The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-08-02
Our Washington Correspondence.

WASHINGTON, July 80, 1856.
The Bill for the Settlement Of Revolutionary Claims
Another Move ia the House to Raise Money for
Electioneering Purposes-Spsech Of Judge Stetc-
art on the Siarery Question.
The House Of Representatives passed bill to day,
copy OF which ! herewith enclose you, which is
destined TO deplee the treasury to the tune Of
raj millions of dollars and fill the pockets OF agents
and attorneys.
Certain officers of the Revolutionary army, under
reso utons Of the Continental Congress, en-
titled 10 half pay for life This however seemed 10
reduce those patriotic spirits to the condition of peu
sioncrs, at which their feelings revolted and they
were pressed too, for ready means, many Of thea
having expended their last cent in defence OF the
new republic. Under these circumstances, the
Congress- by an act dated March %, 1883, passed
act allowing to these officers five years full pay in
lieu Of the life pension. Many officers lived more
than ten years after the close of the Revolution and
to all SUCH and to their children and grandchildren
win the money appropriated by this bill CO. they
lived beyond ten years. then their half pay for life
would have exceeded five years full pay and 1t Il
this excess which the bill proposes to pay No in
terest Is allowed. The bill having come from the
senate, is returned there with few triaing amend
ments made by the House. sud will at once be taken
up and passed.
The House has been considering to-day bill o.
tnsibly Ito expedite the issuance Of patents for
confirmed land claims in California but really to
rob and plumber portion Of the citizens Of Calfor.
mia, TO fill the pockets OF land sharks and political
gamblers. Out Of this bill 1t is expected 10 raise
large el,c,oneerng fund for the Presidential cam
paign. II will be interesting to watch the ayes and
nays on the main question. now predict general
approval Of the bill by the republican side Of the
House. Should Il pass the House, Its fate Is still
The speech OF Judge stewart, Of Maryland, on the
slayery question Is regarded by all parties here as
the ablesi exposition OF the whole subject ever de
lvered on the floor Of Congress. The Judge is a
forcible speaker and an original thinker, and his
speech will be widely circulated.
ABSTRACT or rIIL ron THE SETTLEMENT or REvo
LuTIoSARy CLAIMS.
Section officers Of the army Of the Revoution, who
we're etnled TO half pay TOR nfe under the resolu
TORS OF Congress Of the Sd and list OF October lIso
the i5h January i5sl sth q May 1Is and the sth Of
March. 1855 shall be entitled 70 receive The same al.
though such officer may have received IN lieu thereof
The M e a pay or ays s years, aSaef the re
Sections and regulate the modes Of calculation and
payment. -, -,s,---
Of deceased Revolutionary officers, whether OF the CONT
mental line volunteer corps the benefits OF the resou-
ton oi the cath o. August, 1850.
section extends 70 surgeons mates the benefits Of
resolution OF the 18th January, 1s (gyi,g same pay
as hospital physicians and surgeons)
Section i-rccts the Secretary nj War to pre7c. be
such rules OF evidence may be TO carry into
effect the provisions Of this act.
section Al payments made by authority OF tnis act
Ia be without interest.
section s. Proofs o. claim,
Section This act not 10 extend 70 any officer or his
representatives who have received half Tor life unfer
any special act OF Congress.
Section 10 Persons claiming under this act 10 accept ts
benefits az fu satisfaction all claims arising under any
OF the resolutions of Congress above reeited.
section H. Persons entitlei TO claim.
section H. This act TO continue 10 force for ten years
and longer All claims presented alter that to be COZ
sldered invalid
section - The decision Of the accounting officer Of the
Treasury 70 BE Conclusive