The New York Herald Newspaper, March 28, 1876, Page 3

" commands the destruction of all notes so turned in or | House aftorits introduction that Mr, Willis had acted , Without fall consultation with prominent men on both WASHINGTON. The Currency Question Still the Football of the House, A PROPOSITION T0 FUND LEGAL TENDERS. A Big Bonanza of Fraud Developed in the Interior Department. DOUBLE SWINDLE OF THE INDIANS. The Belknap Impeachment Articles Completed by the Committee. THE FEDERAL TROOPS IN MISSISSIPPI. FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT, Wasuinorox, March 27, 1876. CONDITION OF THE CURRENCY QUESTION IN THE HOUSE—PAYNE'S COMPROMISE MEASURE A PAILURE—A SCHEME OF THE INDEPEN- DENTS AND OPINIONS OF A NEW YORK BANKER THEREO: The Payne currency compromise bill could not get Itself before the House to-day, only eighty-one mem- bers being willing to suspend the rules and let it come ap, while 156, of whom about sixty were democrats md the remainder republicans, rofused. Thos the work of the democratic currency caucus is lost, Mr. Payue’s Lill: amended in the caucus until all that was originally good ju it was eliminated from it, failed fo satisty any one, even the soft money men who amended it to death, If it had passed the House it had not the least chance to become a Jaw, but it might have been usetul as affording tho occasion for ‘substitute to be oflered in the Senate, which might aave had merit, and, if so, would probably have been wdopted by the House by a non-partisan vote. The disposition among sound currency mea of both sides to join hands fur some sound and moderato measure, of which mention bas frequently been made mm these dospatches, does pot decrease, and the wblest men of both parties in the House are | fetermined to agree on some measure and pass it Meantime, thero is still so great & disposition axmoug them to act as individuals and without careful concert that they may, iu the eud, be defeated by the frm union of soft money men who are wiser aud act more solidly under their leaders, During the last weck several gentlemen, the most prominent of whom are Mr, Chittenden, of New York, aud Messrs, Seelye, Willis and others, have been trying if they could gain support for a bill directing the issue ot @four per cent forty or titty year bond, interest and principal payable tu gold and of denominations as low as $50, 10 be used for the redemption of the legal tender notes at tho will of the holders, the noves so redeemed to be cancelled, of course, A number of Prominent bankers and financiers bave been consulted oo this project, and have declared in favor of it as likely to witudraw that part of the currency now lying Idle and unused, and, by restoring coniidence.and look- Ing tuward a resumption of specie payments, pretty’ jure to revive business, Concerning the probable alvcts of such a tneasuro, one,of the ablest and most conservative bank presidents in New York, Mr. George B. Cue, of the American Exchange Bank, has written Mr. Chittenden the following:— In my judgment the restoration of the funding privi- lege to the legal tender notes which they originally sed $8 « most natural mode of gradually ex- bonds and of gold they would at four per cent in gold betaken at first with some cagerness, yet the sur- plus notes now lying idle im banks would woon be absorbed aud the option to fund them at any time would tend to prevent too rapid conversion. The community will reason upon the subject with practical sense, and not rush into an irreversible investment if it is likely to contract the currency to sach a degree as to render bonds unsaladle at par, After the first fow days the price of gold xnd of the bonds would adjust them. selves to the requirements of commerce for and | should bave no fear of an un! aid There are many wcbemes for ‘ themselves ‘by intermediate not convertil and Interconvertible, but I believe it will be found here, as Ju other rs, the native sagacity of the nation can take care of itself, only remove that in- wuperable obstacle which uvconvertible legal tender notes continually opposes to the natural operations of commerce, Just 80 Soon as the tree option to convert these notes fg restored all banks and business men will immedi- ately forecast the real effect and will conform to the new conditions, with just regard to the advantages and whe daugers. It would be a measure tending naturally to specie payments, for which the mere prophecy that such an event will come on January, 1879, with no adequate provision to produce tt, may be considered ayood exchange. The instant overcorversion occurs it will be felt by the of bonds at the last fraction of a discoust, and so the index would be apparent day by day. as cortain as the mercury marks a change in tomperature. Mr. Willis, of New York, to-day introduced a bill which covers the points above mentioned. 1 provides for forty year four per cent gold interest bonds, author- jzes their exchange for legal tender notes at par and redeemed und repeals the resumption clause of the so- called Resutpption act. There were some signs in the “Bes In presenting his bill, but there will be efforts at Fuch cousultation immediately, and there is a good feul of reason to hope that the bill will pass the Hoase. 1t could hardly fail to pass in the Senate, for en the mildest or most timid sound currency man NOL Object tO m measure which has for its object Simply to let the people, if they want to, exchange the governments past duo or failed paper tor obligaty which are due at a Gxed date, and which have there- fore a commercial value, It ts more a measure of honesty than a currency measure, and enables the government to do what any merchant who bad failed, but who wished to re-establish his credit, would do as ence and betore anything else. HE PRICK OF ADMISSION TO THE CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION—THE ‘‘DEADHEAD" QUESTION AGITATING THE COMMISSIONERS. General Hawley and other centennial people are here, and are discussing the price of admission to the Exhibition and the highly important question whether they shall issue free tickets to anybody, The noble “deadhead " begins to press for recognition, and js an embarrassing object. Considering the number of Persons who will demand free pasres, it is said that the Commissioners: tee! that tuey ought to charge the Paying part of the public fifty cents for each ad- Mission, but there is some reason to believe that there were absolutely no “‘deadheads” the people could be admitted at twenty-five cents a head, One of the Commissioners asked some members Of the press to-day whether i was supposed the press Would demand to be ‘deadheaded,”’ and was decidedly and promptly answered “No.”’ But be was evidently hot convinced, aud thought that the popularity of the Exhibition would ve imperilied unless there was a for- taldable array of “deadbeads,”’ If the Commissioners ‘Were encouraged by the press to cut off absolutely all free admissions’ there js nie doubt that they would feel themselves warranted in charging only tweuty- Give cents admission aud printing and selling only ono Kind of ticket, with no half tares or any other distine- | Von, This is undoubtedly high enough. No one will bo satistied with one visit; a great proportion of the Hisitors witl wish to bring their families and will ex- vend thei visit over three or four days, and the tax which they will pay from repeated visits will suili- thmtly swell the bill of admmssion, even at twenty-five | sevis, | | BIGHT SESSIONS OF THE HOUSE, AND THE | @2VILS LIKELY TO RESULT THEREFKOM. The House to-day committed the impradence of fouung aight Sessions for the transaction of business. | The object, of course, ts to get work done more quickly, but every one who kpows by experience the vilcet of night sessions Knows that they wear our members, and are a belp mainly to the parsage of jobs whieh caunot bear the cooler and more carctul seratiny of aday session, The members of the pres. out House are already very hard worked, Most of the important Committees Lave boew very laboriously em. ployed for weeks, and the members ought to husband their strength and energies Commitices meet at ten im the morning, and sub-committees very frequently hold afternoon and sessions Instead of holding night sessions of the House it would be far wiser, in the optnion of ex- perienced members, to authorize the principal com- mittees to sit regularly during the sessions of the House, This would thin the House somewhat, but the leaders of both sides are always in atteudance and are able to call in members from the committee rooms on an emergency, or for avote without delay. In this way investigation, which must be the chief work of the session, could go on far more rapidiy and effectually, and business in the House would not be hindered in the least. At present therois a good deal of il!-rogulated zeal in the conduct of business which causes delay, hindrance and needless worry. What is wanted isa more systematic arrangement of the work. THE SALARIES OF DEPARTMENT CLERKS-——A CONTRAST WITH THE PAY OF CONGRESSMEN— AN UNCERTAIN TENURE OF OPFICE—REYORMS GREATLY NEEDED. Yhe proposed reduction in the pay of department clerks has created a great deal of feeling here because it is proposed to reduce from the original ante-war salaries, Tho salarics of frst, second, third and foarth class clerks wero fixed im 1853 abd have not been raised since. During the period of very high prices the clerks received trom Congress on several occasions gratuities for a single year each time. The salaries of chief clerks were fixed at $2,000 in 1857 and have been raised since 1867 to from $2,100 to $2,800, It 1s now proposed to make the reductions for the lower clerks from salaries fixed 1m 1853, which seems hardly fair, for there is no doubt that the expenses of living have not diminished but rather increased since then, ‘The proposed reduction has caused an examination of the salaries of members of the House, with which It has no proper relation, because the pay of Congress- men cannot be expected to be graduated by the pay of department clerks. Members of the House recoived originally $6 per day. This was increased to $8, then to $1,500 per annum, and this was reduced again to $8 a day. At this it remained until 1855, when it was made $3,000 per annum; in 1866 jt was increased to $5,000; in 1873 it rose to $7,500; in the spring of 1874 this was repealed, aud the pay set back to $5,000. The clerks assert that, if Congress proposes to make @ uniform reduction, it should strike a percentage from its own pay rate Iu 1855, which was $3,000 per annum. Members who favor this say that a Congressman receives two years’ pay for only nine or ten months’ actual ser- vice, the short session lusting three months and the long session rarely over seven, They add phat a lawyer or merchant serving in Congress does not seri- ously neglect his regular business or practice, and, as he usually returns to his regular pursuits after serving one or two sessions, the experience and prestige he, has gained by his public position 1s almost always of great pecuniary benefitto him, Those who urge these con- siderations add that at forty-five hundred dollars a year thembers receive nine thousand dollars, mileage and Some valuable perquisites for nine or ten months? service, or pot Jess than athousand dollars a mouth more than a Cabinet Minister ora Jadge of the Supreme Court gots, and it is suggested that if the pay were re- duced to three thousand dollars per annam less money would be speut for eloctioneering purposes. But the grievance of the department clerks is really not the smallness or even the diminution of their pay, but the uncertainty of their tenure In office and the political exactions made, which are also of an uncer- tain character, What with assessmonts and the cx- pense of going home to vote, and the possibility of being turned out at any moment, no matter how faith- ful or capable they have been, and for no greater cause than that they have incurred the anger of some Congressman, the department clerks have fewor in- | ducements to faithful service than any other class in the country. It is a pity that this matter could not have a thorough discussion m the House at this time, when the proposed reduction of salaries is debated. To make tho places of clerks permanent di tog good behavior, make them by law residents of the District of Columbia, and thus deprive “them of the vote and all political functions, exact proper labor trom them, sueh as a merchant does from his clerks, and establish promotion for merit anda small retiring pension for, say, twenty years of faithful services, would secm easy enough, and it would be a reform worth making. But it would deprive members of Con- gress of what many of them, and those the least useful public servants, valaeeven more than their pay, that is, of their patronage, which 1s, after ali, the most troublesome and least satistactory part of the perqui- sites of any member ge professional or trad- AYVFAIRS IN PUZZLED OVRR GOVERNOR AMES’ COURSE—AN INQUIRY REGARDING THE MOVEMENTS OF FEDERAL TROOPS IN THE STATE. Mississippi republicans here are puzzled and disap- pointed at the conduct of Governor Ames in refusing to nominate a successor to Lieutenant Governor Davis, who recently resigned, The law made it the duty ot the Governor to till the vacancy, and it had been