The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-04
The GaIphIn Claim.


We publish below communication
which appeared in yesterdays Union, in
Producing letter from the acting First
Auditor, Mr.. JONES, addressed to the act
ing Secretary of the Treasury, Mr.. McC.
YOU'VE, in the case of George Galphin, de-
ceased. This communication is from Mr.
MONTAGUE, late clerk in the First Audi
tors office.
We publish these documents because
they are the first that have fallen under
our notice which treat the subject with
any official authority. The Union says
they present call the authentic informa-
ton touching this matter which is favor
able to Mr.. CRAWFORD" 1t intimates
that it is in possession of other informa-
ton, with which it has not yet favored
the public. We have no doubt that it is
in possession of all the information on this
subject, or any other subject, that it de-
sires from the departments. Its opportu-
mites in this behalf are much better than
our own. The policy Of retaining Loco
foco clerks and bureau officers enables the
Union to keep the run of all official trans
actions, from their inception to their con-
summation. If this policy should result in
the exposure Of any official improperly,
we shall not regret that it has been pur-
sued.
We make no present comments on the
letter of Mr.. MONTAGUE, or the re-
port of the acting auditor. As the mat
ter stands, though we cannot but entertain
decided impressions, we shall wait the
development before the committee of in
vestigation, before expressing any opin-
ion. II is due to the gentlemen whose
names have been connected with this
sublect-which we admit to be one Of the
gravest interest = that the community
should suspend their final judgment until
all parties shall have had an opportunity
to be heard. Meanwhile, we place be-
fore our readers the documents to which
we have REFEREED
wAsHIsoToS, March %, 1850.
MEssRs. EpfToRs: On returning to this city after
a few days absence, my attention has been called
by friend TO article in the Union CT the 22d in.
slant, containing extract from a letter of the
correspondent OF the New York Herald together
with an editorial comment thereon, calculated 10
mslead the public, and do injustice both 10 the Sec
rotary Of the Interior and another member Of the
cabinet
However much you may oppose the political
principles and policy Of the present Administra-
hax al fhxy
feel persuaded that you would not knowingly aid
in doing wrong or injustice to any OF its mem
bers; and, being personally acquainted with the
facts in the case alluded 70 by the HTaids CORE.
spondcnt, deem il alike due to the parties impli-
Gated, TO yourselves, and TO the cause of truth, TO
give brief statement Of the matter.
By an act Of Congress, approved August Ia, lS4s,
the Secretary Of the Treasury was authorized and
required 10 examine and adjust the claim Of the late
George Galphn, under tho treaty made by the
Governor Of Georgia with the Creek and Cherokee
Indians in the year l773, and pay the amount
which may be found due TO Mledge Galphin, ex-
ecutor Of said George Galphin," &c. On presents-
ton Of the claim 10 him, Mr.. Secretary Walker
ferred IL, with all the papers, to the First Auditor
for examination and report That officer being
temporarily absent from the city, the acting Audi
Tor put the in my hands to perform that duty.
After careful and laborious examination, which
occupied several days, prepared the accompany.
ing report, setting forth the justice of the claim and
the reasons which, in my judgment, justified the
payment Of interest well as principal That re-
port was adopted by the acting Auditor and trans
mittcd to the First Comptroller, and by him, TO.
gcthcr with his own report, sent to the Secretary
for his decision.
On taking up the case, Mr.. Walker promptly de-
cidcd in favor Of paying the principal, but reserved
the question Of interest for further consider alton;
and ultimately, either from want of time 70 exam
inc the subject thoroughly, or because Of the carly
expiration Of his official term, he unwilling 70
make an innovation upon the general usage Of the
department, in regard 10 interest," and therefore
IN he tno
sion OF his successor. After the present Admins
tration were indicted into office, and Mr.. Craw-
ford of the parties interested in this claim, had