The New York herald., 1869-05-22


Thousand Dollars for a Single Item.
Senator Sumner, In conversation some time ago.
said he was curious to know the amount OF the At
lantc cable bill contracted by Mr.. Seward In con-
Quoting his correspondence with Reverdy Johnson
during the negotiations OF the Alabama claims
treaty. single item In that bill has recently been
brought to light through the refusal OF the state De-
partment to pay for it, 1t amounts to the modest
little sum OF $40 900 In gold. This, 1t Is alleged, was
for single cipher despatch sent by Mr. Seward to
London. II appears that the Cable Company allured
Mr.. Seward into giving them considerable business
by the promise that they would make liberal dis
count on his messages. The thing pleased Seward.
He liked to Sit in the state Department and dictate
by telegraph what he wished done In London. He
became rhetorical and even verbose In his de-
spatches. They were to be sent at q cheap
rate, and he thought he could aYord to spread
himself When the bill came to be paid Mr.. Seward
grumbled at 1t. 1t was too high. The company, he
averred had charged him full commercial rates, in
stead OF making any discount. In Short he refused
to pay the bill and 1t was bequeathed Of the
bad debts OF Andrew Johnsons administration
The Gable Company has started anew TO see what
can be done under this administration. They have
put the little bill into the hands Of Simon stevens
for collection. Simon used to ngure about old Thad
while he lived, and the impression got abroad that
he was q relative Of the old man,
and, therefore, person Of some in
nuence. But this was q mistake. Simon
showed his little account to Secretary Fish, but the
Governor" didn't feel like paying Stewards bills
He then went to the President who after looking
at 1t through cloud Of tobacco smoke, said 1t had
better 20 to Hoar for an "opnion.n The erudite
Attorney General is engaged in making extensive
research into the cost Of teegraphing from the
earliest times to the present day. 1t will take him
considerable time to get through, but 1t is expected
he win give an "opnion as is an opinion" on Sew
ards extravaganza and the exorbitant rates Of the
cable.
Report Of tho Pacific Railroad Commission.
ers-Dcfective Construction of the Road.
The commission to examine the Central Pacific
and Union Pacific Railroads, consisting of Major
General G. K. Warren, J. Blckersdefer, Lieutenant
Colonel r. 8. Williamson ana ]. s. Clements, have
completed their report and the commission has
been dissolved. From what can be ascertained Of
the report they estimate that ct the date OF their
examination In February last an expenditure Of
81, ,sooo 900 would be required to bring the Central
road up 10 Q first class road and equip
it for through business, with rolling stock, depots,
machine shops, engine houses, &C. Two OF the COM
missioners Messrs. Warren and Blickersdefer, also
think an expenditure OF 900 is required to i'm
prove Its location Messrs. Williamson and Clements
report that the road has been built upon the location
approved by the government, and Is suitable all
the service that viii be at present required. Accom-
panying the report Is evidence showing that since
the examination py the Commissioners the Central
Pacific Railroad Company has purchased rolling
Stock machinery, iron, &C., to the amount OF
$45oO 000 the greater portion Of which has already
been placed upon or now In transit to the road.
The remainder being delivered from day to day.
Upon the Union Pacific road they report that at
the time Of their examination the sum Of 50, 100 900
was necessary complete and equip the 1035 mile
according to the first class standard, since which
time the company have been constantly at work
completing the road and placing upon 1t the material
necessary fully to equip the same according to the
requirements Of the commission and the law. The
report states that the haste in which the roads have
been constructed has resulted in defects Of location
and construction which must be remedied TO bring
the roads to the standard Of efficiency required by
law No action has yet been taken by the Executive
upon the report.
General Dent Learns Wisdom and Politeness-
His Regard for the Herald Correspondent.
General Dent the polite card receiver at the White
House, has become molli1ed since attention was
called to his conduct in the HERALD. Senator'S mem.
bers and others having business at the White House
| notice the change and pleased with 1t.
| He has ceased to announce. In auction
eer STYLE Senator's business with the
President to the prOmiscuous crowd in the
ante-room. He has inaugurated a conclatory policy
towards the representatives OF the press. He de-
nes that he intends to throw any Of them out OF the
White House windows. He might be compelled to
make exception in favor Of the HERALD cores
pondent but he would not throw him out OF the
window; he would be milder, and simply kick him
down stairs. He had thought OF getting the Pres-
dent issue an order to keep the HERALD man out
OF the White House. but, on reflection he thinks he
had better not.
Grants Interest In Invalid Soldiers.
Major General Emory, who has been running at
large for some time IN search Of department. has
at last been provided for. Yesterday he was ap
pointed to the command Of the Soldiers Home, q
snug retreat outside Washington; where OLD vete-
rams are taken good care OF. The command Of the
retreat has generally fallen to some invalid ofcer,
but Emory has managed to obtain the agreeable po-
sition for himself He enjoys sound, robust health,
while the oflcer whom he supplants-Colonel Lee
is confirmed invalid. The appointment Is Grants,
and contrary to sherman's wish. II gives consider
able dissatisfaction to army ofiicers In general
Letter from Jacob Thompson to the Presi.
dent.
Jacob Thompson, OF Mississippi, having learned on
his return home that some statements In letter OF
Mr.. Kennedy. OF the Census once, written to him
early In April 1861, had been used 10 the prejudice
OF the latter has addressed q letter to President
Grant In which he declares any charge against Ken
nedy on his account to be absurd and unworthy OF
an honest man.
Appointments by the President.
The President has made the following appoint
ments:-Felix Coste, to be Surveyor OF Customs at
ST. Louis; James Z. Mclean, Collector at Chicago:
Edward Giddling Assessor Of Internal Revenue for
washington Territory; Alfred Sanford, supervis-
ing Inspector Of Steamboats, for the Fourth district;
Charles ii. Boyce Consul at sPrague; William M.
Morrison, Postmaster at Cedar Falls, Iowa; g. N.
shcibey, Postmaster at Rome, Ga.
Appointments Of Colorcd Clerks.
Jerome A. Johnson (colored). President OF the
First Ward Republican Club, ana John T. Cook
lcolored). brother Of Alderman Cook OF this city.
were to-day recommended for appointment TO first
class clerkshps in the Revenue Department. They
have accardm1lx heen desiqnated for appoLntment