New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-03-07
TEACHING THE A B c OF PRINTING.
But PUBIC PRIyTyR BENEDICT is NOT AN All

But PUBIC PRISTYR BENEDICT is NOT AN AIT
PrriL-DIsTREssING OPINIONS GIVEN.
WASHINGTON March Special -Reformcr Ben
sdict was an unhappy man to-day. Mr.. Gallinger.
Of the Printing Committee, again took him IN
hand and pointed ont inexcusabe blunders in
the Patent Office Gazette and other publications
which Benedict was unable TO explain He could
not tell either how it happened that disserta-
ton on the diseases of the grape vine was
inscrte ed in the volume Of the Rendition Records,
Or how it happened that Senator Shermans speech
was ineloscd in the covers Of Senator McPberson's
speech. Mr. Galnger produced document AFTER
document in which errors found, the cause
Of none of which the Reformer was able to tell.
lie WAS then asked whether he possessed knowi-
edge OF boolSbinding and replied Yes, sir, the
law requires that i have knowledge OF book
binding that comes from observation OF working
at the trade lie admitted that he never had
charge Of bindery until he came to Washing
ton. 10
professional or technical knowledge of the differ
INT kinds of leather an cloth used in binding
Benedict replied that he knew all about leather
pcal His countenance changed visbv when
Mr.. Gallnger opened an envelope, and took
hsnSfS ONE to M and asked him
inform the committee what KIND OF leather II
was ,n
dict to answer the question. He took the piece
of leather, and after twisting IL and bending II
said: I" i don't claim any expert knowledge OF
leather. l have opinions in such matters ana can
pass Judgment
Mr. Gallinger objected TO this answer. and Mr..
Gibson, Of Maryland. tried to save the Reformcr'
but Gallnger pressed his question Al last Hene-
diet said In my opinion, | should say this Is
. piece of sheep skin Another piece was handed
10 him lie was in dodbt about that Next two
pieces were handed to him together and ne passed
the opinion that one was colored cowhide and
the other Russia leather. THE Tribune cores
from the same M hide Mr. Benedict said he never
heard that the late Public Printer had an cXanin-
ing committee to inspect leather and other sup
plies purchased for the bndery.
In his annual rrDort Benedict stated that only
four OF the watchmen employed by his prc>ic-
cessor were honorsbly discharged soldiers. while
seventeen OF the twenty -one now cmpoyed are
Union veterans. lie admitted TODAY that at
least seven Of the watch.nen whom he discharged
Were Union veterans
Mr.. Benedicts knowledge OF prfnting-prcss
and printing as disclosed during the remainder
Of the session was rs limited rs his knowledge OF
binding He failed in mathematics. too, Tor
he did not explain how he saved $50 per cent In
the purchase Of $3.50 worth OF turpentlne.
TO APPLY THE SURPLUS TO BOND PURCHASES
Washington March 8-Ths Senate Committee on f.
nance hes ordered . favorable report the House
BILL to provide for tho purchase of United bonds
by tho Secretary Of the Treasury authorizes tho
Secretary Of the Treasury to apply the surplus money
now In tho Treasury ana SAch surplus money as may
horoAftor DO Ia tho Treasury, not held for specific
purpOsOs and otherwise Appropriated. So much
n Of the 1SSd bonds provided E s
such bonds shall constitute no Fart Of tho sinking
fusd bus shall = eaaooled BY the Secretary u u