agreod upon that he should appoint Mr. Musgrove, a banker of Jackson, a citizen held in high esteem by both par- thes, and once voted for by the democrats for « Sgate officer, but for somé reason when Davis resigned the Governor backed out, and republicans bint that it was because ho was more anxious to make terms for him. self with the democrats, who have impeached him, than to appoint to the vacant office a man who would have been a trusted leader for the republicans in the State and who was rejected ag @ just, courageous and conservative man, lt 1 openly said that bad Mr. Musgrove beon ap- pointed the republicans could have carried the State woxt fall, It mast be admitted, Lowevor, that his ap- pointment would bave made the removal of Governor Ames on impeachment a matter of indifference to tho best republicdhs in Mississippi. The latest news re- cvived bere from Jackson leaves little doubt that Ames will be removed unless he shall have made some bargain with the democrats, Mr. Moroy, of Missis- sippi, will to-morrow ‘ntroduce a resolution inquiring why troops have recently been sent into several counties of Mississippi, for what purpose and by whose command, Letters received here state that federal troops have suddenly, and for no apparent cause, ap.) peared in two or thrce Mississippi counties, and th inhabitants are anxious to kuow what it is all about. THE SUPREME COURT DECISION ON THE EN- FORCKMENT CASES. The decision of tho Supreme Court, delivered to-day by the Chief Justice, im tho Grant parish case and the Kentucky election case, indirectly aeclaring the Enfercement act unconstitutional, caused a good deal of excitement among republican politicians this evening. Some of them declare that it loses the whole South to the republicans, and that it imperils‘the Pres- dential election for their party. FROM OUR REGULAR CORRESPONDENT, Wasuixcrox, March 27, 1874. ALARMING RASCALITY DISCOVERED IN THE IN- TERIOR DEPARTMENT—A RBEMINESENCE OF DELANO'S ADMINISTRATION—HOW THE GOv- ERNMENT WAS ROBBED OF TIMBER AND FUNDS, Suil another and altogetuer fresh pioce of rascalisy bas come to light in the Interior Department as a con- sequebee Of the investigation of the land and Indian frauds alleged to have been committed and encouraged under the adwmimistration of Delano, Cowen, Drum- mond snd = ex-Commissioner Smith, A tew weeks ago Secretary Chandier reéeived such positive documentary proof trom the West of there irauds that be at once ordered an Investigation, The new Assistant Secretary of the Interior (Mr, Gor- ham, of Michigan) is # warm personal (riend of Secre- tary Chandier, aud be avd Mr, Gaylord, the Depart- ment Sobeitor, entered heartily into the work of ua- carthing the corruption that bas beep festering ju the Interior Department tor many years, Secretary Chand- Jer was astounded when the revelations were made kuown to him, ond he swore cbaracteristically that the matter should be proved to the Votions, avd the investigations are gomg rapidly forward, The followimg will give an idea of how the frauds referred to were perpetrated — In 1854 a treaty was made with the Lake Superior Jodians by which they gave up large tracts of laud ia Northern Nionesow, Many half breeds were living among the wild Indians and received certificates show- ing that they wore entitled to certain amounts of land called tor by the eertiicates, Un presenting them at the Land OMice the holders are allowed to enter land to the amount specified on the certificates, m surveyed or unsurveyed districts. The scrip is valuable as it in- cludes pine lands and it much sought after by the white Speculators in pine timber, This induced corrupt offi- cials to issue large amounts of the scrip and it is claimed that much was issued in favor of persons not entitled to it, In 1865 and 1876 another treaty was- made with another band of the same tribe of the.Chip pewa Indiwhs, and northwestern country was soon flooded with it, Many persons who had received scrip under the first treaty were not entitled to any under the second treaty were Wt is alleged, induced to apply again at the sohcitation of one of the ex-Commissioners of Indian Affairs The | Sioux scrip was the same as the Chippewa, only more valuable, as it could be used in buying Jands not in the market, and which could not be bought at any price, Government lands in any part of the United States could be purchased with the Sioux scrip, The speca- lators had a way of "relocating it; that Is, they went to the Land Office and said that they had made the wrong selection, and the agent allowed them to relo- cate in another place, but by this time they had stripped all the timber from the land first taken, In this way hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of valuabio tumber were actually stolen from the govern- ment, Civilians living on the reservations at the time ‘the treaties were made were allowed by law to enter Jand at $1 25 an acre, which outsiders could not get at any price. A large number of persons bought certi- ficates who had never lived on the reservation, but through the connivance of the corrupt officials they bought large tracts, and the frauds were great. In 1868 the Rev. E. S, Smith, R. F. Crowel, tho sixth auditor of tho Treasury, and a man named Neal | were appointed a commission to take the census of the Chippewa half breeds. It is charged that a {alse count was mide, and the plans were laid for immonse frauds, which hate since been perpetrated. In the investigations being made by Secretary Chandlers and Assistant Secretary Gorham, surprising evidence has been found of bribery, perjury and forgery. Une of the implicated ex-clerks has al- ready fled to California, where it is supposed he has accomplices. In connection with the above statements, the testimony given to-day before Judge Wilshire’s Indian committee is of peculiar importance, The witne: Charles Beaulien, is an intelligent French half-breed, .and his examination ig to be continued at the next meeting of the committee. He testified that ex-Commissioner Smith and John W. Douglass (Smith’s successor), as agent, bought scrip from the half-breeds of the Chippewa roservation jn Northern Minnesota and paid for it im agency supplies, including wagons ana Indian merchandse. The articles thus disposed of were charged to the govern- ment, as the books to be produced will show, Miss | Cook, Commissioner Smith's private secretary and confidential voucher clerk, persuaded the Indians to sign false vouchers to the amount necessary to square Douglass’ vooks. When they protested the witness i | | said that Miss Cook told them that thoy peed only ‘touch the tip of the penholder while she made the necessary mark for ; them. Witness