New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-12-23
SUNDAY EDITION.
DEC. 20, 1883.
GIVING HIM HIS REWARD.
SPECIAL FAVOR TO COMMODORE BELKNAP.
Mr. WHITNEY WISHES THE AUTHOR or THE
REPORTS ON THE DOLPHIN TO BE
MADE AN ADMIRAL
tBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.

rBr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRrBUSEI
Washington, Dec. 22.-Although there viii b NJ
vacancy In the grade Of rear admiral until the TO
tirement Of Admiral Luce, on March rs. 1850, Com
modorc George +. Belknap has arrived in Warrington
under orders from the Secretary Of the Navy to Be
examined for promotion to the prospective vacancy,
and appeared before Board to-day for that purpose
Some comment among officers OF the Navy has been
excited by the order bringing Commodore BelknaD
from his station at the Mare Island Navy Yard
across the continent to be examined for a vacancy
which viii not exist for three months to come, nor
until the incoming Of new Administration 10
rs insinuated that this has been done by secretary
Whitney as a mark Of special favor and recognition
on account Of Beiknaps peculiar services TO the head
OF the Navy Department well as TO the Democratic
party, and in order that he enjoy opportunities
10 impress United states Senators favorably and lobby
for his own confirmation
1t may be remembered that Commodore Belknap
is the officer who in response to Official hint
from the Secretary of the Navy quickly discovered
structural weakness" and other defects In tho Dolphin
and who thereby largely instrumental
in driving John Roach into bankruptcy
and ultimately into his grave. He was
president of the Examining Board, appointed by
Secretary Whitney in April, 1885, ard as such he
board the Dolphin during three trial trips
the last of which took place June Il, 1885. He ap
peared each occasion TO be well pleased with mo
performance OF the vessel On June IL he reported
by telegraph the result Of the six hours sea tr1ai
trip. There was no hint Of structural weakness
It, On the following day he received Geographic
dispatch from Secretary Whitney couched in peremp
tory language. In that dispatch Mr.. Whitney said
l to know whether she is structurally weak
not
On June Is, only three days aferwaTd. Commodore
Belknap signed and sent TO Washington Official re-
port in which he showed that he could taks
hint from the right quarter quickly as anybody.
I'M IN he opinion.
has not the requisite strength and Stiffness In
another place It is stated not a opinion but
"demOnstrated,' that the vessel was OF " made
quate strength and Stiffness" After discussing tho
matter further, the report says Wherefore the ques
ton arises IS the structural weakness owing fault
of plan, execution, does 1t proceed from both ~
Here is the answer in the words of the report:
While it il clear the plans at fault II
carried best would produce vessel
OF sufficient strength 1t the Board that the
Dolphin exhibits degree OF weakness in excess Of what
can probably be attributed to the defective plans
Wherefore the Board OF opinion execution
be faulty in regard. But it Is impossible
with exactness degree OF blame that might properly
attach 10 the in this precise respect without
taking out the machinery and opening up the ship.
on receiving the report Secretary Whitney I'm
mediaely sent a copy Of It to Attorney General Gar
land and baned from him the fantastic opinion, tho
publication of which compelled John Roach TO mako
an assignment within the short space OF six days.
The subsequent history of the Dolphin has demon
strated that Commodore Belknap wrong in regars
TO that vessel
During the recent Presidential campaign, Commos
dore Belknap duty Commandant Of the Mare
Island Navy Yard In California, and It is reportef
trustworthy authority that he used his onica!
station and influence to the fullest extent In behalf
OF the Democratic party. II is asserted that 1t was
the practice of Commodore Belknap 10 advise In all
matters pertaining To the government of this yaru
with local ring politicians ana accept their dictates.
to employ and discharge political grounds
only, regardless of the Civil Service laws OF tho
President and the direct orders Of every secretary
of the Navy, TO Cypress all, the members Of his
party, that would not yield TO the same evil In
fucnces that he did. His course has been that OF
small politician, and be has regarded the interests OF
the political masters whom he served more than those
of the Government In whose service he was IL Is
understood that a strong effort Will be made to de-
feat Commodore Belknap's confirmation by the Senate.