The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-11-23

~SPeA ses0&s W wv IVA to hA@uS~ ~ ~~~~-
public duties.
ras CONGRESSIONAL CONTRACT INVESTIGATING CON-
NITTRB.
Notwithaandng the energetic efforts Of Hon Charles
H. Van wyck, in raising and putting in good condition
OF tho anest regiments New York has contributed 10
the grand army OF the Poomsc tho abors Of the Con-
gressioua Investigating Committee, Of which he s Chair
man, hsve proceeded almost without interruption. Al
tnosgh the ridiculous custom Of Withholding tho report
OF such committees until the session Of Congress has
Eeen adhered to in this instance the committee has al
ready done much good. II has, from time TO timc,
through tho Chairman, made TO the different depart
ironts Of the government recommendations and sug-
Eestions 70 tho existence and character Of the leaks
discovered. These recommendations have been
generally acted upon, and havo contributed much
70 economics AZ ast to dispense with wasteful and
unnecessary expenditures OF tho public money. One Of
the abuses corrected by this the cxravasaa
prices paid for purchased in Europe by agents or
different states who wero competing with each other,
and running up the price Of arms for which the govern
ment will ultimately have 10 pay The committee is
in session at Harrisburg overhaulng the contracts in
Pennsyivana, where heavy business has been done in
horses and numbers have been purchased and to
Kentucky. win probably make partial report at an
early period in the coming session. and continue its abors
until they have been thoroughly completed.
ADJUSTMENTS AT THE CAPITAL.
Mrs.. Lincoln, surrounded by bevy Of distinguished
personages OF both sexes, and large number Of the
Corps Diplomaque, in attendance the theatre to-
night.
CONSULAR APPOINTMENT.
Judge Culver Of Brooklyn, has been appointed Consul
to Para, Brazil.
DEPARTURE OF GOV. ANDREW AND PARTY.
Governor Andrew Of Massachusetts,, Colonel Harrison
md ion Lar.
for New York, where they win arrive at noon They
have been visiting the camps Of Massachusetts, regiments
during the last ten days. tho ladies' OF the party have
enjoyed the trip much.
ACCIDENT AT THE GRAND REVIEW.
The report that Dr. Mulford. Surgeon Of the Thirty
third New York regiment. accidentally killed at the
review Wednesday, is untrue. Hc not hurt
The only slightly injured Dr. Dckerson
Surgeon Il the same regiment.
RESTORED TO HIS COMMAND
Colonel Taylor, who arrested under msapprehen-
sion in connection with the running of aprvate on
Wednesday. has been Ssstored 10 his command
THE NEW GRANADA CLAIM COMMISSION.
The question having arisen to tho power or authority
the governments under the convention between
the United States and New Granada for tho adjustment Of
the claims Of the citizens Of the United States TO change
revoke said Commissioners' appointments the follow
ing letter from the Secretary Of State TO Mr. Hur,adc
upon that subject fully settles that matter BY this letter
the recognises the rsh. of Mosqucra under
the convention, to revoke Mr. Hcrtado's conmissiop
DEsARrsxM or sr.rE,l
WASHINGTON, August 20, tS61.
sRYour note OF tho 18th Of June last has received the
attention Of the department but il was written on the
eve Of your departure from the city no. answer 70 II
has, in the absence Of precise 'nio'niat"n OF your
been deferred p Inc act Of oa re
mark SUBSTANTIALLY which under tho convaston ns
sanemba- is to take ccgnizancc Of the claims Of
;ts.s OF the United States against New Granada Won
Observed that the credentials of your colleague Mr.
Leavenworth authorized him to act only durinr The
pleasure OF the President Of the United States fer the
time being and the question occurring your mind
whether this qualification might not subject the commits
sion TO the rcoy and delays Of changes in the
prnni OF the Board, you deemed 1t Just invite AN
explanation from Mr.. Leavcnworh vcyng TO him A.
the same time your views ani ray requesting those
Of this department.. The allegation or Mr. Leavcnworh
that the condition referred was one OF m re form was
perfectly correct the expression quoted being inserted
In every commission issGcd by tho Executive with the
exception OF those for which tho constitution Of the Unit
ed states makes distinct provision Apart from this view
II is evident from the text OF the convention under which
the Beard Is organized that carricious substitution of
one person Tor nother previously appointed and engaged
In the duties dcvoved upon him could have bsen con
tcmpated The convention says that the casc Of the
DEATH absence or ncapacity Of either Commissioner or
in the event OF either Commissioner emitting or ceasipg
to act the government so affected "sha procecd FORTH
with to fill the vacancy thus occasoncd' 1t is not un.
dcstood by this department that the stipulation quoted
will tolerate any cxtrinsc interference with the Board
when orc organic d, except in the specified cases
Of dcath absence incapacity such incanacty bcrg
intrinsic, and arising solely from physical moral and
not from personal or political causes Any other inter
probation OF the terms of the convention would only ex
pose the commission to the most unfortunate influences
AMI might at any moment seriously cmbarrass If not nj
tinacly defeat, the whole purpose OF the convention
avail myself OF this occasion offer 70 you sir the
assurances Of my highest consideration.
+. W. SEWARD, Acting Secretary
To senor J. NJ HuRrApo, Special Commissioner Of New
Granada.