The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1861-12-05

and therefore refer the whole matter
to Congress with the hope that plan
may be devised for the administration
of Justice in all parts of the insurgent
States and Territories as may be under
the control of this Government,
whether by voluntary return to allie
glance and order, or by the power of
our arms; this, however, not to be a
permanent institution, but temporary
substitute, and to cease as soon as the
ordinary courts can be 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
reason Of the war. 1t is as much the
duty of the Government to render
prompt justice against itself in favor
of citizens, as it is to administer the
same between private individuals
The investigation and adjudication of
all claims in their nature belong to the
Judicial Department besides, it is ap-
parent that the attention of Congress
will be more than usually engaged for
some time to come with great national
questions. 1t was intended by the or
ganizatione of the Court of Claims
mainly to remove this branch of bust
ness from the halls of Congress. But
while the Court has proved to be an
effective and variable means of inves-
tigation, it, in great degree, fails to
effect the object of its creation for
want of power to make its judgments
final. Fully aware of the delicacy, not
to say the danger, of the subject, /
commend to your careful consideration
whether this power of making judg-
ments final may not be properly given
to the Courts, reserving the right of
appeal on questions of law to the Su-
preme Court, with such other provis-
ions as experience may have shown to
be necessary.
| ask attention to the report of the
Post Master-General, the following be-
ing a summary statement of the condi-
ton of the Department: The revenue
from all sources during the fiscal year
ending the 3Oth of June, 1861, includ-
ing the annual permanent appropria-
ton of 81, 900, 900 for the transportation
of free mail matter, was S9,049, 900. 40,
being about two per cent. less than the
revenue of 1860. The expenditures
were $4,000, 6O9.l1, showing de-
crease of more than eight per cent, as
compared with those Of the previous
year, and leaving an excess of expen-
ditures over the revenue for the last
fiscal year, of over 4,557 ,5O1.6l. The
gross revenue for the year ending June
80, 1862, is estimated at an increase of
four per cent, on that of 1861, making
So, 900, to which should be added
the earnings of the Department for
carrying free matter, viz, 100000
making 80, 900. The total expen-
ditures for 1852 are estimated at s12.-
$4,000 leaving and estimated defcien-
cy Of $2,345, 900 to be supplied from
the Treasury i'll addition to the present
appropriation.
The present instruction shows, /
think, that the extention of this Dis
trict across the Potomac river at the
time of establishing the capitol here,
was eniinently wise, and consequently,
that the relinquishment OF that portion
of it which lies in the State of Virgin
ia, was unwise and dangerous. / sub
NIT for your consideration the expedi
ency Of retaining that part of the Dis
trict, and the restoration of the origin
al boundaries thereof, through negotia-
tons with the State of Virginia.
The report of the Secretary of the
Interior, with the accompanying docu-
ments, exhibit the condition of the
several branches Of the public business
pertaining to that Department. The
depressing influence of the insurrec-
ton have been especially felt in the
operations of the Patent and General
Land Offices. The cash receipts from
the sales of public lands during the
last year have exceeded the expences
of our land system only about $4,000
The sales have entirely suspended in
the Southern States, while the Interrupt
tons to the business of the country
and the diversion Of large numbers Of
men from labor to military service, has
Observation-Disclosures in the new States
and Territories of the Northwest. The
receipts of the Patent Office have de-
clined in nine months about 100000,
rendering large reduction of the force
employed necessary to make it sclf-sus-
tanning. The demands upon the Pen
sion Office will be largely increased by
the Instruction. The numerous appli
cations for pensions based upon the
casualties of the existing war have al
ready been made. There is reason to
believe that many who are now upon
the pension roll and in receipt of the
bounty of the Government, are in the
ranks of the insurgent army, or giving
them aid and comfort. The Secretary
of the Interior has directed the suspen-
sion Of the payment of the pensions of
such persons upon proof of their disloy-
atty. / recommend that Congress au-
thorize that officer to cause the names
of such persons to be stricken from the
pensionrols.
The relations of the Government
with the Indian tribes have been lately
disturbed by the Instruction, especial
ly in the Northern Superintendency,
and in that of New Mexico. The In