New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-10-22
THE QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE OF THE
WESTERN DEPARTMENT..
TrO@ TAe 81. Logh Den rydt, OF IL.


One OF the main causes Of Gen. Fremonts delay
and trouble has been tie crippled condition Of his
Quartermasters Department. Gen. McKiDs ry,
who, until Of late was Chief Of
this command, only received from Washington, from
the date of Gen. Fremonts arrival here 81 600.
This amount has not been sufficient 10 pay for
the horsea that have been purchased for the army.
Some $4,000 or 10000 troops have been provided
with clothing and other equipments, involving large
and heavy expenditures. lie Ind for while 10
depend on the banks Of this city, which furnished
him with a Deprecated currency. Merchants, con-
traetors and others who had dealings with the CO.
ernmeht, kno wing the material in which they were
10 no paid, hesitated and doubted shout supply
ing the articles wanted Others, holder in their OPP
erations came forward and filled the orders far
they could when, not getting funds for their ac-
counts, they accepted the vouchers Of the Quarter
MASTER in order 10 carry on their business, they
have been compelled 10 bypothecate their claims
with the moDey-dealers OF the city, Al exorbhaRt
rates of interest, giving full power 10 SELL II not
paid at a stated time. Now, where do those who
have manifested too much confidence in tie Govern
meni. find themselves in consequence Of the i'm.
portant political influences which have been brought
to bear against the Commanding General Of this
Department, with seeming Wow Of crushing his
command, and gripping him in bis noble efforts 70
resi- ore our State 10 peace and the happy position
which it occupied before this Infamous rebellion
broke QUIT How are they affected by the Jeci,ion
which has been announced as the result Of the
late yist of the Secretary of War 10 this cityl All
claims for supplies that have been furnished to the
army are now 10 be called 70 Washington for settle
ment thus forcing our merchants, business men and
others, to incur great expense in leaving their bo
ness and going to Washington to wait the slow and
tardy course Of the red tape proceedings which pre-
vail al that point. When, after waiting weeke "a
they will be compelled TO, they viii aiscoyer that
their accounts are probably Normal and receive
notice that they must return TO ST. Louis, and al
great expense preture such testimony the Off eias
NJ WasbipTn require in order 10 pass their just
e0unts. In the excitement incident 10 such state
Of affairs as prevailed during the Summer, and the
rapidity with which many articles have been sup
Piled Informal accounts have undoubtedly been
made. There are several instances where goods
have been sent 20 this city with orders 10 collect
ON dc livery. Funds not being AZ the command Of
the proper officers, orders have been given TO seize
the goods for the benefit Of the army. S,ill man
Whose property has been taken from him without
his consent, must proceed 70 Washington 70 Euppi-
cato the powers that DO for his just rights. Ii this
coulne 20 be pursued II SO, the Government viii
find few of its citizens who will be willing TO take
such desperate chances 10 get their just dues. II
there is need Of having tho accounts against the
Government examined after they have passed
through tire hands Of the proper officer, then let the
examination be made by some officer Of the Govern
rpent who has a practical business knowledge, and
let it be where the articles have been pnrchased, and
where the people reside, that the evidence which
they can obtain in ustiying their Claims can be had
without putting them 70 great expense in going to
Washington.