Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-25
CHIEFS REDUCED IN GRADE
REORGANIZING THE OFFICE OF
NAVAL PHOTOGRAPHER.
Result of Investigation of E. E.
Courts Charges Against Little
heles and Naetzel.

AS the result Of long and thorough in
vestigation of the business methods of the
office of the naval photographer, in the
Mills building. 1T has been found advisa BILE
to effect a partial reorganization of the
administrative force E. E. Court, an old
| employe of the office, last spring preferred
series of charges against George w.
Littlehales, photographic engineer. who
| was chief of the division of chart con-
| struction. and Gregor Noetzel, chief of the
| photographic section in the same division
In the case of Mr.. Littlehales it was
| alleged that he had used government en-
| ployes and material during Office hours
to assist him in the preparation of a sci
| en;iffc work. and had it published in his
own name. through Philadelphia house
The book is designed to explain
method of determining geographical posi-
tons at sea 1t is said that Mr. Little
hales sought to have this production pub
llshed as government document and
falling to receive authority to do so. had
it published In a private office as private
enterprise. The book was put on the
market for sale at $50 copy and 1t is
stated that several copies were bought by
the government
Government at Heavy Expense.
In his allegations against Littlehales,
Court charged that the work of preparing
this book covered a period of several
years and put the government to an ex-
pense of several thousand dollars.
Courts principal charges against Noet-
eel were that the latter used his Of
fetal time and that of his subordinates a S
well as government machinery and ma
| terial, in making photographic maps and
charts for private persons for a monetary
consideration
o1,a
chart. Gross Roads Of the Pacific" show
ing about half of the globe, with Hawaii
as a center
| These charges having been filed with
the Secretary of the Navy. he turned all
| the papers over to Judge Edward P. Han
ma, solicitor of the Navy Department,
| with instructions to make a thorough and
impartial investigation. Solicitor Hanna
devoted considerable part of the sum-
| mer to the investigation. He held night
sessions in his office in the Navy Depart
| ment for several weeks and personally ex-
amined all the officials. clerks and en-
ployes of the photographic Office likely to
have information bearing upon the subject
of Investigation.
Both sides were represented by counsel.
Mr.. Henry +. Davis looked out for the
interests of Littlehales and Noetzel, and
Mr. J. S. EasbySmith. represented Mr..
Court. The investigation lasted nearly
five months. ending about the last of May.
During that period Littlehales and Noetzel
were suspended from duty and pay.
Result Of the Inquiry.
The investigation was held in camera
and all the information regarding it
was kept from the public so far as pos
sible. Even at this late day it is ex-
tremely difficult to obtain definite in
formation as to the proceedings. 1t is
known, however. that the result was in
the nature of what is popularity known as
"a Scotch verdict" or. in other words.
mot guilty. but don't do it again. At
any rate. Messrs. Littlehales and NoetZel
We're restored TO duty in the office after
being severely reprimanded by the Sec
rotary of the Navy. Although neither of
relieved of their positions at the head of
divisions and were deprived of all ad
ministrative powers.
Mr. Littlehales was succeeded chief
of the division of chart construction by
Lieut.. Commander G. F. Cooper of the
navy. and Mr.. Noetzell was succeeded as
chief of the photographic section by Mr..
II. z. Simpson. No change was made in
the rating or pay of either official. Mr..
Iittlehales is stu rated as photographic
engineer at $1,000 per annum and Mr..
Noetzel as chief photographer at $500
year.
In explanation of the action of the Navy
Department, it is stated that there was no
evidence of any criminal purpose on the
part of Messrs. Littlehales and Noetzel.
but that they had acted in the matter I'M
der clear misconception of their duties
and privileges and as a consequence had
been deprived of their former positions
of authority.