Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-11-20
Extnrtion upon the Government.

The idea prevails among certain class of Specu-
latcrs that the government is always fit subject
for fleeing. What belongs to every body and what
every body has to pay, in their estimation, may be
grabbed for with both hands. This rule, we fear,
has been practiced to large extent both upon :he
State and Confederate governments. Burdened as
finances are which cripples us in our struggles
to sustain the Southern Conlederacy yet there are
found men who do not hesitate to swndIe the gov
eminent whenever the opportunity serves. Incom-
petent officers are made to play readily INTO the
hands of such men, and the public treasury is thus
shamefuly plundered.
We have heard it said that some contractors in
this State have made from five to ten thousand dol
lars clear money in two or three months Perhaps
they have risked much and only made living pro-
tit upon their investments. If so, 1t is all right
But then it is said, many inferior articles, equip
ments, horses and such like, have been thrown up
on the government at high prices OF course the
proper officers have looked into this, and will not
allow the State to be swindled Again we have
heard it said that in some one or more instances,
State agents have contracted for bacon at IS cents
per pound with the addition of two or three cents
per pound freight, while the shop-keepers in
the State were only asking from 20 to % cents.
We mention these rumors simply to guard the
government agents against eXtortion If the proper
officers do not apply the remedy the people will
We know not under whose auspices these extortions
have been committed. Nor do we kno,o that these
rumors true to the letter; but far we have
been able to ascertain are pleased to state that
since the arrangement under the new militia law
has been introduced great activity and industry
prevails in the offices, and every effort
is made to secure the services of thoroughly compe
tent men. Under the very best management errors
or losses will occur, but at time like this, when
our expenditures are necessarily so heavy, We can
not be too frequently admoniShed of the Importance
of careful and pains taking frugaty.
We learn that Spectator short time since ad-
dressed letter Assistant Quartermaster pro-
posing to sell him blankets for the army made Of
wool and cotton, at the same time recommending
the article. The Quartermaster wrote him that he
must see a sample and know the price before he
could purchase. The sample sent and the price
fixed at 81 per pair. The blanket or coverlet was
examined and found not to contain one particle of
wool, except narrow strip around the edges. The
finger could have been forced through it easily so
badly was it put together. The Quartermaster
turned the cotton rag declining the trade.
Since the above was written, we have been in
formed by respectable authority that since this war
commenced, the strange policy has in some instances
been adopted in this State, of sending out agents to
buy articles for the army, not for stated salary,
hut on commissions. The more the agent bought
in amount, of course the greater his pay In some
cases we are told that such has been their anxiety
to make money out of the government, they have
actually bid against each other for the same article
In one case one agent contracted with gentleman
for bacon at IS cents per pound, and few days af
ter another calling himself State agent and under
stood to be such offered the same gentleman %
cents for the same article! If there be any truth
IN this statement if any thing of the kind has
Cured, the parties should be exposed. We fear we
are swiftly vergng upon that period in the worlds
history when if not before the time is now at hand
that every man has his price"