went with a Mr. A, Morrison to buy Pembina scrip as he was directed, Tho agent and Miss Cook asked the man to sign an application for more scrip than was coming to him, He retused; then Miss Cook said it was all right, that he had received his scrip under a false name; thet %e could get another piece of itand an L, % for $200, She further said tha: had a letter from Smith saying that he could get -op In Qftcen days after this Morrison re- cciv. yoke of cattle, a wagon and $10 in cash for his © 5 represotiting 160 acres. Mr. Houde, of Belle Prairle, was recommended by Long & Fletcher as notary. They bad a store, from which Smith, then the agent, purchased his supplies. Smith sald the witness took scrip ana paid for it with United States food or agency money. Twenty-five thousand dollars was to be paid tothe Indians from the government fund. Smith got it, and Douglass said that he did not receive a dollar. Douglass bought scrip and paid for it in government cattle, and the cattle were entered on she books as issued. THE BELKNAP IMPEACHMENT ARTICLES coM- PLETED BY THE SUB-COMMITTEE—CHABACTER OF THE EVIDENCE. The sub-committee having in hand@the preparation of articles of impeachment agaist Mr. Belknap com- pleted its work late this evening, and will report to the full Jadiciary Committee to-morrow morning. The articles are five or six in number, each having specifications annexed, and are based upon the story of Marsh, confirmed by vari- messages which have been obtained, and the number and nature of which js sufficient to connect the Secre- tary with every payment made by Marsh on the Fort | Sill tradership account. They have, beside,s the letter of Colonel Grierson complaining of the exactions of Evans and Company, and relating their plea that they had to pay one Marsh in New York $12,000 a year tor their privelege to trade. This letter was submitted to Mr. Belknap as its indorsement shows. The articles ot impeachment will probably be brought into the House on Wednesday or Thursday, i | THR INVESTIGATION OF THE BRISTOW MULE CASE. Mr, Bright, of Tennessee, acting chairman of the Committee of Investigation on the Expenditures of the ‘Treasury Department, will direct the immediate sum- moning of Secretary Bristow, ex-Secretary Belknap, | ex-Attorney General Williams, ex-Assistant Attorney | General Goforth, ex-Second Comptroller Brodhead, ex- Assistant Attorney General McMichael, Solicitor Blu- ford Wilson and ex-Assistant Secretary Sawyer, touch- tng the matter which has just been examined by the House Judiciary Committco on the so-called Bristow | mule claim, All copies of correspondence and papers | onthe subject in the War, Treasury and Attorney | General's departments will also be called for. THE MONEY DISCUSSION IN THR HOUSE. ‘The Silver Resumption bill was so loaded down with amendments and substitutes in the discussion to-day | that the House got bewildered and finally ordered the | original bill and these propositions to be ‘printed to- | gether, and then adjourued. The Payne bill, adopted by the majority of the democrats a few weeks since, ‘was offered for consideration to-day under @ motion to suspend the rules, but the motion was defeated by a vote of 81 yeas to 156 nays, The republicans voted | almost solidly against it, and with them a large pro-» | portion of the democrats. As the bill is neither flesh, | tisn nor good herring, it invited the united hostility of | the bard money men of both parties and of the nume- | rous solt money Western democrats of the Franklin- | Landers school, MR. DANA'S NOMINATION IN EXECUTIVE SKS- SION—STRONG OPPOSITION OF MR. CONKLING. The discussion upon the confirmation of Mr, Dana to the English mission was continued quite warmly and to considerable length during the executive session of ts understood the Senate will decide upon the nomi- nation finally if they have to sit it out. Considerable surprise is manifested here atthe strong and deter mined opposition which Senator Conkling maintains against the confirmation of Mr. Dana, who, it ig sale to say, will be Anally rejected; or, as has been fre- t The question will be taken up again to-morrow, and it ene of his selections for office does not meet the ap- proval of the Senate, the nomination will be with. drawn, Unless this occurs the rejection is regarded | conclusion, SENATOR MORTON'S EFFORT TO CALL UP HIS MISSISSIPPI RESOLUTION. At the commencement of business to-day in the Senate, Senator Morton urged the consi: resolution for jnvestigation into Miss! which was resisted in the form of an amendment by Senator Christiancy and the antagonisim of the Co’ sular and Diplomatic bill by Senator Sargeant, from the Senate Committee of Appropriations The yeas nnd nays were called on Senator Morton’s motion to take up the resolution and it was lost by a vote of 28 mays to 21 yeas. Senator Morton had @ four hours’ speech ready, but, upon scanning the Senate, says he feit satisfied of being able to get a confirmatory vote and concluded to watve his remarks. He will again move that the Mississippi resolution be takeu up to-morrow, and, if need be, antagonize it with the Appropriation bill; but he expresses bis con- fidence that the Appropriation Committee will give way two him and that he will Lave strength enough to carry it PLEDGED TO MOBTON, The friends of Senator Morton assert that the dele the Senate this aiternoon, but no vote was reached. | | quently done by President Grant, when he finds that | to-night by those best informed as bemg a foregone | _NEW- YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1876.--TRIPLE SHEET. gation trom the District of Columbia to the National Convention at Cincinnati are pledged to him as the republican nominee for the Presidency. JUDGE GRAY AND HIS CONNECTION WITH BLISS, THE Post TRADER. Mr. Alexander T. Gray says, in regard to the testi- mony of a Mr. B. G. Daniois before the Clymer Com- mittee, that at the time an interest was taken in Dan- jels by him and Senator Carpenter he was not in the Attorney General's nor in any department of the government; that Daniels bad been an old acquaintance of Senator Carpenter, as well as Mr, Gray, for a numbor of years; that Daniela never paid him $1,000, nor any amount whetever; that he took an interest in him because he was from Wisconsin and an intimate trieud of ator Carpenter, who had him appointed in the revenue ser- vice of New Mexico, ashe had gerved in the regular army. Judge Gray further says that Senator Carpen- ter had no knowledge of any real or pretended arrange- ment, as suggested by Daniels, but that from his own mtimacy with Senator Carpenter, as well as from the fact that waniels was also weil known to both of them, he merely went to the Secretary of War, and obtained, on his request, a delay of three months for Bliss, who was appointed originally to the tradership at the instance of Mr, Gray. The interest which Senator Carpenter took in asking the appointment of Mr, Bliss was at tho request of Mr. Gray as a special favor to him, Finally, Mr. Gray denies ever having received anything from either Bliss or Daniels. Mr. Gray will go before tho com- mittee and make a statement of the above facts. THE COLORED TROOPS TO BE LEFT OUT BY THE MILITARY COMMITTEE. Sections 1,104 and 1,108 of the Revised Statutes, pro- viding that the enlisted men of certain regiments of the Regular Army shall be colored, will be struck out by the Military Committee, There are now two regi- ments of intantry and two of cavalry, colored troops. The repeal of the statutes will leave them no longer dis- tinetively colored regiments. 