The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-01-09
Items from Washington.

TIE PROPOSED N1w STATE DEPARTMENT BUILDING.
1t can hardly be possible that Congress can long
hesitate to second the move Of Senator Hunter for
the erection Of proper building for the State De.
partment. Thirty years ago the present building, or
one in nearly all respects similar TO it, answered the
purpose well enough, as, at that time, there was
almost no such thing as ireproof building in the
United States; and the archives and clerical neces
with what they are now. AL the valuable papers Of
the State Department are at the mercy Of fire.
Though great care is taken to the end Of their pro-
she Of them in fire
the word. A FIRE there would cost the government
and people Of the United States, in hard cash, q
hundred times as much as would be the cost Of a
proper building, while 1t would entail upon US the
necessity for new negotiations, extra clerical and
diplomatic expenses, DC, which. in the end, would
cost nearly as much more.
PAY OF nIDsHIPMEN DOING DUTY As PASSED Md
II is held by the Treasury officers that the Passed
Midshipmen who may be appointed as Acting Mas
tiers, with the sanction Of the Navy Department. are
not considered for the time being, as constituting
part Of the limited number Of one hundred and
eighty, mentioned in the act of March 8, ls45, and
consequently, each one SO appointed and while en-
pl0yed on such duty, leaves room for junior to re.
ceve Passed Midshipman's pay.
THE LA HAMA AND LAS 0RMEGAs GRANTS.
These grants, derived from the Spanish govern
ment lying in what was formerly known as the neu.
trail territory Of Louisiana, on the Sabine, having
been in issue before various tribunals Of the United
States government for forty years past recently at
last, went before the Supreme Court on an appeal
from the decision of the United States District Court
for Louisiana in the case Of Davenport aud others.
against the United States arising under the act OF
June IL, 1874. The Su RENE Court have sustained
the validity OF the grants, but not interfering with
any sales in the territory in dispute made by the
United States before the commencement Of the suit
In the court below.
ARREARAGHs DUE DEAD SOLDIER.
Under late decision here 1t Is ruled that Arrear-
ages due deceased soldier may be paid, without ad-
minisration, to widow, children, brothers. sisters
father and mother, in their ORDER but not to more
remote heirs; and q payment as Aforesaid is con-
sdered valid discharge of the claim by the govern
ment, and no subsequent application by an admins
traitor, in behalf OF creditors. will be regarded.
A SOLDIERS ALLOWANCE FOR TRAVELLING,
1t has been conceded by the governments account
ing officers that private soldier, who received and
accepted commission as q company officer, claimed
travel and allowances under the act of January 30
1913, on the ground that he was honorably dis
charged as private, and had right to travelpay
in that capacity, from the place Of discharge to his
residence. It was held that his promotion was not
a discharge from the service within the meaning OF
the law above mentioned and bis claim was rejected
by the Second Comptroller.
THE CURRENT OPERATIONS OF THE TREASURY DE-
PARTMENT.
On the 5th Of January there we're Of treasury
warrants entered on the books of the Depart
ment -
For the redemption Of stocks. ST. 100 So
For Treasury Department. exclusive Of ssocks 232oo 80
Covered into the Treasury from Customs 1900 90
For the War Department. Observation-Disclosures. $3.50 06
For repayirg for the War Department . b7e6 06
For the Interior Department .............. 3is6 %