Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1881-05-28
WASHINGTON LETTER.
rom our Regular Correspondent.

ton has been the means of uncover
ing small scandal which, though of
less consequence than the star route
exposures, is still worthy of atten-
ton. Considering the amount of
red tape used in the Treasury De-
partment and the intricate system
of checks and balances by which the
smallest transactions are tested and
proved before final adjustment, it
would seem that the Government
might be protected from any sort of
population in that department. Yet
it is here that a little investigation
on the part of the new Secretary has
uncovered very extravaganza use Of
the contingent fund, and consider
able diversion Of stationery, soap,
bay-rum, carpets and other articles
to the private use of little ring of
clerks. The sum of $4,000 per
year has been appropriated for the
purchase of such supplies as are need
ed about the Department, and these
stores are in charge of clerk with
the title of custodian. The present
occupant of that position seems to
have made great deal of hay while
the sun of opportunity shone upon
his meridian. s.-+A
Among other things large amount
of carpeting seems to have been pur-
chased, but it has not been put down
in the building. Then again there
is barrel of bay rum on hand tho
nobody knows what the Treasury
Department wants of that article.
Not long ago the desk upon which
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Decla-
ration of Independence was present
ed to the President, whereupon fif-
teen fac Siniles were made from ma
terial and labor paid for out of this
fund and presented to the little ring
of clerks and their friends. These
are few Of the items, and enough
to illustrate what has been going on.
Some of these clerks are living at the
rate of 5000 per year on salaries of
81 400 or 81 500. Just how much of
this sort of thing there may be going
on in other departments it would be
hard to tell; but if there are any cit
liens of this country who have be-
leved in the principle of life tenure
in official positions it is likely that
the events of the last few weeks may
have convinced them that a COM
plete change of administration is not
bad thing once in while. Secre-
tary Window and Postmaster Gene
raj James have shown us that the
time was ripe for a change in their
departments.
Great interest is manifested here
in the Senatorial struggle at Albany.
There is much division and diver
sity of sentiment here over this ques,
ton as over any political occurrence
within my recollection. Notwith-
standing the general desire to uphold
the hands of the Administration.
there is among Republicans good
deal of feeling that the affair is not
altogether one-sided. Senator Conk-
ling has strong hold upon the re-
gard of his party associates. Be his
faults what they may, they regard
him tower Of Strength-a peer
among the foremost, as he certainly
is. The latest item of gossip here
touching the case, is that General
Butler has taken an interest i'll Mr..
Conkling's fight, and put him in
possession of some points to the
detriment of Secretary Blaine. 1t is
said that when General Butler was
here last week he called on MIR.
Blaine, and that in course of a con-
yersation on the subject, the Secre-
tary told General Butler that he not
only had nothing to do with Mr.,
Robertson's nomination, but he did
not even know of the Presidents in
tention until after the nomination
was sent in. 1t is conjectured that
Mr.. Blaine's object in making this
rather extraordinary statement was
to throw General Butler off the
scent. The latter made no reply,
but there was a twinkle in his one
eye capable Of muscular exertion
which spoke of incredulity.
There was recently some stir over
the prospective contest of Smalls,
colored, for the seat or Tilman
Democrat, in the next House of
Representatives, when the official
papers and documents representing
Small's side of the case reached the
Clerk of the House by express. On
the outside of the package of docu-
ments was tied big, rough hickory
club, with knots ON it nearly an
inch long. This club was marked
"exhibit d, and in the testimony is
declared to be one of the identica