The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1861-12-14

One of the unfavorable consequences of
the present instruction is the entire sup
presssion In many places of all ordinary
means of administering civil justice by the
officers and in forms of existing law. This
is the case, in whole or in part, in all the
iusurgent States; and as our armies advance
upon and take possession of parts of these
States, the practice evil becomes more APP
parent. There are no courts or officers to
whom the citizens of other States may apply
| for the enforcement of sheir lawful claims
against the citizens of the insurgent States,
and there is vast amount of debt cousti-
tuting such claims-some have estimated as
| high as $500, OOO,0 900 due in large part
! from citizens even now making great sacri-
| fees in the discharge of their patriotic duty
to support the Government. Under these
circumstances have been urgently solicit
ted to establish by military power coruts to
administer justice in such cases. have
thus far declined to do it, not because had
any doubt the end proposed (the collection
of debt) was just and right in itself, but be-
cause have been unwilling to go beyond
the pressure of necessityin the casual exercise
of power, but the powers of Congress, it is
supposed are equal to the anomalous occa-
sion and therefore refer the whole matter to
| Congress. It is supposed the whole matter
will be left to Congress with the hope that a
plan may be devised for the administration
of Justice in all such parts of the insurgent
States and Territories as may be under con-
troll of this Government whether by volun-
tary return to allegiance and order by the
power of arms. It ia, however, not to be
a permanent institution, but a temporary
substitute and 10 cease as soon as the ordi-
nary Courts can be reestablished in peace.
| II IS important that some more convenient
means should be provided if possible, for the
adjustment of claims against the Gov
ernment, especially in view of their in
creaed number by reason of the war. Il is
as much the duty of the Government to rem
der prompt justice againrt itself in favor oil
citizens As il is to administer the same be
tween private individuals.
The investigation and adjudication of ali
claims in their nature belonging to the ju-
dcial Department, besides it is apparent tina,
the attention of Congress will be more than
usually engaged for some time to come with
great national questions. 1t was intended
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 efficient and Valu-
able means of investigation, it, in a general
degree. fails to effect the object its creation.
of want of power to make its judgement final
Fully aware of tie delicacy, not to say the
danger of the subject, | commend to your
careful consideration whether this power Of
making judgements final may not be prop
erly given to the Court. reserving the right
of appeal on questions of law to theS upreme
Court with such other provisions as expert
ence may have shown to be necessary.
i I ask attention to the report of the Post
master General. The following is sum
mary statement of the condition of the De-
partment: The revenue from all sources
during the fiscal year ending the 3Oth Of
June, 1861, including the annual perma-
nent appropriation of 100000 for the
transportation of free mail matter, was
So, O49, 296 4O-beipg about per cent
less than the revenue of 1860; the expen-
ditures were $l36O6. 100, showing a de.
crease of more than per cent, as compar.
ed with those of the previous year, and
leaving an excess of expenditures of the
revenue for the last fiscal year, of over
dollars. The gross revenue for the year
ending June 30th, 1861, is estimated at an
increase of 8 per cent. on that of 1860
leaving SO, 683 900 which should be added
to the earnings of the department for car
rying free matter. viz: $780, 900, making
SO. 382 900. The total expenditures foI
1869 are estimated at sig. 528, 900 to be
supplied from the Treasury in addition tc
the permanent appropriation.
The present resurrection shows, think
that the extension of this District across
the Potomac river at the time of establish
ing the Capital here. was eminentlY wise
and consequently that the REIMBURSEMENT
of the portion which lies in the State o.
Virginia was urwise and dangerous.
submit for your consideration The expedi
encv of the original boundaries thereo
through negotiations with the State of Vir
ginia.
The report of the Secretary of the Int
rior, with the accompanying documents
exhibits the condition of the several branch
es of the public business pertaining to tha
Department.
The depressing influences of the insrr
rection have been especially felt in the op
erations Of the Patent and General Lane
f Offices. The cash receipts from the sales
of Public Lands during the last quarter
have exceeded the expenses of our land sys
t tenn about $500, 900. The sales have beer
entirely suspended in the Southern States
| while the interruption to the business of the
country and the drawing of large numbers
/ from labor to military service has obstruct
ed settlements in the new States and Terri
! tories OF the Northwest. The receipts o
| the Patent Office have declined, in min.
months. about 500, 900 including large
/ reduction of the force employed necessary
to make it self-sustaining.
t The demands upon the Pension Offict
=, iii he laruaIx ;noraasad br The nsurraof