The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1886-03-04

We have been surprised to find that the nature
of the claim Of Florida on the General Govern
ment, ON account of the payments made by the
State in REFRESHING Indian hostities, is so little
understood.
In consequence of a sudden outbreak of the
Indians in the southern portion of Florida in
1856, II became necessary to call out volunteers
for immediate service, without waiting for the
United States Government Ito muster them in.
Several companies were called out and served
as long as the necessity existed, and were mus.
tered out and paid off by the State government.
The United States Government recognized the
claim, but it was not In such a shape that pay
ment could be made without an appropriation
by Congress. The money to pay these troops
and military expenses, amounting to about $275, :
600, was raised 10 part by loan from certain
bonds, aud $4,000 by a sale of State bonds to
the United States from the Indian Trust Fund.
This was the condition OF affairs when the
civil war occurred, and of course during the Pc
Rod of reconstruction the claim in allegiance,
and 30 remained until Governor Drew's admin
istratiOn.
A contract was made by Governor Drew with
Mr.. 8. L Wsiles, of Washington, to undertake
the collection of this claim. Mr.. Wales associ-
ated with him Colonel w. K. Beard, of Talla.
hassee. These gentlemen devoted themselves 10
procuring the proofs necessary to sustain the
claim, such as pay rolls and other vouchers
which were with difficulty found. A joint reso-
luton or bill was then introduced in the Senate
authorizing the Secretary of War to take up,
examine and report upon the claim. This reso-
luton or bill passed the Senate, and upon Mr..
Davidson's motion, was taken up and passed by
the House. The vouchers were then submitted
to the Secretary of War by the State agents,
and report was made admitting an indebted
ness to the State of the principal sum OF $221,-
848 and also stating that as to about 454 900
the proofs offered were not sufficient to sanction
their allowance under the practice of the &C.
counting officers ofthe war department, although
notimpeaching the justice Of the claim.
Upon this report the matter was again sub
mitted TO Congress and referred to the Senate
Military Committee. That committe reported
"That there appears, therefore, lawfully due to
the State of Florida, according to the State
Treasures account, the sum of $77O, 058.43, be-
ing the principal and interest OF the sums which
she borrowed and expended on behalf of the
United States"
The committee 60 on to say:
"In auditing the accounts of the State, how
ever, the Secretary of War has disallowed many
items under the rules and regulations governing
payments to United States regular forces and
yet, with all his disallowances, AFTER an exhaust
i've examination, he finds due 1924 ,64S."
Now, If we add the interest on this sum from
January /, 1857, to April /, 1883, to-wit, $412-
79066 we have gross SUM due the State of
46S7. 1896; and deductng the amount due In
dian Trust Fund, o net Indebtedness due the State
of Florida from the United States Of e3e0. 64s 95
and II the full amount claimed by the State 10
allowed, net sum Of e4422 6864. This is q
large yum Of money, and upon every principle of
right and justice should be paid. II ID this claim
Mr. Dcueherty has succeeded In obtaining q
unanimous report from the COMMITTEES Of Claims
In favor Of and which 10 now on the calendar
for action.
A. tho FIoRDrAH correctly says, II Il claim
due The State for moneys already paid out 70 its
voIunteef soldiery, who have been paid the
money and have signed the reoelpted pay rolls.
There are no poor soldiers, nor soldiers widows
o. children, inyolved ia this claim. Il IL .
claim 10 reimbune The 6,ats for services long
since paid g ths 6iats, and now due 10 her.
Thees csfsainly d. NOT ssem 70 b any din.
Gully 4 understanding the nature of thls claim.