The New York herald., 1877-12-25
PENSION AGENT HOWE.

SOME UAFouSDLD RJMoEs or DIscREP-
AScY IN HIS ACCOUNTS IS HE ABOUT TO
RESIGN?
Unpleasant rumors were circulated last night that
matters had the appearance OF beng exactly all
right at The New York pension oHcc. ono OF these
rumors, while alleging any ceialcaion. stiil
pointed IN that direction Among the persons sought
tor information was General hihouse, assistant
United States Treasurer. but ho had left carly in the
afternoon Tor Geneva to spend Christmas.
Colonel Frank L. Howe, Pension Agent, was found
at his residence No - Lexington avenue He re-
ccycd the reporter snnnSly, saying, you como
about that rumor, Sec assure you that the report
Is sabsoutciy groundless. would prefer that you see
General Hhouse, of Suo-Ircasury, with reference
IL he tell You ,nat there is no foundation for
such ramor IL works great injustice TO me, tho
nero Whisper OF sucn thing. "
''Havo YOU any idea, Colonel, how tho rumor gained
II suppose It grew out OF the that Tor the past
three days We haven't drawn any checks on the Sub
Treasury on tho 10Th INST We paid over fifteen hun
dred pensioners. the largest number ever paid IN
single day. We made no Arther payments alter that
until to-day, when we raid every pcnsoner thar
called tor h,s money"
What the cause OF the interim in the pay
mcnt5y" asked the reporter
''You must not understand mo as crticsing my
chiefs at Washington; but not receiving notice that
money had been forwarded 10 tho Sub Treasury here
for pension payments could only walt"
'lhen notified the Washngto authorities on tho
18th that your office needed unds.'
Coonel Howe nodded aiirmatively yeand nlin ucd:-
payments unusually heavy. The demand on the 10Th
inst, when we paid 1000 pensioners, was exiraord
nary and unprecedented, and Lot being anticipated
the interim occurred. But there ia absolutely no
ground TOR any rumor OF Vrcgularity."
DUE TO ILLNESS AND ABSENCE.
A gentleman, high IN power IN the local republican
party, and who above most mon is qualified 10 speak
with authority OF Mr. Howe's position was visit cd by
IisEALp reporter last night lie requested that his
N maj tpd No -.
furnish any Information that might be desired
"Arc you aware Il Mr. Howe, the pension agent. IS
In irouDleS" asked the reporter.
II have heard that no inadvertently tho cause
o! some del y In the ADJUST OF pensioners cla ms
but iancied that satisfactory explanation had been
made and the doubts OF some people who hurried 10
conclusions had been allayed.''
"Aro you prepared TO express an opinion regarding
.Why, certainly. have hesitation In saying lhat
he has been perfectly upright IN a his doiugs. 10
has gwen cause Tor suspicion being attached 20
him, and am satisfied that his action will vindicaic
HIM. He has unfortunately, been u little remss in
posting up his books, and, owing TO unavoidable
HIS illness, his atIars not properly attended
to for couple Of days II was thcn this
check trouble occurred. couple OF checks
pens,onets, were cashei at tho Merchauts'
National Bank OF Albany and when forwarded to New
York their payment was, through some bungling, de-
ayed. As as Mr. Howe was apprised ot the IT,
ncully, however, settlement was inado Tho whole
affair was due 10 his illness and his aUscnc CO from tho
Office. Depend upon II, proper explanation win DO
made aud everything will be shown to DO straight
forward. Mr.. Ho~e's character Is well known and il
would 20 an injustice 70 him TO fancy hiin de-
fautcrn
| PROBABLE RESIGNATION
The visit OF tue Commissioner OF Pensions to this
city last Saturday, u is reported, tho suggos
ti0n OF the Assistant Treasurer, VINO desirous oil
conierrng with him III reference the checks drawn
upon him aui made payable to pensioners. 1t Is be-
lcvod thai Colonel Howe will tender his resignation a
nj tho close VI the business OF the present quarter
and that the President was acquainted with this TACT
during his recent visit TO this city, Who his successor
Will DO is not understood as yet. Extension Agent
McLcar, OF brooklyn, was an applicant tor the post
t.on when the consolidation effected spring
but he IA now Postmaster OF Brooklyn II is not
probable his application will bo considered.