Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1867-11-05
THE EVENING STAR.
WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSSIP.


DISTRICT AND TIE SoUTH-INPoRrANr Ac
TON OF rHR GoyKRNMENT.-Owirg 70 ths
numerous representations made to the Presi-
dent, relative 20 the formation OF ,oIored mill
tary companies in the South, and more
especially IN this District, the Secretary of
War cd fEserlm was called on for repsr. as
% wnsth,Tsuch organizations were xathorized
III this District, and as 20 whether the War
Department had furnished them arms In
reply, IN Ofhcial report was received showing
that he War Department (since Gen Grant
has been in charge,) had not only not
authorized the formation OF any militia COM
panies, white or black, but had, through Gen
erai Can oy, refused two applications for arms.
As these organizations have in some quarters
excited serious apprehsnsions as to their real
design, and as they are deemed unnecessary
Tor the preservation of order or protection OF
civil authority, the Presidea, has directed Gene
rel Grant 20 distGpd and suppres. thers: and it
Is learned that the War Department is to. day
taking the steps 20 carry out this request. 1t
Is also probable that General Grant will di-
rect the Commanders of Military Districts in
white or black volunteer military organiza-
lions within their commands.
The President has called on General Grant
for report of he number Of troops on duty IN
the Department of Washington, their location
and who commands them.
TIE PROPOSED REDUCTION OF CLERICAL
FoRCB-We regret TO see, every now and then,
An ihimation of proposed reduction Of clerical
force in the Executive Departments. In some
branches OF the service, doubtless, the work
must steadily decrease. but in others there can
lie no question rhat the force might be doubled
or eyea quadrupled, with great advantage to
all concerned. IL costs no more 10 employ a
thousand men one year than I'VE hundred two
years; and, as the work has to be DONE there
can be nothing gained by delay. Indeed, much
may be lost as prompt settlement of the
thousands of accounts and claims presented
for payment may lead to the dets ction and cor
Tection Of errors-io say nothing Of frauds
involving millions. So far, then, as the Gov.
ernment itself 10 concerned, it would seem to
be the true policy to employ all the aid
necessary 10 secure a speedy and faithful ad-
Jnstrnent OF al the claims against il, and es-
peCially 10 retain such as have been educated
10 The business. 1t is due 10 creditors in all
u
speedily as possible; and 1t is particularly de-
sirable that those who are entitled 70 pe lsions
or bounty for personal sacrifices made during
cur recent fearful struggle for national
existence should receive II al time
when they mJst nsed IL. These noble he
TOss, Scattered by thousands through
every Congressional district IN the land
should be deslt with honestly, and paid
promptly whate yer may have been vo:ed them
rom the Treasury, even though for the time
ueing IL may snter necessary less favorable
monthly analciaI exhiOit.
We have seen much OF clerical life in Wash
ypgton for years past. and we know something
of It's alxieties rom what we have thus seen
As q rule, she salary allowed - barely sus-
fcient Tor q support, and A. IS cruel in the e.S-
IRENE 70 keep the faithful recipient OF it IN
stale OF dis4 uiet By the fear of losing that
little.
Within a few years past very many gentle
men, possessing superior business qualifica-
all over the country. and the Government has
been fortunate in securing their services here
where they have already made themselves
felt in various ways. We cons tantly see them,
and feel their influence in eve-y direction-.n
cur churches, iu society, bu. .lding up our
waste places with neat and attractive homes,
and infusing new life and spirit in all around
them. May their residence here prove agree
able, and may they never lack profitable EN-.
ploynent in our midst.
TxYr- fhor ho ho= "A -.