Mr. WHALEY. Mr. Speaker, it cannot be expected that in ten minutes I shall be able fully to discuss this most important question, and one in which of course my constituents feel a profound interest. I indorse to the fullest extent the able and eloquent arguments made by the Gentfrom Minnesota, [Mr. WINDom] and by the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. STEvess] They have spoken with authority as to the law and the obligations of the Government under the common law and the law of nations, and I do not think what they have said can be successfully controverted. But we have the resolution of the ComClaims constantly thrust forward as an impassable barrier to the just claims of loyal citizens for their property taken by the U.S. The it.cannot forget how that resolution was brought forward and passed. The Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. DELANo] reported it and then forced it through under the gag of the previous question. It was never debated, never considered, and cannot fairly be taken as the judgment of this House. It has been well designated by the Gentfrom Pennsylvania as an iniquitous measure. For why, sir, should all manner of claims growing out of the war be taken up and acted upon arising in the northern States, while consideration of any sort is absolutely denied to the just demands of the loyal people of my own section, who have so generally and severely suffered from disasters during the late war? Can this great Government sustain itself before the world in refusing to pay for property taken or destroyed by it from its loyal citizens who were at the time eriling their lives in its defense? Give us a air hearing; that is all we ask, and do not reject all claims, because of some resolution heretofore passed on the spur of the moment. The claim of this poor old man, Armes, has been twice passed upon favorably by Congress, and now the Gentfrom Ohio [Mr. deLANo opposes it, though it is supported by some of the best talent on this floor. Let me say to the gentleman, who will leave this Hall with me in about 35 days, [laughter] that I do not think he has been altogether kind. I have not the slightest reason personally or politically to disagree with him; but he has cut off all these cases since he has been made chairman of the committee. He has talked about law, but the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. STEVENs] has met him ably on that. It is nothing but a resolution; it is not law. Let a claim come from Tennessee or anywhere south of Mason and Dixon's line, and it has no show here. I know what it costs those people to be loyal. When their claims are sent here they are reported against, and the otherday it took 2 o: sos table his these cases. [Laughter]