The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1861-12-23
A Conservative journalist SmOk e d
out.


A Conservative journalist smoke
out.
Some persons not well posted have been
astonished at the comparative prosperity
of that recently established but famous
Joseph Surface" press, the New York
World. A few facts may throw some
light on the mystery. The World was
started as a pro-slavey, worldly, religious
paper. and aspired to be the organ of the
pew-holders Of all the respectable but un-
sancti6ed pews Of the city of New York
and elsewhere.
The progress of events squelched that
promising scheme in the bud, as it were,
and the stockholders, after pocketing a
pretty heavy loss sold the concern 10 /.
Pennsylvania Spectator by the name Of
Alexander Cummings, since when it has
been run as Republican paper of the
tender footed stripe, taking on airs and
giving itself out as in some sense trusted
Administration ergan. II has sported an
anti slavery sentiment in the general but
has been specially severe upon every spe-
cite measure of policy in any way tending
to ''touch the niger" or hasten the war
to close
We take it that the following item, alb
stracted from the report of the Congress
sonal Committee, may serve as clue to
some of the mysteries Of the World
Mr.. Washburne's report on frauds in
Government contracts embraces the fol.
lowing items:
April 33d, Alexander Cummings. of
thr n. 7. World, received authority from
the Secretary of War to purchase vari-
Gus army supplies in conjunction with
Goy. Morgan, with authority TO exercise
his functions separately. Two millions. of
dollar were deposited with Messrs. Dix.
opdyke and Btatchford, subject to Cum.
mfngss draft. Mr.. Cummings drew a
quarter of million, of which he says he
paid ninety thousand to the Union De-
tense Committee of New York for expen-
ses incurred, and deposited one hundred
and sixty thousand to his own credit in
the Park Bank Mr. Cummings employ.
ed as clerk one james Humphrey. who
made Large number OF purchases. He
never knew Humphrey before, but took
HIM on the recommendation of Thurlow
Weed, Mr.. Cummings expended money
according to his own fancy without con
sulting the Government Quartermaster or
Commissary He expended s2l, 200
tor linen pantaloons and straw hats.
contrary to the army regulations. He
bought beef and pork Of Erastus Corning
q Co, hardware house at Albany. at
the suggestion Of one Davidson. He also
bought quantity of Scotch ale and Lon.
don porter, pickles, butter, cheese. cod /.
hsh, behring's, and tongues He charter
ed the steamer Coatzacoalcos at 81 900
per day, without examining her. Cum
mlnes gave no bond, and took no oath -
lie says he turned over the balance of the
money-one million seven hundred and
hfty thousands dollars--to. Sub. Treasurer
Cisco; but subsequently, says he retained
one hundred and forty thousand dollars,
accounted for by vouchers This incon.
sistency the Committee are unable to ex
PLAIN. Mr.. Cummings account has not
yet been filed for settlement Mt the War
Department. The Committee accuse the
Secretary of War for his extraordinary
conduct IN employing Cummings to do the
work OF the regular Quartermaster and
oommlssary, man of high character and
qualiflcations, then stationed at New York
Oh THE JIGARIER' s PRocLAMAT1oss
Judging simply by their proclama
tons, there are more fools in command 81
divisions, brigades and regiments in the
United States service in proportion to tht