Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-03-15

ADMINISTRATORS,
Secretary Tracy today sailed from the navy
yard on board the U.s.a Despatch, bound for
Norfolk, where he will investigate the causes
OF the delay in the completion Of the new
cruiser Baltimore, which isreceiving her finish
ing touches at the Portsmouth, yard This ex-
petition is thought to Be the precursor Of an
extremely vigorous policy in the future
with relation to the domestic affairs Of his de-
partment that may be followed by some sur
prising changes in the method Of doing bust
ness. He assisted In rather interesting scene
during which he and the paymas-
ter general OF the navy, Commodore
Fulton, had some warm words that led to the
presentation of the lstter's resignation as chief
OF the bureau OF provisions and clothing. The
Secretary did not hesitate about ac-
cepting it. but forwarded it at
once to the President for final action. This
morning just before he left the city he desig-
mated Commodore Dewey, chief Of the bureau
OF equipment and recruiting. to act as paymas-
ter general pending the appointment Of Com
modore Fulton's successor
HOW IT CAME ABOUT.
There were many reasons given by the gossips
around the department this morning, the
favorite one being that the Secretary was
dissatisfied with the workings Of the
bureau Of provisions and clothing, with
relation to acquisitions for material for the new
ships, particularly the Baltimore, and expos
tulated with the chief, who resented the crit
icisms. Some said that Commodore Fulton
had written sarcastic letter to Commo-
dore Mccain, commaRdant of the Boston navy
yard, which the latter had returned to a friend
IN power, very near the secretary. who had
in turn shown it to his chief,
ths .o asey The called csm Fulton shsn
and asked for an explanation, which was not
forthcoming in . satisfactory manner. This is
partly supported by the statement that
is floating around that Commodore
after the affairs Of his own bureau.
To STAR reporter this morning Commodore
Ramsay said that it would be better not to 60
into the matter Of the reasons for the resigna-
ton, adding: Commodore Fulton probably
got tired Of being target"
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNTS.
It is certain that there has been an unhealthy
amount Of friction between Commodore
Fulton and his bureau and the rest of the de-
partment for some time. In the first place he
was warm advocate of what is known az the
Whitney system of. consolidated accounts in
augurated by the last administration.
When Mr.. Tracy began work at the tiller
ropes he would not let anybody offer the least
criticism Of the system, which he intended to
keep in vogue. This system has enemies in
every bureau, who are now looking for
ward to its abolition.
1t is said by those opposed to IL that the sys-
tenn operates 10 the delay of the work in hand,
making it necessary to occupy from so to 80
days in the routine Of obtaining a single requi-
sition. The law requires 80 days advertise
ment, whereas the bureau folks say that week
is ample time.
THE sEcRETARY "sTIRRED Up"
The unnecessary delays on the various works
have at last come sharply to the notice Of the
Secretary, and it is considered likely that the
scene at the department yesterday and his
departure this morning indicate his intention
OF making personal investigation into the sys-
tenn that may result in some radical changes
An officer described him this morning as being
thoroughly stirred up."
WHY COMMODORE DEWEY WAS DESIGNATED
1t was necessary to designate Commodore
Dewey to act 1t the head Of the bureau because
OF the fact that . successor to the ex-chief
clerk OF the bureau cannot be appointed until
the expiration Of his leave Of absence, March rs.
new man has been determined upon, named
Gulick, but he will be- unqualified by law
for ten days. 1t is the law that
in the absence Of chief Of bureau the chief
clerk shall act, and in the absence of a chief
clerk the President shall designate an officer
for the duty.
COMPANIONS OF HIS VOYAGE.
Secretary Tracy in his Norfolk trip is accom-
panied by his daughter and granddaughter,
Mrs. and Miss Wilmerding, and by Lieut.. and
Mrs. r. B. NJ. Mason.
They will return Tuesday evening. The Sec
rotary will probably not be able to attend the
launch Of the new cruiser Newark at Philadel-
phia next Wednesday. The President may
possibly 20.