The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-11-22
The Farragut Pr.ze Money.

Orleans and the permanent occupation OF
that city. as well as large portion of the
territory of Louisiana, by the armies of
the Union during the remainder of the
naval forces, numbering some forty ships
of varying size and armament, of thirty -four
some 16, 900 tons of coal, aggregating in value
$966, 100. These vessels and stores, under
the laws of the United States, became at
once prizes of war, and their capture enti-
tied those participating, in that event, to
prize money, as follows: Value of vessels
and stores, 1886, 120; bounty for destruction
of vessels, $268, 800; salvage due and
awarded, 46,000-total, $1,28o,720 The
Government, however, resisted the payment
of this claim, and the claimants were COM
was brought up in the courts of this District,
after the war, and was referred to board of
arbiters, consisting of Henry ". Paine, of
Boston; Thomas ]. Durant, of Washington,
and G. v Fox, Assistant Secretary of the
Navy, who reported as follows:
FiFst-That the capture was not conjoint OPP
GRAFTON of the army and navy of the United States.
Second--That forty vessels whose names are
given participated in the capture
Third.-That twenty mine vessels were captured,
end five vessels of war in process Of construction
and I6. 600 tons of coal.
Fourth-That the value of each of these vessels
separately of the coal and unfinished vessels, ag-
gate $685., I'D.
Fii,h.-That all this property was lawful prize of
and lawfully subjected to condemnation
such
sixth-Thst in the engagement which resulted
in the capture of these ships the entire force of
the enemy was superior to the force of the United
States ships engaged; we therefore allow the cap
tors the value of the vessels and 900 for salvage
due thereon, making total of 81 OBJ, l2o
On May 1, 1873 in accordance with the
report of the arbiters, the Supreme Court of
the District of Columbia issued decree
affirming the validity of the claim in
enough in the Treasury to the credit
of the appropriation to settle the claim,
it became necessary to apply to Congress for
the passage of bill providing for the pay
ment of the balance due OF the total
first installment $685. $50; on the second
installment, 1862 900, and for legal and
al
should have been forced to incur-S142, All,
making total of 81 Jos, 531, leaving the
balance due the claimants $172, 1e9.
Bills making appropriations to meet this
balance were introduced in the 45th, 10Th
and last Congress In the 45th Congress
| the bill was referred to special committee,
consisting of Senators Newton Booth, of
California, and w w Eaton, of Connecticut,
but, although this committee reported favor
ably, no action was taken. During the
same session the House committee also
reported favorably, but the House, like the
/ Senate, failed to take action. In the 47th
Congress, we believe, no report whatever
was made from the committees.
We take it for granted that new bill will
/ be introduced at the next Congress, and we
trust it viii be passed. There is no question
whatever as to the validity of the claim. The
value of the property captured by our naval
fozces at New Orleans has been accurately
ascertained the amount due those who
participated in that capture has been legally
certified and determined by decree Of the
Supreme Court of this District. Had there
been sufficient money in the Treasury at
the time that decree was issued, the Seere-
tary ofthe Treasury would undoubtedly have
been compelled to settle the claim in full.
1t was only because the appropriation had
been exhausted, and not because Of any
question as to the validity of the claim, that
it became necessary to take an appeal to
Congress. The question is, therefore, SIM
ply whether Congress will repudiate this
claim and thereby bring disgrace and dis
honor upon the Nation, as well as subject
the claimants to the endless suffering and
priyation which its failure to pay them the
money which is their due viii entail upon
them, or whether it viii respect the decree
Of the courts and the promises of the Gov
eminent to those who without the bounty
: inducements which were held ont to the
! soldier, engaged in the naval service of the
J Government, and appropriate at its next
! session the money which is required te
, satisfy this claim in full? In other words
, it is o question of population or the pay
} ment of an honest debt, and it will not be
through any fault OF The TRIBUNE if the
) Senators and Representatives of the 48th
) Congress fail to recognize the Importance Of
this issue. IF the Government cannot afford
to ignore the obligation which rests upon il
T | to pension such Of our ex-soldiers as are
. suffering from disabilities incurred in the
. war for its preservation, it certainly cannot