Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-01-22
0UR PRESS
WASHINGTON, Jan. IL.

Among the evils which this dynasty has in
hcted upon country, may be enumerated the
extravagant expenditures of the departments
and the new modes Of drawing money from the
Treasury for services merely nominal. AS
specimen of these discoveries in this cnlght-
sned age, I invite public attention to one abuse,
and there are many others that might be emu
merated
lbeeve ain warranted in saying, that during
the first forty years Of the Federal Government
no Cabinet Minister, performing the duties of
another received the salary of both officers
1t has frequently occurred that gentleman,
has been called upon to discharge the duties Of
another officer, od interim, but such thing as
receiving both salaries, it is believed, was
never thought of, certainly never allowed, until
General Jackson commenced his reign of ccono-
my and reform.
During the Presidency of General Jackson
Gin 1881 Roger b. 1eney, then Attorney Gen.
eral, was called upon to act as Secretary Of
War; he charged and received the salary at
tached to both offices.
In 1886 c. A. Harris while Commissioner Of
A'N'''S -AiiiS, tllc uuly VI tNcCTtl1iN
Of War. He, IN like manner charged and re-
ceived the salary of both Offices. In regard to
Mr.. Harris, have much to say hereafter. His
accounts are in an unsettled state and if the
books of tho department. are to be believed he
is deiaV.!cr 10 an immense amount. | would
respectfully sugrest to Mr. Ponsett to take a
peep at ,le account before the 4th of March.
In 1887 Benjamin +. Butler, while Attorney
General, acted as Secretary of War and receiv-
ed the salary of both offices. When he present.
ed the demand the Auditor reported against it,
hut the Attorney made a written argument in
defence of the claim, and finally proposed to the
President that it should he paid, and then if the
President wanted the money back into the
Treasury he might sue for it. Upon this liberal
proposition the President ordered the payment
TO be made.
1t is such abuses as these that have contribu-
ted to bankrupt the Treasury. They have crept
into every department; and almost every bureau
of every department Their diversified form is
astounding. Every claim that ingenuity could
invent, has been presented, and when once adj
United, has been practised upon as fright and
lawful" 70 detect and root out these abuses,
will require the unceasing attention of the new
administration; and yet great as will he the la
Dor, hopes are entertained that it will be
effected
Having referred to one ofthe ingenious modes
which this administration has discovered of
emptying the Treasury, ask your attention to
an equally ingenious mode of "raisng the wind"
While certain public works were suspended,
during the summer, it was deemed good policy
to carry on certain others. But there was no
money in the Treasury.-Whatw was to be done!
Due bills, to large amount had been given, to
mechanics and laborers. What next &! Why the
plan was adopted for the agent paying the money
TO deduct from the bill three per cent, say six
months interest, and then the agent would Dor.
row from bank or banks the amount Of the bill
and payit. Be it remembered that the United
States pay no interest. These loans, thus OBJ.
tanned without authority of law, it is said, amount
toa large sum, and become due and payable in
April and May.
1t is whispered, that they will not be paid
when at maturity. The transaction is Illegal,
and will be thoroughly sttcd. But suppose they
are ultimately paid, it will be without any nte-
rests accrulng after they are at maturity
The subject is now referred to for the purpose of
shelving the reckless manner in VIII q. Govern.
inent debts are contracted, and the inn ossibilitv
OF lingering, much less stating the real amount
Of debt, Tor which the new administration will
find cfcompelled to provide Ways and Means
1t may be fifteen it may be .ffy millions OIL
dollars.
Turning from these grave topics, take leave
to refer to specimen of Mr.. Van Buren's war.
gerry. You will rccollect Mr.. Slaughter, the
Secretary of Wisconsin, who cut such figure
in the transportation OF specie, for the benefit O
the United States and the accommodation o
Wisconsin; and to whom had occasion to reieI
in my letters of last winter
His commission has expired, or is about tc
expire He arrived here few days ago, in the
expectation of being re-apponted This NOR
ming he called upon the President, and aftel
stating his case and views, Mr.. Van Buren, pra
vely repled,-"You informed the People o.
"Wisconsin that you intended 10 resign.-The,
"erpect it. cannot disappoim the People
Sir" THE SPY IN WASHINGTON.