Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1861-12-12

Oeen ufgentiy soiiciteo 10 est4blnh, BY
military power, courts to administer sum.
mary justice in such eases. hsve thus
far declined to do it, net because l had any
doubt that the end proposed, the collection
Of debt was just and right in iteelf, bat
because have been unwilling to 60 beyond
the pressure Of necessity in the usual ex-
ercise Of power. but the powers Of Con
gress, l suppose, are equal to the anoma-
lous occasion; and therefore, l refer the
whole matter to Congress, with the hope
that plan may be devised for the admin
istration Of justice 10 all such parts Of the
insurgent States aud territories as may Be
under control of the Government, whether
by voluntary return to allegience and Or
der or by the power Of our arms. This,
however. IS not to be permanent institu-
tion, but q temporary substitute, and TO
cease as soon as the ordinary courts can be
re-established in peace.
CLAIMS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.
1t is important that some more convent
ent 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
Il il rs 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 the
claims in their nature belong to the Judi.
cial department; besides it is apparent
that the attention of Congress will be more
than usually engaged for some time 10
come with great national questions. II
was intended by the organization Of the
Court of Claims mainly 10 remove this
branch of business from the balls Of Con-
press; but while the Court has proved to
be as effective and valuable means OF inves-
tigation, it in a great degree fails to effect
the object of its creation for want of power
to make its judgement final. Fully aware
of the delicacy, not to say the danger, of
the subject, l commend 10 your careful con-
sideration whether this power of making
judgement final may not be properly given
to the Court reserving the right of appeal
on questions of law to the Supreme Court,
with such other provisions as experience
may have shown to be necessary. aH-
posrNAsrKR GENERALS REPORT. ss .s
I ask attention to the report of the Postmas-
TOR General; the following being q summary
statement of the condition or the Department.
The revenue from all sources during the fiscal
nual permanent appropriatien of 100000 for
the transportation Of free mail matter. was 3d.
O49. .296, 49, being about per cent. less than the
revenue of 1860.
The expenditures were $500, ,709 dollars and
IL cents, showing a decrease Of more than B
per cent. as compared with those Of the previous
year, aud leaving an excess of expenditures
over the revenue for the last fiscal year of over
557 ,462 dollars and II cents. The gross reve-
nue for the year ending June Both. 1863, is es-
timated at an increase Of A per cent. on that Of
1861, making 1858 900 dollars to which should
be added the enrnings of the Department for
carving free matter, viz: 100000 dollars, maxi
ing 9,382 900 dollars. The total expend itures
for 1863 are estimated at l2,525 900 dollars,
leaving an estimated deficiency Of 1884. 900 dol
lars to be supplred from the Treasury in addi-
ton to the permanent appropriation.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The present insurrection shows, / think, that
the extension Of this District across the Poto-
mac River at the time of establishing the Capt.
tai here was eminently wise, and consequently
that the REIMBURSEMENT of that portion Of it
which lies in the State of Virginia was unwise
and dangerous.
l submit for your consideration the expedien-
cy of reeaining that part of the District. and
the restoration of the original boundaries there
Of, thro negotiations with the State of Virginia.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior
with the accompanying documents, exhibit the
condition of the several branches Of the public
business pertaining to that Department. The
depressing influences of the insurrection have
been especially felt in the operations of the
Patent and General Land Office. The cash re-
ceipts from the sales of public lands during the
last year, have exceeded the expenses OF our
land system, only about 200. 1000 dollars.
The sales have been entirely suspended in
the Southern States, while the interruptions to
the business of the country, and the diversion
of large numbers of men from labor to military
service, have obstructed settlements in the new
States and Territories of the Northwest.
PATENT OFFICE. --
The receipts of the Patent Office have de-
clined in nine months about 800 600, render
ing large reduction of the force employed me-
cessary to make it self-sustaining-
PENSION oFFIoE.
The demands upon the Pension Office Will be
largely increased by the insurrection. Numer-
GUS applications for ne nsions, based upon the
casualties of the existing war, have already
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 Civ.
ing them aid and comfort. The Secretary o
the interior has directed the suspension OF the
payment of the pensions of such persons upon