The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1925-02-11
employees OF
COMMISSION
ARE CALLED
First Public Testimony Is
Taken in Committees
Inquiry Into Subject
WAR STUFF is SOLD
Sold to Private individuals in
Violation of U. S. Require
ments Witness Says
WAR STUFF IS SOLD

!
| investigating committee was held
| this morning in the Mckenzie Hotel
| parlor, with Chairman Yeater pre-
siding and F. j. Graham acting as
| attorney. Rep. Anderson of Stuts-
man, one member of the committee,
was not present.
The committees first two Witness
es, who were called and sworn to
testify under oath in the same man.
ner as court. were P. M. Hagdahl
of the testing department and w. F.
Gettleman, in charge of the equip
ment department.
Mr.. Gettleman was questioned con-
cerning sale of war materials. He
was asked whether the government
regulations prohibited sale of these
surplus war materials to private in
dividuals and replied that they did.
He was asked if there had been sales
to private individuals, and he said
Chief Engineer w. G. Black of the
Highway Commission had ordered
sales to anybody.
Mr.. Gettleman was first called on
to explain that surplus war mater
ials were sent to be used in con-
struction of main roads, the govern
ment making handling charge.
Some stuff not suitable for use on
roads had been shipped by mistake,
he said, including five machines for
boring Liberty motors.
Denies Right To Sell
Asked if the Highway Commission
had the right to sell what it does not
need he said there was much mis-
understanding on the part of the
governments regulations. The gov
ernment had said material could be
sold if the money was used on roads.
Another man from Washington said
the material could be traded, In
this way, he said, the Highway Com
mission traded some heavy airplane
truck parts on an Indiana Motor
Company truck.
"Does the government allow you
to sell to private individuals p ask
ed Rep. Vogel, member Of the COM
mittee. 'ts'is i
mo, don't believe it docs," re-
pIleQ tNe witness.
"Did you sell some to private in
dividuals ~
eyes, on orders"
From where?"
"The chief engineer
Mr. Gettleman said the policy with
respect to the materials was changed
two or three times. He also said
that some may have got into private
hands through county auditors.
He said Chief Engineer Black or
dered Mr.. Miller. storekeeper, to sell
materials to anyone.
The committee directed that list
Of individuals to whom parts we're
sold be secured. The price, Mr..
Gettleman said. was to large ex-
tent fixed by Mr.. Miller.
p. M. Hagdohl. of the testing de-
partment, the first witness, said
he tested sand and gravel and cor
rugated pipes. Most of the testing
had been done in the last year, he
said.
He was asked if there was sand
and gravel from more than one place
that will pass specifications, and he
said there were several places in the
state.
He said it would take some time
to go through records and ascertain
the places, but he would do so. He
was directed to do this.
Asked if he had any complaints re-
garding tests, he said he could not
say that he had.
He said that in nearly all cases he
knew before he made test where
the material came from.
He said there were different tests
for road covering and for gravel
used for concrete. The road cover
ing, he said. usually was taken close
to job on casual inspection by en-
gineers. The department was more
particular regarding concrete work.
he said. He said he had been in the
department since 1920, under both
Chief Engineers Robinson and Black.
T. r. Atkinson's Cars
Mr.. Gettleman was further ques-
toned by Mr.. Graham and Mr.. vogel
regarding disposal of automobiles
of the commission and particularly
about cars used by T. r. Atkinson of
Bismarck. The stenographic record
of questions and answers follow:
"Who uses the Cadillac car" Judge
Graham said. further questioning
Mr.. Gettleman.
ct. r. Atkinson"
"He is city engineery asked Mr..
Vogel.
Eyes, sir"
"Is he on the highway force7'
II believe he does work for the
highway department. I believe he
works at odd times"
II wish to state that the car was
assigned to Mr.. Atkinson without my
authority"
who's authority was It! asked
Mr.. vogel.
(Continaed o pags thrss)