Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-05-09
The Washington Aqueduct.- Joseph

II
| E. Holmes writes us that he is authorized BY
the Hon. Mr. Covode 20 'ay that he made nc
reference in his Speech of the day before
yesterday against the Senate Water Works
amendment to the deficiency hill. to Mr.
| Thompson or Mr. Stearns, but to a resident
| engineer; and rat no man connected with
the enterprises" for the construction Of
Water Works here, spoke to him directly o,
indirectly on the subject before he announced
his opposition to the plan on which they have
been SO far prosecuted. Mr.. Holmes adds that
ne (Mr. II had not used an " argument OF
fact against the work for two years, until i.
was first voted down in the House at this ses.
sion. We cheerfully give Mr.. Holmes the
benefit Of the insertion of this statement from
him in the Star, as he claims that our article
on bis pamphlet against the present plan and
in favor of one to pump up the water of the
Potomac at the mouth of Rock Creek for the
supply for the works, placed him in a wrong
position. Those who have read his pamphlet
and our article in question must judge how
far his allegation is justifable
Naval The U. s.. steamer Water Witch,
from thirty-nine months cruise, surveying
and exploring the river La Platte and its
tributaries, arrived at the Navy Yard yester-
day. She lost but three men during her
cruise, two by accident and one by sickness
The following is q list of her officers:
Commander, Thomas J. Page Lieutenants,
W. N. LETTERS, W. L Powell, WIN. H. Muir
daugh; e. W. Henry, Assistant Surgeon :;
Robert Carter, Engineer; Second Assistants,
X. Q. Potts, VIM j. Lands; Third Assistants,
I. b G. Stump, P. H. Taylor.
Troops in Florida.-A paragraph is being
published in many newspapers, representing
that there are but three companies of troops
now in Florida. On inquiry at the War De-
partment, We learn that this is a mistake.
There are now stationed there ten companies
of Regulars, (artillery,) whose aggregate
strength is about 500 men, and FIVE companies
Of Mounted Volunteers, numbering about 400
men. The total aggregate is, therefore, about
1000 men.
The o. s. Steamship Minnesota This
ship had steam on her yesterday, las she lay
at the Navy Yard in this city, and the work
ing of her machinery gave great satisfaction
She is to have steam on to. day, and again to
morrow.
Clerical Appointments in the Pension Bu-
resu.-J. G.. Jamison to a frst-class clerkship
Isl 200 per snnum) in place of j. F. Souder
promoted.
J. Il. WOlford appointed to temporary clerk
ship Isl 200 per annum)
A Queer Sight.-To see Mr.. Burns, the
blind pedlar, setting in the Office of tho dis.
bursting clerk Of one of the departments on
pay day, looking for such gentlemen as owed
him tIife.
The Current Operations Of the Treasury
Department.-On yesterday, the 9Th of Nav.
there were of Treasury warrants entered on
the books Of the Department
For the Treasury Department.. SIG, 1856 05
FOR the interior Department..... a. 3S9 IS
For customs. ................... 6,77S 81
War warrants received and en-
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 5s,654 A
w ar repay warrants received and
entered........ ............... $500 "A
Interior repay warrants received
and entered. -. .............. 7,727 20
On account of the Navy........ 9S $50 80