1t has beeu found of late that the negroes do not enhst in the army; they pre- fer agricultural pursuits, ALLEGED CORRUPTION IN THE NEW YORK CUS- TOM HOUSE. Charges of wholesale corraptiou against the manage- meni of the New York Custem House will probably be preferred before one of the Congressional commitices within « few days, aud another lively sensation is ssid to be In store for the public, BOSTON NAVY YARD FRAUDS. fee PN ay CORRUPTIONISTS CORNERED BY A CONGRES- SIONAL COMMITTEE—DISCOVERIRS OF STOLEN * LUMBER AND MACHINERY. .Channestows, Mass., March 26, 1876. ‘That sub-committce of tho Congressional Naval Committee, which was recently appointed to examine into the alleged frauds and abuses at some ot the Eastern naval stations, has been making matters do- eldedly lively atthe Portsmouth and Boston yards, ‘The reported abuses which the committee was com- missioned to investigate bave formed a standard sub- ject for gossip and criticism for several years, but never until now has there been manifested anything | like an earnest disposition to thoroughly and itmpar- tially investigate the charges, There are many cir- cumstances connected with the investigations just con- claded to afford the behef that the committee has not made a very free use of whitewash, and therefore the report which it will shortly submit to Congress will be anticipated with considerable anxiety and in- THR INVESTIGATION A NON-PARTISAN ON. Itis undoubtedly true that the alleged frauds would not have been so suddenly made the sifbject, ot inquiry | if it bad not been for the democratic tura which many of the Congressional elections took a year ago last fall, ‘and it is also equally true that in these particular in- | vestigations there seems to be an absence of party animus anda presence of righteous determination, which in these times is absolutely refreshing. In a Political senso the committee is evenly divided, con- sisting of Messrs. Burleigh, of Maine, and Harris, of | Massachusetts (republican), and Messrs. Jones, of New Hampshire, and Mills, of Texas (democrat). It was mainly through Mr. Burleigh, one of the repubhcan members, that the inquiries were instituted so far as the Portsmouth yard is concerned, and since the in- ‘Veatigation was concluded he has given it out that all of the ssupposed frauds were found to actually exist, While he declines to disclose in deta:l what the com- mittee discovered he has not hesitated to declare that CHIRY CONSTRUCTOR HANSCOM’S INTKGRITY 13 INVOLVED, he even goes still further when he intimates that Yard has beon run in the-tmterest of Mr, Hamiin, the veteran politician and renowned Senator froth the Pine Tree State. This ‘Portsmouth yard," as it is called, is, in fact, located in Kittery, tm the State of Maine, andas a means of political advancement tn times of elections it is made to serve the purposes of corruption for both New Hampshire and Maine, But the COLOSSAL FRAUDS which the committee discovered were found to exist in the Charlestown (or Boston) yard, The sessions | have been continued day and evening for a week and were concluded to-night, and probabiy their report wiil be submitted to Congress in the course of a week. Among the witnesses who were subjected to thorough and — protracted examinations — were Commodore Nichols, commandant of the yard; Captain Brown, the ordnance oilicer; Mr. Bartlemann, the chiet engineer; Mr. Easby, the constructor; Mr. Granger, the civil engineer; Charles Sprague aud Ben- jamin H. Sampson, of the construction department; Samuel Dwigbt, foreman of the blacksmiths; Naval Constructor Puilip Hichborn, of Portsmouth; K. K. MeMichacl, who submitted estimates to the depart- ment for building the Enterprise and failed to receive the contract; Mr. sackson, an Kast Boston sbip- in Pope, of the Marine Corps; J. A. U. Geddis, a foreman ship carpenter at the yard; Master Joiner Wiiliam Hichborn; Douald McKay, of East Bos- ton, and numerous others. THE REVELATIONS OF PRAUD which have been disclosed sbow that the worst reports about the management of the yard were well founded. It has been wn thatthere has been a startling amount of over-measuring of timber in the interest of contractors and those in collusion with them, and also a wholesale acceptance of articles | | never contracted for, aud for which the government | had to pay roundly. It bas also been proved, prob- | ably beyond a doubt. that there have been numerous | | appointments of men to lucrative positions without | (ue slightest regard to integrity or ability, and in some | cases men bave been employed who were previously | convicted of crimes agafnst the goverument An- | other series of irregularities developed has been the in- | driseriminate iseuing of supplies and materials on fraudulent requisitions and tn quantities largely in ex- what the bogus documents culled for. Tho { and the parties comvining | with them to thus defraud the government are, of course, kept 4 profound secret, a circumstance which indicates that they are likely to be arrested. A SWINDLE UP A MILLION AND A MAL DOLLARS, | One of the biggest ewindles perpetrated through the influence of corrupt officials, as shown up by the in- vestigation, Was the purchase of « worthless machine | | | calculated for timber bending purposes. It was pur- | chased at a cost of upward of $1,500,000, and hae | proved itself not only utterly worthiess, but bas been | the means of rusting bundreds of thousands of dol- | | lars? worth of stock. A careful record kept during three months 1 1873, after @ book containing a record | of six months’ work had been stolen from an employé | of the bending mill, shows that out of dity-two pieces | which it Was attempted to bend in that the terty-two | were broken and rendered utterly useless, 1t wai also | further disclosed by another record that