Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-02-21

.StOuhi % compensation anu allowances 4
foreign Minister. This is subject on which en-
ter with some reluctance IL is not perhaps of the
class which should select 20 discuss on this floor
IL does not belong strictly 10 this debate; but il has
been introduced on the present occasion, with
strong emphasis and 10 The effect no doubt
OIL giving sanction 10 what is said more al
large ON the same topic elsewhcre-This
Is an important point: Tor the allegations have
extended not merely TO charge of extrava-
gahce, out oil iliegallty, and even fraud. High
salaries are, know, a popular subject of
ment; and those of the foreign Ministers are
with single exception, the highest paid under
the Government, il is natural that they should be
obnoxious to complaint But, sir, il is an undoubt-
ed truth, that, high as they may be thought, great
as their aggregate may seem for the service of a
long series OF years, they are yet too small; and
but tor the extra allowance, by which they are elk
ell out, would be wholly inadequate to their OBJ
Ject. Ii Is not long since that most respectable
member OF Congress, opposed 10 the Administra-
ton, expressed TO his concurrence in this opin-
ion, and his Willingness TO Join in raising them
speak OF the salaries of the three most expensive
misSions-to London, Paris, and ST. Pctersburgh.
IL IS sufficient confirmation of the truth of this re
mark, that the compensation OF foreign Ministers
is smaller, by oue-ith, than il was in the Revolu-
uonary war. IL was then paid at two thousand
hve hundred commissioning, with an allow nce of
expenses. We were told by gentleman from
virginia, Mr.. Floyd that he approved the repub-
lican simplicity in which a Franklin and Living
son lived at the court OF France. DIR. Franklin's
simplicity was kept up, for about eight years and
ha AT an aggregate expense of l22 900 dollars,
lmoney being tien twice valuable as now;) and
chancellor Livingston, as | am informed, during
his short residence at Paris, in addition to his al
iowance from the Government, sunk an estate of
100000 dollars. repeat it, sir, that, but for the
extra allowances, IT would be impossible for our
Ministers, at those courts have named TO remain
and support themselves; and the weight of neccs-
sary expenditure over the utmost allowance has,
70 many oil them, proved the cause of utter ruin
IL Is not necessary that should specify the names
OF the living or ofthe dead.
Another remark, Mr. Speaker: The allowances
10 the President, be they great SMALL were the
acts OF other AdniniSrations-ofthe Administration
OF Aiessrs. Madison and Monroe. Mr. Adams had
hothnS TO do in establishing the offices fixing the
compensation, or seeking the employment. For q
third OF century passed in the public service he
never, either himself his friends for him. with
his knowledge, nor without his knowledge that
am aware OF, solicited any Office. The compensa-
tons and allowances to the foreign Ministers were
liked by General Washington, under the limitations
oil acts OF Congress, and were paid to MIR. Adams,
as they had been paid to his predecessors.
Farther, sir, Mr.. Adams had nothing to do with
auding his own accounts, controlling the settle
inent oil them; though this has been aledpeC out of
doors, and intimaed, think, in this debate The
standing instructions TO foreign Ministers re-
qulre them once quarter, TO make up and trans
NIT an account 10 the Treasury. This was done by
Mr.. Adams; and in all his accounts there was hut
one item which the accounting officers of the Urea
sury declined settling themselves. That one item
was referred to the President, by Mr. Adams, while
Secretary of State; and on legal advisement, or
dered by The President to be settled. To this shall
! presently recur With this exception Mr. Adams
had no more to do with the settlement of his ac-
counts than you had, Mr. Speaker. He could have
no more 70 do with it, ifthe officers of the Treasu-
ny were faithful TO their trust. viii add, sir that
taxing into consideration the number of years pass
cd by Mr. Adams in the foreign service; theIrature
OF ms appointments; the variety and importance OF
The missions with which he has been entrusted
IN whole or in part, foreign Minister has receiy
| ed less than he; while many have received more.
OF tle iour years and eight months, commencing
IN 1912, when the first question of his accounts q
rises, and ending his return, he received in all
about $4,000. For like term, Mr. Monroe, re-
| ceryed $4,000 dollars; for one year and eleven
MONTHS MIR. Pinckney received Il goo.
Z - In