Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1861-12-12

3 .
in open rebellion to loyal citizens, who
are even now making great sacrifices in
the discharge Of their patriotic duty to
support the government. Under the
circumstances have been urgently So
licited to establish, by military power,
courts to administer summary justice in
such cases. have thus far declined to
do it, not because ] had any doubt that
the end proposed, the collection Of debt
was just and right in itself but because
have been unwilling to go beyond the
pressure Of necessity in .he usual exer-
else OF power But the powers Of Con-
gress, | suppose, and therefore, j refer
the whole matter to Congress, with the
hope that plan pay be devised for the
administration of justice in all such parts
OF the insurgent States and territories as
may be under control of this Govern
ment. Whether by voluntary return to
allegiance and order or by the power of
onr arms. This, however, is not to be
a permanent institution, but a tempo
rary substitute, and to cease as soon as
the ordinary courts can be re-established
in peace.
CLAIMS AGAINST TIE GOVERNMENT.
1t is important that some more con-
venient means should be provided if pos
sible for the adjustment otclaims 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 a
ganst itself in favor Of citizens as it is
to administer the same between private
individuals. The investigation and ad-
iustation Of all the claims in their nature
belong to the Judicial department; be-
sides it is apparant that the attention
OF Congress will be more than usually
engaged forsome 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 effective and
valuble means of investigation, it in a
great degree fails to effect the object of
its creation for want of power to make
its judgment final. Fully aware Of the
delicacy, not to say the danger, of the
subject, commend toyour careful. con-
sideration whether this power of making
judgments final may not be properly
given to the Court, reserving the right
of appeal on question of law to the Su-
preme Court, with such other provisions
as experience may have shown to be nee
essary.
THE POSTAL DEPARTMENT..
| ask attention to the report of the
Postmaster General, the following being
summary statement ofthe condition OF
the Department The revenue from all
sonrces during the fiscal year ending 80
June, 1861, including the annual perma.
nent appropriation of 100000 for the
transportation of free mail matter was
So, ,040, 296 40, being about two per cent
less than the revenue of 1860. The eX-
penditures were $13,6O6, 70911, show
! ing decrease of more than per cent.
as compared with those Of the previous
year, and leaving an excess of eXpendi-
lures over the rcvnue for the last fiscal
year over S557 ,462 II. The gross rev.
enue for the year ending June 30th, 1868,
is estimated at an increase Of four pei
cent. on that of 1861, making 50,
900. The total expenditures for 1863
are estimated deficiency at SO, 52S, 600,
leaving an estimated deficiency of S3,'
334, 900 to be supplied from the Treas
ury, in addition to the, permanent ap-
propriation.
THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
The present insurrecticn shows, ]
think, that the cXtention of this district
across the Potomac river at the time OF
establishing the capitol here, was emf,
nently wise, aud consequently, that the
REIMBURSEMENT of that portion OF it which
| lies in the State Of Virginia, was unwise
an il dangerous. submit for your con-
sideration expediency of regaining that
part Of the district and the restoration
of the original boundaries thereof
through negotiation with the State o
Virginia.
THE INTERIOR.
The report OF the Secretary Of the In
terror, with the accompanying docu
ments, exhibit the condition of the sew
eral branches of the public business
pertaining to that Department. The
depressing influence of the insurrection
have been especially felt in the operation
of the Patent and General Land Office
The cash receipts from the sales of pub
lie lands during the past year have eX
ceedad the expenses of our land system
only about two thousand dollars. Th
sales have been entirely suspended il
the Southern States, while the interrup
tions to the business of the country, an,
the diversion of large numbers OF mel
from labor to military service have oh
structed settlements in the new State
and Territories of the Northwest.
The receiptsof the Patent Office hav
declined in nine months, about lOO, co.
dollars, rendering a large reduction o
the force employed necessary to max
it self sustaining. The domand upon tn
Pension Office will be largely increase
by the insumection Numerous applica
tions for pensions based upon the caus
alities of the existing war, have all read
been made. There is reason to believe
that many who are upon the Pension
Roll and in receipt of the bounty Of th'
: Government are in the ranks of the in
, surgent army or giving them aid am
comfort. The Secretary of the lnterio
has directed the suspension of the pay
ment of the pension of such persons, up
on proof of their disloyalty. recon-
mend that Congress authorize that office