The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-28
GOVERNOR TYLER
AND HIS CLAIM
Strong Letter to Acting Secretary of
Treasury.
A RESUME OF THE CASE.
The Governor Shows How aud Why
the Money Was Spent. and Meets
the Argument of the Indian
Trust Funds Plainly.

The claim held BY Governor Tyler on
the part Of the State Of Virginia against
the United States government for several
thousand dollars expended by the Cover
nor upon authority of President Mckin-
ley for necessary supplies, for the Nir-
ginia volunteer troops during their rem
devious here, has created considerable
embarrassment 10 the Governor by reason
of the peculiar condition of affairs. Much
has been published about the matter and
Governor Tyler recently wrote strong
letter TO the Acting Secretary OF the
Treasury answering the argument held
biz the Comptroller OF the Treasury that
Virginia owes the United States govern
meut a certain amount as evidenced oy
certain Indian trust funds held by the
National Government.
Following IS the Governor letter on
the subject:
Commonwealth Of Virginia,
Governors Office.
Richmond. Va. Dec. g. 1898.
Hon. A. l.. Spsulding, Acting Secretary
OF the Treasury. Washington, ID. C..
Sir-I am I'm receipt of your letter en-
closing one from Hon. r. J. Traceweh,
Comptroller of the Currency, washington
D. -. dated November q, 1888 In re-
gard to claim due me as Governor or
the state of Virginia, for clothing, shoes.
&c. furnished Virginia volunteers VINO
entered the United States service at the
beginning OF the recent war In TINS let
ter Mr. Tracewell sets out at length rea-
sons for Withholding this amount on ac-
count Of claims said 10 be due by the
State OF Virginia % the United states
government as evidenced by certain IN
dian trust funds held by the United
States Government &c.
As to this matter of offsets. ] propose
TO treat presently. l feel that a mere
statement of the nature OF this claim
am at present making against the United
States government for supplies recently
furnished the United States troops, as per
direction OF the President and Secretary
OF War. will show you that the position
Of the Comptroller IS untenable ana
should not be brought up as an Offset
against any claim the United States might
have. however reasonable against the
state OF Virginia.
HOW THE MONEY WAS SPENT.
When the recent call was made upon
Virginia for her quota OF troops. ! notified
his Excellency. President Mckinley, that
/ had no funds available for the mobiliza-
tiOn of troops. and that, as the Legisla-
ture was not I'm session. / would expect
all expenses TO be borne by the General
Government. This was readily agreed TO,
and the troops were ordered 10 be rendez-
voused in this city. At the same time as
surances were given that all supplies
would be in readiness upon their arrival
The men. under such notification. came
with praiseworthy prOmptness n large
majority Of them not even bringing a
change Of underclothing. The supplies
of clothing were not furnished, as expect
ed and although almost daily communi-
cation was made some three or four
weeks were allowed TO pass before the
matter was attended TO- I made two
visits 10 Washington. and sent the Adj
jutant-General OF the State there several
times 20 hurry up these supplies. The
President asked me 20 see 10 IL that the
wants Of the men were attended 10, and
directed me 10 have everything gotten
see that the bills were paid. When Il
became apparent that the men could not
wait any longer ! directed a member OF
my stan 10 ascertain the amount OF the
supplies which the men were I'm pressing
need of. and 20 purchase the same In open
market IN Richmond
ORDERS TO BUY SUPPLIES.
In few hours after this ascertainment