The Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1869-1872, 1870-04-16
Tho Dead Freedman's Bureau-The Pious Pa
triot General Howard on Gridiron.

triot, General Howard on q Gridiron.
Fernando Wood signalized the death of the
infamous Freedman's machine the other day
by rising in his place and preferring fifteen
distinct charges against General Howard.
Late telegrams say that Mr.. Wood will be able
to sustain his charges, and that the movement
gives much satisfaction among all parties.
Here are the charges:
l. That he had taken from the appropria-
tions made for, and receipts OF, the bureau
more than $500, 900 improperly and without
authority of law for the Howard University
Hospital and land.
q That portions Of the lands alleged to
have been sold for the benefit of the Howard
University fund were disposed Of improperly
To members of his own family and officers Of
his staff.
3. That the bonds issued in aid of the
First Congregational church in the city of
Washington were taken for portion of this
land, which had not yet been redeemed or
paid nor been returned to his official accounts
as such.
4. That the university building aud hospi-
tai were built of patent brick furnished by
the American Building Block Company. OF
which General Howard, Charles Howard
General z. l.. Whittlessey and f. W. Alvord,
all attached TO the bureau, were interested as
stockholders.
8. That the specifications for the construc.
ton Of these buildings provided that the ma
terial used in their erection should be taken
from the brick made by this company, thus
preventing competition, aud securing the use
Of that brick and no other for that purpose
O. That the brick so used was unit and
nearly worthless, parts of the building hav-
ing fallen down in consequence. and other
parts having been repaired and rebuilt at an
expense of $4,000.
Z. That by his consent, and with his
knowledge, lumber belonging 10 the Govern
ment was used by this company, and appro-
priated to lbs own benefit, being re-sOld TO its
employees.
8. That he pays rent to the Howard Uni
versity, from the funds Of the bureau, for the
privilege of headquarters.
o. That he draws three salaries, viz: One
as Bugadier General in the United States
army; another as Commissioner of the Freed
mans Bureau, and third as the head OF the
Howard University.
10. That he has paid from the funds OF
the bureau over S4O,OOO for the construction
Of the First Presbyterian church in this city,
taking the church bonds in return, which he
has either returned Ia his accounts as cash on
hand, or sent South for purposes of the bu-
reIu.
IL. That be has advanced n large sum.
from the funds of tho bureau, To- the Young
ing their bOuis III payment. which have been
sent to Tennessee to help the freedmen schools
in that State.
r. That lac caused and knowingly allowed
lands Of the city. owned by an officer of the
bureau. 10 be transferred to the freedmen :
school in North Carolina, the officer taking
the money appropriated for the school thus
perpetratng y fraud both upon the Govern
ment and freedmen.
10. That he WAS interested in the purchase
of n farm of about three hundred acres, near
the Lunhtic Asylum in this city, for which
public funds aud the property Of the Govern
ment were used; that buildings were erected
thereon, built Of lumber belonging 10 the
Government, and then let or sold TO freed
men Mt cxorbitant prices, and that he and his
brother, Charles Howard. we're personally in.
terested in this transaction ns n private pccu.
mary speculation.
IA. That he has discharged the duties ot
the Office of Commissioner Of the bureau
with extravaganza and negligence, for tho
interest Of himself, and family, and friends
Is. That he is in favor Of the ring known
rs the "Freedmen's Bureau Ring" with con-
ncctons aud influences with the Freedmcn't
Savings Bank and frecdmen's schools Of the
South, and the political machinery of a party
i'll the Southern States, aud whose practice
has been to devote the official authority and
power OF the bureau 10 personal and political
profit.