The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1822-12-06
SPANISH CLAIMS.

~ a ANiNpii -
WAsHISGroS, Nov. 25.-Thc Board Of
Commissioners under the 18th article of
the Florida Treaty, after most laborieus
session, having completed the examination
of all the cases in which the claimants were
prepared for hearing, adjourned on the
e2d inst. to meet again on the 9Th of Feb
ruary next. Ofthe claims set down for ex-
animation, they have decided upon 19e,3of
which 113 have been dllolced as Paid, and
70 have been rejected, for want of sufficient
evidence to establish their validity. In this
number of claims, are embraced the losses
upon SO vessels; in 10 of which the proofs
have been considered as satisfactory, and
in 81 as sufficient.
Since the June session Of the Board no
memorial OF claim has been permitted to
be filed, unless accompanied by an affidavit
of the party, alleging some satisfactory rea-
son for the delay or neglect to present it
under the repeated orders OF the Board, in
this respect. The whole number Of me-
MORALS now on file is 1869 of which Il76
have been recciTed, As showing cases with
III the terms sf the treaty. OF this mum
Der, however, many are mere supplements,
intended either to correct some infOrmalty
in the original memorial, or to add some
fact regarded as important TO the history Of
The case.
The nominal amount ofthe claims receir-
ed, Is about eighteen and q half millions Of
dollars; but the restrictions under which
they have been received, and tho princl-
plies of decision already settled by the
Board, will very considerably reduce this a
mount.
In every instance Of rejection, the Com
mlssloners explained AT length the grounds
of their decision. which have been general
y such as to satisfy tic Counsel and agents
employed before them. Nat. lat.
Clerk ofhe House Of Representatives..
Ii is known that Clerk of the House of
Representatives at Washington, is 10 be
chosen, AT the ensuing meeting, in place Of
the late AR. Dougherty, and a variety OF
appllcants,w will be ready TO take the field
There il rumour in this city that John w.
Taylor, formerly Speaker, and at present a
member from Saratoga County, is a candi
date for that office. We have only ru-
NOR on which we predicate our remarks,
but we hope it is not true. We are daily
becoming more convinced ofthe impropri-
ETY. Of members of Congress soliciting and
accepting subordinate stations, either from
the government, or from their own body.
There IS no trust so high, so honorable, or
one which should be more richly priced
than that of a representative Of Me people.
ii considerations of profit are allowed e.
take precedence Of honor, we shall make
the high places subordinate to the most or
binary employments. If members of Con
grcss are permitted to vacate their seats for
Offices of profit, what guarantee has the
people for the fidelity of their representa-
tives' n government inclined to he corrupt
could readily purchase with Office the ser
wees OF an active member; and fthe prin-
clple could be established, that members
81 Congress stand the best chance for of
nee, the claims of every other citizen would
be excluded, and the Halls Of Congress be
the only avenue to preierment. We have
also, as nation, to guard against the Gu
putty, MS well as ambition, of individuals.
we see how powerful an agent is the inte-
rest OF men we see the finest and most
liberal institutions of our country impaired
by its controlling influence we soc the
honorable and safe landmarks of party torn
to pieces by the sordd habits of few per-
sons, and unless the people in their sove-
relgnty put down principals and agents
concerned in those speculations for Office,
we shall become like the Carthagenians,
ruined by an accused love of gain.
Not long ago gentleman, holding one of
The highest Offices in our government, was |
an applicant for subordinate station be-
cause II was more profitable, and We kncw