Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-02-24
INDIANAPOLIS, IND, MONDAY, FEBRUARY "a, 1862.

and fastened itself upon the Department Of the
West. A bevy of cormorants gathered around
Fremont, who were feasting upon the blood
they were drawing from the naton-more i'm
pudent in their claims, more unblushing in their
extortions- There, as heIe, no sales could be
made with the Government except through the
medium Of heartless contractors. There, as
public bounty. Those willing to furnish cheap
ly and well were cast aside, while a hardware
irm-Chid, Pratt & Fox-were allowed to fur
nish nearly 81 100000 without the formality of
fixing the price in advance, they procuring from
the very men who offered to supply the Govern
ment, and at the offered prices, while they
charged an advance of twenty five TO fifty per
cent. Men in league with Quartermaster Nc
kinstry and his inspectors would first extort
from the honest farmer and then unblushingly
rob the treasury. In building the forts at ST.
Louis more than $4,000 was squandered upon
profigate. unprincipled fayorites. These plum
derers, some imported from California, ard some
for a long while in the employ and receiving food
and raiment from the Government, gathered
around the person of Fremont, and suffered none
too approach him too snes<fy. Quartermaster
McKinstry was the high priest at this festival of
robbery and crime; man who had for many
yeas been in the regular service of the United
States; a man furnished by the Administration
to the Department of the West, which was sup
posed to be guaranty for his faithfulness and
integrity. Trusting, conhding Fremont watched
him not closely. do not pretend that Fremont
shared the spoils with Child, Pratt & Fox, or Nc
Kinstry, any more than for moment believe
that Secretary Welles shared the enormous profits
of his brother in law 1t is no excuse to say that
the magnitude of this rebellion, huge in proper
ton, the impending danger casting dark shadows
over our national pathway and threatening the
nations life, was justification for allowing the
exercise of unlicensed cupidity. Without doubt
Generals and Cabinet ministers have bowed down
beneath the weight of increasing responsibility;
but this reckless horde were undermining the very
ground on which they trod
ARMY TRANSFORMATION.
Another item of reckless expenditure was the
order of the War Department allowing two cents
per mile for the transportation of troops, and
liberal price for baggage and horses. So enor-
nous were the profits that the railroad companies
in the West bid and paid from 81 500 to s., 500
to nearly every regiment for the privilege of
transportation. 1t is remarkable that the late
Secretary, who was himself by long experience
and observation, so conversant with the manage
ment of railroads. who rejoced in the confidence
of friend who was intimate with railroad con-
nections, especially in Pennsylvania, should have
allowed railroad companies such large amounts
that they could lavish thousands for the transpor
tation of single regiment. Trains not running
swiftly, and sometimes with no better cars
charged nearly double more than emigrant rates
Did he not know that each passenger was entitled
to eighty pounds of baggagei Yet an extra
charge was allowed for all transported with the
troops. Thus thousands have been unjustly
taken from the treasury not only by the assent of
the Department but by its express sanction and
order.