Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1870-04-10

FERNANDO WOOD, in the House OF
Representatives, has arraigned Gen
eraI Howard, Superintendent of the
FreeGmen's Bureau, on the following
slight charges, which with the specii-
cations have been referred to an in
vestigating committee with power to
send for persons and papers. If the
present administration is not acting
on the principle ofpreferring for Office
thieves to honest men, it is at least
singularly unfortunate in making its
selections:
l. That he has taken from the appropri-
atoms made for, and from the receipts of
tina Bureau, more han $500 900, improp-
erly and without the authority of the law,
for the Howard University and lands.
2. That portions of the land alleged to
AVE been sold for the benefit of the How
ard University funds, were disposed of
improperly to members of his own fami-
ly, and officers of his staff.
3. That the bonds issued in favor Of the
First Congregational Church of the city Of
Washington, were taken for a portion OF
this land, Of which 10 notice has been
EANChb - ALGAA AaNAhE bttA 4OAADIAAANO VI
paid. nor AVE they been returned in his
official accounts as such.
4. That the University building and
Hospital were built of patent brick fur
nished by the American Building Block
Company, in which General Howard,
Charles Howard, General f. Whittlesey
and c.. w. Award, all of whom are at
tached to the bureau, were interested as
stockholders.
5. Thai the specifications for the con-
%struction of those buildings proved that
the material used in their erection should
be taken from the brick made from this
Company, thus preventing completion
and securing the use of that brick, and
no other for that purpose.
8. Thai the brick so used was unfit and
nearly worthless; that parts of the build
ing have fallen down in consequence,
and other parts ave since been repaired
and rebuilt at an expense of Sl3, 900.
7. That by his consent and with his
knowledge lumber belonging to the Gov
eminent was used by this company and
appropriated to its own use and benefit,
being resold TO its employees.
8. That he pays rent to the Howard Uni
versity from the funds of the Bureau for
the privilege OF having his headquarters
located there.
8. That be draws three salaries, namely:
one as Brigsdier General in the United
States army, another as. Commissioner of
the Freedmen's Bureau, and, third, as
head of the Howard University.
10. That he has paid, from the funds of
the Bureau, over $40, 600 for the construc-
ton of the First Congregational Church in
this city, taking the church bonds in re-
turn, which be has either returned in his
accounts as cash on hand or sent South for
of the Bureau.
II. That he has advanced a large sum,
from the funds OF the Bureau, to the
Young Mems Christian Association Of
this city, taking their bonds in payment,
have been sent to Tennessee to
help the freedmen's schools of that State.
u. That be caused, or knowingly al
lands in this city, owned by an
Of the Bureau, to be transferred to
a freedmen's school in North Carolina,
the officer taking the money appropriated
for hat school, thus perpetrating a fraud
both on the Government and the freed
men.
Is. That he was interested in the pur-
of a farm of about 300 acres near
the Lunatic Asylum in this county, for
which the public funds and other prop
erty of b Government were used.
Buildings were erected thereon, built of
lumber belonging to the Government,
and then let or sold to freedmen at excr-
bitant prices, and that he and his brother,
Howard, were personally inter
ested in this transaction as a private Pc
cuniary speculation.
IA. That he has discharged the duties
Of the office Of the Commissioner of the
Bureau with extravaganza and negli-
gence, and in b interest of himself and
and of his immediate friends.
Is. That he Is one ola ring known as the
Freedmen's Bureau ring, with oonuec-
u influences with the freedmen's
savings banks, the freedmen's schools Of
the South, and the political machinery OF
a party ia the Southern States, whose
practice has been to devote the special au-
and power of the bureau to per-
sOnal and political profit.
What portion of these charges viii
be proved is one question, and what
are true is another. Washington is
rife with corruptions to expect
much better than whitewashing at
present. But we are glad to see the
bill putting an end TO the Bureau has
passed a final reading in the House at
asst, as it will cut off a very considera-
Die leak. ITS bounty and hospital
work has been transferred to the War
Department, and education to the
Bureau of Education, with the funds
property belonging to it which
Toward q Co. have not appropriated.
he Senate has not yet acted on the