Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-12-12
CONGRESS.
MIR. JOIINSoN'S SPEECH.


Introducing kis motion to inquire into tie
eapedisacy Of repeating tie Compensation
Lar.
Mr.. Johnson (of Ky. said, tliathc had OF
all political occasions, consulted his best
judgement, and he had always voted with
view 10 promote the interest, and sup
port the honor and rights Of those who
had, by their suffrages, given him place
upon tie floor of Congress. That he had
expressed the sentiments ofhis constitu-
ents, and his conduct had generally been
Appreciated and sanctioned by them ;
that this coincidence of political views,
ami confidence i'll his wishes for their hap
plnesS and prosperity, had left him AT IL
Derry To pursue his own course of CON
duct. That notwithstanding this state of
things he had always believed in the right
OF instruction: aud at any time during
his political course, lie should have con-
sdered himself both lionorcd and bound
by the will of his constituents the ma
ture OF the trust implied d duty on the
part oi lie representative, that he will
consult the happiness, and carry into eft
feet as far as he knows it, the will of those
who elect him.
That, notwithstanding the discomfort
that bad manifested itself i'll many parts
OF the listed States, and in his own dis
trlct he was left 10 take that which
honor IL duty dictated, q that so far as lac
could infer the will of his constituents, 1t
should have controlling influence upon
ms mud because the want OF written
instruction did not weaken the binding
efficacy of the great fundamental princi-
pie To which he alluded. The want of a
written impression may, by possibility,
instead The best among us of course
that would give high claim to indul-
gence. On this subject, lie had 10 doubt
he should meet the sanction and tie ap-
probation of those honorable and patrio-
TIC men, who, Notwithstanding all his
iauits, had continued their confidence in
hnn. Many considerations had entered
INTO his mind Iii making motion for a
committee TO inquire into the expediency
OF repeating the compensation law. One
object was to crafty that portion Of his
constituents who were opposed TO the
measure. He SAID a portion of his con-
stituents, because he well knew that ma
ny,yery many of his politicaliriendS, were
IN favor OF the measure, both as TO mode
anu amount some were DESTROYS tlia; an
experiment might be made, others dis
liked the mode, but do not object to the
amount, and many other minor di.feren-
ces-but he well knew that they would
all either unite or acquiesce in a re-
peal OF the statute; that the public
mind might be tranquilized that the
great mass ofinflaDmable matter which
was ailoat might be de opposed and rem
desed harmless that hobby riders NAV
be dIsmounted, and popularity traps put
hat on the surface iorhe never intended.
IT he could make any other shift, TO ride
the one or set the other. He claimed the
indulgence Of the House, to explain to
them what he intended by his notion
lie had heard of d variety Of compensa-
ton bills, SO called, and it was necessary
to identity the one he intended TO embrace
by his motion. he did not intend a re-
peal OF compensation bill, which gave to
members OF Congress 1900 dollars per
session, whether extra or the great annu-
al session pointed out by the fedora con
st!tutIon, by which each member could
draw as many 800 dollars as tire sessions
III which he served-no such bill can he
found upon the journals of the House
lie did not intend repeal of that COM
pensation bill which allowed members of
congress 1000 dollars per annum, whe-
ther present during the session, or alb
sent, at home, or elsewhere on their own
business. Such compensation law can
not be found in the statute book. He
dId not intend repeal of that conlpensa-
ton law which had given TO the members
OF Congress six dollars a dag until IFS
passage, and then 1900 dollars. He had
nothing to do with such measure. as no
such measure had been sanctioned bv
Congress. He did not intend repeal of
that compensation law which violated the
constitutions, for he had never given avofe
upon any such measure, although he well
knew HAT rejected amendment TO the
constitution had bceu published as part
OF That sacred instrument, To induce a be-
llei that avarlce had driven Congress-
from the path of duty. He had noii,inr
to Go with these and other compensatiot,
bills, SO called, which existed ONLY i'm tIe
VISIONS OF fancy, the cOlourings of party.
ana the misrepresentation of faction
ana these misrepresentation with other
causes, had combined in a manner 60
powerful and SO formidable, TO excite thc
jealousy OftlIe people. Noting less couId
have excited i'll such degree their sis
picion and displcasure against their renrc-
scntatives, inducing them i'm MANY cases
to withdraw confidence, under every on
cessIon, and refusing explanations from
pubic servants who had never dcvjated
before. lie intended bv his motion to
repeal compensation law, which rave
TO members of Congress a gross sum of
1900 dollars for their services. provided
they discharged with fidelity, every dav
OF every session, the duties of represcn-
tailye, and not otherwise, whether one ar
more sessions during the congressional