The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1861-12-04

pense with circuit courts altogether, leay-
irg the judicial function entirely to the
District Courts and an independent SUI
preme Court.
One nf the nnfuvorablc consequences OF
the prcsen insurrection is the entire sup
preston in many places OF all ordinary
means Of administering civil justice by
the officers and in the forms Of existing
law This is the case In whole or in part
Ill nil the insurgent States, and as our
armies advance upon and take possession
Of these States, the practical evil becomes
more apparent. There are no courts or
officers to whom the citizens of other
States may apply for the enforcement of
their lawful claims against citizens Of the
insureent States and there is vast
amount of debt constituting such claims.
Some have estimated that there is as high
as $500, 600, 600 due in large part from
insnrgent rebellion to loyal citizens, who
are even now making great sacrifices in the
discharge Of their patriotic duty TO support
| the Government. Under the circumstan
ces, | have been earnestly solicited to es-
tablish, by military power, court to ad-
minister summary justice In such eases
/ | have thus far declined to do it, not be-
cause ! had any doubt that the mode pro-
posed for the collection Of debt was lust
and right, in itself, but because ! have been
unwilling to 20 beyond the pressure Of ne.
cessity in the unusual exercise of power.
But the powers Of Congress, ! suppose,
are equal to the anomalous OCCASION, and
therefore, refer the whole matter to
Congress. with the hope That plan may
| be devised for the administration OF jus.
tice in all such parts OF the insurgent
States and Territories as may be under the
control Of this Government. whether by
voluntary return to allegiance and order
or BY the power Of our arms. It's, how
ever, not to be permanent institution
but temporary substitute, and 10 cease
as soon as the ordinary courts can be es-
tablished in peace.
CLAIMS AGAINST THE cox ERNENT
1t is important that some more con-
yenient measures should be provided, if
possible. for the adjustment of claims
of their increased number by reason Of
the war 1t is as much the duty of tie
Government TO render prompt justice
against / self in favcr of citizens, AZ ii in
to administer the same between private
individuals The investigation and ad :
Indication Of all claims in their ma
ture belong to the judicial depart
ment. Besides, it i apparent that the
attention of Congress will be more
than usually engaged for some time
10 come with the great national question
Ii vas intended by the organization of
the court OF claims mainly 10 remove thus
branch of business from the halls If Con-
gress But while the court has proved
to be an efficient. and valuable means OF
i investigation. II IN general degree fails
to effect the object of ts creation for want
Of power TO make it, judgments final =
Fully aware of the delicacy, not to say the
danger of the subject, | commend ii to
your careful consideration whether this
power If making judgments hual may not
be properly given to the court, reserving
the right Of appeal, with such other pro-
visions as experience may have shown to
be necessary.
THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.,
ask attention to the report of the T.
NJ General, the following being SUM-
mary statement of the condition of the
Department
The revenue from all sources during
the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1861,
including the annual permanentappropri
alton of ST00 600 for the transportation
Of free mail matter. was 50 ,Oi9, 296. 40
being about Q per cent. less than tie rev
enue Of 1860. The expenditures were
Sl3, 606, 709.l1, showing decrease OF
more than per cent. as compared with
those of the previous year, and leaving an
excess of expenditures over ire revenue
FOR the last fiscal year Of over 1857 .4O2 IL
The gross revenue for the year ending
June 80, 1868 is estimated at an increase
of 4 per cent. on that Of 1861, making
IS .6s3, 900 which should be added 1,
the earnings of the Department for car
rying free matter, viz: s. 200, 900, making
$685. 900 The total expenditures fol
1868 are estimated at ST., 52s. 900, leav
ing an estimated deficiency OF $685., UDt
to be supplied from the Treasury, in add
ton to the permaaent appropriation.
THE DISTRICT OF colt MIRA
The present instruction shows.
think, that the extension of this Dstrc
across the Potomac river, at the time o
establishing the Capital here, was emf
nently wise, and consequently that the re
linquishment of that portion of il which
lies in the State of Virginia was unws,
and dangerous, ! submit for your consid
GRAFTON the expediency of retaining tha
part Of the District and the restoration O
the oaginai boundarias thereof through
negotiation with the State.
TIE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT.
Tha rnnart nf the Sncrnto Dry of thu | N Va