Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-03-16
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Drut1sman TO The House.

marks OF MS upon the subject eMbriced IN the rcSo
iutiOn but, after the opposition which it had met from
the protested advocates of Retrenchment, and par-
cularly the manner in which it had been spoken of,
lie felt it due to himself and particularly due
the Committee, of which he was member, TO vindi-
cate the propriety of the resolution.
1t should not be forgotten, Mr.. SPEAKER, (said
Mr.. WIcKLrFFE,) that, about this time two years,
we were engaged in the discussion of the original
resolution of my colleague, Mr.. CHMToN.) No, sir,
I am mistaken, believe part Of his resolution
except the word "fesoivcd" agreed to- or adopt
cd by the House. The resolution, as agreed to, was
pedicated upon the idea that there had existed aud
then existed many abuses in the administration ofhe
affairs Of this Government that the number of officers
and public agents had been unnecessarily multiplied,
and that many of them might be discontinued with
advantage to the public interest
will not stop to characterize the discussion upon
that resolution. 1t was bitter aud acrimonious and
strongly delueated by the political line which then
divided the House OF Representatives. committee
organized to inquire into the supposed abuses,
and to provide the remedy for the evils which wore
supposed 10 exist. Of that committee, Mr.. WfcK-
LIFE said he had been a member and of the manner
in which they discharged the duties assigned them,
1t was not becoming III him to speak One thing,
however he must be permitted to say, that its abors
vere urduous und unremtting, and if good did not
come of them ii would not be the faul, of the Com
iuttce but of those who had the power and failed to
carry into operation the principles and measures re-
commended by their report. Time was not allowed
that Congress- IF indeed the political complexion of it
was favorable Tor the purpose to act upon the
sures recommended. The work left unfinished
for the workmanship of the coming Administration
and this Congress, when it was believed there would
be disposition between the Executive and the Re-
representatives. of the People to armonze and unit in
this business of Retrenclment and Reform. | mean
that RetrencIment which the People desire-the re-
trenchment of cXtravagant expenditures of public
money-the prevention of frauds and pecu latiun
upon the Treasury, and the abolition of useless ofi
Gers.
Sir we obtained power avowing these principles.
and If we now abandon them, we shall lose it; nay,
sir, we shall deserve to lose it, and the people will
abandon us.
AT the commencement of the present session, the
President, in his Message had distinctly invited the
Representatives of the People to inquire Into the
condition OF the Government, with view to ascert ain
what Offices can be dispensed with, what expenses
retrenched, and what improvement may be made in
Its various pdrts to secure proper accountability of
public agents. and promote efficiency and Justice in all
its parts" This regard as his pledge 10 the nation
to Cooperate with the Representatives of the People
In all measures which may be designed to promote SO
desirable object and far as it may depend upon
ms exertions have no fears of the result A com
mlttee for this purpose has been organized by this
House, and that committee have determined 10 take
up this business where their predecessors left it, and
SO far as 1t may depend upon their abors to prescribe
to their friends in power the same rules, and exact
from them the same rigid observance of law and a
Just economy, which we required of our opponents
If we fail in this, shall act false to ourselves and
to our country, and we shall not only lose the conf
dence of that country but deserve as we shall COR
talniy receive, the ridicule and contempt of those
whom the people have deprived of office and power
With these opinions, said MIR. w. assumed the dis
charge OF the duties of u member of the Committee
ON Retrenchment not very envablc station for anv
person to occupy, and one which did not seek:l y
station which certainly would have declined If
had been induced to believe that was to encounter
at every STEP the opposition of some of the members
oftha party which pledged to the nation to carry
into operation and full effect the principles of the re-
port of 1925. The committee intend to be govern
ed not only by the spirit but the letter report
and leave The responsibility upon Congress. Their
course is plain, straight forward one To act eff
cently they must act in detail and though some of
the measures which they have, and may recommend,
appear lnconsderable IN amount, in pecunary point
OF veW still they arepart ofthe system, and fairly
and carrdidy examined Will be found based on sound
policy and principle.
MIR. SPEAKER 1 must be allowed to say, (not in the
language ofcomplaint,) that the measures which the
committee have recommended, and especially the
one now under consideration, have not been fairly
met, appropriately characterised bv the lanpuaoe
which has been invoked in their discussion / VIII
excuse my colleague who claims the parental guar
danship OF retrench'nent, upon the savage principle
that man may abuse his offspring with impu-
nifty.
The former committee, when instructed to look
into the expenditures of the House, with view to n
diminutIon OF them, found this officer fastened like
wart upon the contingent fund.- They called for the
law authorizing his appointment and were pointed TO
this resolution of l824-5.
"Resoiued That the Speaker of the House be au-
thorzed to procure for the of the House. copies
of the different maps and plans of Roads and CaIas
which have been, or may hereafter be- executed by
the United States Engineers, in pursuance of an
act OF the goth April 1924, to be deposited in some
convenient place for the inspection of the members.
That committee came to the conclusion that there
was no law or authority in force, which justified the
longer continuation either the Office the expend-
ture-that IT was not safe or sound to permit sub
ordinate officer of this House to create an Office an
f,oiHt the officer, fix his salary. and charge it upon
the Contingent Fund The present Committee was
OF the same opinion They deny the right of the
Clerk Speaker of this House TO create an Office
appoint the officer, and fix She salary of al 500 to
the office, not only without law, but against aqv.
1t IS the principle involved in this resolution, and
not the amount OF the salary, about which feel any
concern upon the decision of this question. 7 NAV
learn whether in this business of reform there be an
principle. look at this question unconncctcd with
the supposed utility and importance of the services
heretofore or hereafter to be performed and invoke
those gentlemen who have persuaded themselves or
permitted others to do So thai the abors to bio nor