Arizona republican., 1920-11-11
Tn. shipbuiIdino craftsrs

The report of the house committee describing the graft and corruption under the managefhent of the United states Shipping Baord only adds confrma- ton to what was than suspected from the early days of the organization of the Fleet Cor poration in 1s17 Public attention was attracted to tho corporation by the controversy between General oocthais. the general manager. and William Denman over the proposed construction of wooden ships, which General Goethals opposed. resulting in the retirement of Mr. Denman. General Goethals succeeded not long after by Admiral capps gen. erai manager of the corporation It subsequent to this change the most of the contracts were let At the end of year only of the original appointees of the board remained John A. McDon- aid of New York.
 All of the original appontees had been chosen either because of their acquaintance wit shpbud- ing. or as. in the of General Goet E because of demonstration of executive ability of a Eh order. The men subsequently, chosen Raymond B. stevens of New Hampshire. Banbridge Colby of New York, Charles R. Page of San Francisco Admiral capps was succeeded general manager by Admiral Harris who soon after gave way Charles Piez of Chicago who had reputation street railway manager MT. Piez remained at the head of the or sanitation to the end.
 This was practically the organization under which the scandals which attached shipbunding oc- cured. It was charged and believe, never suspected that any of the prominent in the af-
 rs of the corporation remotely participated in the graft of billions At the worst that laid to general incapacity.
 The most conspicuous the Hog Island scan- dai in which many millions thrown away. That there was graft there from the purchasing of the site to the practical dismanting of the shipyards, has generally been believed. There dispute that the waste was enormous
 Politics early entered into and obstructed an in- vcstsation of the operations the shipping board. Though it was attacked by Republican and Demo crats alike we believe in partsan or factional snirst the attack was regarded blow aimed at the administration when it had only been aimed at an incapable organization.
 The haste with which the corporation was obliged to proceed to repair the the might have excused in part the waste in the shipyards if that haste had produced adequate results. The cost plus sv~,ern and 1t was said that other available was an open and cordial invitation to graft and it worked contrary to what had been expected-expe- dition in shipbulding The dishonest contractor un der it had no incentive to hurry but on the other hand he had strong incentive to delay He would not Kill the goose which laying the golden egg. Economy of operation meant lessenng of his own profits. and every day contract was untnlshea was another day of profits.
 The only thing that could be said or believed of .r. Emergency Fleet Corporation that its eyes were shut and that it did not know what was going o,. Nobody even those who pretended to have se- cured definite information concerning the operation of the contractors had discovered anything on which to base criminal charges. So far as their charges
 went the contractors only unsuitable conscience ,s bors. making the most of what had been thrown before them.
 The report however. brings out charges which Il ,bsv can be proved will send men to the penitentary rs eaity it will be regrettabe that they cannot DC
 .,, 10 the scaffod or placed before firing squad Nso traitor to this country was ever so despicaoe these contractors who wasted the gold which 'ns h