Evening star., 1903-07-22

sion of negligence on his part. If Mr.. Petty
does not resign Commissioner West stated
this afternoon that an order would be
passed by the Commissioners removing him
from office.
No time has been definitely fixed as yet
for the change In the District audttorial Of
flee Mr.. Petty is anxious that he should
be granted ii leave of absence. and some
arrangement Will be made if possible with
that end in view. The change will be eff
fected the first part of August. Mr. Garri-
son must have a litoie time in which to
wind up his affairs at the Treasury Depart
ment. ana this will enable the Commission
ers To come TO an agreement with regard to
Mir Petty.
to Mr. Garrison several days ago, and it
has been quite generally known that such
action had been taken by the Commission
erS. The Star stated Yesterday afternoon
that the appointment of Mr.. Garrison was
momentariiy expected. but had been de-
ldyed by MIR. Petty S declination of the sug-
sestlon That he should resign, and also the
request for leave of absence made in his
behalf.
MIR. Garrison was at the District build
Ing today shortly before noon and was
cioSeted Il few minutes with Commissioner
West. His formal acceptance of the place
was received and the announcement made
public
The displacement of Mr.. Petty in the
ton of James Nj. A. Watson, q clerk in the
Office. who had charge of the deposit and
permit funds The Commissioners discov-
cred June . that Watson was short S73 OOO
They evidently hold Mr. Petty responsible
for the defalcation through negligence or
overcOnfidenCe
Statement by Commissioner West.
The Commissioners discuss the matter
very freely. In speaking Of the appoint
ment of Mr.. Garrison. Commissioner West.
who is the Commissioner in charge of the
auditing department, said:
Mr.. Garrison Was chosen for the posi-
ton of auditor because he combined in
himself all the qualifications necessary for
that office. He is thoroughly acquainted
with treasury methods and treasury de-
c!siOns affecting appropria ton bills, hav-
ing been chief of division in the office of
the controller. and for eight years deputy
controller of the Treasury Department. His
most conspicuous service was rendered as
auditor for Porto Rico. an office created
in May. 1899, under the military govern
ment. When the civil government was in
stalled AR. Garrison WAS reappointed au-
dltor. with an annual compensation of
S., 900. 1t is said by Former Assistant Sec
retary Allies that Mr.. Garrison the
rock Of integrity upon which the entire
government of tn" island rested, and that
he did more to impress the people with
the honesty of the Americans than any
othcr ore mn in the ss'ond.
Gov Allen of Porto Rico. we'll known
in Washington as the former assistant sec
retary of the navy, said in his annual re-
port that the system upon which the audit
ing of the Porto Rtcan accounts We're ad-
1usted was. to a very large extent. Mr..
Garrison's own devising, and insured sim
plicity and economy. His services to the
island have been of great value was Gov.
Aliens tribute. Gov Hunt. who succeeded
Gov. Allen, said of Mr.. Garrison: 1T has
indeed been fortunate thing for the is
land that in the beginning Of the civil gov
ernment We have had the services of such
q capable officer auditor. who has been
untiring in his labors of establishing a
entirely successful. His ability and COM
potency have been of incalculable benefit
Legal Ability Recognized.
Desiring. after four years services to
return to the United States. Mr. Garrison
voluntarily relinquished the position Of
auditor and returned to Washington, of
which city he has been a resident nearly
all of his life. and where he is property
owner. He selected by President
Roosevelt and Secretary Shaw to be chief
of the customs division. in order to straight
en- out certain tangles in the customs SER
vice. In addition to his recognized ability
as an accountant Mr.. Garrison is an edu-
Gated practical lawyer and his legal abil-
ity has been very generally recognized.
Although a little over sixty years of age,
he has a robust well-preserved frame, and
Is capable Of a great amount of mental and
physical labor. His name is synonymous
with probity virtue and industry in office.
He is a member of Columbia Commandery,
K. T., and for many years has been chair
man Of a finance committee of that organi-
cation. He was not an applicant for the
position of District auditor. but his name
was suggested to the Commissioners by a
large number of disinterested citizens who
were anxious that the right man should be
found to take charge of the office and in
sure thorough methods"
Mr.. Macfarlaud's View
Commissioner Macfarland said:
II am very sorry that no suitable place