out of 400 | pieces only ten came from the machine w a serviceable | condition. BaD POR DONALD WKAY AND JOUN ROACH. Other developments alleged to have beeu made be- | | fore the committee look bad for the integrity of Don- ald MeKay, the Kast Boston shipbuilder, und John | Roach, the well known bailder in Pentsylvania. Gov- ernment timber aud other materials it seems were supplied to MeKay at the Gime he wus building a ship | tor the government by private contract, and large quanuties have been found by the committee HIDDEN IN KAST ROMTON STOR EMOUSES. ‘The amount vajue of the plunder TI am ndt ine formed, but It Is believed to be considerabl figuring up among the teus of thonsand: ‘About $1,000 worth of navy yard (ools and machinery were alsv found secreted jn Kast Boston, and it has also turned out that the ramors of shipments of large quan- tities of vid iroa, boilers, &c., to Philadelphia were ab- | solute facts, and that the protits accruing from this | alleged plunder may have been realized by Chief Con- ructor Hanscom and John Roach. | RUNNING THE YARD IN THK INTEREST OP POLIT Rvidenee concerning the employment ot sary, unskilled and incompeteM® workmen in the yard, peading existing political campaigns, was secured in abundance. UTTERING BASE NOTES. Aman named Frank Marston was arrested last night about eight o'clock, by Officer Smitu, of the Twenty. | first precinet, for having passed forged notes of the Traders’ National Bak of Chicago, When searched at tue police station, $55 in notes of $5 upon the same bank were found upon his person, It i uncertain how many persons have been practised upon, vat the prisoner undoubtodly tendered these notes to three :—Charies Dietrich, of No, 161 Third ave- nue; George White, of No, 479, and Tuomas Welsh, ot No. 496 uf the same avenue, A coulederate of the brisoowr escaped, | close, the audience appeared to revel in an atmosphere | | m | be so p | seemed delighted, AMUSEMENTS. HANS VON BULOW. The piano recitals of the eminent German pianist at Chickering Hall have not attracted the requisite audi- ence on euch occasion to make them managerially sac- | cessful, Last night, even with Chopin on the lisi— thirteen numbers at that—was no exception. Dr. Vou Bilow selected a very attractive programme, consist- | ing of the following works:—Third Grand Sonata in 8 minor; Variations on a Romance of Herold; Nocwurne, | opus No, 2; Scherzo, opus 39; Impromptu, opus 36; Three Waltzes, opus 34; Ballade, opus 23; Nocturne, opus 9, No, 3; Selection of Mazurkas; Berceuse, opus 57; Polonaise, opus 63; Grand Concert—Allegro, opus 46, The Doctor has been seriously sick, ua may be deter- mined from his unwillingness, according to the advic of his physician, to appear at the !ast Saturday's mati. | née. Therefore we are inclined to draw the medical | veil of charity over his performance of Chop'n’s works | last night. There was not # single instance in which praise could be bestowed. Tho next concert or recital | of Dr. Von Bilow, on Wednesday evening, has | a very attractive bill But the emiment pianist should, during his subsequent recitals in America, entirely eschew Chopin, for he* has not, beyond the mere technique (and last night it was ter- ribly faulty), the faintest conception of the atmosphere of poetry im which Chopin lived, moved and had his being. STEINWAY HALL, An operatic concert was given at this hall last even- tug by Signor Farini, which was very poorly attended. ‘The programme consisted priucipally of operatic airs, | duets and concerted pieces. In an artistic point ot | view (he concert was an entire failure, As Instances, nothing could be more ridiculous than the ensemble from “Martha,” and the succeeding encore (entirely undeserved), sextello from ‘Lucia’? was even worse. A concert of this kind, with the mana- gerial stamp, ‘operatic,’ attached to it, does more real harm to music as an art than even Academy failures: in qpera. An impresario may fail in his arduous task of WHuging out opera atter opera with the necessary ensemble and mise en scene, but in concert one would | expect something better than that which Signor Furint furnished to the few that came to his concert Jast night, LIGHT COMEDY AT WALLACK’: Some years ago an American audience would not have been satisted with one picce at a thoatre. In those times a farco followed a tragedy wlways, and the later the performance ended the more popular wax the theatre, Nowadays one play occupies all the evening, and managers advertise that the curtain falis at half. Past ten as an inducement to the public. ‘Tho old | fushion bad its advantages. Though tho half | price system was never established im this | country as it used to be in London, the custom of winding up the evening’s entertainment with # farce was a gdod one, for very often the tarce was better than the drama, and frequently attracted a spectal au- dience, Now that the old Chambers Street Theatre, where Burton made the walls ring with laughter, is | being torn down to make room for the comedy of de- falcating clerks and ramaway bank cashiers—the com edy of “George Barnwell” «m New York—the pleasures of those old evenings, so strongly contrasted with pres- ent customs of the theatres, will be recalled to many an old theatre-goer, Last night Mr, Wallack’s theatre gave us a reminiscence of the days when two or three pieces were required to make a complete entertain- ment. The house was large and both comedies passed off amid thorough enjoyment and continued applause. The success of this ival of two comedies, neither of which were new, which derived no adventitious aid from scenery or dr 1s proof that although the ancient fashions can vever be re-established as a rule, they may be with great success sometimes introduced as un exception, Antiquity in this way sometimes be- comes novelty, justas Queon Anne's hooped dresses became the modern styles of Eugénie. | Planche’s amusing commedietta entitled “Tbe Cap- | tain of the Watch”’ turnished a role tor Mr. Wallack, in whicn he appeared to the best advantage. His per- sonation of the gay man of the world engaged in watching the morals of the good town of Brussels was most excellent. Whilst supposed to be keeping a Strict eye upon the peceadilioes of the towns- people he is himself caught in an imtrigue and obliged to take reluge in the garden of ‘an oid Baron, who is enamoured of the same lady, The difli- culties and absurd situations which result from this, 4 as well as (rom the underplot, caused much merriment, and Mr. Wallack may be fairly congratulated upon his successful revival of this charming piece. Mr. Gilbert, as the Baron, played, ax he almost always docs, ad- mirably ; while Miss Germon and Mr. Holland