The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-14
FaIpAY, DEcEMBER Is, 1880.
HousE OF REPREsENTATIYEs

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Mr. McKISSOCK, of New York, appeared in his
seat on Thursday for the first time this session.
MIR. BANNER was appointed n member of the
Committee on Revolutionary elaine, in the place
Of Mr. HAcKErT, excused on account Of i'll health.
Mr. BROWN, OF Mississippi, has been appointed
member of the Committee for the District of Co
lumba, in the place of Mr. FEAThERsTos, who was
excused from serving upon it.
Mr.. THURSTON asked leave to offer resolution
requesting the President of the United States II not
Incompatible with the public interests, tn coinmu-
nicate copies Of all correspondence received from
The Government officers in Oregon since the organ
izatiun Of the Territorial Government.
MIR. ASHMUN inquired whether the resolution
would not lie over under the rules!
The SPEAKER replied that unanimous consent
was required for il 10 be put on its passage:
Mr. ASHMUN did not object to the reception Of
the resolution but it's consideration at this time
MIR. JONES. Is il within the recollection of the
Chair that resolution lying over was ever taken
up again! Laughter
The SPEAKER replied that resolutions which
were laid over had been taken up. However, it
not probable that this would come up in the
regular order of business.
On motion of Mr.. DANIEL, the House resolved
itself into Committee of the Whole. and proceed
ed to the consideration of bills on the
PRIVATE cALKSpAn.
MIR. ASHMUN was called to preside over the
committee.
heirs of General Thomas Sumter late of South Caro-
lima, deceased.
The claim is for the reimbursement of moneys
loaned to the Government by Gen. Sumter during
the war of the Revolution. Thirty two loan office
certificates for thousand dollars each, (equal to
eight hundred dollars,) were issued but lost by
the holder; and the grandson OF the deceased ap-
plies to Congress that the money may be paid 10
him, with the interest from January /, l7SS.
MIR. THOMAS contcnded that this claim not
Of much consequence in itself, but 1t was one OF
batch of which mig ht establish precedent
for paying thousands of dollars. The certificates
were issued to General Sumter seventy years ago,
and the only evidence that the money was not paid
the statement of the Register of the Treasury.
appointed seventy years afterwards, that it does
appear the books that the loan certificates
were ever paid. The burden of proof sought
to be put on the United States that they have been
paid. There was no evidence TO show that they were
in the hands OF General Sumter or that he ever
said the Government owed him copper.
Mr.. WOODWARD said that the claim
brought before Congress in 1873, and since that
time three unanimous reports have been made in
favor oft. What better evidence than this
required? And there was the highest proof, on the
books OF an officer of the Government. that the mo.
ney never paid He answered the arguments
OF the gentleman who preceded him, and spoke
generally in support of the claim.
MIR. DUNHAM proceeded to speak about claims
being prosecuted by agents against the Govern
msnt and in opposition to the bill.
Mr.. WOODWARD replied that agent
ceived compensation for prosecuting this claim; ;
and the insinuation was gratuitous. IL was a ms
fortune for man to be bred surrounded by such in
huences as would lead him to enter tain such sup
position.
Mr.. DURHAM said that, SO far gratuity
concerned, the last remark of the gentleman was
of that character. II the remarks did not fit the
gentleman, he ought not TO have applied them to
himself He (Mr. D. had stated general prinoi
piles. The gentleman ought not to have been 30
sensitive. As 10 breeding, he submitted whether
the gentleman or himself had exhibited the best
Mr.. WOODWARD replied, the gentleman.
folly was beyond my comprehension; hence the
misconecption Of his general remarks. II he means
nothing by il, am satisfied
MIR. DUNHAM said that il old adage, to
talk to fool according to his folly; and perhaps it
was incumbent on him to answer the argument in
the manner IL put forth. After further obser
Nations against the claim
Mr.. WOODWARD replied, sustaining it.
Mr.. CLEVELAND followed, on the same side.
Conversation between several members took
place, when
The allowance of interest on the principal was
stricken out.
The committee rose, and
MIR. THOMAS moved 10 lay the bill on the table.
MIR. HOLMES moved that when the House adj
journ it adjourn until Monday next.
MIR. WENT WORTH asked for the yeas and
nays, which were ordered.
Mr.. HOLMES wished to withdraw his motion,
but
The SPEAKER said it was too late, one member
having answered to his name.
The result subsequently, announced-yeas
%, nays 81 So the question was decided in the
affirmative.
The bill for the relief Of the heirs Of General
Thomas Sumter then laid on the table
MIR. JOHNSON. Of Tennessee, moved that the
House adjourn; and the question being taken, it
was decided IN the negatively 81, nays 1913.
After discussion in reference I. a private bill
The House adjourned.