The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-06-11

had not. An necessary and prudent steps
having been taken to protect the interests or
the United States, aothing more was done ~
g. with regard 10 the faulty engineering
alleged in the construction Of the dam at cross
tides, IL is only necessary for me 20 state that
the projects calling for the construction OF that
work were submitted blythe late Gen Gilmore.
approved by a board of distinguished engineers
ana by the chief of engineers, U. s. A. ana an
work done there since have been at Savannah
has been carried on strictly in accordance with
those plans, and according to the then existing
specifications and contracts.
OTHER VAGUE CHARGES
In addition TO the specific charges OF Mr.
Curtis, above quoted and briefly replied TO-
there are others made by Mr.. Curtis or by one
or more newspaper correspondents. which
cover so much ground and are
so vague and indefinite in their
specifications that to reply to them in detail in
this letter would be inpracticabe. In general
il is alleged or insinuated that the public funds
have been misapplied; that contracts for work
have been wrongly let; that inspectors have
been appointed or transferred at the desire or
upon the demands of contractors; that the IN
spection of the work has been careless or cor
rupt; that contractors have been paid Tor re-
1ected work, or for work not done, etc; IN
short. that, through negligent or corrupt ad-
ministratlOn, the government has been swindled,
and that false reports have been rendered con
corning the progress of the work.
no ENGINEERING MISTAKES.
To the charge Of engineering mistakes, the
success of the work at Savannah is a sufficient
reply. The statements and insinuations above
quoted by me, as well as any others that may
reflect in any manner whatever upon the purity
of administration of the works at Savannah
and else where under my charge, or that allege
or insnuate, upon my part, lack OF
and care of these works, are of course false
in every particular; but that justice may be
done. l respectfully request that at an early
a date as may be found expedient the Secretary
~nrrfNl
i've and searching examination TO be- made into
these charges and destinations, especially so far
as they relate to the conduct and methods Of
administration OF any or all Of the works of
river and and harbor improvements under my
charge. Very respectfully Your ooedlent ser
want, o. NJ. CARTER.
First Lieut.. Corps of Engrs., U. S. A.
THE AFBIDAvITS.
The following is the affidavit Of Benia-
min d. Greene, which he promised, in his
dispatch day or two ago, to forward
from New York for publication;
STATE OF New YORK, CITY AND COUNTY OF
INV York, S.: Benjamin d. Greene, being
du " sworn, on his oath doth depose and say as
fol- ows viz: My name is Benjamin ID. Greene;
| r, ,side in said city Of New York The affi-
dav.tt of W. r. Curtis, so far as it alleges an
ate snpt upon my part to bride him, and so far
as it relates to statements said to have been
made by me rejecting in any manner whatever
upon Lieut.. Carter, is false in every particular.
At an interview with the said Curtis in the
presen3e of Lieut.. Carter, he. the said Curtis,
admitted and said that did not actually offer
him a bHi be. but that he inferred from my con-
versatioIl that wished to bribe him. He also
said in thA3 presence Of Lieut. Carter that had
not suggA ted or made any corrupt proposition
to him, a nj he also distinctly admitted that he
might be mistaken as TO the attempt to bride
him.
I have never influenced nor sought to infiu-
ence the ap continent transfer or removal of
any inspect,pr upon any work or the action of
any Inspector in the performance of his duty
Subscribed and sworn to before me at said
city of New Work this seventh day of June, A
D.. 1882 BENJAMIN d. GREENE.
In witness whereof have hereunto set my
hand and aft ed my official seals the day and
year last above written.
JOSEPH B. BRAMAN,
Commissioner Of Deeds for the state of Georgia
I'm and for the state of New York, resident in
said city of New York. and Notary Public.
Office, Equitable building, 100 Broadway,
New York city,
il
( SEAL.