American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-11-04
FIoria. Claims.

Florida Claims.
The Boston Bee, Of the 3lst ult., contains
leading editorial ON the subject of the Florida
claims. The Bee is Wing paper, Of immense
circulation, conducted with great ability, and
supporting with zeal the pretensions Of the Great
Expounder of the Constitution for the Presi-
dency In this leader Of the Bee, the subject
upon which it treats is 80 fully explained, and
the views taken are 50 entirely in accordance
with our own convictions Of the merits Of these
claims, that we have concluded to transfer the
article to our columns. 1t will be found on our
first page.
1t is q source Of qualification to us that the
course which we have taken in regard to these
claims has been responded to by many Of the
leading and influential journals Of the country.
The National Lntelhgencsr, the Union, and the
Southern Press, of this city, have oil contained
able and earnest articles in support Of the
Florida claims, and in unison with our own ex-
pressed sentiments. These favorable opinions
are not confined to the press of Washington.
Those ably and judiciously conducted papers,
the New York Journal Of Commerce, Courier and
Enquirer, the Savannah Georgian, and many
other journals of standing in different sections
the prompt payment of these just demands
upon the Government
The distinguished gentleman who now fills
the exalted station of Chief Magistrate Of the
United States is esteemed by his fellow citizens,
irrespective of party, for his profound sense Of
the eternal and immutable principles of justice.
We ourselves entertain no doubt that his anx-
ious desire is to administer the Government
fairly-3ustly; with an eye single to the welfare
Of the Government, and for the honor and credit
Of republican institutions. President Fillmore
is not only lover Of justice, but he enjoys the
reputation Of being o sound lawyer, and clear
sighted, discriminating administrative officer.
He can readily distinguish - discriminate -be-
tween claims of fraudulent, or even doubtful
character, and the obligations of the Govern
ment Just in themselves, provided for by treaty,
sanctioned by judicial DEGREES, and the funds
for their payment appropriated by Congress
sional legislation. The eminent and learned
Lord Mansfield was a deuotee Of justice. His
motto, "Jfat jushtia ruat coelum," was never tar
nished. 1t has been approved and admired by
enlightened rulers, jurists, legislators, states
men, and men Of virtue, humble or exalted, in
every part of Christendom. In regard to the
Florida claims, justice-JUsTIcR will come at
last, however tardy. The majesty, the supre-
macy, the sanctity Of the laws will be main
tanned. The President WiH " take care that the
laws are faithfully executed"
This subject grows upon our hands, but what
we have said must suffice for the present. We
will close by cordially adopting the language of
the present able Attorney General, who, as Act
ing Secretary Of State, in recent letter to the
United States Attorney for the northern dis
trict of New York, says:
@ The supremacy Of the lags must be main
tained at euery hazard and at any sacrifice Men
whose SWORN duty it is to execute them, must
be protected and sustained in the discharge of
that duty"