Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-04-02
Correspondence.
Letter from Washington.

{
sion Commissioner Baker, and my letter
had barely been mailed ,when response Of
Bakers appeared in the Washington pa
pers. This response is very long and
weak. After making n fierce attack upon
his accuser, concealing the main facts. he
denies some of the allegations. and tries to
palliate the others. He makes long and
earnest argument against an investigation,
and then pretends that he courts one. two
positions that do not well harmonic. As
he and Mr.. Delano are good friends. and
the latter. lie claims. stands valiantly BY
him. the lady who made the charges thinks
he could have persuaded Delano to order
the inquest, If Baker was very anxious TO
be gratifed in that way. 1t is "A great
pity TO have the Secretary OF the Interior
stand so stubbormly in the way of his
chance for vindicstion. lie admits using
horse and carriage, but says they were
necessary for the business of the officers,
when it is notorious that they were con-
stantly used by the family, and seldom by
the Office. lie claimed that the furniture
was sent to his house because be had TO
work at his house. though he lived almost
within a stones throw of the office, and
all the books and papers are kept there.
The little business he could do at his house
would only require a five-dollar table.
chair, and inkstand, while he went in for
furniture TO the tune of about four hundred
Fl dbl he va ,a
jected claims for pensions and stated on
them that the parties opposed Grants
election. Probably such an indecent out
rage on soldier was never before per-
petrated by a government ioficer, and the
Secretary stands by and not even looks at
the paper. Such serenity is sublime,
Baker charges that Mrs. Barnard. who
makes the complaint. was in his Office,
drew pay for two years, and refused 10
work hence she is worthless person. and
her allegations are not to be noticed.
She replies that she accepted Office with
the understanding. that she might copy at
home; that permission was given her 10 do
the work at home, and Baker maliciously,
refused 10 send her the work, so that the
fault was his and not hers and so she was
told by the Assistant Secretary it would
be regarded. She also says that the truth
OF her charges against Baker does not de-
pend upon her character: that 1t IL he who
is on trial and not herself. Complain.
against Baker pour In from all parts Of the
country, and there will be rich revelations
ii investigation is not smoihered.
The Howard investigation has taken the
form of showing that General Howard was
not personally knowing TO the dubious
transactions in his burean, and is not re-
sponsible for his subordnates only 50 far
as he neglected TO exercise due diligence
and oversight. Unless more can be shown
than has so far come 10 light, he will be
acquitted.
The Sanbon business sud Jayne trans
actions have damaged General Butler
somewhat in the estimation of MANY, but
he claims that he has perfect defence
and will yet turn the tables.
Morton and Schurz had a fine tilt in the
Senate en- Monday, on the currency ques-
ton. Morton spoke for infection, and
Schurz, in reply, quoted from Morton's
speech of four years ago against infection.
Morton owned up. and said that the grea,
speech of Schurz. made three weeks ago.
was mostly taken from his old speech.
which was unsound, and which he had long
ago repudiated. lie was glad to have so
good follower aud scholar. but didn't
waut .him TO keep four years behind-a
retort, which raised laugh at the expense
of the eloquent Teuton.
Ia the House the friends of imitation
gained victory by passing the bill legalz-
ing the issue Of the Sii 0000 reserved.
ard adding them to the permanent circula-
ton of the country.
In the Senate Mr.. Sherman introduced a
compromise financial measure providing
for the redemption OF the legal tenders by
conversion into five per cent, bonds which
are TO be used as the basis further bank
circulating notes. Mr.. Thurman announc-
ed himselfas in favor OF the old Jackson
ian currency, but would not disturb bust
ness by any VIOLENT measures to tina, end.
The tendency against contraction is very
strong, and the inflationists are having 1t
pretty much there own way. and will I'M
less they encounter 4 lion in the White
House.
General Schenck is here aud says he is
not going into the Treasury, though the
opinion is prevalent that Richardson is not
likely to hold on much longer.
The question on the 81 .000, 900 reserve,
so called, was decided afflrmatively in the
Senate on Thursday, by vote Of 90 to %,
and, as the House had previously passed it,
the permanent circulation will be au.m mt
to that amount, IL the Secretary OF the
Treasury needs the money. The business
men will now understand that there is to
be no contraction, at any rate. and calcula-
lions for the future will be made on the
basis Of more greenbacks. This measure
also settles the matter of taxation, and
makes it pretty certain that no further du-
ties will be levied, and also renders any
"'eN"'PN0 ~ wi" ~ ePSsic pay mcut out VI
the question. Eight Democrats In the
Senate voted for more paper money. show
ing quite change in Democracy since the
days of hard money and General Jackson.
Mr.. Sprague. OF Rhode Island, was the on
ly Eastern Senator who voted yea. He
needs good deal more money. and voted
accordingly.
Letter from Boston.