, 1873-04-29

THE VIENNA BCANDAL.
The first reports which came to this country
concerning corruptions in the American Do
partment OF the Vionna Exposition, and which
the public we're 10th to believe, seem to DO more
than confirmed by the subsequent dispatches.
It would seem that it is literally impossible that
tho Administration can engage in any transac-
ton, where money is involved, without it's re-
sultiug in corruption. It also shows low hope
less it is to expect that any department. OF the
Administration can be kept clean 80 long as
asccrta1ncd corruption is tolerated and reward
ed in tho highest quarters. Hero was
case In which it Was eminently desirable
that the interests OF tho United States
should be administered honestly and faith
fully, not only that the artisans, artists,
and merchants Of this country might enter into
the worlds lists and compete for the prizes Of
excellence without prejudice, but also because
the United States at this Exposition would stand
aide By side with the rulers and people OF all na-
tions, and any breach Of good faith or unbecom-
ing conduct would be disgrace 20 public that
it could never be forgotten, stain upon the na-
tional honor and good name which could never
be erased. The occasion was one Of the most
honorable character, likewise the position Of Com
missioner, and it wca supposed that honest and
capable men had been designated to represent the
Government in this peaceful contest in the great
field Of the arts, sciences, and commerce. It
Was not long, however, before it Was discovered
that there we're some small amounts Of money
to be made by the practice Of sharp tricks and
financial scu1lduggery, OF the character which
prevails at country mustefs and circus Bide-
shows, and it appears that the men small and
mean enough to engage in this disreputable
huckstering we're not wanting. First, the AS
sist Commisslonerships we're discovered to DO in
the market. Then special sites for res
taurants and other purposes were dis
poaed Of to privileged parties. Lastly, the
gun-makers, sewing machine makers, and some
other large corporations managed to get Com
missioners appointed in their special interests.
As the the time for the opening Of the Exposi-
ton drew nigh, it became impossible to conceal
those corrupt practices, and the fact became
public that the interests Of tho American OK
hibitors we're in the hands Of set of merciless
eharpors and scoundrels, to whom they must
pay black1nai1 If they hoped to hare any advan-
tageous position in the American Department.
The American Minister at Vienna, as soon
as he became cognizant Of these dis
graceful circumstances, promptly suspend
ed the Commissioners and laid the facts
before the State Department. The Department
indorBed his action, and has appointed q new
Board Of Commissioners to act temporarily until
the charges can be officially Investigated, and q
permanent Board appointed There Is no testi-
mony yet to show that Gen. Van Buren,, the
United States ommissioner-in-C Chief, is directly
concerned in these oorruptions, although he
must labor under such an imputation until he
can clear himself. he is to afcertain extent re-
sponsible for the action Of his subordiaates, and
il these corrupt practices were carried
on without his knowledge, then, to soy
the least, he Is guilty Of gross care
1essness and remissness OF duty. There
is ono fact however, which is to be taken into
account, in estimating Gen. Van Burens &C.
countability, and which Is characteristic Of the
present Administration. As there WAS nothing
OF political character in the appointment Of
the Commissioners, tie public has supposed all
along that they were selected on account Of their
ability to ill the positions, and to reflect some
credit upon the country to which they unfor
tunately belong. Such, however, does not ap-
pear to be the case. Immediately upon Gen.
Van Duren's appointment, he made out a list of
the gentlemen whom he desired "a assist
ants, and sent it to tho State Depart
ment. The politicians who control the
Administration, however, had influence
enough to cause the rejection Of the List, and to
get their personal friends appointed. When this
was done, Gen. Van Buren, openly declared he
would not be responsible for them. Even under
these circumstances, however, he is not alto
gether without blame. When the Administra-
tion appointed politicians on his staff it yas