Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1850-05-13
Fran he National hlteHipenccr.
ATTORNEY GENERAL, JOHNSON

We do not remember that the career of any Atorncy
Geneta Of the United States has been more brilliant or
tedounded moro 10 the solid advantage of his country
than that OF Mr. johnson during tho period he has born
IN o1eo. This remark made to rs by friend after
the decision OF the Supreme Court of the United States
IN case which was argued ON the pant of tho Govern
meni by MIR. Johnson. with eminent ability tnriup thr
present term of the Curt l. case 10 tosi the VA
dy oi titles To an Immense number of acres If land In
the State Of Louisiana, claimed under the old Spanish
grants The decision by the courts below had been
ganSt The u States, aud his powerful argument was
followed by reversal of that decision. In ,hla case our
friend observed 10 that the Government had been saw
ed At lcai three millions Of dollars.
But Mr. Johnsons greatest personal triumph dnrinp
The time came oil yeslcday. in the unanimous decision
of the Supreme Court tho coltbraled case Of Femnp
Marshall rs Page. Collector of the IT,. Slaies This
case involved the great question Of the legality Of the
collection Of duties IN Nexlca before the treaty OF peace
and the sum depending 1t is said have amounted 10
about seven millions Of dollars This cass originated in
Pennsy lvan'a and during the last summer when de
csion involving such momentous consequences 10 the
United States had been made against the Givornmont
by the court below where IT had been red by tho Tor.
mer District Attorney, Mr. johnson was directed by the
President 10 proceed To Philadelphia and the courl
nr new trial. with view 10 hiring the great questions
beinre the Supreme Court of the United States
Mr. Juhnson proceeded in obedience tho drec ion
and the public may remember the of his auira
Bile elorl IN that city to bring the under rnvnw
The Couri below had been unanimous against the Gov
eminent During the present term the case was atgurd
before all the Judges Of the Supreme Court by Messs
Mccall aud Webster for the claimants and by Mr. John
san for the Government. Tho unanimou. opinion Of the
Count was yesterday given by Chief Justice fancy in
favor OF the United States. reversing the Judgment be
low. friend who heard Mr. Johnsnn's argument, for the
Government describes as having been unsurpassed for
ability, and that Mr. Justice Cer who delivered the
judgment below declared that he himself had been con
WINGED. and concurred in the opinion of the Court
The Attorney General, having in these two cases secur
ed some ten millions of dollars 10 the county, has we
understand, not received dollar beyond his regular
salary of 81 500. for all the expense he has incurred and
Tor all the labor and distinguished talent he has exhibited
Indeed, we have god reason 10 know that before he
leli Washington To attend the trial in Phil dolphin, il
was proposed to him that although the Government could
not pay him such fee his vices might deserve were
he MT officer of the Government YET the usage had
been IN several nsa 10 allow the Attorney General
his expenses and some reasonable compensation fr ex
aordnay labor and responsibility incurred Mr. John
son respectfully deolned the proposition saying that
while he had the honor 10 hold the commission Of the
President he would perform the whole duty without the
additional compensation beyond the salary however in
adequate that might be
Let our readers imagine what would probably la We
been his compensation for such services attended by such
results, had he becn only private citizen.
We have INDUCED IN this strain of reflection the
more, because this is the very officer Of the Government
who has been charged by the split OF laciioo with hav
ing allowed interest few claims against the Govern
menl IN three ionr where his opinion was
demanded. Let that public officer who has saved rs
much to the public treasury, the Attorney General
hereafter throw the first stone.