Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1850-05-31
Correspondence of the Daily Free press1

Ii is gratifying 10 see once more MI OpnaNn
IN his place in the Senate of the u. States
For weeks he has been confined to his room.
This morning, he presented IA petition for the
reduction of postage, and the free passage oil
newspapers within thirty miles.
The reports submitted by the different mem.
bcrs of the select committee, appointed TO inves
tigate the justucss of the Galphin claim, and
detail the circumstances under which the prin-
cipal and interest was paid, were published in
the Union of yesterday morning. The general
impression among Wing members of Congress
is, that the claim is an unjust one that the in
terest ought not to have been paid, and espc-
cially that it ought not TO have been paid con-
sidcring that one Of the interested parties was a
member of the Cabinet.
Before the question was decided upon print
ing the reports, Mr.. Brooks, of the New York
Express, made a speech, in which he gave his
view of the business of the claim and the propri-
ETY. of the payment of the interest. He said
that he hadIexamined the history of the claim,
had turned over and read seventy-ive volumes
in order to ascertain all the facts relating to the
case. His opinion, after due investigation, was
that the claim WIS rot a just one, that the
opinions of the Attorney General and Secretary
Meredith would never have been given if they
had examined the case as thoroughly as he
himself had done. But he justified both on the
ground that they had not time to attend to it
If, however, they had known Crawford's con.
nection with it, he believed that they would
have given it more attention and not so hastily
decided it. The majority of the Wings in Con-
gress desire that Crawford, at least, retire from
the Cabinet, and thus, in a measure, clear the
skirts Of the party from any conneXion with it.
Congress will probably pass a law to prevent
the payment Of interest on similar claims. 1t is
said by lawyers that the opinion of the Attorney
General in this case will be sustained by all the
legal men in the country.
COMPROMISE.
Will the Compromise plan, as proposed by the
committee Of thirteen, pass? That is Il ques
ton which it is impossible to answer, with GER
tainty but the opinion of most persons is that
it will not, and that the Presidents plan will
finally succeed.
Immediately on the reading Of the report of
the Committee, many Southern men declared
their opposition to it, which was supposed by
many at the time was a mere fcint. 1t turns
out, however, that their opposition is rcot. On
Wednesday, Mr.. Davis of Mississippi, proposed
an amendment, which would prevent the Ter
ritories from passing laws respecting slaves
This amendment Mr.. Clay opposed and upon
it Mr.. FoOte made a strong speech in favor Of
the Compromise, in reply to Mr.. Yulce, who
declared his opposition to it. On Thursday, on
the same amendment, Mr.. Foote continued his
speech. Mr.. Clemens replied TO hin, and en-.
deavored to show that Mr.. Foote had changed
lis position, Lat not long be!o'e lie was as active
as any Southern man, and when working in tie
same traces he found him so fiery that it was
difficult to keep up with him, He brought TO-
ward a letter which Mr.. Foole had signed with
himself, which went TO prove that whatever Mr.
F.'s views might be now, not long before he
entertained as ultra sentiments as himself. Mr..
Foote said the letter was hastily signed at the
time it was drawn up, and without due rehec-
ton.
To-day NIr. Clemens continued his speech
and was very severe upon Foote, declaring tha'
he did not express the sentiments Of the South
ern men. Mr.. Foote warned gentlemen againsi
opposing the Compromise, for, if defeated, they
would be put down as the supporters of the
non.action plan of TIE President. He believed
that his sentiments were the sentiments Of TIT
people of the South, and that gentlemen VIII
approved the Proviso would not be sustained a
home. He said that although he was declare'
inconsistent by the ultras of the South, he wa
not that he had entertained the same oDinio,
all along.
This view taken by Mr.. Foote of the cour5
Of the Southern men, is undoubtedly correct
If the Compromise is defeated, of which there
now a fair prospect, the Presidents plan wi
be taken up and supported by all the North
The Southern men are certainly working again
their own interest, and, as Mr.. Foote says, vi
be regarded, if they oppose the Compromise, a
acting hostile to the interests of the South. NJ
Foote declared the other day, in his eulogy
the Compromise, that it certainly would pass
Mr.. Clemens, in as equally positive terms, sa
that it would not pass unless some very essei
tial amendments were made.
Both of the Wing papers of this city ha'
come out in favor Of the Presidents plan, as Il
best and only feasible. 1t seems by this tn
hlr. Clay did not, the other day, speak by e
,thority, when lie asserted that if the Preside
were again to send a message to Congress,
would not, in view Of all the facts now preser
ed, propose II same course of action
The Galphin claim was up in the House
day, and Mr.. Toombs made a strong speech
favor Of the Cabinet, sustaining the administr
ton, and in opposition to Mr.. Brooks. N
Brooks replied, sustaining the position he to-
on Friday, and said that he uttered the sen
nents of the Wing party. w.
Educational WORKS.
We take pleasure in inviting the attention