Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 May 1885 — WASHINGTON. [ARTICLE]

WASHINGTON.

Secretary Manning has called for the resignation of Maj, S. Willard faxton, of Massachusetts, chief of a division of the First Comptroller’s office. It is stated that Saxton will refuse to resign, on the grot nd that there are no charges whatever against him, either of inefficiency or offensive partisanship. It is understood that he will be given until June 15 to comply with the Secretary’s request. Secretary of the Treasury Manning has appointed a committee of prominent officials of the Treasury Department to consider the propositions to renew the existing contracts for fiber-paper, and to decide whether or not it is wise to continue the use of distinctive papers for bank-notes. The use of the fiber-paper is opposed on the ground that it renders the note less stable and injures its appearance, while it offers no adequate security against counterfeiting. The fiber-paper was introduced on the theory that it could not be counterfeited, but this notion has been exploded. It is now believed that mechanical precautions against counterfeiting are no longer effectual, and that the best safeguard is to secure a clean, fine note which will retain thiough long use a distinct appearance. Secretary Manning thinks that the artistic appearance of the notes and securities should be improved. To accomplish a change for the better in this direction the fiber-paper must be given up, for the fiber spoils the finish. It is the intention of the Treasury Department to Improve the backs of the national bank notes. ’ The object of this change is not merely to attain greater artistic excellence, but to render counterfeiting more difficult. The first attempts at improvement will be on the national bank notesand the silver certificates. The consideration*of the fiber-paper question has brought to Washington representatives of many of the leading paper manufacturers. Secretary Whitney has written to John Roach that the dispatch boat Dolphin will be given a fourth trial at the expense of the Government, under a speed of twelve knots per hour.