New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-05-08
GIILIEs's OBLIGATION TO TAMMANY.
HOW HE SECURED HIS THIRD EXTENSION OF
TIME on THE DRYDOCK CONTRACT
AT THE BROOKLYN YARD.

TIME on THE DRYDOCK CONTRACT
AT THE BROOKLYN YARD.
Washington. May Especial. Ghless
good luck in securing further extension OIL Uile
I'm which to finish the construction of the drydocK
at the Brooklyn Navy Yard IS now said to BE- due
to the efforts made in his behalf by Tannahy'
The influence Of his son-in-law. Congressman Mag
ner was all well enough. In a way, but not sum
Gent 10 reach Secretary Herbert who, his Vociier-
Gus denials to the contrary Notwithstanding II
peculiarly amenable to reasons when Iammahy
sets them forth. Not until Alfred ). Murray pe-
gan to move in the matter did the Secretary reient
and see his way clear to grant the contractor an
other extension.
Soon after the contract had been awarded. Gill
LESS difficulties began. He had neither money nor
experience credit. A certain Brooklyn capital
ist withdrew after having advanced about |z"op
The work, which was 10 have been begun IN NO.
vernber. 1892 and finished within eighteen months
came TO a standstnl For a time Il looked as II
Giues would throw up the job altogether and
charge the money expended by him to the proht-
and-loss account-not his, but his creditors. Al
this critical period Alfred J. Murray appeared on
the scene He is one Of the sh 10a6s sI sb OF Of the
With Congress District. man win p ~" ,b AN
a generous bank account the foundations OF VIM. i
we're laid while he serving In the Ne"-1ork
Dock Department. Gillles owed him 5000 on an
old score which Murray was more anxious 70 see
naid than to engage In the questionable enterprise
OF resusctatng Ges financially But TO secure
ray. therefore. FASTENED 70 Washington and De
fore investing in the Glles contract, secure t,
power Of attorney. according 70 the terms OF whlch
not dollar can be paid by the treasury DepaI r.
ment to Gillies directly. but only TO MURRAY. IN
this way he succeeded. not only In sei,ienemt az
the old outstanding account but In addition. MADE
llles agree to surrender &c % per cent OF the not
profits on the contract Glllies furnishes the con-
tract and the labor Murray the capital, -. u.o,L
The naval experts who have Inspected the work
at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. have reported TO Sec
rotary Herbert that at the present rate OF progress
the dock will not be finished inside OF I'VE years.
H. indeed at all. The Government has ALREADY
paid out about $4,000 which in all probability u
win lose altogether because. II Is asserted In
lengthening and setting back the dock. after the
contract signed. allowing arbitrarily pro-rata
sum FOR the additional sevenyhve feet demanded;
II invalidated the bond under which Gllles had
been placed for the faithful performance OF his con-
tract 1870.
serious one in the opinion OF naval officers - that
the Government will be left, upon the completion
OF the battleshps without single dock large
enough admit them. 1t will be confronted there
fore with the choice Of not repairing them at all or
Of sending them abroad to have them ovcrhauled
There Is much Indignation expressed by naval ON
GERS at the decision Of the Secretary 10 give Gles
a third trial after his inefiicency and inability 70
complete the work have been so clearly established,
and they chafe under the influence which Tam
many has shown IT'S ability TO bring 10 bear upon
Secretary Herbert. who heretofore has been rather
independent Of political cOnsidera tons whenever the
welfare Of the Navy was involved