The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-02-03


Amasa Walker in Opposition to Expan-
sion OF the Currency.
Mr. Amasa walker, OF Massachusetts,, appeared
TO-DAY before the House Committee on Banking
and Currency, and favored the committee with a
TWO hour exposition Of his views on the financial
question. He took decided grounds against all
schemes having tendency to increase the vol
ume. OF the currency, which he contends
is now redundant to the extent Of an
Initiating the export trade and injuring all
the great interests OF the country, espe-
cially the agricultural interests lie stated
that IN the manufacture Of cotton goods the labor
largely unskilled, has increased fftysix per cent
since 1860, but not to the advantage OF the labor
ing classes, who have to pay seventy-nve per cent
more than in 1860 for the expenses OF living. The
increased cost OF production, however, has been
to wipe out our trade in cotton goods with emma
and to let it pass entirely into the hands Of the
British. Members OF the committee endeavored
to make Mr.. Walker admit that other
causes besides q redundancy Of the currency
were operating to produce the effects which
ne instaneed. But he adhered strenuously to the
position that the principal and almost exclusive
cause was the deprecated currency and he de-
clared that the manufacturing interests OF New
England would gladly surrender all tarin protec-
ton il they only had normal currency, the cur
rency of commerce. He expressed himself favor
ably towards Senator Summers plan for the issue
OF 5000 600, 900 Of compound interest three years
notes. to be exchanged for legal tender.
Further Invcstig alton Of ExtravaSant
and Useless Expenditure for the House
OF Representatives.
The House Committee on Appropriations to-day
held another important meeting on the subject of
the expenses OF the House of Representatives.
min tha f,Iarl,
Doorkeeper and Postmaster. each neing nterro-
gated with respect to the force of employees and
expenses of their respective branches. The salaries
OF the Sergeant-at- Arms Office amount to over
$4,000, and the duties comprise the disbursement
Of moneys on account OF salaries of members, &c.
The investigation to-day however, had special ref
erence to the organization, cost and efficiency of
the Capitol police. 1t was asserted that one-fourth
the number OF officers employed could per.
form all the duty which was required In
the Doorkeeper's Office it was found that there
were q number OF supernumerary assistants At
many doors there are two keepers when it is
Thought one would answer every purpose. The
committee here also reserved decision until fur
Their information could he obtained, exhibiting in
precise manner the needs of the House Tor this
class OF officers. The Postmaster of the House eX-
planned the duties required OF his office. The
which includes those of the Postmaster, one as.
sistant four messengers at nearly So 900 EACH and
seven mail carriers at over $1,000 EACH In add-
ton to this there is an expense of some thousands
for horses and mail wagons. The committee are
OF the opinion that the present House Post ONCE is
rather an expensive establishment for the despatch
and delivery of tho maIl OF 302 members and dele
gates.
Encouragement OF the Finances OF the
Indian Burenu-N0 More Deficit Bills
to he Allowed.
Judge LOughridge, Of the subcommittee of the
Committee on Appropriations, charged with pre-
paraton OF the Indian Appropriation bill, has
perfected his labors 1t is the intention OF the
committee to report the bill about the end Of the
week. The reductions effected ON the estimates
reported from the Indian ONCE amount to
$l,5oO,OOO. The Committee have experienced
great embarrassment in obtaining Information
from the Indian once. 1t was only alter great
delay that the report OF the Commissioner was re-
ceiyed, and this was unaccompanied by the reports
of Indian Agents. The Committee are not entirely
satisfied with the appearance Of things in the
management OF the Indians. The amount required
by treaty is over 81, 100000 THIS Will remain as
estimated for. Abaut s., 200, 900 additional, how
ever Is put in for the expenses Of the Indian SER
vice and the Indians with whom no treaties have
been negotiated. The latter include the Sioux,
Comanches. Kiowas, Apaches ana Southern Chey-
ennes and Arrapahoes and o few fugitive or de-
tached bands. 1t is the intention Of the committee
to add to the Indian Appropriation bill provision
requiring the Commissioner OF Indian Affairs to
apportion out the amount appropriated SO as to
make it last throughout the whole year. If the
amount be insufficient the Commissioner is thus
compelled to put tribes On short allowance, as 1t is
ittno
deficiency bills Hitherto it has been customary
to squander the whole amount appropriated in the
first six months, and so keep on, winding up the
ye2r with large deficiency.
Ned OF Reform In the Administration OF
Indian Affairs.
The House Committee on Indian Affairs to-day
considered the bill to secure more efficient al.
minstration OF Indian Affairs. 1t provides, among
other things that all books, records contracts,
bids or proposals for contracts (after the same
shall have been duly Opened), vouchers, orders,
receipts and papers OF every description what
soever that relate directly or indirectly to the
payment or anticipated payment of any money or
other thing of value on the government account
in the ONCE Of appertaining to or connected with
the official duty or action OF any Indian agent or
sub-agent, shall be public records and open to the
inspection OF any person during all reasonable
business hours.
Enormous Cost OF the Congregational
Printing and Stationery supply.
General Garfield has laid out a large amount OF
work for the committee, in the way of calling be-
fore them the chiefs or the offices investigated.
Tomorrow the Congressional printer will be ex-
amined as to the expenses Of the extensive estab-
lishment under his jurisdiction. The total estl-
mate wages for public printing is over ST.
for material over $So0oOo for paper, nearly
100000; for the Congressional Record $17I. 1000;
ior lithographing, $4,000 making a total OF over
$2,250,0O0. The committee are OF the opinion that
great reduction might be made here. The only
method Of reaching this, however will be to cut
down the orders for printing. The estimates
OF the Congressional printer are based entirely
upon the probable orders of Congress. Notwith-
standing the abolition OF the ranking privilege
Congress has ordered the usual editions OF public
documents.
More Stealings from the ''l.oan Fund.-
in the Treasury Dcpa rtment-An Ex-