Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1825-02-15

lie. have long been in the service OF
my country, and in its most difficult con-
innctures, as well abroad as at home, in
the course of which | have had control
over the public moneys to a vast amount.
II, in the course OF my service, ii shall
appear, on the most severe scrutiny,
which l invite, that the public have sus-
tanned any loss by any act oil mine, or of
others for which ! ough. to be held re-
sponsible, l am willing TO bear it. If, on
the other hand, ii shall appear, on view
Of the law, and of precedents in other
cases, that justice has been withheld from
me, in any instance, as | believe ii to be
in many, and greatly to my injury, il is
submitted whether it ought not to be
rendered. 1t is my wish that all matters
of account and claims, between my coun-
try and myself, be setlled, with that strict
regard to justice which is observed in
settlements between individuals in pri-
yale life. 1t would be gratifying TO mt,
and it appears 10 be just, that the subject
should be now examined, in both re-
spects, 18th view 10 a decision hereaf-
ter. No bill would, it is presumed, be
presented for my signature, which would
operate either tor or against me, and l
certainly would sanction none in my ia
vor. While here, can furnish testimo-
ny, app licabie to any case, in both views,
which a full investigation may require !;
and the committee to whom the subject
may be referred, by reporting facts now,
with view 10 decision after my re-
tirement, will allow time for further in
formation, and due consideration of all
matters relating taereto. Settlements
with person OF this trust, which could
not be made with the accounting officers
OF The government, should always be
made by Congress, and before the pub
lie, The cause oil the delay in present
ing these claims, will be explained to the
committee to whom The subject may be
teierred. /, will | presume, be made
apparent that it was inevitable that from
he peculiar circumstances attending
each case, Congress alone could decide
On il; and that from considerations Of
delicacy it would have been highly i'm
proper for me 10 havo sought it at an ear
her period han that which is BOW pro-
Dosct-ihe expiration of my term in this
high trust. Other considerations appear
to ne to opera with great force, in ia
yor of the measure which now propose.
A citizen who has long served his coun-
try, in lis highest trusts, has right, if
he has served with fidelity, to enjoy un-
disturbed tranquility and peace in his
retirement. This he cannot expect to
do, unless his conduct, in all pecuniary
concerns, shall be placed, by severe scru-
tiny, on basis not to be shaken. This,
therefore, forms strong motive with me
for The inquiry which now invite. The
public may also derive considerable adj
vantage from This precedent, in the future
movement of the government 1t being
known that such scrutiny was made IN
my case, it may form new and strong
barrier against the abuse OF the public
confidence in fu,ure.
JAMES MONROE.
Washington, 5th Jan 1925.
The following is the select committee
to whom the above comm unicatlon was
referred:
Messrs. Ingham, Saunders, Poinsett,
set, F Johnson, Hayden, Tomiinson,
and Sloane.