and bring actions thereon within six years from the time the cause of
action accrues; and the other, that bar of estoppel which arises by
reason of a former adverse judgment, rendered in a court of competent
jurisdiction. This is not a general modification of the law in these
respects, but a special application of it to these particular claimants.

If the principle on which the statute of limitations is founded is
wise and beneficent, then the effect of it ought not to be impaired by
special legislative exemptions in favor of particular persons or cases
except upon very clear and just grounds, where no lack of diligence in
the prosecution of the claim is apparent. I cannot find in the papers
submitted to me any sufficient grounds to justify a special exception
from the ordinary rule in favor of these claimants. As to the claim for
$140,000, no reason is stated why it was not included in the original
suit nor why action upon it was not brought against the Government
within the six years allowed by the statute for that purpose. To permit
such an action to be brought now is simply, without any reason of a
special nature, to grant a privilege to these claimants which is denied
to all other citizens of the United States, in accordance with the
provisions of the general statute of limitations. The principle
underlying statutes of limitations and the reasons for the maintenance
of such a rule of litigation are much more cogent when applied to claims
against the Government than when applied to claims against individuals.

These claims do not differ in their character from ordinary business
transactions such as transpire every day between private persons or
business corporations. The Government can only defend itself against
claims of this nature through its public officers and with the use of
such public records as the Departments may furnish. Great difficulties
are experienced by it in contesting fraudulent and unjust claims, and it