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


OF history. The printing for this House is the first
item IN the list of extravagancies. l grant YOU
sir, that it does involve large expenditure; but
how Is 1t TO be corrected How regulated? Shall a
surveyor OF public printing be employ ed. espeei-
ally charged with the duty of designating VIVA,
shall and what shall be consigned TO the press?
The task would be as invidious as it would become
lrksome and arduouS and could not fail to result
IN disappointment and dissatisfaction. Sir, hest
tate not 10 say that every printed document sub
United to this House, voluminous ashley are, are
interesting TO, and read by, some of its members
and many oi their constituents. They are iudis-
pensaole TO general and correct knowledge OF
each particular case. In the British Parliament
where no compensation is allowed the most liberal
policy prevails in dffusing information for have
seen among their items of expenditures { I20, 00o
sterling, or halt million of dollars, charg-
ed IN one session for printing and stationary-an
account much larger than the whole appropriation
Tor our extravagant per diem of eight dollars per
day, contingent expenses of printing, SC. included.
Inc treasury estimates for the present year a
mount to about nine millions OF dollars; and
terence to them 1t will be seen thai the favorite
maxim, in peace prepare for war, has received
most respectful consideration Fortifications, ord
nance, armories, dry docks timber for the future
use 5e, OF the Navy, equipPing and organizing the
Militia amount 10 four millions, leaving
something more than one million sterling, the a.
mount appropriated for supporting the royal dig
nifty OF the King of England, to sustain our Gov
ernment, its Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary
to convict ourselves of extravaganza and prodi-
| gality.
The 9Th Auditor was alluded to as having been
created for special object, and under particular
circumstances, which do not now exist, conse-
quently, his services may be dispensed with.
lind that, by the act of 1917, an additional Comp
troller and four additional auditors were created
by an g An act TO provide for the prompt settle
ment OF public accounts" and the necessity still
exists for Its continuance. 1t is contenled that
SlOull he rp1n
gress 10 satisfied that is allowed than is suf
hcIent for mere subsistence, then such propo-
sltion may find favor. 1.-THE Government desire
the services of faithful and intelligent men, thew
can only obtain them by allowing such com
pensahon as Will enable them TO live free
from the apprehension that the wants of to-
morrow may be unprovided for. While gripping
penury stares them in the face, and helpless IA
nily are destitute OF the ordinary comforts of life
the energies OF neither mind nor body can be de-
voted to the public veal. A cursory glance at the
operations OF the Sinking Fund, will satisfy the
gentleman that the public debt is amply provided
for. Probably, before he retires from public life
ana certainly before the expiration of another Pre-
sldentlal term, 1t will not exist even in name.
thirty or forty officers are supposed 10 be at this
time employed at the Military Academy at West
Point. The bill from the Military Committee,
now on our tables, authorizing the appointment of
additional professors does not sanction this idea-
Having recently enjoyed an opportunity of becom-
ing intimately acquainted with this Invaluable in.
sntution in all its details, / safely affirm thai
there are neither supernuneraries nor oilers CON
nected with it. Presenting a most interesting
spectacle OF strict order, and high state of discip
llne; every duty, whether of the soldier or the
student, IS performed at its appointed time, with
out the least confusion, and every hour, from re-
velilee 10 tattoo has its appropriate eInpovrnents
NO American view such a scene without
strong emotions OF pride and gratifcation-he be-
/ holds the germ OF future greatness to his country
tor nose whose capacity and diligence enable
] a AaFr1 tho,
/ all aspire--present themselves to the world the
adopted children Of their country qualified to be
useful IN any situation in life either civil or mill
taFy' The impartial and equal administration o
justice IS one of the brightest attributes in its Re
publican character: for, while the son of n Ser
geant has received its highest honors the descend
ants OF Governors, Members OF Congress ant
other prominent men, are sent home with diplo
/ ma of incapacity.
I Il portion OF our revenues are credited TO thf
sale OF Public Lands, and an apprehension ex
pressed, that, when they are exhausted there
VIII be difficulty in replenishing the Treasury
! ~ - mere hgment OF fancy 10 imagine that one
dollar has ever been derived from the pubIir
Lands. 1t would be considered rash to predict thai
nothing ever will be. While, Mr. Speaker, the
present enlightened and liberal policy shalt pre-
! vail, OF amelioratng the condition of the Indian,
by annulties, Donations removals to- a greater dis
lance IRON our settlements, shall continue 10 be
the mere tenants in possession for the benefit of tn,
original propretors, the aborigines of our country
4 and the whole proceeds appropriated for their be
neht.
The Public Lands cost, $82,9ITsl1
Amount received from purcha-
seT5, 1885 ,96s
Balance due the Treasury, 81 ,565 81;
1 TINS source however unPToductire, is far from
being exhausted.
I Acres
I me T. states held, 25e,377, SCI
/ Sold, 192SoAI2
Donations 10 Colleges Szc. 7,7Os, O66
Military Bounties, p I56,O-9
--- II, O93 So
Unson, 2lO,274,IO