The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-08-18
DANGERS OF ELECTING AN JNCOM.
PETENT MAN PRESIDENT.
THE GALPHIN CASE.


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| Itis the argument Of our foes. constant
ly proclaimed. as it was the prophecy Of
those who first opposed the establishment
of republic on this continent. that if ever
free institutions perished upon these shores,
it would be by the corruption of our states
men, the lavish expenditures of our Gov.
ernment, and the absence of restraint upon
the agents of the people. Many wise
men and great at this day remember the
prophecy as warning; and while, in their
own lives. they give daily evidence Of pu-
rity and integrity worthy Of the Roman
era. when virtue ruled the State, they ex.
hort the Republic to beware of the dangers
that menace and surround it. The most
trying experiment that'can be made in this
country, is to elect incompetent men TO the
presidential station. because, from such a
calamity must flow the appointment of un.
scrupulous and irresponsible politicians.
who, safe from the intelligent and fearless
scrutiny Of an experienced. sagacious,
and patriotic Chief Magistrate. riot with
impunity in their own selfish desires. and
plunder with high hand where they should
be guardians and protectors.
When General Taylor was chosen Pres
ident, in burst of national gratitude for
his victories in Mexico, the best man of
the nation predicted the worst consequent
ces from an administration which could
not be more than a regency. Indeed, the
gallant Taylor himself proclaimed his in
experience and his incapacity in advance.
and side by side with his own soldier-like
confession, was the declaration Of Mr..
Webster. now the Secretary OF State, that
it was a nomination '!not fit to be made
The admission on the one hand, and the
prophecy on the other, were abundantly
and alarmingly realized in the near future.
General Taylor died no less an honest
man than he had lived; but the men who
surrounded him were condemned by the
great body of the American people; Con-
gress rebulied them, the Press rebuked
them; the intelligent and honest men Of all
parties rebulsed them. The race Of pub
| liz plundefers did not cease with the Gal
phin wrong. Other enormiiies have come
to light; some of which will soon be fully
exposed. and others Of which cannot long
he concealed from scrutiny and from
scorn. The most frightful extravaganza
in California. the most brazen corruption
among eminent officials. and general
recklessness Of expenditure, are few of
the practices that have followed the great
example set by the Galphin fraud.
In order 10 let the people see and reflect
upon the character Of the men who came
in with General Taylor, and who now
cluster under the banner OF General Scott,
the following facts are presented. Those
who doubt their authenticity can refer to
the file Of the Congressional Globe and
Appendix, containing the authorized re-
ports of Congress, and they will there find
date and page, word for word as here set
forth. We give the testimony of man Of
both parties on this subject:
The history Of the case, as taken from the
repor; of Mr.. Disney, Mr.. Featherston.
and Mr.. Mann, made to the House of
Representatives, and found in the APP
pendix TO the Globe, Volume 22, Part
!, 1st Session 3lst Congress, pp. 553
and 554.
Mr.. Crawford was appointed agent and
counsel for this claim as far back as the
year 1885, As such, he asked payment
from the legislature Of Georgia; from the In
dians atthe Treaty OF N. Echo,a; and lastly
from the Government of the United States.
Up to the year 1885. with the exception
of the application to the British Govern.
ment, tine claimants had besieged the Gov.
ernment Of Georgia alone. No one con-
cerned seemed to have thought that the
United States were under obligation, either
legal or moral, to pay the debt; but, at the
Treaty of New Echota, the United States
Commissioners agreed that the Federal
Government should guaranty its payment
"without expense to the Indians" The
claim was, however, rejected by the Sem
ate. as is shown in the history of the case;
but that event marked the first develop.
ment of the thought that the United States
might be induced to pay it. More than
half century had rolled away. from the
time that the War of independence had
closed; the claim has been kept alive by
the industry of Galphin's representatives;
it had been urged and argued again and
again before the Legislature Of Georgia;
but no intimalion had dropped from any
quarter that the. Government OF the United
States ought to be answerable for the debt.
The proceedings at New Echota. however,
opened new quarter. from which pay
ment might be obtained; but, in the first
instance the effort failed. The Senate Of
the United States rejected the provision.
and the uniiring claimants renewed the
application to the Georgia Legislature.
though again without success. Not yet
discouraged, in 1914 they again applied
to Congress-; and finally in lS4S, Congress
passed the act requiring the Secretary Of
the Treasury to examine and adjust the
claim. Mr.. Crawford still maintained his