Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-03-29

was of questionable legality, and unless it was
made subject of executive order, the order from
the treasury department will be revoked.
THE CLAIMS COMMISSION.
On the 26th inst, which was the last day
upon which claims could be filed before the
British and American claims commission,
unless by permission in each case, for cause
shown, very large number or memorials was
presented. Four hundred and twenty-one Brit
iSh claims were filed up TO that date, and at the
session to-day fifteen additional claims were
filed. Ii is thought that the number, including
all claims on both Sides will amount to about
five hundred. The American claims number
eighteen only. There were no decisions made
to-day, and the commission adjourned until the
3D. of April. The Office of the secretary will be
occupied some time in getting the claims
properly arranged and docketed and memorials
printed. 1t is understood that the commission
will soon adjourn until September, and that
during that month its sessions will be held at
Newport, Il. |. Since the commission was or
ganized eleven cases have been finally disposed
Of out of which only one was favorable to the
claimant that being the first case on the docket
The amount of award was $500.
THE CUSTOM HOUSE INVESTIGATION.
Before the New York custom house investiga-
ting committee to-day, VIM. Orion, ex-commis-
Sioner of internal revenue was examined relative
TO the present system of moietieS in the New
York custom bouse. The examination elited
the opinion that while the present system was
subject to many corrupt innovations, it was new
ertheless proper, if not absolutely necessary, to
continue in existence some system of remunera-
ton TO officials for tie purpose Of stimulating
them to the detection Of fraud upon revenue.
The committee adjourned until Monday.
TIE NAVY INVESTIGATION.
There was full attendance of the navy inveS-
tigating committee tonight. Secretary Robson
stated that he had determined not to employ
counsel. He would be present at all the meet
in9s, except when prevented by pressure of Off
cial duty, to hear the proceedings and give any
information desired by the committee. The sec
rotary then read paper he had prepared, in
which he said that charges had been made
against him in the New York Sun, inpeachng
his integrity as secretary of the navy. These
charges had been repeated from day TO
day in various forms, alleging frauds
and robberies of most fragrant char
acter and of immense amount. He insisted
that the accusations should assume some def.
mite shape before the committee, and that his
accusor, who had not Scrupled to produce them
before the public, should be first called upon to
make them good, or abiure them under oath
Ii the publisher should establish the definite
charges he made, it would hardly be necessary
for the committee to go farther; but if he re-
fuse or fail to sustain them by oath and witness
es, he would stand before the committee con-
ycted and wanton libeller 1t would then he
for the committee to determine to what extent
he could be entrusted with the management
Oh INC case. w 0cn U0e hCCUSeT SDal ran 10 SLlS
tain his charges, then he, (RObeson) would feel
his personal honor indicated, and then inquiry
into the navy department could be proceeded
| with. In making his request, he felt he was not
asking more than was allowed under the law,
| and therefore he wished TO be informed of the
| character of the accusation, aud confronted
| with the accuser, who should make good his
| charges or expose his lalsehood.
| Mr.. Bartlett, counsel for Dana, in reply to q
| query from Archer as to what charges he first
| intended to take up, said he would rather wait
before answering, to know what the committee
| determined
Secretary Robson said he had copies of the
| papers in the Tennessee contract case, iron for
| torpedo boats, the Corliss case, &C.
Secretary Robson then said there was not
| such receipt in the navy department. After
| further examination Mr.. Bartlett asked whether
| Admiral Porter was present. The chairman
| read letter from Admiral Porter saying he
| could not attend on account of sickness, and
the convention adjourned until tomorrow.
Mr.. Bartlett said one of the papers called for
was not here, namely, the receipt of $4,000
| awarded under the act of congress, July 80,
1868, to Secor & Co, and Secor, Perfume & Co.
MISCELLANEOUS.
| A treasury circular issued to-day revokes the
| previous one designating the Anderson and Van
| Trump fog horns as standard instruments for
use on all water crafts other than steam vessels.
| The secretary states that upon full conSdera-
ton, he is of the opinion thatI the intent of the
act of congress of February 2Sth 1871, is to
leave the selection of instruments to masters Oh
| owners of sailing vessels.
The house committee on appropriations heard
arguments this morning on the question in dis
| pute between the Western Union telegraph
company and the government, in regard to thu
compensation to be paid for transmitting the
weather reports of the signal bureau.
The rumOrs that changes will be made in the
| interior department by which Gen Howard will
take charge of the Indian office, and Gen. Walk
er assume the duties of commissioner of pen
sions, are without proper foundation, as NJ
changes are contemplated.
A number of leading republicans from Nortl
Carolina are here, and have agreed to urge the
| nomination of Gen. Joseph o. Abbott for vice
president at the Philadelphia convention.