The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-01-19

would out them Of from large amount OF
work which they get from other oites, and
would ruin their business.
The board Of engineers that investigated
this matter were appointed first by BOgIneer-
in-Chief IsherwOod, and they subsequently
made a more detailed examination, and took
evidence by order OF the Secretary of the
Navy. The board was composed OF Chief
Engineers w. w. w. Wood, Alexander Hen.
dersop, and Philip Inoh Chief Esgineer
Wood is the oldest engineer In the navy, and
bis probity, or that of the officers associated
with him, has never been called in question
before.
The sworn testimony taken by the board Of
engineers shows that bids were received from
the Philadelphia and New York tool IN akers at
the same time, and that the contracts were
made from the latest price lists of the different
firms. by buying the tools in New York
saving to the Government was made of the
not uncomfortable sum of SAL, 1881.
Particular stress, however, was laid
upon the purchase Of large quantity OF
second hand tools. The testimony shows that
these tools were purchased at less price than
was charged in this city for new ones of the
same sizes, that they were of improved pat
terms, and that they were in good condition.
Tie experts who were examined stated that the
wear and tear upon them from use was very
small, and did not interfere at all with their
efficiency, and that they could be put in as
good condition as new at cost of not more
than 5000.
In conducting their investigation the board
made a critical examination of all the ma
chinery in the shops at the Navy Yard, and
they took the sworn testimony Of number of
the most experienced engine builders and
machinists in this and other cities, all of
whom pronounced the tools to be first-class,
such as they would buy themselves, and ex-
ceedingly judioious purchases for the Govern
ment to make.
Without taking any sides in this quarrel,
We merely desire to give a fair statement of
the matter as it stands. If Chief Engineer
Zeller is guilty of the charges brought against
him, he should be court-martialled and dis
missed the service; if he is innocent, and is
endeavoriDg to manage the affairs of his de.
partment in the Navy Yard in the best in-
terests of the Government, he is entitled to
complete and emphatic exoneration.
Having stirred up this matter, our Congress
men owe it to themselves and their consttu-
ents to make good their accusations to the
letter. The case stands thus:-Judge Kelley has
brought certain charges against the engineers of
the yard, but he has az yet produced no evil
dence TO support his statements. The engi-
neers are supported by large mass of sworn
judge in the matter. 1t now remains for the
Committee of Naval Affairs to exhibit what
evidence they have in their possession.
The Philadelphia iJavy Yard has had the
reputation for many years of being the worst
yard in the United States, and the
officers of the navy who have been on duty
there complain that the political influences
" hich control the affairs of the yard interfere
with them continually in the performanesAof
their duties. The Congressman from Phila-
delphia look upon the yard as their personal
and the civilians, such as the master
storekeeper, and others, who are
placed there by their influence, manage to
keep the officers in hot water, or il they refuse
''to crook the pregnant hinges of the knee"
10 the political powers that be, no efforts are
spared to secure their removal.
We hope tina. this tool-purohasing matter
will be investigated, not in the interest either
Of Chief Engineer Zeller or the Philadelphia
but fairly, impartially, and
thoroughly, SO that the whole truth may be
lcited: and il the charges against the Cbief
Engineer should prove to be without sub
stantial foundation, a strenuous effort ought
to be made by the incoming administration
to break up the political ring that has for so
many years ruled the affairs Of the Phiadel-
phia Navy Yard.