The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-04-21
claim. Lett over BY .h. Las. Aamlnl.sra.loa.

The papers in the confidence of the cabinet pub
ished in this city, assert very positively that the claims
recently allowed and paid by the present cabinet were
left undecided by the last administration, and therefore
their consideration and settlement were devolved upon
the present administration and particularly is This said
in reference to the interest on the Gaphn claim Nearly
all the wing papers and letter.wrcrs following in the
wake OF the two cabinet organs here boldly that
Mr. Walker did not decide the claim for interest," but
expressly reserved the question for the decision Of the
present Secretary OF the Treasury. II Col Montague,
formerly clerk in the First Auditors Office, who volun-
TERED through the columns OF the Unon statement in
defence of the cabinet is correct, il appears that Mr.
Walker did not the question for the incoming ad-
ministation, but decided it, far he was concerned
The following we take from Col. Montague's state.
ment:
On taking up the case, Mr.. Walker promptly decided in
favor Of paying the principal bur reserved question
interest for further considerations and ultimately, either
from Of time examine the subject thoroughly or
because of the early expiration OF his official term he .ca,
anoung TO make ianovaton upon ~ general usage Of
The department, in regard inesf and therefore deter
mined 10 leave the question open Tor the dec of his
cessor.
Il seems. from this statement. that Mr. Walker prompt.
y decided in favor of paying the principal Of the claim
but reserved the question OF neres, for further consider
Colonel Montague does not understand, Mr. Walker
"was unwilling to make innovation upon the general
usage OF the department in regard TO interest"
Thus it appears from Colonel Montague's own state.
ment that the general usage OF the Treasury Departmen,
not 10 aiop interest claims against the govern.
ment. Mr.. Walker was called upon to disregard that
general usage. He took the matter into consideration
and finally decided not $50 make innovation upon it,
preerng 10 leave the responsibility OF such an act to bis
successors and very properly too, the honest and in
telgent people Of the country will say.
Now. with what show Of truth or pausibity can i.
be stated that Mr. Walker left the question Of interest
growing out of the Gaphin claim undecidedi Interest
had been paid by the department claims against
the government except by the direction of of Con-
gess This had uniformly been the usage Of the depart.
ment Mr.. Walker called upon TO break down this
general usage, and he refused to do it, leaving the son
siby OF the act TO the new administration They
reversed his decision, and decided that an innovation
should be made upon the general usage Of the Treasury
Department; and thus they have opened the door 10
claims for countless millions of interest justly due as
the interest on the Gaphin claim. Thus have they
thrown the door wide open TO nnumerable Iecaations
we'll innumerable frauds. better scheme for rob
bing and bankrupng the treasury. enrichng fayores,
and rewarding rogues could not have been devised In
order to prevent the dep:edaons upon the government
which will surely follow under the law as now admins
tered by The cabinet Congress should Immediately resort
to some prompt and stringent legislation