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248 -er means of presenting and urging the decision of claims which are not without their effect, and may be considered within the sphere of the duties of the Legislature. The claim of Massachusetts on the United States for indemnity on account of expenses incurred in the employment of her Militia, and in which Maine has an interest, it is feared may become dormant, unless its merits and importance are kept constantly alive in the public Councils of these States, to which payment has been so long delayed. This claim is admitted to be just for a large amount, upon the principles of indemnity adopted on the settlement and allowance of similar claims, from other States. That policy which may have been disposed to punish a State for the errors of its agents must be amply satisfied by the renunciation of doctrines to which such policy may have been applied; and the lapse of time for which the innocent have been delayed of justice, might atone for the errors of those who were more inclined to defend their country in their own way, than utterly to neglect that duty. Whatever may have been the common sentiment in relation to such a course, if I mistake not, the voice of the nation has pronounced it patriotic. And it only remains for Congress to distribute justice with an equal hand. It cannot be too much to say, that the neglect or refusal, on the part of the General Government, to bring this claim to a decision, ought to be viewed as less magnanimous than a denial to allow it.

Pursuant to the Resolve of the 16th of February 1828, "relative to fines, forfeitures, and bills of costs", the person appointed to examine the books and accounts therein designated, made a report to the Governor and Council in October last, of the fines, forfeitures and bills of costs which remain unpaid for the use of the State. As the Resolve does not authorize the Governor and Council to take measures to collect the sums which became due, prior to the first day of July 1828, the Secretary of State was directed to furnish the Clerks of the Courts in the several Counties with a copy of that report, and to prepare a list of the sums remaining unpaid on the first day of January last, and copies of such explanations as he should receive in relation