The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1873-12-10

of more evil than good; that at this
time many considerations might bt
urged for its repeal. but, If this is moi
considered advisable, think 1t will
not be seriously questioned that those
portions of said act providing fol-
what is alleged involuntary bankrupt
cy operstes to Increase the titancial
embarrassment OF careful and prudent
men who very often become involved
| in debt in the transaction off their bus
mess. and though theys may possess
ample property II it conld be made
available for that purpose to meet all
their liabilities, yet on account OF the
extraordinary scarcity of money they
may be unable to meet nil their pecun-
larry obligations as they become due
in consequence of which they are liza
bleto be Frustrated III their business,
by proceedings in bankruptcy, at the
instance of unrelenting creditors.
People are now so easily alarmed rs
to monetary matters that the mere
filing of petition in bankruptcy by
all untriendly creditor will necessarily
embarrass, and, oftentimes, accom-
| plish the financial ruin of responsible
business men. Those who otherwise
might make lawful and just arrange
ments to relieve themselves from the
difficulties produced by a stringency
In money. are prevented by their con-
stant exposure to attack, and disap-
pointment by proceedings against
them in bankruptcy; and, besides,
the law is made use ofin many cases
by Obdurate creditors to frighten debt
ors into compliance with their wishes,
and into acts OF injustice to other cred
itors and themselves | recommend
that so much of said act as provides
for involuntary bankruptcy on account
of the suspension OF payment be re-
pealed. iT' ttl
CLAIMS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.
Your careful attention is invited 10
the subject of Claims against the Gov
ernment. and the facilities afforded by
existing laws tor their prosecution.
Each of the departments Of State,
Treasury and War, have demands for
many millions Of dollars upon their
files, and they are rapidly accumulat-
ing. 10 these may be added those
now pending before Congress, the
Court of Claims aud the Southern
Claims Commission, making in the
aggregate an immense SUN. Most OF
these grew out of the rebellion, and
are Intended TO indemnify persons, on
both sides. for their losses during the
war, and a few of them are fabricated
and supported by false testimony.
Projects are on foot, it is believed, to
induce Congress to provide for new
classes OF claims and to revive old ones,
through repeal or modification of the
statue of limitation, by which they are
now barred. Ipresume these schemes,
if proposed, viii be received with little
favor by Congress, and | recommend
that persons having claims against the
United States, cognizable by any tri-
bunal or department thereof, be re-
quired to present them at an early day,
and that legislation he directed as far
as practicable, to the defeat of un-
founded and unjust demands upon the
Government. And | would suggest,
as a means of preventing fraud, that
witnesses be called to appear in person
to testify before these tribunals having
said claims before them for a1judica-
tion. Probably the largest saving to
the National Treasury can be secured |
by timely legislation oa these subjects. |
OF the economic measures that will be
proposed. you will be advised Of the
operations ofthe Department of Justice
by the report OF the Attorney General,
and invite your attention to the |
amendments ofeXisting laws suggested
BY him, with view Of reducing ex-
penses in that department.
INTERIOR INDIAN AT
FAIRS.
The policy inauguatetl towards the
Indians at the beginning Of the last
administration has been steadily push
ed and, | believe, with beneficial re-
suits. 1t will be continued with only
such notifications as time and expert
ence may demonstrate as necessary
with the encroachmentI offoivilHation
upon the Indian reservations and hunt
ing grounds Disturbances have taken
place between the Indians and whites
during the past year, and probably
will continue to do iso uitia each race
appreciates that the other hss rights
which itltst be respected. The policy
has been ID collect the Indians as rap
Idly as possible on reservations. and,
rs far as pfa6ticable, within what is
known as Indian Territory, and to
teach them the arts of civilization }and
self-support. Where found off their
reservations, aid endangering the
peace and safety of whites they have
been punished and win c0Iitinue to be
for like ogenseg. The Indian Terri
tory, south of Kansas and west OF Ar
kansas, ssNfEicIait III area and agFis
Hultural resources To slippCrt yIll IN
lians eask Of the Rocky WOlintains.