Knoxville weekly chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1875, 1870-05-11
SOUTHERN CLAIMS.

W q are Rlau t1ut SenatOf IGatt, IfOul tlle
Committee on Claims, has at last presented
to Congress, i'm definite way, the question
of the payment of claims for quartermas-
ter and commissary stores and military
supplies taken from the loyal people of the
| South during the war. The matter has
long been delayed without just reason.
Congress cannot afford to deal with this
question trammeled by the technical rules
which restrain and define the jurisdiction
Of courts, or by the harsh, rigorous princi-
pies of international law. 1t is legisla-
tive body, having authority TO make lars
controlling the whole question, and we
hope and trust the time has now come
when they can act upon it in the spirit be-
coming its magnitude and Importance.
The Government owes to the loyal peo-
pie of East Tennessee many thousand dol
lars. The debt, judged by every principle
of justice and honor, is binding upon the
Government, and cannot be repudiated
without violating every principle of public
faith. When the people of the South,
dashed into frenzy by the cunning appeals
and wicked misrepresentation of their po-
litical demagogues, made war upon the
Government, the people of East Tennessee
and of some other portions of the South
remained true IN their allegiance, and UNI
der circumstances of u peculiar and trying
nature stood faithfully by the flag. Their
heroic fortitude and sublime example has
no parallel in history, and provoked the
admiration and. gratitude of the nation.
While the war was fragrant, and their sac
rifices and example served to inspire and en-
courage the friends ofthe Government, their
praise was'sung by millions, and fitting
reward promised for all their losses. We
know such promises were made III good
faith and will some day be fulfilled, but
justice long withheldis is ofttimes as bad rs
justicerefused. The people of the North
have on too many occasions proved their
Appreciation of our sacrifices and given US
timely aid, to warrant us in even induig-
ing tie belief that they approve the vexa-
tious delays we have endured, or will suf-
fer any injustice to he inflicted in the end.
We believe that people who have mani
tested for the cause for which we suffered.
The sublime. devotion that has character
lied the people of the North, will see that
we are not finally neglected. There have
been many plausible and even reasonable
objections heretofore urged against the
immediate payment of Southern claims,
but the force of such objections is now
broken or entirely removed. The admins
tration of President Grant has done more
for the credit of the government, in the
great reduction Of it's debts, and the
prompt discharge of most of its obligations,
than its most sanguine friends anticipated.
The time has been fastened by such
means, when Congress can safely opei this
question of paying claims, and and we
believe in the speech we publish elsewhere
in this issue, we will find the beginning
of the end.
The claim for cotton used in the defence
of Fort Saunders, in November, 1863 re-
ferred to yesterday, now favorably report
ed upon by the Senate Committee on
claims, is justly due and ought to be paid.
We hope it will be speedily allowed and
satisfied. But if we believed the Senate
intended giving the claim a preference, or
settling it because it was thought to pre-
sent stronger appeal to the justice and
sympathy of the government than others
from East Tennessee, we should most GER
tainly regret it.
As we said before, we think this claim
just and equitable, but if test case was
wanted, upon Witch to determine the prin-
ciple in issue, we could have suggested
others much stronger. There are cases
within our knowledge, now pendpg at
Washington, presenting evidences of the
highest patriotism and most sacrificing de-
yotion to the Union cause We know of
families whOwere driven from their homes;
whose property and food were appropriated
for the use Of the army; who were left in
absolute restitution whose fathers and
sons made their brave hearts and strong
arms breastworks more impregnable and
precious than all the cotton of the Confede-
racy. We know of widows and orphans
left without protection and help during
these long years that have elapsed since
the war ended, who are waiting patiently
and hopefully for some recognition from
the government, of sympathy and appreci-
alton for their losses. Their faith in its
justice and promises has been sorely tried
but we believe and trust has not been mis-