Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-12-13

been unwilling to go beyond the pressure
of necessity in the unusual exercise of
power. But the powers of Congress,
suppose, are equal to the anomalous occa-
sion, and therefore / refer the whole
matter to Congress, with the hope that a
plan may be devised for the administra-
ton of justice in all such parts of the in
surgent states and territories as may be
under the control Of the government,
whetaer by voluntary return to allegi.
ance and order, or by the power of our
arms. This, however, is not to be per-
manent institution, but a temporary sub
stitute, and to cease as soon as the Courts
can be re-established in peace.
1t is important that some more con-
venient means should be provided, if
possible, for the adjustment of claims
against the government, especially in
view of their increased number, by rea-
son of the war. 1t is as much the duty
of the government to render prompt JUS
tice against itself in favor of its citizens,
as it is to administer the same between
private individuals. The investigation
and adjudication of claims in their nature
belong to the judicial department. Be-
sides it is apparent that the attention Of
Congress will be more than usually en-
gagged for some time to como with the
great national questions. 1t was intend
ed by the organization of the Court of
Claims mainly to remove this branch of
business from the halls of Congress, but
while the court has proved to be an efec
tive and valuable means of investigation,
it in great degree fails to effect the OBJ
ject of its creation, for want of power to
make its judgments final. Fully aware
of the delicacy, not to say danger of the
subject, | commend to your careful con
sideration whether this power of making
judgment final may not properly be given
to the court, reserving the right of appeal
in questions of law to the Supreme Court,
with such other provisions as experience
may have shown to be necessary.
THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
| ask attention to the report of the
Postmaster General the following being
a summary statement of the condition of
the department. The revenue from all
sources during the fiscal year ending
June 30th, 1861, including the annual
permanent appropriation of 100000 for
the transportation of free mail matter,
was $9,049,2 1896 40, being about two per
cent. less than the revenue for 1S60.-
The expenditures were thirteen millions
six hundred and six thousand seven hun
lred and fifty-nine dollars and eleven
decrease of more than
eight per cent. as compared with those of
he previous year, and leaving an excess
IF expenditures over the revenue for the
asst fiscal year of over five hundred and
ifty-seven thousand four hundred and
,ixty-two dollars and seventy-one cents.
The gross revenue for the year ending
June so, 1868, is estimated at an in !
,rease of four per cent. on that of 1861,
making eight millions, six hundred and
,ighty-three thousand dollars, to which
hould be added the earnings of the de- !
,artment in carrying free matter, viz.
even hundred thousand dollars, making
line millions three hundred and eighty
hree thousand dollars. The total expen-
litures for 1868 are estimated at twelve
Millions five hundred and twenty-eight
housand dollars, leaving deficiency of
hree millions one hundred and forty five
housand dollars to be supplied from the
reasury in addition to the permanent
appropriation.
HE BOUNDARIES OF THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA. /
The present insurrection shows, l think l
hat the extension OF the district across [
be Potomac River at the time of estab- t
shing the capitol here, was eminently U
5ise, and consequently that the relin- t
uishment of that portion of it which lies S
,ithin the State of Virginia, was unwise g
nd dangerous. / submit for your con- Q
liberation the expediency of reclaiming
nat part of the district, and the restora- p
on of the original boundaries thereof 0
trough negotiations with the State of c
'irginia. e
PERATIoNs OF THE INTERIOR DEPART o
MENT. q
The report Of the Secretary of the
Interior, with the accompanying docu-
ents, exhibit the condition OF the sew a
al branches of the public business per- h
lining to that department. The depress- IL
O influence of the insurreetion has been d.