Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-01-29

length and breadth proposed, without, probably ac-
complisbipe any great good or discovering very
much evil the other is disturbing greatly the al
ready extremely Unsettled financial snd business
markets, and will evidently accomplish no good if
it does not produce much evil. With gold only
lOl IA and greenbacks 80, what's the use OF
spcnding 50 much time over question which
will settle itself very shortly if people will let
it alone. Give us silver enough to circulate for
change and for the payment of small debts, and
let the otherwise sound financial policy of the
Government alone while it works itself clear of the
middle by the natural course of events aad busl-
ness.
BLAGNE's SILVER BILL.
We are, it seems, to have Blaine Silver Bill as
as well as Bland Silver Bill. Don't get the two
mixed up, hewever you get mixed otherwise on
this silver question. The two bills are quite widely
different. The first section provides that the Gov
eminent shall buy all the silver bullion that is Of
fered at current rates, aud work up at the minis
into coin. In this way the Governmsnt viii de-
rive any profit which may accrue on the difference
which would naturally exist between coin and
bullion at the time, or so long as there would be
more demand than capacity to supply in CON.
provides that a silver dollar be made legal ten
der for one-hslf of coin debts-the creditor dc
manding the other half in gold except where the
dett is less than five dollars. This IL sort Of
compromise to the Blandists.
| And still another important section is the fourth,
which provides for the issue ot coin certificates in
exchange for gold or silver bsrs-issued at the
| coinage rates OF these metals, ledeemable on de-
mand in coin or bullion, as the creditor may de-
msud. These certificates. issued in convenient
form and denominations could easily pass for
money aud would pass current,
! Mr. Blaine allows the question of the weight
OF the silver dollar to be settled BY Congress. AL
together the weigh Of opinion seems to be that
if VIC must have thi, silver settled upo nus al
some coin standard and in considerable quantity,
Mr.. Blaincs Bill will be more satisfactory than
any other which has yet been introduced. Aud
think il would, in the main, receive be approval
of the President.
The INDIAN BUREAU INVESTIGATION.
The unusual method of investigation pursued by
Secretary Schulz in the Indian Buresuafiair is pro-
ducng much talk pro and con.
Ex.Commssouer Smith has come on from Ohio,
and should judge from what hear that he in
tends TO make it lively for the late Investigators.
There were two Smiths you will remember, at
the head of the Indian Bureau-First one Edward
P and then John Q. Edward p had an investi-
cation while he was 10 Office aud was let down
easily by means Of resignation. He .oon after be-
came President of Howard University, but never
assumed his duties, having accepted from the
American Board Of Comm issionels for Foreign
Missions Commi sion to visit the African Sta
tons. lie died soon after reaching the African
coast, leaving his affairs here in a somewhat
dubious and mixed coadton-more owing, per-
haps, to his ignorance OF his duty and
nefficency, than to his actual dishonesty.
Then John O. Smith came to the position. He
was but little known out of Ohio; represented
that State once in Congress, is in comparatively
good circumstances, and quiet, uDpretending, but
gentlemany in his ways-in fact gentleman, of
the old school and when his own honesty or integ
riiy is called in question, as at present, be shows
much more determination than one would, in gem
eral, give him credit for lie has been coseted
with the President, is moving around at various
points pretty lively, and assures his friends that he
means to show up Secretary Schuiz method Of in
vestigaiion in such manner that no unbiased man
will question its unfsrness and sbsurdty. Whelh-
er be will or not remains to be seen. Certain it
is, that there seem to be strong opinions in circu-
lation that the transactions were not of frs, class
nature and that re investigation would change
the aspect of affairs.
Mr.. Smith has certainly started out strongly.
He has asked Cen Sherman's opinion of bis man.
agement Of the bureau, and the General replies
emphaticslly that so far as his knowledge and the
knowledge Of the officers under him are concerned
the Indian Office faithfully, and as far as pos
sible prudently and honestly managed and that
he believes, had the Commissioners had more
"lee way" as sailors would say, he would have
brought Indian Affairs up to state of permanency
and efficiency not hitherto visible. With one or
two other such endorsements as hackers, Smith
intends, if possible, to overhaul the whole matter
II he cannot in this way, he will then join the
Wood drag net committee, which. also proposes
going through the Bureau again. and in this way
exoneiate himself even if others nav be found
implicated
S. A. Galpiu, the dsposcd Chief Clerk, has been
long and favorably known in this community, al
though young man. He was formerly one of
Francis A. Walkers principal clerks in the taking
Of the census, and for his efficiency and faithful
ness was advanced to better positions. When
John Q. Smith took the other Smiths place, Mr.
Galpin va, recommended by Gen. Walker, and
became Chief Clerk. during much Of the time
owing to the absence of commissioner Smith.
on inspection tours, he acted as Commissioner.
and was acting as such, when he Gas asserted by
Secretary Schsiz), held back papers which impli.
Gated certain parties.
This testimony, given by himself, is what caused
his dismissal; but Mr.. Galpin SAYS, if he can be
granted anything in thcway of fair tiia or in
veshgstion, he can show conclusive reasons why.
as acting commissioner, he held these papers in
his possession; and that on all other accusations
be was acquitted. Gen. Walker, as well as Prof.
Seelye, has full faith and confidence in Cabin,
honesty and integrity, and Gen Walker is too well
known, for any one to doubt his sincerity and
candor. Smith No. 2, also asserts that he is in
no way responsible for the laxities or re- ponsibi
ties of Smith No. l. and that if he had not been
hedged about and hampered by the present secre
taly, he could have proved more fully his Ell
cheney In Strengthening up very many Of the