Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-10
PROF. HARSINGTON'S TESTIMONY.
He Is Still on the Stand In the Weather Blu
reau Investigation.

ne - StIu on the stand In the Weather Blu
reau Investigation.
Another afternoon session Of the weather
bureau investigation came and went yesterday,
and still the end has not been reached. How
ever. it is probable that by the end Of today 3
session the testimony will be all in.
Yesterday Prof. Harrington told further Of
the questions which had arisen in regard to the
executive division and the disbursing office and
why some Of the duties had been taken from
the chief Of the executive division. Prof. Har-
rington told then why the local forecasters had
In turn been brought to Washington to get q
schooling as it were. These forecasters the
witness had placed under Maj. Dunwoody,
whom he considered the most able forecaster in
his knowledge. The question Of giving these
men an extra allowance for board, &C., had
arisen. and the witness had at first held out
against giving any allowance. Finally how
ever, when it was shown that it was the custom
OF the department to give such extra allow
ances he had yielded and the forecasters were
allowed S1.5O day extra while in this city,
All were treated alike. and the fact that two OF
these men had boarded with Chief Clelk Smith
had nothing whatever to do with the matter.
FoRECAsrER CLAYTON COMMENDED.
Prof. Harrington told Of the good work Of
Forecaster Clayton, stationed at Boston, and Of
his high reputation. Mr.. Clayton had incurred
the enmity of the old signal service because he
had been one of the main movers in removing
the weather bureau to the Agricultural Depart
ment. and Gen. Greedy had made q .avage
attack on his appointment. Clayton. accord
Ing TO the witness. was one of the best and
hardest working meteorologists in the country.
and the charge that he either lacking in
efficiency or shirked his work the most
absurd charge this investigation had brought
out. Prof. Harrington testified on the ques-
ton OF the alleged frequent trips which he had
made, and stated that these trips were official
trips upon which he had been sent by the Sec
Rotary of Agriculture.
In regard to correspondence Of officials with
officials outside, Prof Harrington testified that
Mclaughlin was the chief offender in this
spect, and had been often cautioned to cease.
The witness then testified that in one instancelt
was only through his efforts that Mclaughlin
was saved from dismissal. Mclaughlin was con-
stantly having friction with other officials, and
especially with Capt. Stowe and Chief Clerk
Smith. Prof. Harrington gave a scientific de-
scription of why the expert compilers were
appointed.
SOME QUESTIONS By GEN. COLBY.
Gen. Colby then asked few questions Of
Prof. Harrington, and the witness said that he
had always regarded Mclaughlin as an efficient
official. more of martinez than necessary, but
thoroughly familiar with the duties of his Office.
Gen. Colby asked Prof. Harrington what he had
thought of Lieut.. Purssel, and the witness said
he thought if he answered that question he
should offend Lieut.. Purssel, and the question
was not pressed. The questions branched off
into the professorships which we're included in
the bureau. and Prof. Harrington told the good
work which these professors were doing.
In regard to Maj. Dunwoody's appointment
Prof Harrington said that probably in all the
country better man for the position could not
be found, il 1t did not entirely shut him off
To mn ayt tort fha fore tine
IN which he was pre-eminent. There then fol-
lowed discussion between Gen. Colby and
Prof. Harrington in regard to whether it would
not be better to give good deal of response
blllty to the executive officer Of the bureau and
thus to large extent relieve the chief Gen.
Colby further referred to his report on the
former investigation. and said in effect that
that part of his report related to this idea.
which he thought would be q good one to carry
out.
SOME QUESTIONS FURNISHED BY MLAUGHLIN
The cross-examination at this point COM
menced in reality, and Gen. Colby started his
questions in earnest, some Of the questions
being furnished in writing by Mr.. Mclaughlin.
Prof. Harrington had promoted Crane because
OF his long and meritorious service. Chief
Clerk Smith had spoken to him once or twice,
affected thereby. His idea of Nichols had
always been that he efficient enough, but
inclined to petty characterization. He had
never felt justified in recommending his dis
missal until a few DAYS ago, when he had found
a clear case of INSTRUMENTATION, when he had
promptly recommended his dismissal Since
then he had talked with Nichols. and now had a
better idea of him and considered he might
make a fairly good observer.
The witness then on cross-examination re-
iterated his testimony in regard to Titus Town
shend and the investigation adjourned until II
o'clock TODAY.