Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1862-02-15
SPEECH OF
M r. V A N w Y C X,

NAL 1N w AONN Az y hitSE u SSh-
eral alusion to the frauds which had been
pcrpetratsd on the Treasury, spoke as fol.
lows:
About the time the New York Seventh,
the pride of tho Empire state composed of
the best of her citizens soldiery; Of men
of wealth, high family position, education,
enjoying the confidence of the community
in all the relations of life-with the Mas
sachusetts Sixth-a regiment representing
the intelligence and business occupations
Of that wonderful state--side by side
were fording streams, building bridges,
laying railroad tracks, sleeping on the un.
tented field, and, when hunger was press
ing upon them, the Seventh dividing their
last store OF bacon and hard buiseuit with
the gallant men of the Sixth, contract
was made in this city by the department
with Dwyer, Laughman, Sibley q Tyler,
for cattle, from two to ten thousand, at
eight dollars per hundred. live weight,de-
livered here, and FIVE and three quarters
in Pennsylvania. What facilities had
Dwyer & Co. for transportation which the
government did not possess Government
could lap its strong arms upon railroads
and use them could plant its gathering
armies to guard the bridge and track
At that very time an agent was sent by
the department into Maryland who, with
out difficulty, purchased cattle TO be deliv-
cred in Washington at six and half per
hundred, live weight. Besides, direct
navigation with New York was not OBJ
structed by the Potomac. Still more, if
the danger Of transportation through Ma.
ryland was ap excuse for this contract big
with profits, why provision that per.
ton should be delivered in Pennsylvania
if the Department desired, and why were
nearly 500 received in Harrisburg, while
scarcely 500 were delivered in Washing
ton 7 Notwithstanding the lions in the way
Dwyer & Go. Immediately sub-let the con-
tract to New York mon, SO that without
any hazard or perils they realized over
S32, 900 on about 1000 head. They had
no difficulty during the panic of these times
in making this contract. Why should the
government have found any? There is
no pretense that either Of these men had
any special courage in overcoming danger
or remarkable skill in purchasing cattle
Two were railroad contractors, one par
ticularly near to the Secretary, one law
yer, and one the winter before had been
in consultation and negotiation with rebels
for the sale Of arms Thus treason and
corruption we're continued at the capitol.
AGENCY OF ALEXANDER CUMMINGS. ESQ,
PURCHASE OF ARMY SUPPLIES.
Nearly simultaneous with this occurred
another transaction. On the 2lst day of
April. the Secretary of War, although he
well knew the great ability and experience
of Colonel Tompkns, quartcrmaster, and
Major Eaton, commissary in New York
city, wrote two letters tc Alexander Cum
mings, Esq. In one he wants him to aid
the commissary in pushing them forward :"
The other letter states that:
"The department needs at this moment
an intelligent, experienced and energetic
man, in whom it can rely, to assist in
pushing forward troops, munitions and
supplies
No man knew better than the secretary
that these qualifications were already poss-
essed by the army officers in New York on
whom it was safe to rely. The secretary
then gracefully compliments Mr.. Cum
mings:
"You are acquainted with the internal
arrangements and connections of the rail-
roads in Pennsylvania, over which for the
present, they will have to pass
Can there be so much intricacy about
the railroad connections in PENNSYLVANIA
that the United States Quartermaster in
New York or Philadelphia was not con.
versant with them? The secretary then
adds the touching appeal to his patriot.
ism.
81 AN aware that your private affairs
may demand your time. am sure your
patriotism will induce you to aid me, even
at some loss to yourself
On the 23d of April the secretary again
wrotes
"In consideration of the extraordinary
emergencies which demand immediate and
decisive measures, hereby authorize Ed
win d. Morgan and Alexander Cummings
to make al necessary arrangements for the
transportation of troops, in aid and assist
ance of the officers Of the army of the
United States"
Either was authorized to act in the alb
sence of the other On the fourth day of
May Governor Morgan delegated his por
ton of the power to George d. Morgan
On the Oath the secretary wrote
II sent you yesterday an official paper
to act in connection with Governor Nor
gan by land through Maryland and Penn
sylvania it is important you should act
promptly in sending supplies.
S. CAMERON.
"MR. CUMMINGS"
Mr., Cummings thus armed, seemed SUI
preme in his orbit; instead of rendering
aid and assistance, he effectually super
seeded the army officers. Major Eator
distinctly informed him that bis services
were not needed in the purchase of sup
plies. Still, Mr.. @. commenced buying