The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-02-28
WHY MCARTEE RESIGNED.
An EASY WAY TO AvOID 4 SEfRCH-
ING INVESTIGI ITION.
Fraud in the Bureau Of Engraving and
Printing The Worthiessness OF the Patent
Fibre Paper-A Report from Experts.


Printina-rhe worthiessness of the Patent
Fibre Paper-A Report from Experts.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.-One week ago
Yesterday Geo. Il. McCartee, superintendent :sH Of
the Bureau OF Engraving and Printing, ten
dered his resignaton which was accepted on
the same dav with regret. by Secretary Dristow.
No reason was assigned except III health.
It seems. however, that the Secretary had
told Mr.. McCartee that the Scientific Com
mission which was appointed last summer to
examine the patent sizing OF the currency paper,
which II was claimed strengthened the nbre and
made the currency waterproof, had reported
that II was not only OF no practical benefit, but
positively an Injury to the currency. As this
process has cost the Government probably over
two millions Of dollars 1t was hardly TO be ex-
peoted that McCartee's error Of Judgment could
bo defended, and resignation was the easiest
way to avoid the searching investigation which
the Committee on Expenditures Of the Treasury
Department will begin on Tuesday.
The commission was composed OF Julius Il.
Hillgard of the Coast Survey. and member OF
the Nstionsl Association OF Science Pre,ldent
School, Hoboken Charles f. Chandler, Presi-
dent OF the New York Board OF Health and
william llillers. an eminent engineer OF Phila-
delphia. Under the instruction of the Secretary
Of the Treasury they began, at the Stevens In
stitute In Hoboksn, a series of the most care.
ful experiments, which were continued
during the summer, aud subsequently
renewed at Glen Mhls, Philadelphia, where tho
paper Is manufactured. Samples OF currency
In every condition, from the notes freshly Issued
to those that had been nearly worn out, were
experimental with, and the result OF their
laoOrs will show that the Government has been
imposed upon by ono of the most stupendous
swindles OF the age. The report will show that
the sizing. instead Of strengthening the nbre,
positively weakened II, ana OF course made it
wear out faster. This will be demonstrated TO
the Secretary, with tue add ddtional fact that the
paper, as II camo from the MILL actually stood
better waterproof tests than the sized paper.
These are the facts
For the use Of patent which II Is claimed
was frauduently obtained and for which there
was no ground for issue, as the report VIII show,
the Government has annually for years paid an
enormous sum as q royalty and an exorbitant
price for the cheapest materials claimed TO be
used In the preparation OF sizing. Add to that
the number Of employees who have, according
to the report, been uselessly engaged In wetting
the paper In the sizing tubs and the number re-
qured to handle II, the drying apparatus, fu2l
consumed, and a doZ II other expenses, nd the
public will conclude that the day OF Investigation
did not come soon enough
Mr.. Ely's committee has been furnished with
series OF questions, carefully prepared by an
expert, which WIN be submitted 10 tho SdBerin-
tendent Of the Bute "a Of Engraving and Print
ing, and such Is the information In the posses
sion Of the committee that they cannot be
evaded. The Investigation into this branch Of
the Treasury Will probably implicate n number
Of prominent persons In very questionable trans
actions.