Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-03-31
WASHINGTON LETTER.
special Correspondence Of The LedTor.l

WASHINGTON, March N.-The de-
lay in the work of the Memphis Gus
tom-house has naturally evoked many
inquiries as to the cause. l regret
that some persons have imagined that
Congressman Young controls the mat
ter, including the contract, and every
thing else appertaining to the subject.
This is untrue. Mr.. Young has nc
control of the matter, though lie has
labored persistently in behalf of the
work. 1t will be remembered that
Mr.. Young, by his jealous efforts.
compelled a RECESSION of the contract
which originated in a scheme to de-
fraud the government, and have the
custom house built Of Illinois sand
stone. Mr.. John Sherman is to blame,
though the supervising architect, Mr..
Hill, is also responsible for the out
rageOuS delay. Had the former paid
strict attention to his duties, and the
latter been more circumspect. the
building would now be in AN advanced
state. They have permitted Eschemers
and jobbers to handle the work, and
by delaying its progress, continue
the term of the officers in charge.
Such mal-administration of public
interests are what we may expect from
a continuation Of the present party in
power. However, il seems very
strange that with the re~aollections Of
fifteen years of corruption. plumber
aud official oppression, the people of
Memphis are not more united in their
determination to totally ignore the
republicans who still seek political
preferment at the hands of the peosle
they have outraged, preferred and
sought to degrade. Fortunately for
our people Mr.. Young's watchfulness
and inyincible energy have enabled
him to thwart the oft repeated efforts
OF the men who only desire to hold
Office for its salary and do not hesitate
to do all in their power to retard
works Of public improvement ia the
south. The following letter o! Mr..
Young to Mr.. Sherman, and the reply
Of Mr.. Hill show that our member Of
congress has not neglected the COM
plants Of the Memphis press.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
Washington, b. O., Feb. l, 1880.
Sir: l herewith enclose you two
newspaper slips one taken from the
Memphis Avalanche, aud the other
from the Memphis LEDGER, both Of
9th inst, to which | would respect.
fully call your attention. During nv
recent visit to Memphis | heard man.
complaints similar to the ones referred
to IN the clippings, and the superin.
tendent Of the custom house building
Nh. Sease, spoke to me once or twice
upon the subject, as did also General
Smith, surveyor Of customs for that
port.
There seems to be something
wrong or defective in the method
adapted for the construction n
this building, but | do not know where
the blame rests; Most probably.
think, with the contractors. If there
is anything which | can do in tb,
matter, and you will suggest it to me
L Will attend to il at n G
L have not heard of any COMPLAIN,
against any officer or employee of tn,
government in respect to this matter
and suppose the trouble must result
from some other source. | will YER,
cheeriully cooperate with YOU in an,
measure for the correction of any eyi
that may be found to exist.
l have the honor to be, very respect
fully, your obedient servant.
CASEY YOUNG.
Hon. John Sherman, Secretary of tn,
Treasury.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
OFFICE SUPERVISING AR
oHITECT, Feb. 4th, 1880
Hon. Casey Young, House Of Representativ.
DEAR SIR: A communication of Is
inst, to the secretary of the treasury
, regarding delay in the work on tn
new building in the course of %erectiot
at Memphis, has been referred to thi
Office, and by the direction of the sec
rotary | have the honor to sugpes
that YOU call at this Office ct YOU
early convenience, for the purpose o
comforting with me in the matter.
Very Respectfully.
JAMES G. HILL.
Supervising Architect
Mr. Young called to see Mr.. Hill
and was assured that the requisite
force Of workmen would be assigned
70 the building. l learn that sucl