The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1918-02-20
GO AFTER THEM!

Attorney General Gregory and Chairman Hurley
couldn't be set at more important work, Mr.. Presl-
dent, than investigating the .scandalous charges
against that Hog Island shipbuding plant, and, if
the charges are substantiated somebody ought to
60 to jail
Fact is, there has been strong stencil about that
plant from the beginning, and if the government has
not. indeed been MIXED to the limit it will be
more of a natural wonder than Mammoth Cave, the
Natural Bridge, Yellowstone Geysers any other Of
our wonders.
The American International corporation had as
directors Vanderip, Ogden Armour, VIM. Z. Corey,
Pierre Dupont Otto Kahn Percy Rockefeller,
Charles Stone of Stone & Webster, and other fnan-
ciers and public franchise holders. There poll
tical business and money standing and pull in that
directorate to beat four aces but it didn reek with
talent for shipbudng; and so upon getting the
contract the A. |. c. turned the work over to the
American international Shipbuilding corporation,
with the above named patriots largely composing it's
directorate.
The scheme is SO beautiful and slick that we pause
to call particular attention to it. Should the gov
eminent want to build millions Of golden harps for
celestial use in the hereafter put your pull your
standing in your satchel and go down to Washing
ton rip-roaring patriot, though you may not be
able to tell heavenly harp from hand-organ.
You yell patriotism like blazes, change your name
to the American international bodybuilding corpor
alton, and the rest is done for you.
10 resume: by us contract WIFI Clle n /. w.
the government agreed to furnish practically I'M
limited funds to the A. I. c., which was merely the
financing company for the A. /. S. C. On it's part
the A. /. C., god-papa and mamma of the A. !. S. Co.,
undertook to spend Uncle Sans money without
profit in the construction Of shipbudng yard
which should have so ways and which should in %
months from Sept. 3, 1917, deliver 120 iron ships
The cost Of the ships was estimated at 165 mill
ion dollars, on which the A: l. G. is to get five per
cent, Admiral Bowles explained, for 'the know
how"
It was estimated the shipbuidng plant would
cost q million dollars. Much more than that amount
has already been spent and not keel is laid nor is
the yard anywhere near ready. 1t is now estimated
the plant will cost nearer so million dollars
The government is pledged to pay for everything
land materials salaries, wages for the construc-
ton Of ships, shops hospitals and everything that
goes to making shipbuilding plant. The A. /. G.
undertook to spend the money without profit
What happened, according to testimony before
the senate commerce committee, was that Stone &
Websters Charlie Stone Of the drectorate) force
were put on the government pay roll at increased
pay that the general managers salary was footed
from $4,000 to $4,000; that land that had gone
begging for 81 900 per acre was put on Uncle Sam
at So, 600 andthat the whole Job is going oineffi
GENTLY and extravagantly.
Certain it is that the government has been out
ragged aaatdeSed iii vital matter of prOdac
ing ships in time. This is crime but little less vile