Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1862-08-23
Victor Smith. Secretary Chase and the
Oregon Argus.

tainS All editorial under the caption OF "VM-
dicatcd." The editor seems to be laboring
under the impression, that Mr.. Smith had met
the charges preferred against him by Lieut..
Meryman. before the Treasury Department,
and had disproved them so entirely to the sat
isfaction Of the Department, that he had been
intrusted with one million of dollars by the
Government for disbursement on this coast.
He brought out large sum in Treasury
Notes TO the sub-treasurer at San Francisco,
to be used by him in the payment Of drafts;
but it is undoubtedly true that Mr., Smith left
Washington high in the confidence, not only
of the Treasury Department, but with every
other Department Of tile Government, if any
thing is to be inferred from the most extraor-
binary powers which he is now exercising;
and we hope for his sake and the credit of the
Administration, he will be able to repel the grave
charges Of Lieut.. Merryman. Those charges,
with the evidence OH which they were based,
were not mailed for Washington, until june
10th, and, therefore, could not by any posi-
bility have reached the Treasury Department
until several days after Mr.. Smith had left
the city. All that had reached there Of re-
liable character, was n telegram from Lieut..
Me,ryman, sent soon after he took charge of
the Custom House. saying that he found. as
shown by the books of the office. n large defal-
cation, and other evidences of malpractice.
1t seems the Department accepted Of his cx-
PLANTATION of the dpfalcation, which was as we
were informed by Mr. Smith himself, that he
had borrowed from one fund for the benefit of
another, or rather made a mere transfer of ac-
counts. Mr.. Smith exhibited letter to sew
eral responsible gentlemen Of Olympia, from
Secretary Chase, clearly indicating that he
enjoyed his unlimited confidence. One thing
in that letter strikes us ms being very remark
able, and looks very much like favoriesm /;
and that is the authority given Mr.. Smith
by Mr. Chase, to draw upon tie Treasury. for
fomr quarters salary IN adrancc. Why this
privilege should be allowed Mr.. Smith, while
other Government officials equally "remotc
from the Treasury" and equally worthy Of
confidence, are denied the authority to draw
upon the Treasury for n quarters salary etlo
IL is due. as is the case with the Land officers
in this city, is beyond our comprehension.
TnEATRIcAl.-Mr +. w. Bel, Manager
Of star troupe Of performers, among whom
are John Wood, Max Irwin, and Misses b. liz
Devine, Carrie Howard and Lulu Sweet,
called upon us last Monday, while on his way
to Victoria, where the troupe are now per-
forming. Mr.. b. is making arrangements to
perform at different places on the Sound in
"a few days." and in Olympia, during the
session Of the District Court. This will give
our people chance TO witness good acting.
and enjoy hearty laugh. Mr.. Wood stands
unrivalled OH the coast as comedian.
| POsTMAsTERs.-The OrcyOnian has the
following list of Postmas,crs, recently ap.
pointed, in this Territory: John J. Browning,
Claqunto, Lewis county; Henry l.. Tibbals.
Port Townsend, Jefferson county; Charles
Barstow, Bridgeport, Chcl,alis county, Thos.
W.Newland, Boistort, Lewis county. A row
office has been established ut Caniliche, Sa-
vanish county. Washington Territory, David
G. Forbes, Postmaster.
| -----.s.------
NJ. +. CONFERENCE.-Thc following APP.
pointments were made by the recent Confer
ence at Vancouver: Olympia and Tumwater,
A. c. Fairchild; Mound Prairie, j. w.
Franklin; Claquato, j. S. Douglas. Yaki-
INA Indian Reservation, j. II. Wilbur
Whidby's Island, Seattle. Gray's Harbor and
shoalwater Bay. to be supplied. Strong I'm
ion resolutions were adopted.
V The Walla Walla Statesman says:
ave have noticed lately several fields of corn
on the farms near this city, which are looking
quite as forward and of as vigorous growth as
any We ever saw in the Middle or Western
States. Watermclons-inc looking ones, too
arc now selling in market In the produc-
ton Of this fruit. the Walla Walla valley beats
the Willamette in size, quality and early ina.
turity."
OPPOSITION LINE.-'The steamer Maria,
recently taken from Victoria by Capt. Haley.
has commenced regular trips between Port
land and Cascades, carrying passengers and
freight at reduced rates. in opposition to the
0. $. N. Co.'s line Of steamers. The Maria
connects with the Dalles and Spray, through
to Lewiston.
r. A concert was recently given by q