The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-23
WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, June %, 1878.
The Montana War ClaimA-serious
Charge Against a Clerk.

Charge Against n Clerk.
Much excitement has been caused by the recent
action OF ]. W. Butterfeld clerk In the Second
Comptsoller's office, In connection with the
adjustment OF certain Montana claims, for
the settlement OF which Congress at the
last session appropriated something over
five hundred thousand dollars. These claims
grew out of supplies furnished to the volunteer
forces operating against the Indians in 1857 by
citizens OF that territory. Originally they amounted
TO Sl.l0O,000. but were scaled down by General
James A. Hardie Inspector General of the Army
to the amout above mentioned. These claims have
been in course settlement since the adjournment
or Congress, and over three hundred thousand dol
lars have already been paid. The particular cause
of complaint against Butterheld has its origin
IN the fact as alleged by various
parties that Leander M. Black, OF the Territory
Montana, and A. J. lnsey, OF Kansas had given to
Alexander Cummings, Adjutant General OF Mon
tana, $4,000 In vouchers, in consideration of
services rendered In issuing to them the quota Of
the vouchers claimed by Black and Insley.
when the vouchers were presented here for pay
ment by +. Largely, or Montana, about three
months ago, they having been hypothecated by
Cummings to Largely for money advanced,
Black and Insey entered a protest before
Butterhed against the payment OF the
vouchers claiming them as their property. Chief
SicTh Surtis, icIlnR as second comptroller In the
absence of DR.. Broadhead, suggested to Langley to
have the dispute between the two parties interest
cd adjusted IN Court. Langley accordingly called
on Butterneld when Butter1eld gave him until
wednesday of last week to procure an Injunction
against their payment until the matter could be
brought to judicial termination. The money
had however, on the preceding Friday
unknown to Largely been paid on the
vouchers to Black and Insley. The amount
was something over $4,000. 1t Is alleged
that Black and Insley had given to a certain party
in Washington vouchers to the amount OF $4,000
for influence with the Indian Bureau In fur
therance OF Indian contracts several years
ago. These vouchers were transferred to gen.
tleman in liquidation of claim which he held
against the party receiving the vouchers from
Black Insley, and these vouchers were
next placed In the hands of Middleton &
Co., bankers, of this city, for collection.
They presented them to Mr.. Butterneld, when
Black ~ lnsley again protested against
their payment to the other party, and Butter
field then paid to Black Insley the amount
found due according to the award of General Har-
die. The amount of money paid or both transac-
lions is $4,000 No is cast on Mr.. Curtis,
though he did not particularly examine the
Montana papers presented to him by Butter1eld
among others at the same time for his
as to judicial determination In the dis
puted case would be observed. Yesterday
the attention OF the Secretary or the Treasury was
called to this matter by Messrs Wilson and Stan.
ton, attorneys for Largely, Middleton & Co., bank
ers, and by Largely in person. The Secretary in
formed those gentlemen he would give the
matter his immediate attention ana cause thor
ough inquiry into all the facts. 1t Is due to Mr.
Butterfeld to state, on his own representation.
that he can satisfactorily explain his action in the
premises and Is prepared to meet all charges
against his integrity.
The New Gold Dollar and Affairs or the
Mint.
telegram was yesterday received by Dr. Lin
derman, Director OF the Mint, from the supern
tendent of the san Francisco Mint saying there
are numerous inquiries Tor the new trade dollar
large quantities being wanted Tor shipment to
China on the 10Th July The Director has replied
that the dies cannot be sent to San Francisco be-
fore the 9th or 10th OF July and therefore the de-
mand for the dollars cannot be Immediately sup
piled. He expresses his regret that the prepare
ton of the dies has been delayed, Notwithstanding
his efforts in that direction.
The gold coinage at the San Francisco Mint for
the months OF July and August will, according to |
the Information from the superintendent, be
100000 s3,oOoOO0 each month. Three or four
this month at the Philadelphia Mint. They VIII be
sent to the New York Sub-Treasury TO
be paid out as interest government bonds. |
The yield Of the Crown Point and BelcAer mines |
continues at the rate OF $3,0000O0 month in |
equal part OF gold and silver. These metals are |
sent to San Francisco, where the gold is coined
into double eagles and the silver shipped to Eng
land In bars. This year there will be coined at the
three mints about forty million dollars Of gold in |
dependent OF reconage The recoinage is for the |
purpose of making the coin conform TO the recent
law Of Congress. Where there is abrasion OF |
more than one-half of one per cent there must be
recoinage. The export OF gold coin Is very trnng-
not more than 100000 this month. The Director |
of the Mint has received replies to the circular
sent to all our foreign Ministers for the purpose OF
ascertaning the standard of coinage In the re-
spectve countries to which they are accredited. |
These replies contain valuable information not
hitherto possessed by the Mint. They relate to
coinage generally, including the limit Of abrasion |
and values in money and of account.
The Government Suit Against the Union
Pacific.
1t was said yesterday by one OF the government
counsel IN the Union Pacific Railroad suit, that
should the defendants soon put in their demurrer
TO the bill in equity, which is anticipated the argu
ment will commence some time in September at
Hartford.
Steamboat Boiler Explosions.
The Board appointed by the President to conduct |
experiments concerning boiler explosion will meet
at the Ebbitt House, on Wednesday next, TO pre- |
pare their plan OF operations. The Board consists
OF ID. ID. Smith, the Inspector General OF Steam
boats; c. Copeland, OF New York; J. Stevens, OF
Hoboken; b. Crawford, OF Pttsburg and 4.
Holmes of Ohio
GERMAN ORPHAN ASYLUM,