The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-04-16
GETTING AT THE DETAILS.
COL. BARR ON QUARANTINE AND
HUTCHINSON'S ISLAND.

Hirt Money Computation Is Made
Mr. SterIy'S Mistake in the Cum
berIand sound VOucher-Col Barr
Introduces some Letters on That
SubIect-The Cross Examination
VIII BE Concluded the First Of
Next Week-sCme Talk About the
Arguments.
Ii begins TO appear that the cross-eNam-
ination of Capt. o. NJ. Carter before tie
couxt martial is drawing, slowly, but,
nevertheless, surely, to a close, and there
is probability, it is said, that it will be
concluded to-day.
With to-day, Capt. Carter will have
been on the stand little more than seven
DAYS, five and one-half of which have
been taken up with the examination.
After the cross-examination the redirect
and the final cross-examinations are 10
follow so that chances are that Capt. Car
Ter win not leave the stand before Tues
day at the earliest.
Col. Barr had reached the Hutchinson; s
Island matter when the court adjourned
yesterday. and was examining Capt. Carter
on the subject OF his recommendation to
the chief of engineers with regard 10
cutting off the point of the island to widen
the channel opposite the city.
The usual crowd was in the court room
all day. though not so many ladies, per-
haps. as during the early part of The
week. AS the case draws to close-and
il may be said for the public information
that termination of it is expected al some
period in the future-people who nave
watched its progress with interest have
begun to speculate as to what sort of ar
euments will be made. To judge from the
different points brought out and the ex-
traordinary length of the record, one might
think that the speeches would be as near
ly interminable as the case has been. IL
e is said however, that this will not be the
case.
There is a great deal of the record that
can be passed over altogether in max
ing the arguments. There are many Things
In the record which do not relate directly
to any of the charges, and, again, there
are many things which will not necessarily
have to be presented to the court, which
has already full understanding of them.
There is no way, however, of estimating
just what length of time the arguments
will require They may be concluded with
two days sittings of the court, and they
may take four or five. There is no doubt,
however that on both sides they viii be
one of the most interesting and enter
tanning features of the case.
The first matter taken up by Col. Barr
yesterday was the computation showing
how the amount of the Hirt money, 1892 10,
had been arrived at. Col. Barr had asked
Capt Carter for that computation the day
before and Capt. Carter said he would
furnish it, provided he could get certain
office records in relation to the matter.
Col Barr said he had given Capt. Carter
ali the records there were on the subject,
but Capt Carter wanted the time rolls and
some other papers
After the examination had continued on
this line for fifteen or twenty minutes MIR.
Blair said he had asked the officer in
charge 10 send for Mr.. w. G. Austin, now
at Tybee, who was a clerk under Capt
Carter, and recently a witness in his be-
half. This request, he stated had not
been complied with. He therefore, asked
that further examination on that line be
suspended until Mr.. Austin could be Sc
cured, as he believed that MIR. Austin could
elucidate the matter clearly and satisfac-
torily. Upon Mr.. Blair's statement the
matter took that course.
In connection with Capt. Carters pro
ject for improving and changing the chan
mel near the quarantine station, he had In
view the cutting of a channel through
Cockspur Island, just below the quaran
tine station, the object being to throw a
greater volume of water across Tybee
knoll, bringing it from South channel.
Col. Barr wanted to know just what sort
of a channel was contemplated there with
reference to depth, length and other mat
tiers.
Il cannot tell that now" was the reply.
H. -. I a.
only the ignorant who can solve such prob
lens off hand"
Capt. Carter said In the Improvement of
Savannah harbor 1t was practically nee
essary TO change the channel at the quar-
antine station. The proper development
of the harbor demanded ii. He expected
an appropriation of $35O.0O0 with part of
which that work would have been done
There was no project with that end in
view, was there?' Col Barr asked
Practically there was" Capt. Carter
said. "a member of the river and harbor
committee told me there was"
The records do not show IT," Col. Barr
said.
The records do not show everything !
know" Capt. Carter said
Col. Barr questioned Capt, Carter close
fy on the requirement. 10 the city to Ie.
move the stone at the quarantine station
What authority had the Secretary oil
War to require the removal of that stone
by the city from its own land?" Col. Barr
asked
II would prefer to have the Secretary
of War answer that question. He did Il.
ION the recommendation of the Officer
On charge, did he uot?"
mo. / presume he did il on advice from
the Judge Advocate Generals depart
ment
''If all the conditions were al hand PROB
ably the Judge Advocate Generals depart
nent did so advise"
81 think all the conditions were a
hand" Capt. Carter said.
The specifications calling for fascines G
nine inches in diameter, and the testimon,
showing that they were choked tightly I,
twelve inches, Col. Barr asked whieI
would be more valuable to the Unite,
States If bought by the cubic yard. Capt
Carter said the value would be the sam
in either case.
II Capt j. G.. Smith testified that he ask
ed for the contractors books on the occa
sion of his trip to Georgetown. he testi
ned falsely, Capt Carter said He did re
member asking permission from one Of IN,
contractors, either Capt. Greene or one o