aided in rendering good assistance to the central figure, Mr. Wallack. *Woodeock’s Little Game” was quite as successful. Nothing could be wished better than Mr, Lester Wal- lacks persiflage and his delightful vacuity. Tbe waltz- ing Situation was given with the humor of a true artist. The whole performance was admirable, but we should ive especial praise to the broad and irresistible fun with which Mme. Pomsi invested her part, the capital farce of Mr. Harry Beckett, and the charming, merry, laughing comedy of Miss lone Burke. The bill will be repeated to-night, and, perhaps, the success of ‘the aouble bill may continue i throaglio@pighe week. THE BROOKLYN THEATRE, ‘The sparkling parlor comedy of “False Shame’? was put upon the boards of this popular Brooklyn resort | for playgoers last evening, and, although the attend- ance was not as large as during Mr. Montague’s pre- | vious appointments, the audience testified their avpro- ciation of this popular actor and the leading ladies and gentlemen cast in the piece by frequent applause, The | comedy is one abounding in clover, pert, exciting inci- | dent and brilliant tableau, and it was produced in a) manner highly creditable to the artistic taste af the | management. Mr. Montague, uf course, took the lead- | ing part of Lord Chilton, cornet im the Royal Buffs; | and Miss Mario Gordon as abiy sustained the part of | Magdalen Atherleigh, Miss Blanche Grey as Constance Howard, Mrs. Farren as Mrs. Harris, Mr. Edward Arnett as Ernest Brayleigh, the plotter for the band of Magdalen, and Mr. H. B. Phillips ably sus- tained Mr. Montague throughout the various and ex- citing passages, EAGLE THEATRE, There seems to be no cbb tide in the popularity of this fashionable resort, and the multiplicity of really | enjoyable feaures which so rapidly succeed each other, and which, by the way, are presented with such appro- | priate and attractive surroundings, cannot fail to attract attention and redound to the credit and substantial | reward of the management, Therejwas an excellent bill Jest night and @ large audience present to appreciate | the various interesting elements that composed it, for, apart from the somewhat extravagant produc. tion, “Sentenced to Death,” which was scarcely worth the talent and handsome mounting displayed in {ts representation, the entertain- ment was im every respect well calculated to win the warmest encomiums, After the curtain jalleu upon the pretty and scene which brought the piece to a | of the heartiest pleasure. Peals of laughter broke edly, and whether in the sketch emtitied iv which Mr, Harry Richmond and Mr. usual to great advantage, provoking wud not at all picture of “The Skidmore Guards,” the rollicking farce of “We Can't in which Mr. Wild and Mr, Charles Whine forth as twins, their was little left tu be desired, ‘These racy, harmless and exceedingly amusing inspira- tions were jad) a fed by numerous artis whose special eas to the programme | which was weil appreciated, The reappearance ot Miss Jennie Hughes, « deserving favorite, Whose versauility fis 4 Vocalist is always Fecognized, Was the signal for an earnest wecome, By her artistic rendering of some serio-cotmie songs she contributed bandsomely 0 the eneral success of the periormance. Nor were Miss franklin, Mr. Dave Reed, Mr. Kernell without their share of approbation, and altogether the ensembie merits commendation. 2p Epitapns, Jolin Wild appearod as whether in unfaithful or in the mirth LYCEUM THEATRE, ‘There was a wholesome change of programme at the Lyceam lastevening and the performance was alto- gether the best that has takea place under the present | management, This, taken with the fact that the theatre was crowded, augured favorably for the enter. | prise, which now, appears to be fairly launched under encouraging auspices, The comedictta, “The Day After the Wedding,” and the farce known as “The Goose with the Golden Eggs,” gave some of the artists aguod opportunity for the display of their talents which are well adapted to the proper representation of such productions, Mr. S.C. Guodwin, the mimic, both amused and surprised the audience by some of bis imitations, but it was not until be nade bis bow as Captain Cross: tree in the burlesque ot “Black Eyed sus that his wou for lim the ready and bearty recognition Well deserved, In ‘some of the scenes he was inimitable, and exhib qualities asa buriesque actor which very few possess, Miss Minnie Palmer shured the honors of the evening, and ay Susan ex hibited all the vivacity and artistic finish for which that charming commedienne i fast becoming such a favorite, Miss Annie Mack as Will fain, Mr. Joseph as Dame Hatley and best 4 Mndeod, all engaged in the spicy production did amp Justice to the assigned th The audience and, from ail ad nied I “Black Eyed Susai doubtiess win its way to gou GERMANIA THEATRE—THE LADIES’ LAWYER, Last night, before a very large audience, a comedy, by Hugo Burger, entitled “Der Frauen Advocat,” was produced by Mr, Adolph Newendor®, itis ove of the | Hart and Miss Julie Coventry, in the extravagan: | ruthlessly destroyed by the tla | at | have been pi _ 8 brighest 1 most emotional plays of the present dramatic literature of the . German stage, and might readily be mistaken for one from the brain of Sardou, D’Enuery or Dumas. The representation was — gov both in regard te t—which brought in all the principal members Joris company—und in the careful and artistic manner in which it was placed upou the stage, The comedy wi given for the benefit of Mile. ¥ cisca We ze}, who Kppeared in the leading female rdle, Messrs, Kiereschner and Wolkenstein were the most successful and important of the malo reprosentatives in the play. To-night Schiller’s play, “Kabale und Liebe,” wiil be presented at this theatre. OLYMPIC THEATRE, The performance at this house last night commenced with a comic sketeh entitled “Scenes at the Seaside, in whien the greater portion of the regular com- pony appeared. It went off well, and the situations were loudly applauded. Harper aud Stansill were good, as usual, in their songs and dances, and Joho oft “Locked In Accidentally,” ‘were extremely . Little a child of tender years, proved very attractive in a sel aut sketches, and Miss Ric well with t wud t 7 fo nr which was t y able sketch of * ving Tglent,”’ !n which Mr. Jom Hart, Little Mac, Jobn Queen and Misses Coventry, Thornton and others appeared. TONY PAsToR's, There was an overflowing house at this place of amusement last night. The dill was a good one, em- bracing all the old favorites and several new per- formers, Bobby Newcomb was as pleasing as ever in his songs and dances, Jeunw Morgan sweetly. The Brahams hail an entirely