Omaha daily bee., 1915-01-22
DENOUNCES COURT MARTIAL
Representative Sloan Defends Major
Koehler in Speech in the
House.
oMAHANs DISCUSS PATRONAGE

WASHINGTON, Jan. a. Especial Tel
egram.)--In scathing condemnation OF the
findings of a court-martial wherein Ma
ior Benjamin NJ. <oehler, in command
at Fort Terry last year, was adjudged
guilty of conduct unbecoming an Off
Ger and gentleman. in violation OF the
sixty-first article OF war and dishonor-
ably dismissed from the service. Repre-
sentative Sloan Of Nebraska today con-
tributed ono of the ableHt speeches that
base ever been heard on the floor during
consideration Of the army Appropriation
bill.
Major Koehler ls one OF nine brothers,
one Of whom resides in>Gehoa. Neb. The
congressmsn's interest in the career of
the major dated from the time he took a
competitive examination for entrance to
West Point Mr.. sioan's speech was de-
voted to an exposition OF the findings OF
the courtmartial and errors made In ad-
hitting testimony unsupported by other
than individual witnesses and denied by
the accused.
The analysis Of the case. which at
tracted wide attention In military circles.
was listened TO with lively interest by a
large majority Of the membership of the
house, the congressman from the Fourth
district receiving congratulations on the
manner In which he marshalled the va
rious phases OF the verdict,
BiE Laad Question Up.
The Interstate Commerce commission
must soon decide one OF the biggest ana
most vital questions in it's whole history.
whether the so-called land grant rail-
roads own the unearned Increment in the
rights-of-way by reason OF the special use
to which they have been put or through
the development OF values In adjacent
lands. Director Charles A. Prouty OF the
division OF valuation. has declined to de
eide so sweeping a question OF policy. and
Il viii 80 to the commission. After that.
whichever way the commission decides,
II win probably sooner or later go into
the courts.
II the railroads do not own their rights
of-way. and II the accrued increases OF
value in thees lands do not belong e
them. then It may be found ultimately
! that the western roads are greatly over
| capitalized. The question Is one that
must be settled. and the settlement
whichever way Il goes. viii be of this
very greatest Importance,
~ Labeek Entertaias.
Representative Lobech entertained a
/ luncheon today In the cafe OF the United
states senate a number OF his old friendi
from Omaha. including Fred S. Hadrs
and wife. Charles c. Kattleman. coione
Harry n. Fleharty and wife and Arthur
p. Sprague. who with Colonel Fleharty
Is In Washington for the purpose OF iron
ing out the very much mussed up patron
age problem now existing in Nebraska.
I Mr sprague, who Is registered at tbs
nriscoll hotel. has been busy today con
ferring with Secretary Bryan. Attorne,
General Gregory. Secretary McAdoo an,
senator Hitchcock.
What has been accomplished by thes'
two doughty democratic warriors. spragul
and Fleharty. in landing jobs for them
selves cannot be divulged as yet. II &
stfl In the hist hist class, but like al
optimistic visitors on plumber bent From
the prairie state. they are hopeful.
Representative Lobeck Is elated that h.
succeeded Ia getting the 4 river-harbo
committee OF the house % extend IN
survey u the Missouri river from IA
western limits OF s. Joseph to the north
ern limits Of Florence. Neb.. which. an
congressman says. will give the com
/ mercial people OF Omaha an opportunit
I TO be heard ON the needs Of improving tn
river for purposes Of navigatiOh