New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-21
CURRENT TOPICS AT THE CAPITAL.


Washington June 20, 1875.
The examination of a portion OF the ac-
counts OF Paymaster j. H. stevenson, in which several
Irregularities have been dscoy cred, reported Friday
evening made yesterday at the Treasury Although
actual fraud discovered, there are many items
which will require explanation. The accounts show that
about 10000 were expended by Lin for the Naval
Depot at Nagasak, from the latter part OF December
when took charge of the station to the end OF March,
a AVERAGE Of nearly ~ 900 per month Hence, when
draft received here for nearly $4,000, the Navy
Department officials thought too large sam for sta
tioD when the expenses were only the sum
above mentioned This fact with the crcum-
stance that some of SteyensOn's accounts were
in imperfect order, and others had not come
to hand caused suspicion that something was wrong
In several OF his he claims credit for about
10000 alleged to have been paid 10 occ's on account
OF salaries, but receipts Of the officers accompany
them lie has several tines been notified to forward
Them but no reply was received He reported TO
the Secretary of the Navy. 1t is claimed by the friends
OF Pay Stevenson that these receipts are probably
in his possession aud will he sent to the office when he
arrives here They further claim that the excessive
draft above referred 10 may have been caused ~ n.ces
ont in the last December by order Of the
Rcar-Admiral commanding our ncet in hoee waters re-
cyed Pay master skedne Mho was eh ~ n6ec VI
by the Department Orders were sent out for Pay master
When these orders reached the Asiac station the lacka-
had sailed for home with Paymaser skeIdng on
ter stevenson has always stood very high in the corps,
and being an officer Of very generous traits OF character,
II is thought that the discrepancy in his accounts are
merely matters OF Neglect.
INSTRUCTIONS OF THE SIOUX COMMISSION.
The following instructions have been pre-
pared at the Interior Department for the Rev. s. d. Hin
man, the Hon. 4. CoInngo and W. II. Ashby, ESQ., MEM
hers of the Sioux Commission. The Commission with j.
g. Collins secretary, are to visit the agencies OF the sloN
interested in the negotiation, beginning at Red Cloud for
.l,. tpill.l Of fba
Government respecting the desired eession OF the BLACK
Hills country and their rights In the Big Horn mountains
The Commission will also invite them to grand council
The Commissioners enoined as to the necessity 81
great care the Interpretation Of their interview SO as
to avoid mistakes and suspicion OH the part OF the
Indians that they not fairly reported. The Com
issoners also reminded that they are appointed to
represent The Indians and their interest not less than
those Of the Government They also instructed TO
assure Sioux Of the kindly intentions OF the President
and the Government and that the proposed negotiations
originate solely in the desire FOR continued peace The
Indians plainly to understand that any negotiation
cfioced by the Commission IA to be referred 10 tue
President, and by him 10 Congress- before IL sha ne
binding. A copy Of the above Will be furnished 10 tue
other Commissioners.
ATTEMPT TO CATCH UP SEVEN YEARS ARREARS
OF WORK.
A few weeks ago the Commissioner Of Pen
sions appointed Deputy Commissioner Jockey Assistant
Chief Clerk Weeks, j. p. Scott and o. p. c. Clark com
mittce for the following purposes: First tn make thoi
ough investigation 10 the condition OF the work no"
pending before the Bureau Second. TO ascertain The
kind, amount, and quality OF work performed by each
clerk and empoye. Third, 10 classify the force
Of the Office, and report the number OF en-
ployes necessary TO perform the work. Fourth,
TO ascertain the exact number of lady employees re-
oujred by each division After a careful examination,
the Committee have enabled to increase the present
force examiners nearly ochId, aud colresiOudlnGly
f. advance the work before the once Every claim
filed at the Office must first to the examiners and al
the other clerks take the work after them so tat an
increase SLis branch of the office III forward the en-
tire work in proportion 10 the Increase As Tue eNailI-
crs work l. years In arrears fr advantage
Of this plan Of consolidation will readily be seen.
DESIRED REDUCTION IN THE EXPENSE OF GOV
ERNNENT TELEGRAPHING. .
Postmaster-Gcncral Jewell is expected to
return TO Washington Saturday next. As soon as
practicable thereafter he will invite the presidents Of
the three principal telegraph companies TO meet him
here for consultation, with view TO obtpning reduc-
ton in the present telegraph rates charged the Govern
ment. The Government now pays one cent per word,
ueudiLg addrc and Signatures for circuit 81 $50
miles. In some instances account OF the addresses
being counted the rates are even gcater Than those
charged private individuals for single Ills
therefore the intention OF the Postmaster TO ask
for n modification of this arrangement. Tie meeting
viii probably take place the coming week. unless MS
return IL delayed beyond his present Intention