The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-12-11

and, to considerable extent also, OF for-
eign commerce. If a ship be lost on the
bar at the entrance of southern port for
want of sufficient depth OF water, it is very
likely to be northern ship; and il steam
boat be sunk in any part Of the Mississippi,
on account Of its channel not having been
properly cleared of distractions, it may be
boat belonging to either Of eight or ten
States. may add, as somewhat remark
able, that among all the thirty.one States,
there is none that is not, to greater or
less extent, bounded on the ocean, or the
Gulf of Mexico, or on one Of the great
lakes, or some navigable river.
In fulfilling our constitutional duties,
fellow-citizens, on this subject, as in car
rying into effect all other powers confer
red by the constitution, we should consider
ourselves as deliberating and acting for
one and the same country, and bear con-
stantly in mind that our regard and our
duty are due not to a particular part only,
but to the whole.
| therefore recommend that appropria
tons be made for completing such works
as have been already begun, and for COM
mencing such others as may seem to the
wisdom of Congress to be of public and
general importance.
The difficulties and delays incident to
the settlement of private claims by Con-
gress amount in many cases to denial
Of justice. There is reason to apprehend
that many unfortunate creditors of the
government have thereby been unavoida-
bly, ruined. Congress has so much busi-
ness of public character, that it is i'm
possible it should give much attention to
mere private claims; and their accumula-
ton is now so great, that many claimants
must despair Of ever being able to obtain
ahearing ltmay well be doubted whether
Congress, from the nature Of its organiza-
ton, is properly constituted to decide upon
such cases. 1t is impossible that each
member should examine the merits Of eve-
ry claim on which he is compelled to vote;
and it is preposterous to ask Judge to
decide case which he has never heard.
Such decisions may, and frequently must,
do injustice either to the claimant or the
government; and perceive no better rem.
edy for this growing evil than the establish
ment of some tribunal to adjudicate upon
such claims. beg leave, therefore, most
respectfully to recommend that provision
be made by law for the appointment of a
commission to settle all private claims
against the United States; and, as an ca
parte hearing must in all contested cases
be very unsatisfactory, also recommend
the appointment of solicitor, whose duty
it shall be to represent the government be-
fore such commission, land protect itagainst
all illegal, fraudulent, or unjust claims
which may be presented for their adjudi-
cation.
This District, which has neither voice
nor vote in your deliberations, looks to you
for protection and aid; and commend all
its wants to your favorable consideration,
; with full confidence that you will meet
them not only with justice, but with liber.
ality. 1t should be borne in mind that in
this city. laid out by Washington, and
consecrated by his name, is located the
Capitol Of our nation. the emblem OF our
Union, and the symbol of our greatness
Here, also, are situated all the public build
ings necessary for the use Of the govern
ment, and all these are exempt from taxa
ton. 1t should be the pride Of Americans
to render this place attractive to the people
of the whole republic, and convenient and
safe for the transaction of the public busi-
ness and the preservation of the public rec.
ords. The government should, therefore,
bear liberal proportion Of the burdens Of
all necessary and useful Improvements
And, as nothing could contribute more to
the health, comfort, and safety of the city,
and the security of the public buildings
and records, than an abundant supply oi
pure water, respectfully recommend that
! you make such provisions for obtaining
the same as in your wisdom you may
deem proper
The act passed at your last session,
making certain propositions to Texas for
settling the disputed boundary between
that State and the Territory of New Mex
leo, was Immediately, on its passage,
transmitted by express to the governor Of
Texas, to be laid by him before the gen.
eral assembly for its agreement thereto.
Its receipt was duly acknowledged. but no
official information has yet been received
of the action of the general assembly
thereon; it may, however, be very soon
expected, as, by the terms of the PROPOSE
tons submitted, they were to have been
acted upon on or before the first day ol
the present month.
1t was hardly to have been expected that
the series of measures passed at your last
session, with the view of healing the Sec
tional differences which had sprung from
the slavery and territorial questions, should
at once have realized their beneicent pur.
pose. All mutual concession in the ma.
ture of compromise must necessarily be
unwelcome to men Of extreme opinions;
and, though without such concessions ouI
constitution could not have been formed
and cannot be permanently sustained, YET
we have seen them made the subject Of