James R. Harris letter to Josephus Daniels - October 13, 1917
Transcript
Daniel October 24, 1917. Secretary of Navy, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: - SUBJECT: Badges for Industrial Employees on War Material - It has occurred to us that it would have a good effect upon employees in industrial concerns manufacturing war material; both in deterring them from leaving such work for ordinary commercial products and in inducing a certain feeling of responsibility, were such workers provided with a button or badge somewhat on the lines of the little sketch attached hereto. Such badge could either be issued by the Government, to industrial employees on war material; or could be suggested and authorized by the Government, but furnished by the manufacturing concerns themselves. In either event the manufacturer would, naturally, have to keep record of those to whom they issued these badges, and would have to see that the badges were turned in by men when leaving their employment. The suggested badge is somewhat similar to that issued by the British War Department, being a gilt button with red and blue enamel as shown. We would appreciate a statement from you as to whether the Government was likely to issue badges of this kind, for the stated purpose, or if this should not be the case, suggest information as to the manner in which we could obtain Government authority to furnish our employees with badges of this character. Yours very truly, BUSCH-SULZER BROS.-DIESLE ENGINE CO. 1st V.P. & Gen. Mgr. MR/ID
Transcript
October 13, 1917. Dear Mr. Secretary: Lt. Commander Kerrick who has been acting as Inspector of Machinery at our plant for the past eighteen months has just left us, being assigned to other duties and I thought you would like to know that everyone connected with our Company sincerely regrets to see him leave, both on account of his absolute fairness as an Inspector and the agreeable manner in which he was discharged his duties. When our Company commenced work for the Government we had heard so many reports of Government Inspectors being arbitrary and unfair to Contractors, some Companies refusing to bid on Government Contracts in normal times on this account, that we fully expected to be put to great expense without just cause and without reference to any equitable rights we might have in carrying out our contracts. Mr. Kerrick in the discharge of his duties, while always having first thought for the Government's interest, has been so fair in giving our Company's claims every consideration, that I feel we should go on record as having had a most pleasant experience with the Navy Department in this connection. If all Inspectors showed the same ability, intelligence and fairness in dealing with contractors, I feel sure that no honest contractor would hesitate to undertake work for the Navy Department. In our business it is always a pleasure to hear that our representative have, in the discharge of their duties, won the confidence and esteem of our customers and it is with this in mind that I am writing to you regarding Mr. Kerrick. Hoping that your health continues good, as I can fully realize the strain under which you are working, I remain, with kindest regards. Very sincerely, Hon. Josephus Daniels, Sec'y of the Navy, Washington, D.C.
Transcript
October 13, 1917. Dear Mr. Secretary: Lt. Commander Kerrick who has been acting as Inspector of Machinery at our plant for the past eighteen months has just left us, being assigned to other duties and I thought you would like to know that everyone connected with our Company sincerely regrets to see him leave, both on account of his absolute fairness as an Inspector and the agreeable manner in which he was discharged his duties. When our Company commenced work for the Government we had heard so many reports of Government Inspectors being arbitrary and unfair to Contractors, some Companies refusing to bid on Government Contracts in normal times on this account, that we fully expected to be put to great expense without just cause and without reference to any equitable rights we might have in carrying out our contracts. Mr. Kerrick in the discharge of his duties, while always having first thought for the Government's interest, has been so fair in giving our Company's claims every consideration, that I feel we should go on record as having had a most pleasant experience with the Navy Department in this connection. If all Inspectors showed the same ability, intelligence and fairness in dealing with contractors, I feel sure that no honest contractor would hesitate to undertake work for the Navy Department. In our business it is always a pleasure to hear that our representative have, in the discharge of their duties, won the confidence and esteem of our customers and it is with this in mind that I am writing to you regarding Mr. Kerrick. Hoping that your health continues good, as I can fully realize the strain under which you are working, I remain, with kindest regards. Very sincerely, Hon. Josephus Daniels, Sec'y of the Navy, Washington, D.C.
Details
| Title | James R. Harris letter to Josephus Daniels - October 13, 1917 |
| Creator | Harris, James R. |
| Source | Harris, James R. Letter to Josephus Daniels. 13 October 1917. Busch-Sulzer Collection. Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin. |
| Description | Letter from James R. Harris, Vice president and General Manager of the Busch-Sulzer brothers Diesel Engine Company to the Secretary of the Navy, Josephus Daniels. Harris addressed the excellent work of Lieutenant Commander Kerrick, Inspector of Machinery at the Busch-Sulzer plant. Kerrick was recently relieved of his duty as Inspector of Machinery. James Harris informed Josephus Daniels of his good work and thanked him for his services. Both the typed and handwritten letter are included. |
| Subject LCSH | Diesel engine; Submarine boats; Busch-Sulzer brothers Diesel engine company |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Contributing Institution | Wisconsin Historical Society |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Wisconsin Historical Society: 608-264-6535 |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | October 13, 1917 |
| Language | English |