The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-30


Session OF tho Congregational Army Com
tract investigation Committee at tho
81. Nicholas Notwithstanding Deve-
lopements OF Corruption Expected.
The committee appointed the extra Congress
70 Investigate the contracts made supplies
commenced its session Wednesday at the st. Nicholas
Hotel This committee was appointed under the follow
ing resolutions offered by Mr.. Van wyck the 9Th Of
July
Resolved, That a committee Of five members be ap-
pointed by the Speaker 70 ascertain and report what con
tracts have been made by Of the Tor pro-
visions, supplies and transportation, for materials and
services for articles furnished for the use o. gov
eminent without advertising for proposals as required py
the Of 1861 the parties to whom given the COM
pensation and terms thereof and the reasons therefor
Also, when proposals received, II contracts were
awarded to the lowest bidder If not the therefor
Also whether contracts as let are IN accordance
with the specifications inviting proposals. and any ai'e
rations, tho reason for the same.
Also whether any person or persons have any interest
in contracts thus made and awarded obtaining the
opofs therefor except the contractors that said
committee shall have power for persons and pa
pers to administer 0aths and examine witnesses and
port ct any time
follows
G. II. Van wyck, New York.
II. L. Dawes, Massachusetts,.
W. G. Strele, New Jersey.
r. +. Fenton, New York.
E. B. washburn, Illinois
VIM. 3. Holman, Indiana
James 3. jackson, Kentucky.
They organized at and proceeded with their labcrs
The committee found that the resolution not
broad the required and in order to make their in
vestigations thorough and complete Mr.. Holman Of
fered the following resolutions
Resolved That the provisions OF the resolution appoint
ing the select committee inquire into and report in
ation to certain contracts made by the department for
provisions supplies, &C., be extended 10 embrace
m inquiry into all tho facts and circumstances of all the
contracts and agreements already made, and all such
ha ala
the final report Of tn, committee by with any depart
ment of the government in any wise connected with
growing out Of the operate OF the government in sup
pressing the rebellion against its constituted authority
Resolved That tho said committee DO authorized to sit
during the recess OF Congress- at such times and places as
Resolved That said committee DO authorized 10 employ
a stenographer clerk the usual rate Of compensa
ton.
Resolved, That the Sergeant Alarms Of the
House be directed to attend, in person or by as
stant the sittings of the committee and serve all the
subponas put into his hands by the committee pay the
fees OF all the witnesses and the ssay expenses oil the
committee.
of Congress- hereby authorized and directed to
issue subp@naes TO witnesses upon the request of the
committee, in the same manner during the session Of
Congress.
These adopted and after the adjournment of Con-
gross the committee adjourned to meet at the St. Nicholas
Hotel, New York, on the 2sth inst.
The committee arrived here on Wednesday, and imme-
diatery commenced operations, and occupied some
Blk hours wednesday and Thurs lay examining witnesses
They intend to make most rigid and thorough Investigation
into all the contracts made by and with the government
here and elsewhere and to show up any and all cor
rupton peculaton and fraud perpctrated against the
government let the consequences DO what they may All
contracts made in this city, authorized unauthorized
will be thoroughly ventilated The action of the Union
Defence Committee in the contracts and purchases made
for the government will he of the rs subjects to be
investigated. The committee are fully determined TO
probe to the bottom the entire contract system both
great and small. They have already examined large
number Of witnesses and are on the track Of some rich
disclosures in which 1t is said gentlemen occupying pro-
nnent positions will figure extensively. We are not at
liberty to mention either the Of the witnesses
those who are said to be implicated