The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1884-03-13

THE STAR ROUTE INVESTIGATION.
WASHINGTON, d. c., March s.
1X-Postmaster General James and
lX-Attorney-General McVeagh, were
xamined to-day, by the Springer COM
nittee, relative to expenditures of the
department. of justice in the prosecu-
ion of the star route case.
James said his attention was first
allied to the star route matters by ex-
United States Senator Geo. Z. Spen-
,er, of Alabama, and other Weli-in-
.ormed gentlemen 1t was their
belief that millions of dollars had
been wasted IN unnecessary star route
service, much of which never had
been performed, and was procured by |
improper means. 1t was also main |
aimed that an honest and |
thorough investigation would render |
practicable retrenchment without |
letriment to the service, which would
not only make the postoffice self-sus-
tanning, but would yield respectable
revenue to the treasury. Continuing,
James said that l entertained such
views was no less known. The pub
Lefty given them added to the fact
that while l was postmaster at New
Y ork, when asked by Stephen A. Dor
sey to certify in my official capacity to
a large number of papers connected
with the postoffice department, l re.
fused to do, may account for the Bit
ter opposition to my appointment to a
cabinet position which developed in
certain quarters. l went to Washing
ton on the night of the I'd March, but
in answer to Geographic despatch
from Wnitelaw Reid, which under
stood to represent Garfeld's desire.
called on him in company with
Reid, and the latter said
in substance, addressing Gen. Gar
field, that he had asked me to come,
as he (Gen. Garfeld) had desired, and
told me it was in reference to some
suggestion of my name for post
master-general. / said that if the
treasury department was likely to
come to New York 1 did not want to
be in the way, and that he Reid) had
assured me that that was now settled
Gen. Garfield, addressing me, said:
THAT is absolutely settled. The
treasury department cannot go to
New York" Reid, continuing, said
he had told me Gen. Garfield expect ID
to get on satisfactorily and without
friction with both factions in New
York, and hoped my appoint
ment, if made, would help to
that end, but wished to know
whether, in case of controversies
should be TO ced upon him, he could
be sure if were made postmaster
general that my national Affiliations
in New York would not interfere with
my hearty support of his administra-
ton. General Garfield said Eyes. that
is about it," and then replied "such
contingency, in my judgment will not
arise, but if it should L accept your
nomination. must, as a gentleman.
be either loyal to the president, or re-
sign. General Garfield replied, "that
is satisfactory" and the conversation
then turned to the work of the post
Office department. General Garfield
said he agreed there was something
very wrong in the department itself,
and thought, if so, that he expected
me to find it out, aud then
plow into the beam, and
after that subsoil it. Dorsey was
not present at this interview, nor did
janis see him neither did he call on
or meet Senator Conkling or Vice
President Arthur. On the 9th Of
March James, having in the mean
time, been appointed postmaster
general, the President sent for him
and brought up the subject of the
star route service. He said he was
satisfied there had been a willful
waste of public money and gross cor
ruption, and that while he did not
uyich RI horo ho r1noil fooi1ikia- noOoc
sary to the welfare of any commu-
nifty curtailed, all unnecessary and
eXtravagant service must be relent-
le5sly cut off, and that the proposed
investigation must be aimed
at the system, and not men, but if in
quiry should disclose the fact that any
person or persons had been guilty OF
corruption or fraud, that person OF
persons must be handed over to the
department of justice. He gave in
struction to pursue this investigation
until there were no more facts to as.
certain. The entire clerical force and
census bureau, one-hundred and five in
number, had been suspended from the
10th instant owing to the exhaustion
of the appropriation for the mainten-
ance bureau, superintendent, chief
clerk and one clerk not included in
order, as a sufficient sum remains tt
pay their salaries fortnight longer
when he hoped the deficiency in the
appropriation bill would be passed.
EXTENSIVE ENLIGHTENMENT.
NEWARK, OHIO, March 5.-M. O
Vanfieet, treasurer of Huron county
has absconded. His cash account is
short $4,000 to $4,000. His bonds.
men are good for the amount. 1t is
thought he is in Canada.
MURDER AND SUICIDE.
CLEVELAND, March 5.-Wm. Nc
Milan, living near Huron, went home
drunk last night, and abused his
wife, who threatened to call on neigh
bors for help. Mcmillan swore he
would kill the first who came to the
house. Presently Geo. Thompson,
aged 10, appeared in the door yard,
having arrived at the place ignorant
OF the trouble there. Mcmillan, mis-
taking him for another person, shot
and killed him, and then discovering
his error, and fearful Of the conse.
quences, tried to shoot himself, but
only succeeded in infiicting flesh
wound. McMilan1 was arrested and
jailed at Huron, and this morning was
found dead in his cell. The coroner's
verdict was suicide by rat poison.
GALVESTON COTTON EXCHANGE.
GALVESTON, March 5.-The follow
ing n)tice was bulletined to-day at
the cotton exchange: Pursuant to
request of tea members, a general
meeting of the cotton exchange is
called for Saturday, March 8, to con-
slider as to memorjalizing congress
concerning silver legislation. 1t is
proposed to petition congress to sus-
pend the coinage of silver.
Letters from Schumacher s. Co..
attracts considerable attention
in financial circles, is the
possibility pc of ,,o go good pre-
a result almost inevitable if gold
should be shipped from here in large
quantities, and silver should continue
to be coined as heretofore. Already
calls on gold are sought for the bal
ance of the year at S1.01, and a prem
ium of Il per cent. is said to
be offered for such privileges. Under
the circumstances, we have concluded
to stipulate for payment in gold for
all contracts of exchange, both for i'm
mediate and for future delivery, as
we consider the situation serious
enough TO call for this measure.
SOUTHERN ENTERPRISE.
BALTIMORE, Md, March 5.-The
Manufacturers Record publishes
II ofannarar chnrrrirnnr fhnk drnrirn