The New York herald., 1845-02-18

access 20 ne aIchives OF the Navy Department.
he accounts OF Fitch Brothers Co were concerned
After giving long table Of statistics MIR Dakin says
Inc balance OF the account certified by the Nevy De-
on ME- $l035 53S 30 due to the United States
In makirg hasy abstract, have made some slight
error Of 81 $50 in the total this is not material The
amount Of interests these accounts received by Fitch
| missions.
"The aforementioned account embraces period of
hree years aud SIX months and eighteen days and
Goncsnveiy when properly investigated that Messrs.
Fitch Brothers, Co., have enjoyed the
lilo funds drawn from the Treasury for long periods in
advance OF the wants Of the public service taken large
or in expectancy and held to their private USE with
out allowing the Government single cent for the nte
rest Of money unnecessarily appropriated
"A reference the statement will show the remark A.
BILE fact that between the 27th Move 1885, and the
18th October ls4l the of $67 AIS "a was
drawn for by them the Treasury if for the use
of the agency while, during that whole period Uhree
years the agency required only sa24s4 os or at any
paid by them for its account. "
Observable aso that these large amounts were
drawn Treasury before the late adinstra
ton went out of power, and considerable part of only
few days before whereas the only drawn durinr
he present was taken just previous to
demand on 'ne agency which apparently justified
Is also to be remarked that the account il so made
up ana balances so struck to these facts from
cursory observer and to leave the that the
Government was usually in advance about sleO oOo"
osno ~ made by thi: Mr. Dskn mpute the
bears quite as heavily the head OF the Navy Depart
men. ana some OF the accounting officers they do
the undersigned or his house
This anonymous statement of Fitch, Brothers. Co. q
accosnt with the Navy Department it appears was
partment, A. Dayton Esq and reported upon bv him
(pages 81 and 49, Senate Document 8s2) and some time
having connexion with the fiscal of tbe d.
partment and especially appointed by Secretary Upshur
70 reexamine and report thereon His report viii be
eq.es every thing alleged against Fitch Brothers Co..
oy Dakn in his statement. He says The assertion in
expenses Of the United States squadron in the Mederra
nean for three preposerous that one word of
sam of os paid by the agents at Marseilles
upon the acquisitions Of commanders from the osth of
500 IS per annun This statement is from the pur
sers accounts" Again, he remarks After full and
careful examination of the aars Of this agency for the
period the only breach Of contract or rregua
rty that can discover has been the part Of the Co.
vernment in not constantly keeping the agents in funds
70 meet the public liabilities, owing either to q want Of
funds or reard in the passage appropriation laws by
Congress- This cause operated from November ls4l to
st ssa 81 curing which time the agency seems to
ty and cheerulness and this too, in time Of great
involves allegations of serious character not only
against the agents. but also against the accounting officer
the slightest shadow Of proof On the contrary the ac
curacy and regularity the accounts reflect the highest
crfd both upon the sgsncy and the Fourth Auditor
(pages, "a 2s Document s92) this anonymous state
ment Of Fitch. Brothers Co.'s account with the Uaited
his signature it is admitted al the department 10 have
been prepared by him. At the foot of statistical table he
makes these remarks, lin his own hand writing y
1T appears by the above statement that be,ween the
9th November 1885, and the 18th October ls4I during
"5ch period the writer snys Fitch Brothers
QUESTIONS were issued in their favor for $500 600 and
that they paid account of the United States ssl7 ala 49,
making balance on their side OF $ll7 322 Is
further appears that from the l4th of June 1898 10
the gath Of November ls4l in addition to balance on
sued in their favor. for $3.50 0Oo-making together
$40 aas y and that their disbursements account Of
against them Of ssa $50 % 'aiancs
On the back Of this last report is following endorse
ment by Mr Upshur. Secretary of the Navy
This statement will show the errors into which
man may suffer himself to be betrayed when look
ing out the means to turn another man out of office,
otener in advance to than them over above
the sum stipulated to he advanced to us. A. p W.
sD M ssn
such overwhelming reutatons OF the statements abrica
sa hs sy a e S out Of the
consideration would have arrested further efforts &C.
comPl:h their object On the contrary the repulse in
new impulse to their ravenous appetites New modes
resored to for the purpose discovering some flaws
which will furnish pretexs end give foundation for the
desired action.
The final examination of the accounts relating to the
Transactions OF Fitch < Co with the government, has
already been stated referred by Secretary Mason to
Mr. B. d. Baker, who says. Senate Doc. 800 page 34)
THE agents at Marseilles have in every instance sup.
piled the wants of the in the Mediterranean
when in fact they were not bound 10 do according
contract Ihavenot deemed il necessary to prepare an
interest in the business the
Navy Department and the house of Fitch Brothers
have however paid great attention to that subject in
the co~rse OF my nvestgaons and upon assuming that
the government, in accordance with it's agreement with
Fitch. Brothers & Co. was TO be in advance to them
semannually since that time have hesitation in de.
carnE that the balance of interest is in favor Of Messs
Fitch, Brothers Co"
Mr. Baker concludes his report with the following sum-
mary" After most careful and critical examination Of
hc account between Messrs Fitch, Brothers Co,
oracing period OF nearly ten years. have hesitation
in declaring my belief that in all the ansactons of
Fitch Brothers Co., with the Navy Department, they
have acted with the strctes honor and integrity and in
every respect have faithfully performed their duty as
agents of the Government
The present Secretary of the Navy (Mr Mason under
date othe 2lst May tpage 3, referring to communica.
ton from the undersigned, says-"An answer has been
delayed BY the preparation Of statements accounts
President. Two statements had been previously made
and, presenting results materially variant direction
department to cause reexampation Of the accounts:
and now transmit you copy of its results, with re
por on the subject made by s. Baker, Esq my re-.
qu Upon this statement great reliance Is placed
am happy to believe that it's all appearance OF
discrepancy and shows that the transactions Of your
house with the department have been fair and honorable
and that no Injury s character ought to result
the measures that have been taken in regard to that
The undersigned has given to your honorable body
faithful detail OF his connexon with the Government in
brief space as it was possible to comprehend IT, he
mas set forth some of the wrongs which IL has been the
MISFORTUNE OF himself and his house experience the
nsnds o those to whom if had acted the part Of faith
ana honest agents towards the they were
bound to extend the arm Of protection.
AS Coordinate branch Of the appointing power and
me conservative branch Of the Government the under
appeals to your honorable body for redress of the
and grievances he and his house have experience
cd and are still suffering under The underscned a.ks
SIMPLY .ne immunity Of justice The undersgae is per-
cuy aware mat the appointing power vested in the
less ne believes that 70 within the Of your
honorable boiy to take action case of aggravated
dress Of grievances " -
The undersigned views this matter not az mere ina
vdual affair." but of great national mnorfancc snd
such desires to impress II on the minds Of your honor
able body ~