New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-01-17
THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY IN A TIGHT
PLACE.

TIE following is from tie Washington corespon-
dence of The Phladtiphia Press;
In September last General Norris of Philadelphia,
engineer offered proposals tor furnishing the machinery
fer a sloep- oiwar, building at the Pailadelpha
Navy Yard.
Alta subsequent period General Norris was in
formed that the engineer had furnished parts
Of his drawings TO competing bidder, when he pro-
eeeded 10 Washington and asked az explanation from
the Hon. Secretary Mr.. Toucey, the head OF the
Navy Department.
The honorable Secretary assured Gen. Norris that
such disgraceiul act could not be perpetrated by
any in the Departn eat, and that vss untrue.
Two Boards Of the Engineers OF the Navy were
succ. ssivey appointed to examine and report upon
the plans Of Gen. Norris and Others but certain MEN,
bers OF those Boards were nluenced by the Engineer
in-Chef 10 vote against Norris, 40 that no decision
obtained from either the result In each case being
tie.
The Secretary of the Navy then appointed Board
Of three Enginee cut of the Navy, who gave full
ard clear majority for Norris. The Secretary, how
ever for best known 20 himself delayed from
day to day giving the award to Norris which was
Justly bis due.
The Hon. Secretary, being determined to give the
award to the agent OF the competitors OF Norris and
knowing lie could not deprive Norris Of the contract
by fair means rssOred " foul by raising new issue.
In his usual amable and diplomatic manner he tod
Norris that be wished him ~ add 10 bis proposals
schedule VI prices for speed and gave him the starting
point in figures, thus proposing formula t. suit hni-
were soon found TO inform the agent Of the competitors
Of NOIrs, who forthwith sent in their schedule OF
prices somewhat over than Norris. ooD this new
issue contrary to all established usage, the Hon. Sec
reay of the Navy gave his decision in favor OF Nor
ri-'- competitor.
Norris promptly catered bis protest and served the
Hon. Secretary with strong sfiidsyit setting forth
ia clear terms the existence Of gross fraud and ccrrup
ton Ia the Bureau.
The President and Attorney General interfering in
behalf OF Morris the further action Of tue Secretary Of
the Navy wss stopped.
At an interview on the 18th ult between the Secre-
tsry Of the Navy and Gen. Norris the Secretary de.
clared that if Norris could further substantee the al
legged fact that copies of his drawings had been fur.
nished his competitors from the Bureau, he would
forthwith dismiss the epgineer-in chief aud see hun
rightsd. ,
Norris 70 quested by letter. the Secretary to give his
psrmisson tr certain officers of the naval
Testify in the matter but the Secretary did not reply
On the ith met, Norris presented Numerous efhda-
wits and letters cleary substsnatng every charge 10
his affidavit, ana waited sti.Dtly TO- the honorable
Secretarys action WHICH, however did not take place
until the 9Th inst when the honorable Secretary gave
bis Judgment as follows:
That the Furnishing Of cop rs of Nonlss drawings
from the Bureau Of Naval Engineers was OF no mo.
ment ma smuch ne the Secretary, had hunseh au-
thorizsd the engineer in. chief to do 90.
The honora DE Secretary then ignored TIE whole Of
the remaining evidence and gave his decision IN favor
of the competitors Of Morris. Bot before the award
issued, the Attorney General, with the President
again interfered to prevent 80 gross an outrage.
The mstteT is low in the hands Of the President,
and il il said be will constitute hoard OF INQUIRY
when startling developments viii be made offraud ana
corruption PIOsEER.