The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-06-15
1T WILL Be INVESTIGATED.
Capt, Carter Requested TO Inspect The
Work Of Engineer BlaRdiOTd.

Discussion - COMMISSIONS Carson
Wanted to Know why All the Lum-
Der Was Bought From Dale, Dixon
& Co.-Maj. Blandford sais 1t Was
Done on Orders From the Chairman.
The Chairman's Dynamite Theory
Exploded The County MapsNot so
Expensive as It Appears.
A lively discussion was precipitated in
the meeting of the county commissioners
yesterday afternoon, and all on account
of some assertions made on the occasion
Of the investigation of the conduct Of
Engineer Blandford, at a recent meeting
of the board.
At that meeting when Engineer Bland
ford was cited to appear on a charge of
negligence in his official duties, Commits
sioner Chaplin made the remark that the
work in his department was being done
extravagantly and Chairman Dale made
it even stronger by questioning Maj
Blandford's competency, and saying that
the work was being carelesslY and i'm
properly done. This, Of course, was in
the nature of a reflection upon the three
commissioners who had at that meeting
voted to retain Mai Blandford in the
c0unty's service. 1t amounted TO
charge that they had chosen to retain an
incompetent man upon the county's
work in preference to an able
and efficient engineer and was, of course,
calculated to call forth an Investigation
which would yindiCate them in the p0-
sition they had taken. They believed
Maj Blandford thoroughly competent, and
so announced in casting their votes.
DIR. CHARLToN's RESOLUTION.
Commissioner Charlton was the first to
bring up the question. He was one of
the foremost in advocating the retention
of Mai. Blandford under the circum-
stances. which are now familiar to al, and
he remarked that he had something TO say
in regard TO the work that is now being
done for the county.
He referred to the charges made at the
former meeting and said he believed
Mai Blandford thoroughly competent and
that he had at that time suggested the
employment of a consulting engineer in
order to show that the work was being
properly done, but as it did not meet
with much favor he did not press it at
that time
81 have heard so much outside since
that time be continued, that | don't
feel willing to rest upon the question as
it stands now | believed that Mai
Blandford was competent, and that any
negligence on his part proceeded more
from the cause to which he pleaded
guilty than anything else.
Mai Blandford was charged with in
competency, and l don't feel willing to
stand under that charge, for, if it were
true. he should not have been retained
In order to facilitate matters, to produce
a better knowledge and to establish per-
pect harmony, | move that Capt O. M.
Carter be requested to make a thorough
investigation into all the engineering
work of the county, both as to cost and
advisability.'
THE CHAIRMAN's VIEWS.
Chairman Dale didn't think any differ
enees of opinion existed between the com
missioners at least his reply so indi-
Gated.
Il have never heard Mai. Blandfords
ability questioned" he said.
Il have always believed his work COM
petent," continued DR. Charlton, land if
there has been any negligence il is due to
the cause ] have mentioned. Mr.. Chap
lin said the work was being done extrava-
gantly, | don't think we should let that
charge rest. If Mr.. Chaplin thinks the
work has been done extravagantly and l
don't, it is due TO thepeople that we should
have the thing investigated"
81 don't think Capt. Carter any better
than Mai. Blandford," put in Mr..
Chaplin.
NY Itdoblls Sdlu III. 0ldIlbOlls 1OI
suggesting Capt, Carter is that his ability
cannot be questioned, and aside from any
influence, he would make an impartial
report ="
I'm what points do you wish the in
vestigatiOn madei" inquired Chairman
Dale
in every point" replied DR.. Charl-
ton, where there is any doubt as TO eX-
travagance or incompetency, which you
have charged -
Il am willing to be quoted in regard to
anything ] say, retorted Chairman Dale.
Il have charged that the building of
road along the canal was useless, and ON
that pointI don't think Capt Carriers
opinion any better than ours. think the
earth has been moved in manner to
cost the county too much money
Well. l differ there said DIR. Charl-
ton THE engineer says it is the best
way to move the dirt, and / accept his
statement It's question Of policy as 10
whether the work is being done properly
and cheaply in the manner and for the
purpose for which it is being done. You
don't think the banks of the canal are
being properly built | say don't know,
and must therefore accept the engineers
statement
Chairman Dale said that it had been
accepted and that the work was going on,
but DR. Charlton thought as the question
had been brought up and agitated that
the time had come when there should be
an investigation, and everything would
then go on tremendously Il don't think
it right to let these charges stand, and |
have offered this res olution with view
TO bringing about an investigation"
CHAIRMAN DALE's PLATFORM.
At this stage Of the discussion Chair
man Dale announced just how he stood
on the question. He wanted TO know
upon what points consulting engineer
was wanted.
81 amopposed to building 70 ads through
swamps," he said, "but Maj Blandford
faVors it, and that, of course, settles it.
think the dredge an expensive luxury,
and upon these questions / don't see what
good Capt Carriers opinion would do
DIR. Charlton said he would be best able
to give information as to the economy of
the work
you want Capt. Carter to say it is
cheaper 10 blow down trees with dyna-
mite than 10 cut them down, l suppose"
said Chairman Dale
That's one point" said Dr. Charlton
'but | want to hear especially with re-
gard to the work on the canals -
What will the investigation costl"
asked Chairman Dale
Il don't know eXactlV,n said DR. Charl-