
Leave Fort Terry, All
Silent on Result.

From staff Correspondent OF The Tribune
New London, Conn. March N.-The
court martial OF Major Benjamin NJ
Koehler. Of the coast artillery, for con-
duct and acts unbecoming an officer, end
Oh to-day at Fort Terry The finding was
sealed and forwarded TO Governors ISL
and. headquarters Of the Department Oh
the East Only members OF the court
knew its text. and they were under oa'h
not TO divulge it, Major koehler declared
he did not know the verdict.
After waiting two and a half days at
Fort Terry. where they assembled on
Tuesday to resume the trial after an ad-
journment Of nearly two weeks the court
met late yesterday afternoon. the session
continued late into the evening and was
resumed this morning. Before o''o
o'clock a vote was taken on each charge
and the short time il took 10 draft the
finding seemed to indicate that it was
unanimous as 20 the guilt or innocence OF
Major Koehler
The officers OF the court arrived here at
noon from Fort Terry. Colonel Henry
hUDN, pftSluSIli VI III" SN~'N
that it was over.
II cannot comment on the verdict. he
said "All | can say is that Major
Koehler had a fair and thorough trial.
The officers of the court were all excellent
men. A better body could not have been
ordered together for the purpose. The
verdict will he sent to Governors Island
From there IL will go to Washington"
Captain James j. Mayes. who directed
the case against Major Koehler, seemed
pleased at the outcome. He refused to
say anything regarding the case but his
manner was that of lawyer who had
won a hard fought victory.
Counsel for Major Koehler. Colonel
Harry J. Hawthorne. Of Fort Strong, Bos-
ton. and Samuel II. Hudson, Boston at
.orney. professed ignorance Of the nature
of the verdict.
I'VE were not allowed inside the court
while the vote was being taken Hudson
explained.
The findings Of the court must be APP
proved by higher authorities. and that
they involve serious consequences Is gen
orally believed in the garrison here.
Colonel Kirby denied that a remark OF
Secretary Garrison that the case must
end with a conviction or other court
martals would be ordered influenced the
court.
I'VE did not pay bit Of attention to
any such statement" he said. II do not
know for a fact that Secretary Garrison
did say anything OF the sort"
Major Koehler is still under arrest a.
Fort Terry. Asked il he cared TO make a
statement Of any sort. he said:
There is nothing l care TO say. have
not been informed of the findings Of the
court"
The trial. which was begun on Febru-
ary "a. was one of the most sensational
military proceedings ever held In the East
Because Of the prominence Of Major
Koehler-his brother Is a Congressman
and he is a member OF a wealthy family
as well as the serious nature Of the
charges, the case excited interest from the
time Of the exclusive announcement In
The Tribune that he was TO face court
martial.
After the evidence and findings reach
Washington It may be several weeks be-
fore official announcement is made OF the
disposition Of the case.