While we know our northern friends may not feel it, in the South, Spring is
here. So we thought we'd share a few of our gardening sites appropriate
for this time of the year. Along with gardening, there's grilling, and getting
ready to diet so that you can fit back into that bathing suit this summer!
Clothing and Other Goods Rejected at New York
Warehouse
Clothing And Other Goods Rejected At New York Warehouse.
The failure of the Bay State Clothing Company, who had the contract for suits of
clothing for the boys, to furnish garments equal in value to the samples
submitted was an occasion of much difficulty at the New York warehouse,
commencing in the month of September. The quality of the cloth used was,
perhaps, up to the standard, but the goods lacked finish and were not equal in
weight, while the material used for lining was inferior, and the garments were
made in a slovenly and cheap manner. The inspector in charge, Mr. Dewitt C.
Whiteman, passed the first delivery of clothing and also a very inferior article
of cloth in the piece in fulfillment of the contract for "cadet gray ""cloth.
The objections of Superintendent Robbing were unheeded and the goods were
shipped. The superintendent wrote to Commissioner Jones at Washington and also
informed Mr. James in New York, with whom he had an understanding that when
another delivery was made he was to be notified. At the next delivery Mr. James
examined the clothing, also the cloth sent to fill the contract for " cadet
gray," all of which were found to be below standard.
Mr. James ordered that they be not accepted and that no shipment be made, and
informed Commissioner Jones of what he had done, who, on coming to New York and
examining for himself, approved the course taken and notified the contractor to
take away the goods and furnish other goods equal to sample. He also dismissed
the inspector, Whiteman, and upon his return to Washington detailed Inspector
Nesler to the place of Superintendent Robbins, who was given indefinite leave of
absence. As a compromise, the clothing was accepted at a later date and at a
reduced price, the season being so far advanced that the garments would be
needed before others could be got ready. It is said that the contracting company
admits sustaining a loss of $10,000 to $12,000 upon the transaction, exclusive
of the sum paid as penalty for nonfulfillment of contracts. The incident is much
to be regretted because of the prejudice created in the minds of competitive
bidders, there being a feeling that they were discriminated against in the first
place, and that the delinquent contractor should not have been allowed to turn
in the goods even at a large reduction. The contracts were fairly awarded and
there is no occasion for fault finding under that head; probably there would
have been less fault finding if the goods had all been rejected and fresh bids
asked for, or the articles been purchased in open market. Such incidents are
regrettable, although not always avoidable. Of the inspector who was dismissed
it may be said that he was a weak man and unfitted for the place, if not
dishonest, although his recommendations to Commissioner Jones were good.
Darwin R. James,
Chairman Board of Indian Commissioners.
New York, January 20, 1902.
This site
includes some historical materials that may imply negative stereotypes
reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place. These
items are presented as part of the historical record and should not be
interpreted to mean that the WebMasters in any way endorse the stereotypes
implied .
Thirty-Third Annual Report Of The Board Of Indian Commissioners,
1901
