The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-10
NO ANSWER TO CHARGES
Officials Of the Quartermaster's De-
pariment Retieent.
Captain Parsons md Chief Clerk
Gibbs Will Not Discuss Allegations
of MfsapprOpriafiOia Of Property mt
ST. Asnph Text of Accusations
Filed at the Wnr Department.
In the matter of the affidavit lodged with


quartermaster's depot at St. Asaph, Va;
Warner H. Gibbs, Chief Clerk, and B. b.
Rhodes, Forage Master, those of the ac-
-cused who were seen last night declined to
make any comment other than to express
confidence in their vindication by the usual
military enquiry.
Captain Parsons said: at would be IN
becoming an officer of the Army to discuss
cnafecc preferred against him, in advance
Of action by the proper military authori
ties. The complaint will be investigated
and the truth or falsity of the allegations
Will be determined in the manner prescrib-
ed by Army regulations.
Mr.. Gibbs said: Il must decline to dis
cuss the matter for purposes of pub
lcation. Nothing that could say
at this time would have any bear
ing upon the case. 1 have no Off
cial information that charges have been
made. but if this be so. the enquiry will
be conducted in the usual and searching
military way. / am satisfied that an in
vestigation will determine the falsity and
Ralice of the accusation
In the affidavit which is in possession
of the Secretary of War it is alleged that
scrap iron and certain Government sup
plies have been disposed of without con-
demnation proceedings advertisement
and that 10 return of the proceeds was
duly made. 1t is further alleged that
forage was sent to a private stable, and
that men carried on the roll of the quar-
termaster's department were employed in
private work, such as the manufacture of
household articles. repair of family car
rages, and personal service.
The atlantis are George W. Nairn and
S. e. Rabbit, late employees at the quar-
termaster's depot, and who were recently
dismissed because of lack of work.
1t was said at the War Department
yesterday that an inspector would be de-
tailed, probably on Monday. to visit ST.
Asaph and make an investigation. On the
report of this oficer the Department will
determine whether further action should
be taken. Should the report of the in
spector be adverse to the accused court
martial Will be ordered.
copy Of the afidavait in possession of
the Secretary Of War follows:
Washington, June T. 1900
We the undersigned make the following charges
against E. II. Parsons, captain and assistant
quar,ermasfer; Captain Rhodes and Chief Clerk
Warner A. Gibbs, to wit:
Nisappropriation OF funds, men. and material
while acting in official capacity in charge of
the supply depot, ST. Asaph. Alexandria County,
Va.
l. Samuel E. Rabbit. swear that while wa,
employed as carpenter at st. Asaph Depot, Va,
that two-thrtis OF my time was taken up in
working for and manufacturing of Govern
niert material the following articles The price
set opposite each article Is only the minimum
estimate:
u heavy brass-bound clothes chests. with hat
boxes and trays complete; size Sx6xls-ls:
value. SIS each.
folding bookcases, racket shelves; value,
s2s each.
L typewriter table. quartered oak; value IS.
folding leg table. white pine; value S..
sewing table, white pine; value 81.
nurses tables. white pine; value 81 each.
I vestibule seat white pine; value SO.
l dining room table. turned logs, white pine;
value s..
screen door. wire mesh. white pine; value
ea5e.
screen door, panel, white pine; value So.
5 chicken coops; value Sl-5o each
hat sack; value 81
/ pair trestles and ironing board: value 81 TO-
double pole and yoke straps; value SIS.
Further. that about the middle of May, 1899.
ten twelve men from the depot were
sent to 1915 Clifton Street northwest. the home
o. Captain Parsons, TO calemine. paper, paint,
and repair the above house, and were 50
ployed for about ten days. taking from the
depot material TO do the work. namely, 200
pounds of Lewis white lead, 25 gallons of boiled
oil, 10 gallons of spirits of turpentine gallons
OF japanese dryer, 50 pounds of paris white, 10
pornds of golden ochre. % pounds Venetian red
dry. 20 pounds o: ultra marine blue dry; also
lumber. nails. etc. ad. lib, all the property of
tiir United States Government.
Further. that a mechanic and laborer were
employed a; the chief clerks house three days
each, doing private work while the Government
WAS footing thu bill.
Further that on the 18th day of Msy 1890 |
one load 0. Government forage taken from |
The corral to the chief clerks private stable, |
Eighteenth and Q Streets northwest, there
sbouis
Further, that eight private buggies. carriages |
ei,.. repaired and painted: also that one |
private family carriage was repaired, upholstered
and glazed.
Further that chairs book cases. wardrobes. |
t.bles. desks, and Army cots were carried to the
hJmes OF private families.
Further that about the latter part of April Or
Che early part of May. 1890 1900 pounds OF scrap
fron hauled to Alexandra. Va, that had
not been condemned or advertised for sale and
sold TO one Dreifns, junk dealer OF Alexandria,
Va Captain Parsons receiving the money therefor.
Further. that teams are constantly engaged
in hauling manure which is sold at 81 and sl.25
per lead.
Further. that the saddiers have been used in
uIbolsterng and making harness. brides, halters,
etc, for private parties and use. most Of the
material furnished by the Government.
Further, that who employed by the
Government work at the depot are engaged in
private enterprises, namely, truck farming caring
for and milking cows not belonging TO thr Gov
ernincnt, but which maintained in the Govern
mcnt stables at the expense OF the public.
Further, that for eight months one man paid
BY the Government was detailed as butler in
Captain Parsons private family: also that Cap |
tain Parsons is using the depot for his Utah friend
and nepheas. having three neQhews employed-one !
500 per month, at so and at $40
two of whom do not earIs-~i0 per month. and the |
superintendent OF the corral and chief propert, |
clerk from Salt Lake City.
Further, that tesms,ers are made to do me- |.
chanics' work at SIS and sl-3s l-3 per day.
GEORGE ". NAlRN
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th |
DAY OF June. A. ID. 1903. /
lseall SAMUEL A. MILLS,
Notary Public.
Accompanying the afidavits is this state |
ment:
THE following list of witnesses know of |
these facts, and many others: Charles ]. |
Nairn, sadcler; James Signor, wheel
wright; George z. BelIar laborer; -
Eidgeway; J. r. Brown. painter; = Dar-
reil. packer; Edw. Spinner Centre Mar
ket: Thomas Downey. packer; - Simms, |
feamster; Frank Black. teanrster; i
Newcomb. teamster: G. W. Wells. team
ster, and E. Mills. teamster.'
Captain Parsons was a civilian euploye |
of the Quartermaster department for many
years prior to the Spanish American war.
Upon the outbreak of hostilities he was
given a commission as captain of volun-
teers and assigned to duty in charge of
the depot at ST. Asaph. He is popular
officer in the service and his superiors said
of him yesterday that he had proved him. /
selt efficient and especially fitted for the
performance of the duties TO which he
vas assigned The depot was inspected
ahree months ago by Colonel Mills OF the
Inspector Generals Department and his
report contained no criticism Of the con-
Suct of affairs there.