Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1873-01-04
Washington Letter.
WAsuINnrnN


The Credit Mobilier Investigation has ab-
sorbed the public mind and stimulated the in.
reniive faculties of correspondents to an unu-
Sual degree. To the vigilant reporters the at.
tempt of secret investigation has been n
standing menace. and no doubt much that is
sentfro here has an underlying basis of truth.
IL is we'll understood that many members are
placed in very embarrassing attitude, moi
from the fact OF their ownership In this famed
and profitable stock, but from the childish
modes Of shirking the responsibility of such
ownership. As stated by Oukes Ames, there
was no more improprlcty in Congressman
buying this stock than there was in his buying
house in Washington, in relation to the To-
cal affairs of which legislation is constantly
before Congress. II is unfortunate therefore
that the tehole truth, instead Of little truth,
has not heretofore been uttered by those who
have felt called upon TO repudiate their own.
ership In the Credit Mobilirr But far more
serious result than personal dishonor TO Ger.
tain members of Congress, is said to threaten
the old Mobilier ring. 1t is claim for resitu-
iion on the part OF the stockholders of the
Union Pacific Railroad. of some twenty mil.
lion of dollars taken from them and distribu-
ted among the Mobiliers. The clear evidence
Of this is claimed TO have been furnished by
shia inyestig The reports are as thick as
blackbirds, of false aud fraudulent claims,
having been made by directors and others, and
paid from the Uniop Pacific Company's treas
ury. IF tho one-tenth of alleged fraud and
robbery OF this great corporation be true /,
win eclipse in magnitude all the colossal
siealings OF the Tammany ring. AT all events,
II Ia due TO the government and the truly
honest men whose courage. skill and genius
projected and completed this great national
highway, that most truthful investigation OF
all that pertains to this Pacific Railway Scandal
should be had. The county will not bo sat.
isfcd with the limited scope of the present SO.
cret investivation of only the Credit, Mollicr
part OF this great enterprise.
Senator Sherman did wha, he could to SO.
cure the passage Of the House Bill to permit a
free exchange OF registered for coupon bonds.
The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Treas.
ury to issue coupon bonds in exchange for
registered bonds, provided the expense ofthrir
issue be paid by the owner thereof and under
such regulations as the Secretary of the Treas.
ury shall prescribe.
The House Committee on Elections will
have busy time next session. About thirty
notices have already been filed by the coun.
sci for contestants Four or live cases have
remained undisposed OF, Of the present Con.
gress.
The Chesapeake and Ohio railroad now
lacks only twenty miles OF completion. and It
Is proposed TO have II in running condition by
spring. Great things are expected for Vir-
ginia by this road, 1t being the shortest line
10y 80 mlles) between the Atlantic coast and
Mississippi valley; running from Hampton
Roads TO Huntington on the Ohio river. This
enterprise wnE projected and has been mainly
carried forward by G. Il. Huntington, Esq,
Vice President Of the Central Pacific Rail.
road.
The deficiency Bill has caused an unusual
amout Of discussion In both Houses, on ac.
count Of clause voting a million aud quar-.
ter Of dollars, 10 our Board of Public Works
for improvements made in and around the
public property
The changes and improvements made here
the past year, have been really wonderful, but
the cost thereof has amounted almost 10 con.
fscation In repeated instances The Board
have the right Idea OF local improvements,
and seem 10 have had marvellous courage In
going forward with them In the face OF u ter.
rible elamor from taxpayers charge OF steal.
Ing. and general denuciallon. Gov. Cooke Is
at the head Of the enterprise, and Gen. Bah.
cock, Of the Presidents household, Ia Chief
Director OF the work. These two names ought
10 he guarantee against any peculatlons on
the pari OF the contractors or rings. But In
the SIMEON Of personal detractiOu which has
rulsd the past year, tho reputation of no man
bowexer pure, or scarce any mans family
have beea sale iTom the defamcrs. This Board
seems inspired with 90 enthusiastic idea OF
making Washington the most beautiful city,
In the world, and II Congress and tbs tax. pay.
eSs vii furnish the money. We have no doubt
of this uisiAaate success. for nature has dOne
much for the capitolonlan city.
The negociaiion with Mr. Colfax for bis as.
sesion 10 the editorial chair OF the Tribune arc
nj an end. He declines tho pEofferrd place,
which Is unfortunate perhaps for the business
interests Of The paper, but fortunate for the
peace ofnind and body Of the Vice President
A story Is afDat that Mr.. Speaker Blaine Will
be invited into the nsw Tribune syndicate, bul
il needs confirmation. Anoihss runor, fal
nDrc probable, is that Geo. VIM. Curtis will
be iDgiied 10 the vacant chair. The 1fibuR.
4 nov IN The ownership ofinnusnial and per
sonal friends Of the administration, aud III
future course viii be 10 harmsny with til,
Republican party.
Congress will rs-conEens on the 9th Of Jan
nary, when there win be heavy pressure o
IssihasI3D. o.