The Washington times., 1902-02-05
ATTACK ON GILLETTE
In CARRIERS REPLY
Ex-Captain's Answer Sub
mitted to Savannah Court.
GENERAL DENIAL OF CHARGES
Work Done In Harbor Explained mt
Length-Always Sought the Inter-
ests of the Government-Never Re-
ceived Money Illegally.

SAVANNAH, Ca, Feb. Am the United
States Court this afternoon MIR. Walter
G. Carlton, who, with Mr.. George H
Stcne, of Chicago, is attorney for ex-
Capt. Oberlin NJ. Carter, filed his client E
answer to the proceedings instituted
against him by the United States Govern
ment to secure property alleged to have
been procured by Carter through con-
spiracy and fraud. The answer is in
pamphlet form and covers twenty-one
pages.
Outlines His Duties.
The first part of the answer is given
up to outlining the duties of United
States engineer officer, and Carter says
he fully complied with all the duties OF
his Office while stationed in Savannah He
denies every allegation of the Govern
ment that ne did not do this
The work in the harbor is described at
length. He explains the loose fascines,
saying experiments had shown that mat
tresses constructed of brush fascines were
better for the work in the Savannah River
than fascines of logs. He declares that
the work was always let to the lowest
bidder; all bidders and all contractors
were treated alike. No secret informa ton
was given to anybody.
Sought Governments Interests.
Specifications were drawn SO as to be
easily understood, and when he had any
option he always worked for the interest
of the United States. He always adyer-
tised for bids as the Law required.
He did not make or cause to be made
the investment noted under the head
"Csrter's Investments" in the bill against
him.
bought for Father-fD-Law
The stock in the local companies In sa-
vannah, he declared, was bought for his
father-in-law, the late X. r. Westcott, OF
New York. There was no division by
thirds or otherwise with D. B. Greene or
money from Greene.
He made no secret OF the Investments
for his father-in-law, but he never had.
except for others property of pecuniary
value Of more than $40 600 over ana above
what was given him from time TO time by
Mr.. Westcott. He admits that since 1880
he expended more thar his pay, but denies
that il came from the contractors II
was donation from Mr.. Westcott
AssaiIs Captain Gillette.
To Capt c. E. Gillette the answer re-
fers with particular emphasis. 1t ad-
mits that Captain Carter was succeeded
at Savannah by Capt. E C. Gillette. who
has more than once attacked the good
faith and motives of his brother officers"
Captain Gillette, on his arrival at
Savannah, began attacking the defendant,
lie continued, but did so secretly and
without defendants knowledge. until he
had. by false statements. created sus-
picion IN the minds of defendants su-
perior officers, all during the absence Of
defendant in Europe.
Demanded an Enquiry.
Defendant on his return demanded
board of enquiry. which was selected by
Gen. John NJ Wilson, recently appointed
chief of engineers. who. he asserts, had
been hostile to the defendant The court |
consisted OF three officers, a majority of
fendant that they refused to even ex-
anime the work done by him.
The court t-martialaeonsisted OF thirteen |
only two of whom were engi- !
neer officers. Before the court-martial |
the said Gillette made thrty-seven |
charges. on all Of which. except three,
defendant was acquitted, and on the |
three charges Hon. George F. Edmunds /
reported he should be acquitted
All other false charges were in further
snce of a conspiracy between Captain |
Gillette and others TO ruin him. Captain /
Gillette alone testified before the court J