Mr. BENJAMIR. Mr. Speaker, when this bill was up the other day, when we were last in the ComWhole House on the Private Calendar, I opposed its being considered at that time; and I am today opposed to the passage of this bill. It seems here are certain contractors of the State of Indiana who make a claim against this Government for horses and coaches lost in carrying the mails of the U.S. in the State of Missouri. I have no doubt of the truth of the facts set forth in the report. It may also be that in equity these parties are entitled to relief from the Government; but the objection I make is, that we should not make this an exceptional case when every mail contractor in Missouri since 1861 has a similar claim that the Government seized and took possession of this property. There are 1000s of individuals who are in the same condition, and yet they are not paid because of the rule which was adopted by this House on the report of the ComClaims. I know of no difference between a mail carrier and any other person. The Government seized the property of men who were loyal, of men who were fighting the battles of the country. Their property in horses and other things was captured by the enemy, yet, sir, not a dollar can they get. This case has no greater merit than those of the railroads which the Government seized and compelled to transport troops and munitions of war. 1000s and of property were seized belonging to these. They can get nothing from the Government. As I have said, every mail carrier in the border States suffered irreparable losses, in deed were made bankrupt, by the action of our Government. I therefore oppose this being made an exceptional case. If we are going to enter into these claims there should be some general law passed. Some commission should be appointed to investigate them and to report to this Congress. While we are legislating for one we should legislate for all. If we set a o by the passage of this bill, we all now there are 1000s of like cases which will come to the ComClaims. I am opposed to the passage of one until we can pass all. I know nothing in this case which will take it out of the rule we have adopted in other cases. Then we may object to this on account of the amount appropriated. This is an exparte hearing only of the claimants. The amount might E. reduced on investigation.