The New York herald., 1850-05-17
From washins.on-TeIegraphic.

There II something OF "A snarl, on me cOnTo-
mise, in the Senate-Mr Foote and Mr. Clemens
and other Senators, looking out for amendments
and the ike-whch may ffitter the whole fabric, if
the discussion is continued. More harmony would
be relief Everybody wants the matter settled
on just and equitable grounds. Find out what
these are, and act accordingly. That is the gene
raj sentiment feeling, desire, hope, anticipation,
and ultima thule Of the people.
There is greater snarl, however, in the cabi-
net, that will astonish those who have doubted
flla the investigation into the Galphn claim affair
would prove disastrous to sticking plaster. The
majority of the committee are preparing their re-
port, and il will be ready in a day or two. The
telegraphic items of special correspondent,
doubtless, are correct, so far they go; but we
have been too well acquainted with all the facts in
the case, for some weeks past, TO expect anything
less than that which he represents as likely to be
reported. There many points of vast impor-
tance which he has entirely overlooked, and which,
If the committee do their duty to the country, will
come out with fearful force against the cabinet.
The whole history Of the Galphn claim, up 10
the time when il was sanctioned by Congress in
1S4S, is not without interest," and should not be
forgotten Upon that history much might be said.
IL has an important bearing upon the whole case;
and though we fully believe that the claim of Gal
phin was not subject 10 the understanding of agree
ment in 1902, we have not time 10 touch upon that
point, further than 10 advert TO it, More serious
points, touching the skill and honesty Of Mr.. Craw-
ford and his associates, force themselves upon our
notice, and we dismiss all considerations TO the
settlement of this claim, by reminding readers
OF the general settlement with the States in June,
1873, by which the federal government was made
free from any claim by Galphin, or his representa-
tives.
Interest, however, has been allowed upon the
claim, by which, we suppose, Mr.. Crawford as
counsel, adviser, claimant and attorney as well as
cal met minister and auditor general, has enriched
himself TO the tune Of about one hundred and If
teen thousand, and five hundred dollars squeezed
out of the treasuryhnd the peoples pockets. 1t is
rich movement. IL is well calculated to make a
cabinet stick together. They can afford to do it.
The principal ia full, and interest for more than
half a century, ought 10 effect something in the
way of sticking plaS;er for bruised consciences,
particularly the act Of lSlS did not justify any
payment of interest Ordinary rules were to GO
VEN. II Is the fault Of a claimant if he does not
present his claim, with vouchers, and do not
fancy an investment in weak cabinets" to b.
brought mp for adjustment and interest after the
lapse Of half a century.
We hope the committee have not lost sight of
these points. They cannot. They are too palpa-
BILE IL the authorities were cited, if the usagcs Of
the government were respected, we should find,
with but little study that the conduct of the cabi-
net bas been gross insult to the people, and to the
honest end patriotic President who has been al
most ruined by the wretched trcksters who have
been called TO his councils. We have no Botany
Bay for such liberal gentlemen; but we have plenty
of public in Indignation, upon which they may swim
into exile. That any man should attempt 10 be the
dispenser Of the liberalty Of the U nited States,
without authority, without reason or justice, and
for selfinterested motives is scarcely be believ
ed but If the committee should give a faithful
report, they will not omit TO draw attention to this
outrageous stretch Of power
The subject, however IL too sckening for con-
temptation, and this will be the general opinion
when the committee shall give the public full and
unyarnisn ned account Of the manner in which this
claim passed the First Comptroller, who no doubt
that the signing Of the certificate for the pay
nent Of the enormous amount. was an adminis,rA-
i've act. Il will be difficult for the committee to
give opinion upon Mr.. Crawford's conduct; but
they state the facts there will be no need Of com
ment The Attorney General may step out of the
lsw to give away the public money at his pleasure;
but puthc opinion will demand something more
ban an explanation from him for his libcraty
They will icTycntly pray for his early retirement
.rom public life. as well NJ for the retircmcn, Of
the entire cabinet. who stand spotted before the
country and M, world