The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1880-04-30
NEWS AT THE CAPITAL.
The Outcome of the Davis Iuyssti-
gation
Into Alleged Deficiencies Of The Treasury
Departmsat-hothlng : discovered but
What was Known Before, and at a
Cost Of sII,000-West Virginia
Politics and Politicians
General News.
WAsHISoToN, April 90.

WAsHINoToN, April 70. ,
Special 70 the TntellIEeneer.
DAVIS TREASURY EXPOSE.
Our smiling Senator came to the front
yesterday with the reports Of the special
committee appointed to examine the
Treasury accounts, about which there has
been SO much talk OF discrepancies,
frauds, mutilations, &C., &c. There were
two reports, the majority one being sign.
ed by Senators H. G. Davis, Beck and
whyte, and the minority one by Senators
Ingalls, and Dawes. They are both too
long to send you in advance Of the mails
but forward you proof sheet Of sena-
tor Davis remarks for which am indebted
to Mr.. Murphy, the official reporter Of the
Senate, containing the main points Of the
majority report, and which willreach you
some time in advance Of the Record.
the SCENE IN TIE SENATE.
There was quite little breeze in the
Senate when the reports were submitted.
In the beginning Of the speech with which
Nayis submitted the maiority's statement
he claimed that all the speeches made by
him on the subject had been verified by
the investigation. Deficiencies Of from
ninety to one hundred millions of dollars
had been found. All his allegations had
been proven. Most OF the discrepancies
discovered were between 1860 and 1871.
In 1870 the U. S, Register directed changes
TO be made IN the figures as far back as
1888, which apparently changed the pub
lie debt. Three items, amounting to So,
29S, ,S27, were added to the public debt by
the three items appeared on the Treasu-
rers books. Beside this there were eras-
ures and mutilations on the books that
excited the Senator's grayest apprehen-
sions.
Tug OTHER SIDE OF THE CASE.
About this time Edmunds, Of Vermont,
who has turn for investigation, COM
menced to question Davis as to whether
he intended to charge fraud on anybody,
and Davis intimated that he did not.
Then Ingalls, pitched in and charged that
as member Of the investigating commit
tee Davis had been trying TO sustain his
own speeches rather than get at the truth.
The investigation had developed no fact
not known In 1871. All discrepancies in
the books had been satisfactorily ax-
planned. AS 10 changes made by the Reg
lister, there were no changes made In the
original books OF entry, and Secretary
sherman's report OF 1877 Lad explained
every change made in the reports Of the
Register. Every alteration had been ex-
planned by other books. The whole in
yestigation as It had been carried on was
miserable attempt to assail the public
credit without any Just cause; a protracted
suppression OF the truth, which deserved
the severest censure.
NOTHING LOST EXCEPT Sl1 600.
Dawes supported the statements Of his
associate on the minority report, and
Davis rejoined, stating that he was as anx-
ious to uphold the credit OF the Govern.
ment as ybody, but that deficiencies and
discrepancies existed, and existed unex-
planned. Edmunds asked again II Davis
meant to charge that the Treasury officials
had stolen anything, and Davis answered
that be had not used the word steal.
| lConkling asked what the investigation
would cost, and Davis answered that 1t
would take between eleven and twelve
thousand dollars to pay its bills.
WHAT Is THOUGHT OF THE RESULT.
It seems to be the prevalent opinion to.
day that the investigation has turned out
| to be an expensive farce. The majority
recommend several things, among Others
that the Secretary Of the Treasury insti'
tute an examination in the light Of the
committees researches that some system
OF checks and balances be devised, &c,
but there Is nothing tangible or substan'
tjal in the work OF the committee. except
that it has spent good deal OF money
i pokinp round after mares nests. II dom
know what 10 think Of It," said Demo
cratic Senator to your correspondent
NThere Is not cashier or book-keeper in
the country who does not find his &C
counts out OF balance occasionally, ant
when he discovers the error and rectitesi u
perhaps dozen erasares and fresh en-
tries are necessary. Yet nobody wenlt
think an investigation necessary on thil
account, and as this investigation stand
Is about as pointless performance %
know Of"
Il STATE POLITICS.
Er.Congressman Hsgans and Colone
stufgisu have gone home. The iorme
was not a little disgusted at the apath!
manifested by some Of the West Virginia
residents here over the new regime pro
gramme. Atkinson, q: W. ana thl
Morgautown representatives made TN
plann boom while they statd, bat slnc'
their departure there lisa great calm; Inc.
assured me, however, that i would hea et
something drop at Wheeling on the lstt
j. inst, and | am waiting TO hear the axe
when they begin 10 cut.
It's given out among The faithful here
and / guess there is no doubt oil 1t, tina
Hon. ]. n. Camden has finally determined
] not to accept the Democratic nominAtiol
, for Governor. He was here yesterday
and after consultation with his friends
announced the above IS bis ulttmdtlT
This is understood TO, let that venerapi
!, hut agile Jay hawk OF the mountains, Co
Charles James Faulkner, into the success
) sion so ier as the nomination is concerned
) and further eomplicates the senatoria
question among the brethren OF the Dc
! nocracy. II would save heap oil botne
among the gentlemen II the ax men car
: ried the legislature this fall.
a PERSONAL.
Among the visitors this week from you
section were Major Ed. Norton, ot u
Mcclure House, and Mrs. Dora Patterson
!. who stopped over on her way home tToi
!. q visit to Richmond. ii.
TuK SPRINGER INQUIRY.
The select committee charged with u
Investigation Of the alleged attempt /