The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-08-12

circular was sent. was an Assistant Engineer
named Williamson. This nun made some demur
To the payment of This $50 an, some correspon-
dence passed between hun and MIR Hasweli ON
the subject Some time since. learn that VIII
Hanson came on" Washington and placed all
the correspondence above meninned. before Mr.
Bancroft. the Secretary Of the Navy Mr.. Ban.
croft entered into an examination of The facts and
Mr.. Haswell. believe. wanted to make on, tina,
the $50 which he had demanded from each AS.
sls'ant Engineer. was for the payment of the SER
vices OF A. 1hns. Smith. as agent Ia attend tn
their cases. Now admitting for moment this
to he ,rue-what right. ask, or what propriety
is there in an officer Of the gorernment. the Chief
Engineer of The Navy. acting as the epent Of
Mr.. A. ThoS. Smith " I'D was To act as the aren't
of the Assistant Engineers But it leaves npon
It's very face the evidence of its improbabiy, and
| am informed tina, MIR. Williamson in some way
or other. obtained proof. that this money had not
been required Ivy Mr.. Haswell for the use of Mr..
a. I'hns. Smith. and with this evidence returned
In the charge against Mr.. HaswelI. But sudden
Nv The whole 'oatter dropped. And how Mr.
Williamson whose rank gave him salary Of
SioOO per amman when employed (prevous 10 his
obtaining this propf) was appointed to the Nurfpik
Navy Yard. and 10 make room for him a man
named Copeland whose rank only gave him 5000
when employed. was removed without the sluht
~ oH"Se. 90 idt rom 'leTe being any cause for
his removal, the highest testimonials were given
as 10 his capabili,y and efficiency. and the fine
order in which he had kept the machinery at the
Navy Yard. it never having been in better order.
Yet 90 he must, in order TO get Mr.. Williamson
out of Mr. Hasweil's way, aud consequently he
was thrown out upon the world. and although a
worthy, estimabe man, he is now destitute of
employment abnut the streets of Washington
However. Mr.. Williamson as have before said.
by some means obtained evidence that this $50
was not wanted for Mr.. A 1hos Smiths ser
vices and returns Ia the charge with this evidence
when 10 and behold, he is suddenly appointed to
posi- on hoard the Priuceton-the Princeton is
IN active service. and nothing more is heard of
the sou or the charges and evidences because the
complainant Is away active service. 1t is TO
be hoped that the Secretary Of the Navy will not let
ihIs matter rest, but that he will examine it tho
roughly and do Justice in the premises Reform
Is needed-and reform should he had. II is need
ed above all in the Navy Department, and if to
reach and correct the abuses and corruptions
which have grown to an alarming height in that
Department and the Bureaus connected with it. a
thorough reorganization shonld be needed, and the
discharge OF every person connected with it be
necessary to introduce purity, some degree of
purity, trnst Mr. Bancroft will not hesitate in
his course one moment The path of duty is a
straight lIne-there is turning 10 the right nor
the left--no need of any justification or concpal-
ment. Let him lake the initiatve-take it hold
ly, unfaulteringly and however much those
whom the rod nf Justice scnurges may complain.
the people will approve and reward the faithful
servant who consults only their interests and for
their welfare"