The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1859-06-29
Correspondence Of the Missouri Democrat


Correspondence Of the Missouri Democrat
CAHr FLOYD, June 2.
A few days ago, couple Of gentlemen
arrived from Leavenworth, X. T., by Ex.
press, and with an air OF mystery stated that
they had come from Washington on impor-
tant business, but were 10th to divulge the
purport OF their mission. The entire camp
was on the qui Uirs, believing that they we're
the bearers Of some important dispatches
from the general Government, but a. days
passed away and time brought to light their
mission, curiosity turned to censure, till it
would be hard TO 6nd single person who 10
not condeming tho conduct OF the Buchanan
Administration.
Mr.. John Holiday and Col. Martin are the
lucky contractors for furnishing the army
with breadstuffs the ensuing year, for which
they receive $2s go per 100 pounds. Tho
daily average consumption OF -four by tho
camp, is not less than 5000 pounds, making
the annual consumption about 2, 00O, 900 lbs.
This would amount to $572 900 snug lit.
tie item in the current expenses. Nov, when
we take into consideration the fact that Mr..
VIM. Martin and E. P. Stanton offered to
furnish the supply Of -four for $40 per 100
pounds, and that Mr.. j. 9. Little agreed to
take the same contract for 81 so per 100
pounds, it seems strange that Messrs. Holli-
day and Martin have been awarded this con.
tract at 1913 60 per 100 pounds. Does il not
look like col.usion on the part Of the Secre-
tary of War?
The quality of -four manufactured in this
Territory is OF the poorest description, and
would pass for ''sweepings'' at any mark ct
in the States. Yet, this is the stuff the army
will be compelled to use during the incoming
year. If il was the intention OF Secretary
Floyd to have the supply OF 6oar shipped
from the States, then ths price 10 10 the neigh
borhood OF reason. But il such was bis de-
.ign, Why did be furnish Messrs. Holiday
and Martin with orders for Government
mules, from any post along the route on their
journey to this point.
Since their arrival, they have commenced
buying and contracting for oil the -four in
the Territory, for which they are paying S.
per hundred, but in NIL probability will nave
to pay as high as So for = portion. We will
say that they pay % per hundred for all
Of it, and We see that they are ct an outlay Of
100000 in fulfilling the contract, leaving
them q snug little balance OF four hundred
and twelve thousand dollars. There 10 prob
ably four partners in this contract, Mr.. Jno.
Holiday, Maj. Martin, VIM. Russell, (frm
of Russell, Majors & Waddeli,) and Secrets
~ Floyd. They will realize one hundred
thousand dollars each, and be at no trouble
or risk. Truly, Uncle Sam is blessed with a
nj BILE set OF office holders-they are 90 caro-
full to look to their own interests. They are
so economical as to order the discharge OF
all the teamsters and mechanics in the EN- :
poy at the camp, and put soldiers to doing
the same, ell because the expenses are too
great. Now the entire wages for an entire
year, of the men engaged in the @. NJ. D.,
would not amount TO half the sum squan-
dered on the -four contract alone.
Major Prince, the paymaster, 10 expected to
arrive daily, and 10 anxiously awaited by SOL
diers and citizens.
The utmost excftcmcnt exists hero no
count OF the rumored removal Of Judge era
ilebaugh. A petition 10 now being c.rcula-
ted praying for reinstatement.
The conduct Of Gov. Cumming is con
demned on all sides. The army and Gentilet
openly accuse him Of being bribed BY Brig
ham Young, and the Mormons boast that they
have the power to make him do 10 they
please.
Kirk Anderson has been removed from thu
proprietorship and editorship Of the Vale,
| Tan on account Of his opposition to tn,
course Of Gov. Cumming. The press ant
material is owned by John Hartnett and Gov
Cumming, and they could not think Of hsv
ing their own paper down on their course.
NJ. Q. g.