New-York tribune., 1874-08-13
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
THE DELAY IN ORDERING THE CONSTRUCTION
OIL u
WASHINGTON, Wednesday, Aug 12 1874


Statements having been made recently in regard 10
the delay ordering the construction OF buildings for
the military post the L1Ipe Fork of the Platte River,
although the Department. Commander, Gen. ORD, had
recommended their immediate construction to give en-
ployment to the settlers in that Son who had lost all
their crops by grasshopper it may be proper TO state
that Oh the 1st of August the AdutantGeneral OF the
army received from Gen. ord. commanding the Depart
ment Of the Platte plans and estimates for the con-
slructon OF IA new post Loupe Fork of the Platte
River and sent them 20 the QIartermasterGeneral on
the same day for report They were retdrned by
that officer the AdutantGenera on the 4h OF August,
and on the 5h Of August were received by the Chief
Clerk OF the War Department. On the 9Th OF August
they were submitted to the Secretary of War; who
examined and approved the same with the recon-
mendation of the Department Commander, and
directed that the buildings be erected under
the direction and control of Gen. ord. who
ordered however TO take such action as would IN
sure that the appropriation Of $4,000 should not he eX-
ceeded completing all the structures required for the
post ana that necessary this end the troops should
secretary personally the 9th OF August was exam
ned by him. and recognizing the Importance OF expcdi-
Of the Sh the papers were returned to the
Aduant-Genera tnat he might communicate the action
the War Department 10 the authorities concerned
A CRITICISM on THE WORK OF THE NEW DIS.
TRICT COMMISSIONERS.
The good intentions OF the District Commissioners ap
pear to be thwared by the off als, who measure and
price tue work on improvements magnhcenty as be-
the change Of Government Mr.. A. Cluss formerly
of the Board of Ibc Works, few days called the
attention OF the Commissioners to Rewarded contract
which includes the laying of about $1,000 square feet of
undressed North River Tagging for sidewalks 90 cents
per foot while In NewYOk the same is laid at rs cents
This contract traverses Government reservations; i'm
plies Cuss computes free gift OF about sl7 900 from
the United States Treasury TO the contractor, and has
already cost the Government about 100000 above reason
able prof under the ola regime. The Commissioners
had the referred to their engineers who reported
the price paid TO be s cents and that strip OF packing
between the curbstone and sidewalk proper included
without pay 10 the contract brought the price for flag
ging down 40 cents. Mr.. Cluss rejOns maintaining
his first position. aud proves cOncusiyey that the
paid narrow sward OF grass for the growth OF trees
causes shrnkage OF price iOr Tagging from 81
S cent?, and not to 40 cents reported by their eng
tractor is overpald 1880 former II
| price reported to the Commissioners is correct.
THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE CAPITOL GRO UNDs.
Congress at its last session. made appropriation of
100000 for grading and improving the grounds about
the Capitol cutting down trees laying walks, erect
| ing fountains &c. Among the changes TO be made the
whole beng under the direction OF Frederick Law Ohm
stead will be the grading of the park the Capitol
which will be cut down about nine feet, CORE
spondwith grade OF Firsst and ist Capitost
The sycamore and other inferior trees which cunber the
parks both sides Of the Capitol be removed in
order give better view OF the Capitol sides
and they VIII be replaced by suitable trees and
shrubbery Large parties Of l8bOrers are now engaged
III the Work OF Improvement, which will be finished by
| the time Congress reassembes.
| THE GENEVA AWARD COMMISSION.
The Commissioners for the settlement Of that portion
of the Geneva award provided for Just before the ad
journmen of Congress, will reassembe here the
of October and continue i'll session during the Winter
All papers and records bearing the Alabama claims
are being prepared at the State Department and will be
turned over to the Commission they reassem
Bile 80 that the work OF award may begin at once They
Will cit III tue Kennedy Mansion lately occupied by Sac
retry Richardson which has been hired the purpose
and is now being furnished III handsome style.
IMPORTANT DECISION REGARDING THE DIS
| TRICr 3-55 BONDS.
Considerable interest is felt here regarding the opnon
OF the Attorney General whether the District ass
bonds, authorized by the last Congress are pavabI. I'm
coin or currency The question submitted TO Judge
Williams by the President AMI it Is stated that the
opinion sent 60 Long Branch several days Ago The
Attorney General declines 20 give the re.ult ,,tl
thOUzed 10 do 80 from Long Branch II Is uudersood
however that he decides tnat mi Is currency ano
| not ID gold obligation.
! ANOTHER THREAT TO DISCONTINUE MAIL
| SERVICE
| President Wood OF the Philadelphia and Batiupore
Central Railroad has written TO the Post,na ster. Gen
eral stating that he shall discontinue carrying the
mails over his line unless he receives $40 per mile for the
service. He was formerly pail $40 per mc; but on
July ]. 1873 Dy rcadJusunent OF tue was cut
down rs per cent The OF the haing fonud 10
warrant sncb rouuction. AZ TIN. ae is s present re
! oovipR all ti,c Law alo"S II L. proc JIe that