, 1859-03-25
About The War Debt.

In giving o synopsis Of the Congresson-
al news brought by the steamer Columbia,
two weeks ago, we stated that we had re-
ceived no priratc advices from Washington
City, concerning the probable fate of our
war claims. Tie Oregon press, however,
seem to have been more fortunate and
upon the subject referred, we will make
few extracts ,hererrom, simply as sors Of
record of the activity and energy with
which the delegate for this territory in
Congress, aud the delegation from the new
state OF Oregon, have been urging the mat
ter upon the attention OF the committee
having the subject under consideration.
Hon. L. +. GROVER, under date of Feb
Sd, writes to the editor of the Statesman
as follows
" We have had a tough time with the committee on
Military Affairs to get our war bill through. 1t is
very uncertain what kind Of a report we can get from
them. ! do not think they intend we shall have any
appropriation this session. r..
Hon. DELAzoN SMITH, writing to the same
editor, under date Of Feb. I'd, says: p
F" Gov. Stevens, Gen. Lane, Mr.. Grover and myself
were before the committee on Military Affairs until
late hour last night. Each Of US addressed the
committee In speeches OF considerable length upon
the war claims. The committee did not very clearly
indicate the character provisions OF the I'LL they
would report. But it Is evident that they will cut
down, to some extent, the amount awarded BY the
commissioners Both Gov. Stevens and the 0Iegon
delegation proposed to the committee 70 take the
| an nnfH kyl he 4
the same eOGutry daring the period fr susist-
ancei horses, &c, &c, adding the ieTesf from the
date Of purchase. fhis would bring II up to nearly
or quite the amount reported to be due BY tile com
missloners and would at any rate, be an amount of
money greater than we would otherwise be likely 70
get. IL Is certain that shall have report OF our
war claims before the adjournment Of COngrb5s, and
probably, final action. 1 AN exceeding anxious 10
get my seat In the Senate before the bill cues to that
body do not think the committee viii disturb the
amount already allowed the soldiers for their own and
the services Of their horses. | perceive with much
satisfaction disposition on the part OF the committee
to make prompt provision for the payment Of the
men engaged in the service. | have now great en-
couagement to believe that provision will lie made
before ihe adjournment Of Congress, TO pay our peo
pie their Just due II are to suffer any deduction
from the original amounts allowed ard for which
vouchers were issued II is better fur thelamnnts to
suffer that deduction than to he kept out Of their
pay Tor an indefinite period, and contne tc suffer a
the inconveniences OF uncertainty apd delay. OF
course We shall protest earnestly against any very
material deduction from the amour. already allowed
by the commissioners. -s- s'
Since writing the foregoing have conferred with
both Cen Lane and Mr. Grover and they express the
confident opinion that the committee wi aot recon-
mend any very natural reduction from the amount re-
ported to be due by tho commission aud recommend
cd 70 be paid by the Secretary OF War. They are
also sangune that Congress will appropriate the mon
ley for the payment Of debt this session. God
grant that this may be SO. | that nothing
that we can d 70 secure 30 desirable result will be
left undoue.'
Mr.. E. c. HIBBEY, late editor of the
Oregon Times, in writing to that paper,
under date. of Feb 3D. says:
Now as to the War Debt. The bin providing for
the payment Of the debt is of course before the com
mlttee and undergoing investigation. The report OF
the commission is ist now in the griSt. Lane Smith
Grover and Stevens have, on numerous occasions,
gone before the committee explaining and urging the
matter upon the favorable consideration of the com.
mttee. Atkinson, the third auditor has addressed a
letter to the committee, which is curiosity in ils
way. The scale OF prices on the Pacific side has well
nigh crowded the poor fellow into spasms ard with
FOOLS ambition tO outvie the fame Of Whttlesey as
the watchdog Of the treasury he has gone through
the report Of the commissioners and selected items Of
account which sound Of startling prices on this side
and these things the poor devil parades as evidence
OF fraud. II so happens that the regular service at
and about the same time paid similar prices and this
little fact will perhaps take some Of the wind out Of
Alr. Atkinson sails The contrast in prices. how
ever between the Pacific side and that Of the Atlantic
will and must have its effect here in opposition to the
BILL ard this il rendered the greater now that there is
no money in the treasury. and little disposition up
on the part Of Congress to borrow. The amount in
controversy is large and until we obtain tangible
oothod in the Senate but little speed will be made tn
the progress OF the measure. Tie most we can hope
for now at This late period Of the session is that the
committee will either report favoably or not at all
Faulkner the Chairman, was at one time in favor of
reporting promptly in favor Of the bin and 50 said to
Ten. Lane and Gov. Stevens, but since then he &C.
quircd new kink,' and in his district Stuhlpsi the
question as measure Of extravaganza which if elect
ed he would save to the government This Is one Of
many specimens OF the uncertainty Of Congressional
egslaon. ln the Senate, at the last session, Hon.
Je1 Davis stated to Lane and Stevens that bis com.
uittes would tack tbe bll to the appropriation bill