The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-23

Mr.. Richardson's Revolutions.
By reference to the House proceedings
in another column, it will be seen that the
resolutions of Mr.. RICHARDSON for an in
vestigation into the conduct of the Secre-
tary of the Interior in regard to the al
lowance of certain claims and other mat
tiers, have been adopted. We are glad
that the subject is now fairly entered
upon, and we hope that the committee
will act with promptness, and give the
results of their inquiry fairly and fully
to the public. 1t is quite time that
something was done to remove the inju-
rious impressions that cannot fail to be
produced by the circulation of newspa-
per scandal and SANDER. Mr.. RICHARD
SON will now have the opportunity of vim
dicating himself from the opprobrium of
having endorsed unfounded libels upon
the official character and integrity of a
public man, who is as odious to the coali
ton of Abolitionists and bitter-end Loco
focos as any WIG could desire to be. 1t
is TO the honor of Mr.. EWING that he is
the shining mark Of their envenomed ar
rows. We have no doubt that the result
will demonstrate the strict purity and pro-
priety of his official conduct, and cover
his libellers and prosecutors with confu-
sion and dishonor.
C;nco ,yr;t;nr tba above norapronb
letter has reached us in regard to the sub
ject of one of the resolutions, enclosing the
argument Of the counsel in the case of
Commodore BARRON, which is too long
for present publication. The letter of our
correspondent is alone sufficient to dispose
of the subject, to the satisfaction ofevery
Just and candid mind:
RICHMOND, April 81, 1850.
To the Editors Of the Republic:
GENTLEMEN: have seen, with much surprise, in
the newspapers, the resolution of the Hon. Mr..
Richardson touching the claim of the representa-
tive ofCommodorc James Barron for the services of
that officer, the commanderin-chief of the navy
of Virginia during the war of the Revolution.
AS Il the counsel who presented the claim
and received the money, consider it duty to Mr..
Ewing, as well as to myself, TO offer few words
in explanation of it. The resolution implies
lst That the claim had been rejected by pre-
vious administration and "reopened" by Mr.. Ewrse.
I'd. That the amount paid was wholly interest.
These suggestions are both erroneous. The claim
never had been rejected by any previous admins.
traion; and the amount paid was for principal and
oI.,,.x st,.x of
years. full pay as the commander -in-chief of the
navy of Virginia About the fact of Commodore
Barron's service throughout the whole war, there
not the least doubt. II is established by the
highest record evidence. There was not par
ticle Of paro evidence in the The Gov
eminent had paid to the representative of Com
modore Barron "half pay'' only; at the request Of
the present Commodore Barron, ! presented the
claim for accumulation" When I did 90, Mr..
Ewrse requested me to present printed state
ment of the case, and prepared and presented a
statement and argument, of which enclose you a
copy, and which ask the favor of you TO publish.
After Mr.. EWING read it, he said IL presented a
question Of law simply, and must therefore, be re-
ferred to the Attorney General. II was according
ly referred to him, and returned home. But, be-
fore il was acted on by the Attorney General,
submitted the argument to several of our most
eminent lawyers, viz: Messrs. J. M. Patton, Samuel
Taylor, William H. mcfarland, Robert c. Sta
nard, and Robert g. Scott; and asked their written
opinions upon it. Each one of them gave written
opinion fully concurring with me, and forwarded
the opinions TO the Attorney General, and pre-
sumo they will be found on file in his Office. The
Attorney General held the under consdera-
ton for nearly quite two months, and then de-
cided IL in favor ofmy client. was notified oftbe
decision, went on 10 Washington and received the
money, and paid it over to my client. The deci-
sion therefore was, in reality, not the decision Of
Mr.. EwrSo, but ofthe Attorney General
Il would be waste Of words TO offer any defence
of Mr. EwrSe, for there is really nothing to defend
him from He did only what, as law abiding Off
GER IL his duty to do, viz pay just respect and
submission TO the opinion OF the law officer Of the
Government, upon a legal question. Az to Mr..
JoHssoS, II would be presumption in me TO under
take the vindicaton Of one whose ability is much
greater than my own, and who is even more dis
tinguished by his high character and lofty integ-
rity than by his learning and ability, great they
are. But may venture 70 remark that there Is
something new in the idea Of impcaching judge
because he decides enormously, but honestly, lc
gal question; and the utmost which could be said Of
the Attorney General IL, that he has erred in his
Judgment upon question oflaw That he has not
erred am perfectly satisfied; and Of the correct
ness of that opinion the opinions of the Attorney
General, and five other lawyers, will, by the pub
presented which shall overthrow them.
Very respectfully, your obcdient servant.
JAMES LYONS.