New-York tribune., 1874-07-20
WASHINGTON.
DISTRICT AFFAIRS.

THREE THOUSAND CLAIMS AGAINST THE OLD GOVERN
MENr PRESENTED THE TEMPORARY GOVERN
MENT COMPLETELY ORGANIZED.
WASHINGTON, July t9-The office of the
Auditors for the District of Columbia has been crowded
with persons having claims against the late Govern
men SO far, about 3C0) claims have been presented,
lnYovlng at rough calculation, s2oOOOcO Additional
claims VIII be presented the necessary papers
can oe prepared. The various claims will be passed on
by the Auditors Much trouble in some OF the accounts,
as shown by the books, will be experienced in conse-
qucnce OF payments in mixed securities aud the eX-
change OF the with TO settlement, and also
owing to the imperfect books OF the late treasurer OF the
Board OF Public Works. It will become necessary to
make extensive of property altered or
improved III cases Of alleged overcharges.
The Commissioners have completely organized
the temporary Government, and every ybOdy seems to
have confidence in gritty and fitness for the bus
ness with which they are charged double duty adjust
ing the affairs OF the late Government while at the
time administering the affairs of the present The
commissioners, by abollshing useless Offices, save
large sum OF money and transact their business within
the narrowest limits Of economy.
Lieut. Hoxie, executive officer OF the District Commis
sion Issued circular to contractors notifying to them
that under the Of Congress for the govern
ment Of the District OF Columbia all claims existing or
hereafter created, for which evidence OF Indebted
ness has been issued arising ont OF contracts made by
the Board OF Public Works, required to be examined
and audited for settlement by the Board OF Audit con
sting OF the First and Second Controllers OF the Treas
ury Of the United States. who, upon such audit, Will
issue to each claimant certificate signed by SAID
Board and countersigned by the Controller OF the
District, stating the amount due, etc. The Sinking
Fund Commissioners authorized to exchange at par
certain bonds Of the District OF Columbia provided for,
payable so years from Aug l, 15i and bearing interest
the of 6jO0 per cent per annum for indebted
shown by said certificates Of the Auditing Board
No other provision is made for payment for work done
hereafter to be done under contracts made with the
Board Of Public Works. The disposition Of apprOpra-
tons made by Congress, aud OF the revenue from
taxes and other sources, is controlled by
act OF Congress, and none OF these revenues
available for the payment OF said work.
Its continuance therefore, under such contracts must
be at the risk Of the in respecuto the exam
nation OF his accounts by Board and mode OF pay
ment.
The Commission Yesterday issued an order suspendng
work under contracts OF the late Board OF Public Works.
except that pertaining to sewers and the same shall not
be resumed except upon the approval OF the Commls
soners and by the written order OF the Engineer 1t
was also ordered that examination OF all Work on
and other public improvements be made at once
by the Engineer OF the Board of Commissioners to de-
termiue the initial point of work which Is to be done
under the Commission.