Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-06-24

solemn du,y 10 consider ourselves in iheir pre-
Fence, and accountable 10 them for our conduct
That with this purpose continually before our eyes
though VIC might fail to obtain appreciation, we
should attain shat was more valuable, Il conviction
that we deserved il. As far rs am able 90 ascer-
tain, the course recommended has-bcen faithfully
pursued, and, whenever occasion called for it,
trcnchment has been effected by change in the
regulations; and the committee will learn with
pleasure, that the administration OF this Depart
mcnt has continually, for years past, tended TO a
reduction oi its expenditures. To manifest, TO the
satisfaction of the committee, this economical ten
dcncy,t have caused a synopsis TO be prepared of
the disbursements for the last nine years. divided
into three periods: the first embracing from 10 TO
ri, both Inclusive; the second from % 10 -; and
the third from 20 TO ~. by referring to the
heads subject To the discretion of the Department
II VIII be seen that the amount OF disbursements
has been lesscncd. The item of the Quartcrmas-
terS Department, in the first PERIOD 81 SSl 0i5
ID; in the last, SSJ6,935 SO; and, although the
greater number of troops in the frs, period musi be
taken into the account, yet, after making the pro-
per allowance for this circumstances, still tie rela-
tive saving must be obvious So, also, with the
contingencies u the Army. In the first period,
thS item OF expense amounted to $3.50 100 81; i'll
the latter, To $685. 90; and comparing the lirs;
year, 10, III the first series, with the last year in
the last series, 27, it will he found III the former
case, il amounted 10 $50 ,563 o. aud in the latter
to Sl0,922 -. SO, also, With the contingencies
OF the Indian Department; in the second period,
(bciUrc which the contingencies were blended
with the pay Of agents, Ssc.) amounted to 53l5 $50
%; i'll the last, 10 1922 800 30; showing a saving
IN That branch oil expenditures Of S23,lJ y, in
three years.
As trcgarls reduction OF the numbcr of Off
rers i'll this Department, 10 not believe the public
service will justify it. To this remark. tIiling
exception may be made. During the last year. u
vacancy occurred among the clerks, which for
bore to hli, under hope that il might be dispens-
III ~, -.
small saving be effected In year or two more,
the number oil clerks may be diminished in the
Office OF Land Bounties and Pensions; it is OBJ
vious, time will continually diminish the services
10 be performed i'll these Offices.
AS 70 the Just compensation FOR public employ
ment, is one of the difficult problems in po-
itcal science, and about which much difference OF
opinion prevails. Even the standard of compensa-
ton Is yet to be settled. Shall it be- confined to
support Of the officer? Or shall il embrace that of
hs family, and beyond their support, enable the in
cumbent to make Tor them reasonable provision:
Shall he be enabled TO practice the courteSes of
hospitality, or be mere isolated beast OF burdcn
W ere we TO sudge this question by the anxiety TO
obtain appointments, indicated by the number OF
candidates for Office, and the zeal with which they
pursue their object, should be justified in infer
ring that the salaries were full high if not eKor-
tant. On the contrary, i advert to the i'm
poverished condition OF those, generally, who de-
vote their time TO the public service we should be
led to conclude that poverty is almost an inevitable
N,-
effect oil such devotion; and, a consequence, tho
salaries, instead OF being extravagani, were penu-
riouS. Although there occasional exceptions
to this general result, effected by rigid economy y,
and great skill in the investment of money yet the
larger proportion OF public servants die in poverty,
and leave their families III the most bereayed con-
dioD. L therefore content myself, instead of eK-
pressing any decisive opinion the propriaty OF
reducing the salaries OF officers, with presenting
these difficulties 10 any satisfactory solution of the
question propounded; and 10 so the more readily
. as the committee will be much better able than
myself To decide, correctly the propricty of re
ducing salaries: And finally, am advised OF
any expenses Incident to this Department, which
can be reduced without inpai:as the efficiency Of
its operations.
have the honor tobe,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES BARBOUR.
Hon. JAMES HAMILTON Jr
Chairman If lie Committee o!s
RetrenchmeRG.
Here follows statements in figures Of the expeu-
scs Of the Army.l