New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-10-25

OFFICE OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES JOHNSON $
TEsrIMoNY-n0w liz SAVED MONEY on $4,000
YEAR.
iBr TELEGRAPH To THE rRIBUSE.l
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2l.-Ono of the most exagger-
cted and eccentric cases of back pay grabbing has
recently come to light in the Post-Ofce Department
The case is also noticeable az ono of the most snRn
lar, viewed from tho Civil Service point of view
That has occurred under the present Administration
1t Is reported and thoro seems to be no reason to
doubt the accuracy of the report, since it comes
from trustworthy source, that DIR. McGrew. the
chief clerk Of the Sixth Auditors Office promoted
his sob, who is a clerk in the same Office. 10 posi-
ton in tho Foreign Mails Division. which had been
vacant for about ten months The son had boon
occupying subordinate place aud receiving the regu-
arsaary oft while tho vacancy existed but recently
under the Civil Service Reform era, the father. it IS
reported not only promoted his to the vacancy,
but manipulated the rolls in such manner as to
pay the son the entire ten months salary of the va
can't Office. notwithstanding young McGrew had not
performed Its duties and had been paid for other
duties which he did perform in the same office. An
other case, OF almost the same character. but not
quite a. expensive to the Government. Is said to
have occurred in the pay division Of the same Office.
Mr. Hazlett, who the chief of the division, died,
and before the vacancy was filled lapse OF four OF
five months occurred. A Mr.. Boone was promoted
at last to the vacancy and, 1T is supposed became
aware OF the precedent in Young McGrews case.
and, while his manner Of proceeding is somewhat IN
doubt it is said he succeeded in convincing Chief
Clerk McGrew that he, Boone, also entitled to
his back-pay grab, and that he received it. ...
Ex-Presdent johnson, in common with nine
tenths of the people of the country speaks of the
Salary Bill Of the last Congress in the strongest
terms of opposition. He has lived here, with slight
Interruptions, during most of the past 30 years. and
of course well knows the expenses of living III tho
various public positions. He says that Congress
man can live becomingly on 5000 year, and that
u Cabinet officer can maintain his position very
creditably on $1,000 year. Some of his Cabinet
officers lived within their salaries, and 1t ID well
known that Mr.. Boutwell, saved money on his salary
as Secretary of tho Treasury. Az TO the adequacy
of the old salary of $4,000 year attaching to
the Presidential office, it is well known that during
Johnsou'5 term it was more than adequate for
generous and becoming maintenance of the Pres-
dents household. Mr.. johnson kept six horses and
suitable carriages all of which he bought, and the
charge was never made that there was any exhibit
ton of economy at his entertainments. lie gayo
more state dinners than have been given of late
years and they were always spoken of as generous
and suitable. The fuel. gas, and most of the ser
wants of the White House are paid for by the Gov
eminent, which also provides gardeners and stable
men. All the vegetables used in the White House
are furnished without cost to the inmate, and tho
groceries, meats. Wines &c, are all that
have to be purchased. Many of these are
obtained Of the army commissary at cost prices.
Mr.. johnson paid all his expenses and retains all
his bills His expenses were from $500 to Sl,60e
month"; according to the season of the year During
the fashionable season his bills reached the latter
amount. He said recently, in answer to a question.
yes, saved something from my salary of $4,000
wear as President and some of that which sayed
in that office Ihad on deposit with Jay Cooke q Co.'s
First National Bank"