New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-01-23
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.
THE pAssRs or rUP MISSISSIPPI

WASHINGTON, Thursday, Jan, ~, 1874.
Mr.. Clayton unaccouDtaby objected to the immediate
consideration of the bill favoraby reported to-day from
the Senate Committee Commerce giving the Secre-
ary of War power TO establish regulations for the
of the PASSES of the Mississippi while the engineer
officers are at work dredging out the channel The Gov
erDment s now spending at the Balize ABOUT spOOW
and under the most favorable circumstances, and
by the use of the most improved dredgcs, Is OILY
able to keep open channel twenty feet deep.
But the NewOrleans TOw-boat Association, whose
profits increase the depth of water there dminsbes,
is able from the remote position Of the passes and their
control over pilots and the means Of communication
with the city, prevent vessels from using the BEST
channels or II they do 80 to interfere with the WORK OF
the engineers to destroy the work they have at any
time accomplished, and prevent further I'M
movement Within a week or two this Association had
al the SouthWs Pass so sailing vessels and one steamer
waiting day day to be dragged through the mud
by the inferior towboas of this Association, while at
Pas--a ,Outre the water deep enough TO allow
them to 80 without trouble Only few days ago,
steamer drawing IS feet IL inches OF water went out at
the latter pass without detention, after waiting at the
former seven days. When the engineers get channel
that is deep enough to allow the passage
If large vessels the agents OF the Association pur
posey ground some large vessel upon u AZ low uuo
~ ,re cannci ia an M The bill reported To-day
simply gives the Secretary OF War, and through HIM the
engineer in charge the power make regulations for
he ns of the passes to direct vessels which channel to
take what Of the tide 10 pass over the BAR
n SONG m ike this s not passed. the Engineer Bureau
will probably recommend that no more appropriations
be maze for dredging at the mouth or the MISSISSIPPI
s onsv snenI thepe ia thrown away The House
Committee has also agreed to report Similar oii
The EXPENSES OF THE BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND
PRINTING.
Secretary Richardson aDd Mr.. Conant Chlef OF the
Warrant Division Of the Treasury Department, were
before the House Committee on Appropriations to-day,
IN in nc man % Id
Bureau of Engraving and Printing. 1t was found that
neither vi the gentlemen very well Informed win
reference to the expenditures m that ONCE ana couu
not give satisfactory explanations whether or not Inc
expenses extravagant and unnecessary IL haS
been practice for several years. as hitherto stated
10 make what is called permanent Appropriation
of an indefinite character, for engraving ana
printing the fractional currency, greenbacks bonds
revenue stamps, etc, ana 10 cover other EXPENSES
Of the Bureau These appropriations have amounted 10
between q 600 aud s3O0OoO year, the money being
obtained from per centage the issue, reissue and
exchange of Government securities, amounting 70 per
cent Tue COMMITTEE while not aware OF any damaging
facts against the head of the Bureau, are nevertheless
OF the belief greater economy can be exercised III
its and will endeavor 70 secure RESPONSE
bility under the present system Tbe bureau Is not
limited expenditures except within the percentage
named and there II no accountability either with refer
ence 10 the number Of persons employed or the amount
OF their npensation. the Committee propose 10 ar
range for definite approximation oi spe,nc amounts
1
McCartee the Cnef Of the Bureau VIII be invited be-
tore the Committee 10 give detas as 10 the amount re-
aulred by hun conduct The business OF the Bureau
| THE SALARY OF THE HON. ROBERT s. HALk STOPPED
The First Controller has stopped the salary Of the Hon
Robert g. Hale OF NewYork from the ith OF March last
until the beginning OF the present session during wheh
time he crew pay the rate Of $1,000 year AZ counsel
for the United States before the British and American
Claims Commission The Controller holds that the spe-
| cial act passed TO authorize Mr. Hale to continue
10 Act AS counsel after he became member OF Congress
| does not warrant hun drawing two salaries. Ihe
speeal oct was passed purpose Of enabling Nj
Hale TO draw both salaries but as nothing IL SAID ia
about his COMPENSATION counsel the Controller does
not interpret aside The statute OF 1880 when eh
pressy disbursnR officers from paying 10 per
sons receive salary from the Government any al
dItonal compensation Tor services In another capacity
| THE CENTENNIAL PROJECT.
member who OF the small minority that yester-
day opposed legislation further committing the 90 vern
ent To the Centennial project, that the PenDsy
| yania delegation formed compact aud industrious
! lobby and has carefully worked up the House In adj
vance upon the question He further alleges that they