The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-07-27
sroon RoBBERsoS,s DEFENDERS.
Three Committeeman who have the Temeritv
TO Declare that he IL Guiitless.


WARRINGTON, July 28-The views OF the
minority Of the Committee on Naval Affairs,
signed by Representatives Harris OF Massachu-
sctts, Danforth Of Ohio, and HAYS Of Alabama.
was presented to-day In the House OF Repre-
sentatives. The minority severely criticise the
majority report, alleging that 1t is unfair in Its
statements, fallacious In its conclusions, evil
IDENTITY prompted by partisan spirit, Ignores en-
tirely testim ony favorable TO the Navy Depart
ment, and perverts other portions in such ways
as to ipflict gross injustice upon the Secretary
and other officers.
In reply to the charge OF the majority as to
the alleged deterioration OF the navy under the
present adm nistratlon, the minority show that
the navy is to-day in a more efficient condition
than It las been at any time since 1869, notwith-
standing the limited means placed at the DIS
posal of the Secretary. The policy of rebuilding
vessels that would soon have become useless Is
defended by the minority as economical pru.
dent and judicious; aud they saw Instead OF
censure for this, AS the majority propose, the
Secretary deserves the thanks OF the entire
country. The exchange and UTILIZING OF GU lila,
terial In the work OF rebuldlnI VESTS 70 ~
Congress, the result being advantageous " 'ne
service. .,,..o.
With regard to the contracts and purchases,
| for which the majority severely censure the
| Secretary, implying corrupt action on ms part,
the testimony OF all witnesses is entirely con-
| current proving that In no single instance has
| The Secretary ever endeavored TO influence any
| purchase or contract, either directly or indi.
| rectly, bv intlmation or otherwise. The charge
by the ma jority, that the Secretary had used
Goyerainent materials and tue labor OF EN-
ployees for his own private bencf1t, Is pro-
nounced by the minority US frivolous and un.
supported by testimony.
In respect TO speculations OF +. g. Cattell and
his levying percentages on contractors. the mi
nority shows these operations were carried or
without the knowledge of the Secretary of the
Navy, and that az soon he was advised Of
such practices he intcrposed vigorously to CHECK
them. Whatever abuses OF frauds exist In con
nection with contracts for purchases OF tn,
Navy Department are the results OF defects in
herent in the system long established and FOL
whi n the law making power and not the de
partment is responsible and for which the ma
jorty suggest no adequate remedy, although
they have been engaged in investigation for 81,
months.
The minority say IA to the political Influence
exercised in Navy Yard appointments that that
evil Is one which orialnated under and was fos
| tered by all previous democratic Administra
tions; that the only effort to check It has beer
made under the present Republican Adminis
| tration, and that such political appointments
| are attributable chied, TO the opportunities OF
| tue Secretary aud the respective chiefs OF bu
reAus.
The minority enter fully into the examination
| OF the foreign navy account In London showing
| the action OF the Secretary was entirely legal
| and It's results beneficial To the Government, a.
not dollar OF the fund has been or can be lost
jority to refer the Whole subject TO anothe
committee OF the House for final disposition In
die ties either disposition to evade the respon
| siOIlity imposed upon the Naval COMMITTEES b!
the House. or a conscious Inability to dispose o
the subject committed to them In a satisfactor!
| manner.
The views Of the minority conclude with
| resolution declaring that no evidence has BEEF
| acduced during this investigation tending 4
show that secretary Robson has been guilty o
any Official misconduct or corruption, or an!
wilful violation Of law.