Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1862-09-17
From the Richmond Examiner
Congress and the Abuses of the Government
4 Peep into the Qunrtcrmaster's DcPu

4 Peep into the Quurtcrmaster's Dcpurt-
To Tie Editor Of tie Eraminer:-
am pleased to that Congress lately evinccs
waking up to the many abuses which, like evil
wcc,!s have grown apacc,' from the want Of judi
cious pruning in the several staff departments of
the army. II you will permit me, through the me-
dunn of your valuable journal, think ! can from
my long experience in the Quarcrmastcr's depart
ment of the late United States assist the committee
of investigation by few truths in their laudable
efforts to reform.
In the first place would direct the attention of the
committee to the present manner in which appoint
nents made in Of the most important branch
cs of the army organization. As the law stands,
Brgaders and Colonies have authority to nominate
whom they please to the posts of brigade or assist
ant Quartermaster, mere iavorites, without quaiif
cation or knowledge as to the duties often without
education are indicted into the enjoyment of the
rank and pay of Majors and Captains Of cavalry,
it be wonder then that the people and the govern
ment and the army are sufferers? To be sure,
bond (cfIen regret to say fthe veriest stram for
twenty or thirty thousand dollars is required of the
appontec a security to the Treasury against pee
ulaton and fraud in the handling of millions of the
peoples money. In what manner the duties
performed by these officers, it is only necessary
to ask the farmer, whose property has been seized
by them under the plea of the necessities of the
war, and by way of acknowledgement for the same
miserable penclled scribble by way Of receipt is
given, TO be collected as best he can. Ask the SOL
der, whose pttance Of pay is withheld for months
after is due, from neXcusabe neglect in the Quar-
termaster in procuring the necessary funds by time
ly estimates.
BY way of comparison, will state from pcrs onal
knowledge, that during the Mexican war, there was
stationed at the great depots Of New York and New
Orleans, but two Quarermasters "a part of the time
there was thrce) who were considered amply sufi-
cent by General Jessup, the Quartermaster General,
to fit out, furnish supplies transportatons &c, for
an army engaged in foreign war of INVASION
Again, during the Eutaw or Norman difficulties but
two Quartermasters were considered sufficient at st.
Louis and Leavcnworth. who had not only to supply
the immense transportation, supplies, ETC., for that
expedition but also for the numerous posts of New
| Mexico and Texas. look on that picture and then
on this" Would it be believed, if the proof was
not at hand that there are at the present writing,
stationary at Richmond, between thirty and thirty
five Quartermasters. Lieutenant Colonies, Majors
and Captains to do the work that SIX efficient men
| could easily perform? "Appropo," of this subject
would it not be we'll for Congress to inquire into
the expediency Of including the abIe-boaaed among
these gentlemen, as equally owing service to their
country in the field, with the many young depart
ment clerks, who, am glad to see it is proposed,
should take their share of the dangers and priva-
tions of the soldier. l would respectfully suggest
as corrective to the present defective system OF
appointment in the Quartermasters (and also the
Commissary) departments, that Congress should
authorize the Secretary of War to select from the
old and experienced officers Of the department, a
board of examiners, before whom those already in
commission should appear for examination as to
their fitness for the office; in the event of inabi
ly to appear before the board by reason of distance
or exigences OF service, their fitness for the Office
should be determined by an examination of his &C.
counts on file in Quartermaster Generals office, and
also by his style Of correspondence. In all cases
where gross .unftness should appear, the commits
sion should be at once vacated and proper person
placed in charge to look after the interests Of the
government and direct the winding up of the late
incumbcnt's affair. By such measures, have nc
doubt, large saving to the government in money
and radiance of the army of an incubus hamperine
its movements and causing discomfort IN its ranks
would be effected. ASS substitute for the present
ridiculous system of protection against fraud on the
part Of the disbursing oficer-a bond for few
thousand dollars, when millions pass through hi