uew skete Sam Devere won well deserved cncores. Tony Pastor him- self was as genial, cheery and sprightly as his most ardent admirer could w The “set to” by the Long Rrothers, minaturi forth rounds of applaus 3 Messre, Lester, Allen, Snuith nown, Wero most comical” The sketeh of the “Dutch Servant,” in which Mr, Gus Willams had a part, provoked a good deal of laughter, Takeo altogether the performance was full of variety, novelty and fan. MANAGER STUART'S LOSS. Very many will regret to hear that Manager Stuart’s delightful seaside home near New Loudon, Conu., was destroyed by fire last Saturday might, a few hours be- fore that geatloman’s arrival there for the Grst time this season, Not a vestige of this home of so many pleasant days remains, the destruction having been complete, It was commodious, plain frame struc- ture, on the Southern plan, with a ball running through the centre and a broad piazza across the front, but delightfully situated on a verdant kooll overtook- ing and catching all the breezes from the nearby Souud and outlying sea Mr, Stuart built this home for himself some fifteen years ago, m the palmy days ots his’ manage- tent of the Winter Garden, and around its hospitable bourd in summers voue by kaye yathered the most celebrated in art and literature and statecraft of this aud foreign lands, so that the annals would be eucyclo- pede ip Variety if written, as once suggested by eminent English author, who bad bimsell been an ored guest. Mr, Stuart has, with characteristic en- terprise, made arrangement for the tmmediate and complete restoration in every respect of the home esx. The origin of the tire has uot been discov but is supposed to have originated from a detective stovepipe in the library, kindled for the lirst time this season m view of the ape proaching visit of the master, WILLIAMS. MR. BARNEY The healtn of this highly esteemed artist, who, since his return from Boston, some two weeks ago, bas been confined to his city residence, was much improved yesterday, As some apprehen- sions were entertumed as to his condition it was gratifying to learn Jast cvening that there was No solicitude among those cognizant of the surro: - ngs In regard to any fatal issue, the eminent physician tending him being hopetul that he would ere long re- cover from the illness which, it 1s simcerely wished, hag only temporarily prostrated him, DR. ROHLE’S LAST LECTURE, Dr. Gerhard Rohit, the noted German explorer, who willsail for Rurope on Saturday next, will deliver a farewell lecture in bis native tongue, at Stemway Hall to-morrow night, forthe benelit of the German Hos pital and Dispensary, He will describe his voyage, made at the request of the Emperor of Germany, . Cyrenailsa and the Vasis of Jupiter Ammon, REMOVAL OF SIGNS. Yesterday afternoon the Superintendent of Streeg Incumbrances went through the upper portion of Third avenue with a number of assistants and tore down all signs found obstructimg the street, Abous thirty were scized and removed. A BALTIMORE THIEF ARRESTED, George Jackson, acolored lad of nihetcen years, wasare rested yesterday by Detective Smith, of the Twenty-first precinct, on a charge of grand larceny committed 1m Bal- timore. The prisoner was taken to the Central office, when he acknowledged that he stole property from his employeg, Dr. Holliday, of Baltimore, He consented to returd’ to that city without a requisition being ob- tained. en han RUN OVER BY A STREET CAR, While John Mclaughlin, five years of age, residing at No, 43 Tallman street, Brooklyu, was playing in Bridge strect yesterday afternoon, he was run over by car No, 10 of the Park and Vanderbilt avenue line, and Serionsly tujared. Two wheels of the car passed over the child's legs, Tho driver was placed under arrest THE FIRE FIEND. Yesterday forenoon a trame dweiling house at Bay Ridge, L. I., on Sixty-soventh street, near Second ave- nue, was destroyed by fire, involving aloss of $15,000, The house, which belonged to the estate of the late ‘Theodore Sedgwick, was occupied by Mr. Gustave A. Frederick. It was insured for $10,000, The furniture was insured for $5,500, The tire originated froma defective fluc. A brick venement house, No, 81 Sackett street, Brooklyn, caught fire at three o’cloek yesterday mort ing, and the fla extended to No, 79 Van Brant street, Both buildings were damaged to the mount of $4,000, The owner of the property 18 Mr. Thowas Bushnell. A fire occurred at No. 67 Ridge street yesterday causing a damage to the stock of Adolph Newman of $200. The builaing was damaged to the extent of $300, DASHED INTO THE RIVER. ” at noon yesterday a team of truck horses ran away and went overboard at pier 2 East River, Ove of the horses was with diliculty saved, but jhe otner was drowned. UNDER THE WHEELS. — rain was Jeaving the Erie depot, at Ruther. fard Park, New Jer: for this city, at eight o'clock last night, a man named John Hester, in attempting to jump on board, teli under the tram, and the wheels passed over bis abdomen, killing bim instantly, A CHILD SMOTHERED. Atan early hour yesterday morning, Miebael and Anne Clark, of No. 116 Munroe street, Newark, dis- covered that their infant child was smothered between them in bed. A SKELETON IN A BARREL. Part of ahuman skeleton was found tn an ash barr Second avenue yesterday. It is supposed te d there by a Dr, Demon, who formerly lived on the premises. Pb RECORD OF CRIME. Clothing valued at $450 was stolen from the store of D, Lazzard, No. 141 Rast Twelfth street. The residence of B, Smith, No, 293 West Fifty-sizth street, was entered by Wieves, who stole $75 worth of Jewelry. Sneak thieves stole from the residence of P, Seligman, No. 362 Wost Fitty-lifth street, $260 in money and jewelry. Burgiars broke into the store of F. Silverman, No. 86 Baxter street, and stole boots and shoes to the value of $400. ares took from the store of Wiilmm Fowler, No. 900 Broadway, $120 worth of ritles. Two burglars were surprised while breaking into the residence of Augustus Badger, No. 468 Franklin ave. nue, Brooklyn, at two o'clock yesterday moraing, aud Ving several tools behind, felece Oarreo and Salvator: Gregio, ave been iu the Raymoud Street Jad on charge of conspiring to murder Angesto B. Agresta, an Ltaliae ship master, Were released by Justice Neilson yester welry worth $200 was stolen yesterday from th residence ct T. A. Greig, No 542 Bedford avenue Brooklyn, by a sneak thiet. 1g apparel and jewelry to the value of $14 was stolen by & sneak thief from the house of Mr. Lyneb, corner of Branklin and Putnam avenues, Brooklyn. Frank McDonald was arrested yesterday on oe te avenue, Brooklyu, for purchasing stolen jewelry png in the empioy oc Hares Brothers, jewellers ol that