The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-11-22

F6usn. To establish judicial tribunal uader the con-
susion inferior 10 the supreme. authorized by the
constitution, the seat OF government TO which all
claims rejected BY the accounting officers might be pre-
scented and considered. Il TO such tribunal
might be SO org snzsd be sale to The government
as The Supreme Court itself. and afford the elaman.
prompt hearing leaving Congress attend great
and important interests Ii would be likely arrive
al Justice than Congress itself. Such court should sit
with open DOORS hear counsel both sides. and should
conclusions The claimant might state his in wri-
ing and serve it on an officer be named aud the gov
eminent answer ia the same way and The proofs on
both sides be taken under proper rules and submitted
in equity The records of the government, being mostly
here and accessible and the officers likely understand
the Matters being generally the spot the truth would
probably be fully developed With free to the
public offices. and constant communication with those
who manage Them the government solicitor might be
fairly expected TO understand the committed 10
him Claimants could present and urge their rights
much easier and cheaper before such tribunal than
before Congress The open public discussion before all
who chose TO attend, and written judgments with
therefor, afford safe and satisfactory guar
antee TO the claimant and government.
guards il would be as SAFE and equally above suspicion
As the Supreme or any other Court. Tribunals for
similar purposes are said TO exist in England and else
where Some OF the States have provided claimants in
many cases with tho means of securing redress. II
created such court should be limited in it's power and
its principles Of action clearly defined However clear
and perfect the claimants right may be, the government 10
not now sueaole But in where. if il were an IN
dvidua il could be sued, and judgment rendered under
the present law this exemption stands between the
claimant and his lawful rights Unless appealed TO the
Supreme Court question OF law final judgments, 10
be conclusive between the parties. might be rendered
the facts and the law should require in all other
The might report the facts TO Congress for its future
action. Such report, made after hearing on both
Sides would be far reliable than that Of any com.
mee. In OF final judgments against the govern
ment they might be paid at the treasury, reported 10
Congress for appropriation. When against the claimant,
they could be enforced by execution. Such tribunal
might also pass upon claims arising under treaties with
other and thus the expense OF SPECIAL
commissions like the late board OF Mexican claims But
do not propose TO 90 into details. Our object is to
suggest few outlines call the attention of the public
to the subject great evil undenabIy exists. The
remedy is with Congress alone. The wisdom OF that
body easily mould the details secure the oh.
ect desired free from all reasonable objections II the
main feature is right, this be easily done The ex-
pense OF such tribunal. with competent officer 10
epreseDt the government will not equal the j,
would by rejecting moderate sized bad claim.
But The consideration OF expense is triing compared
with the obligations OF justice to those who have honest
demands upon the government Usually il is not iii
fault that they not paid while the government is
bound 10 provide simple and speedy mode by which
they assert their rights Such tribunal will cost
but small sum-a few thousand dollars annual -and
will avery large in scrulinzing and rejecting
bad claims and in saving the time and expense Of Con-
gress. The per diem oil the members of both houses
amounts TO S2,aos for one day. II that body devoes
oay days to private elaine il the goyernmen,
S23.eso Judging from the rules, which require two
days in week, believe, 10 be devoted 10 the consd-
Grafton OF private bills, we suppose that between fifty
and sixty days consumed in considering claims II
this the expense Of this branch CT their duty eayiDg
nothing about printing, SC. would be over 100000
nually. This estimate is based upon the supposiiion
that the sessions average six months annually II, upon
average bu, one day in each week devoted to pri
waite bills, the per diem OF the members alone would
amount TO soo,56s annually II but ten days were de
voted 10 private claims, il would amount than
the necessary expenses of such tribunal suggest
Ga the of economy. well as jas,ce presen,
impressions that judicial tribunal like the one we
have suggested ought TO be established. AT all events
trust that these suggestions will call the attention OF
those competen, than ourselves TO The consideration
of an appropriate remedy for the existing admitted evil
There numerous reasons why special legislation upon
claims should be avoided. aud general laws passed GOV.
ering all admissible cases Bu, we reserve this branch
of the subject for another occasion.