The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1811-07-31


could have no effect, but as publick vouch-
er. There was every probability also that
this affair would te brought TO hnal settle
,nent during Mr. Jelferson's administration
(the letter of Mr.. Madison being dated in lSo4)
In which case the decision OF Mr. Jefferson
and not this letter would have been the au-
thorily for the allowances.
Thus it is seen, to the eternal disgrace of
Mr.. Smith, that the enumeration OF Two and
half per cent amounting TO 22,3o2 dollars
which Mr.. Erying was allowed 10 charge did
not amount 10 an equivalent for the loss of
the assessorship, and that, calculating il even
as an additional annual compensation, as Mr.
Smith has done, his salary fell short nearly
1000. .dullars per anum OF what had been all
lowed his predecessors for performing the
same functions.
1t is proper here TO observe, that all the
officers of the Treasury department allow Mr..
Erving's accounts 10 be the most correct and
satisfactory Of any that have ever been exhi-
bited TO that department. This Is highly
honourablc TO Mr.. Erving, particularly when
IL is known that upwards Of million and a
half of dollars OF pubiick money passed thro'
bis hands Those merchants of the United
States who were witnesses TO the prompi-
t,idc and ability with which he brough for
ward and supported their claims have been
uniform in their applause OF Mr. Erving
and the board committees, We have been told
by one of them within these few days, we're
highly satisfied with his activity and vigil |
lance by which alone great sums were sa-
we'd both 10 the government and citizens OF
the United States. This same gentleman as |
sures us that the business OF the board |
was greatly accelcratedby Mr.. Eryng and |
that the mastery manner III which he class
cd these claims and pursued them through |
the different stages must have established his
reputation will the governments, as IL did
with all those who had recourse 90 him as
man of business, of integrity and talents.
When in the December following that re-
nowned epoch hisacceSsicn 10 the Department
Of State, Mr.. Smith made the discovery SO
very distressing to his feelings, that several
American claimants under the British treaty
had IN vain presented their claims for pay
ment because Mr.. Ewing had deducted two
and half per cent. from said claims, why
did he rot pursue his enquiry and discover,
what would have relieved his distresses and
grlufcd an honest Secretary OF State, khdt a
.greas unclaimed surhius (say 10000 doHs.
siA remained in he Treasury arising from
deductions made by order OF the board of
commissioners from awards generally, Tor p
the purpose Of reimbu, sing to me United |
States The expenses incurred in the prosecu-
,ion of these claims. Why could not Mr.
Smith discoper that MIR. Ewing, in closing |
his accounts with the government, had char
gcd this two and a half per cent. 10 the IL
ward account" instead OF charging, it TO the
" expense account" and that in order to adj
just this crronr and render justice 70 Mr.. Err ,
wing, 10 the government a0d to individuals,
all that was wanting was an appropriation au-
the sum Of 22,3Q2 doiar. 10 be ta- :
ken from the g award account and placed !
10 the expense account Why diG he not )
iiSco0cr that IN closing his acconnfs with the I
pub!ick Mr. Ewing notes his itcm in these Y
words, |" Balance remaining ia my hands re- y
aimed asa, commission of Two and hut per :
'cns on Awards received and paid bynlc, sub o
ctt however 10 The decision of government u
IS Tcr vouchers' whlch voucher was no other
han this identical lpriyuoeiter Of the former :
Secretary of STATE? We kuow how every :
,pnQst mar will answer cheese questions. $
X lk II <his chargo ~ TWO end y half per In
|lIIs }s<S ~. hcinous n criine, why did AIR. &
|' 4|y y ucoouisls pxSs h Nv drc they not sub
|Ied 4 y Nh SyiIi II, sx plaipcd 70 his appar- I
~ e{|Sl !it1I 3,Ened antl Appaoscd by him 4
|QQ >6G< <o. fRS Tpcasury, accoinpanicd By 4 / d
+ pypilf.sb letter Did iney moi pass the Aa,- \ >
|]lps \ n oo, /, 4&,c Con1p{soller's Office, and :
I6<> p6t reported on BY Mr.. (salIatin 10 !,
4r Hsdieor h1ItI $<at ia 81 him as /" correcs 5
! tu13y y r<6Y "a, ond BY The Presidents on 4
pocia cal(, hid before Con&vcs and there {
<totcsl and past ? Yct, notwithstanding all
his, and six months after these accounts -
ave been thus adjusted. Mr.. Smith works a
,em into the silly memoirs Of his own mega y
vencss, Tor no other purpose than dcsaming p'
is bcnelaclor, tho CHEF magis,ratc OF the ~
puhlick service it WAS TO have been cx- | II
sctcd no man Of common honesty or com st
on lecency would have dared to impeach. 1