The daily union., 1854-12-22
A COURT FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF CLAIMS.

COURT FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF CLAIMS.
Senator Brodhead, from the select committee to whom
referred the bill establish board of commissioners
for the examination and adjustment of private claims
ported bill to the Senate yesterday which passed
final reading. 1t is entitled "a bill to establish for
the investigation of claims against the United States"
The first section reads as follows:
ssTbat court shall be established be called a court Of
claims to consist of three judges, be appointed by
the President, by and with the advice and consent of
the Senate and to hold their offices during good be-
bavior; and the said court shall hear and determine
all claims founded upon any law of Congress, upon
any regulation of executive department, upon
any contract express implied, with the government
of the United States which may be suggested to it by petit
filed therein and also all claims which may be referred
to said court by either house of Congress 1t shall be the
duty of the claimant in all to set forth full statement
of the claim and of the action thereon in Congress- by
of the departments such action has been had specifying
also what person persons thereof interested
therein and when and upon what consideration such
or interested Each of the said judges
shall compensation Of four thousand dollars per
payable quarterly, from the treasury OF the United
States shall take oath support the constitution of
the United States and discharge faithfully the duties of his
office"
The second section provides for the appointment of
solicitor represent the government at said court at the
same time defining his duties &c Section third author
zes the court appoint commissioners take testimony
to be used in the investigation of claims and fix their
compensation. Witnesses to be sworn.
Section fourth The taking of testimony be dispensed
with it shall appear to the court that the facts set forth in
the petition of the claimant do furnish any ground for
relief In case Congress fails confirm the opinion of
court then the testimony is to be taken.
Section fifth Opportunities to be given to the United
States to file inerrogatories by attorney examine
witnesses
Section sixth Claimants witnesses swearing falsely
shall be deemed guilty of perjury, and conviction there
Of shall be subjected the palms, penalties and disa
bilities which are shall be hereafter by law pre-
scribed for wiful and corrupt perjury.
Section seventh The court TO keep record of their
proceedings and the to be printed and sent to Con-
gress in the as other public documents That
said reports and the bills reported aforesaid SHALL if not
ay acted upon during the session of Congress which
the said reports made be continued from session
session. and from Congress to Congress, until the
shall be finally acted upon and the consideration of said
reports and bills SHALL the subsequent session of Con-
gress be resumed and the said reports and bills be pro-
ceeded with in the though finally acted
upon at the session when presented.
Section ninth is as follows:
That the claims reported upon adversely shall be placed
upon calendar when reported and the decision of said
shall be confirmed by Congress said decision shall be
conclusve and the said shall not at any subsequent
period consider said claims unless such shall be
said by the rules of law chance
ry in suits between individuals, would furnish sufficient
ground for granting new trial.
Section tenth authorizes the Speaker of the House of
Representatives appropriate suitable in the Capt.
the of said Section eleventh. and the last
gives power said court to call upon any of the depart
for any information papers it may deem
ry and have the of all recorded and printed reports
made by the committees Of each house when deemed to be
necessary The court to appoint chief clerk nj salary
of 50 per annum assistant clerk at salary of ST.
500 per annum and messenger at salary of $500 per
onDnp