The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1885-09-10
washingtonLetter.

WASHINGTON, D. c., Sept. z, 49,
The reduction of the public debt for
the month of August was nearly three
million dollars. But the aggregate re-
duction for the months of July and
August is about 100000 short of the
corresponding months of last year.
Treasurer Jordan says the heavy drafts
upon the treasury for pensions is what
lessons the amount that can be applied
to the reduction of the public debt.
The committee appointed by Secreta-
~ Manning that investigated the PEN
sion work (auditing pension agents
accounts) in the third auditors office,
reported the work twelve months be-
hind, but that proper diligence and ap-
plication would enable the force en-
ployed to get up with the current work
by November 10th. This was the con-
dition of things when Auditor Will
liams, the incumbent, took charge of
the office. The accounts for the second
quarter, 1884, were being examined.
A new chief of the pension division was
appointed in June, and the work has
been diligently prosecuted under his
direction until the office is now up
with its current work two months ear
lier than the time fixed by the commit
tee. This has been accomplished with
out Increasing the force. During the
month of May, June, July and August.
1884, 122 accounts were examined and
settled, involving S16,223, ,46. Dur
ing the same months in 1885, the same
force acting, 1928 accounts were exam
ined and settled, involving $75, l06,77S.
45. The disbursement last year for
pensions was about siXty-five million
dollars.
Tho avDOrto fran, fb;s oouotrx, th,,s
far in the present year show no marked
changes from the figures of 1884. Only
about half as much cotton was sent off
in July, 1885, as in July, 1884, but the
total value of this export for the eleven
months ending with July this year was
$195, 1896 $3.50, against $193, $50, 307 for the
eleven months ending with July last
year. The exports of wheat since JAN
uary first exceeded by less than I60-
900 bushels those in the first seven
months of 1884. but the Hover prices
this year make the value only $3l ,034,-
600, against $34,196,60l, last year.
The total value of all bread stuffs sent
abroad during the first seven months
of 1885 was $85 ,558, 1882, against $780,
546,l3l in the corresponding period of
1884. The number of cattle exported
in the same months fell off about per
cent, as compared with last year,
while the number of hogs more than
doubled, and the amount of pork pro-
ducts showed a considerable increase.
A trifie less fresh beef was sent across
the ocean, but the quantity of beef
sailed, .pickled, and otherwise cured
almost doubled, reaching 4l,724,S 1892
pounds; cheese fell off, but butter
gained. The total values of all beef,
n 81 81. ths
year aggregate $50, 904,3 1863, against
$54, 81 ,766 for the same time last year.
AS a whole, therefore, the export trade
shows hardly any change.
The latest adVices received by Secre-
tary Lamar at the interior department
are to the effect that the lessees of the
Cheyenne and Arapahoe reservation
have no idea of resisting the presidents
proclamation directing the removal of
their cattle. The agent representing
the government reports that the cattle
are being moved with more celebrity
than was supposed possible and that in
a short time the Indians viii have the
reservation entirely to themselves. A
majority OF the herds have already
been removed. 1t is thought that Gen.
Buffers move for an injunction was
not at the instance of the cattle men.
Grumblers at what they consider the
dilatoriness of the administration in
making changes can not very we'll
complain of the internal revenue SER
vice. There are eighty-five internal
revenue collectors under the present
system of organization of that service,
and of those seventy have been
changed since Mr.. Cleveland became
president. This leaves but fifteen of
the old collectors in the service.