The Hillsborough Recorder

THE GALPHIN CLAIM.

On the 21st of August, 1848, the bill for the relief of Galphin was passed by Congress. Two days afterwards the Hon. Mr. Burt, then and now a member of Congress from South Carolina, wrote the following letter, the original of which, as we learn from the Augusta Chronicle, has been sent to Washington:-

Washington, 23d August, 1848.

Dear Sir: I have the pleasure to say that the bill in which you are interested has just been signed by the Speaker of the House, and will be approved by the President.

With great respect, your obedient servant,

ARMISTEAD BURT.

Dr. M. Galphin.

President Polk signed the bill to pay the Galphin claim, on the 23d August, 1848. The principal of the Claim was accordingly paid by that administration. Since Gen. Taylor came into office the interest has been likewise paid, under a decision of the Attorney General founded on that letter of August 1848. Thereupon the Locofocos raised a great outcry, appointed a Committee of Investigation, with this same Mr. Armistead Burt as Chairman. Well, what did he do? After many days he brought in a Report and Resolutions, and among these just was the following:--

"That the claim of the Representatives of George Galphin was not a just demand against the United States."

Now, can anybody imagine what had occurred between August 1848 and May 1850, to change the Galphin Claim, which had existed since 1776? To be sure, the thing is plain enough? When the bill passed in 1848, Polk was President, and approved it: When the interest was paid in 1850, Taylor was President, and did not forbid it. So much for that reason enough? That which in Mr. Burt's eyes, was all right under Polk, is all wrong under Taylor. Miserable effect of party spirit! Contemptible sort to make party capital!

Let no one suppose that we mean to defend the payment to Galphin's representatives. No such thing. Taking it for granted that the claim was a just one, Mr. Secretary Crawford ought never to have allowed it to be paid whilst he was in the Cabinet. This forbearance he owed not less to the Whig party than to his own reputation.

Fay. Obe.