The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-14

the necessity OF increasing all salaries Of public ser
wants which are below q certain amount ; principle
which applies with great force TO the eondnion OF the
officers OF the army Ia pursuance OF this policy,
would recommend moderate increase OF pay TO soldiers,
non-commissuned and commissioned officers oil the
artillery and infantry OF The United States from the rank
of second lieutenant to that of Northumberland The
high price Of Labor the demand throughout the country
for that description Of talent possessed 10 eminent
degree by The officers OF our army, and which com
ands the highest rate Of remuneration, together with
the enhanced Of all the comforts and nceessares of
life render this just and necessary aud con-
IDENTITY ask your concurrence 10 procure for the iiyor
able consideration Of Congress.
Ia the present uncertainty which prevails on the sub
ec OF the intention OF Congress permanently 10 prohbt
by law officers OF the army from claiming or receiving
any remuneration for Distressing moneys the different
interpretations given 10 the act renders its operation
unequal and UNJUST In almost all INSTANCES where the
officers have withheld moneys and brought sns for the
recovery Of sums charged for commissions on their dis
bursements the have awarded the full amount
claimed whereas those who have accounted for all they
have received remain without any remuneration 1.-THE
provision attached 10 the appropriation act Of 1888 Tor
the Improvement Of certain habors which prohibits any
allowance officers for extra official duties and respon-
sibties Intended to be permanent, ought TO be
fully and explicitly stated TO bind tho decisions Of
the law But if Congress be Of opinion that
it Just allow remuneration for extra services,
in where great responsibilities are incurred. then
it would appear better to determine that compensation
by law. would by no means recommend that any oil.
lowance should DO made for discussing the usual and
ordinary appropriations for the military service; but
where heavy and duties imposed upon officers,
involving great risk, from circumstances beyond their
CONTROL and against which no human precantion can
protect thcm appears equitable that some compensa.
lion should be allowed, which every account would
be better TO fix by law.
BY your Instructions in pursuance OF the provisions
OF the of the 81 Of March, 1887 authorizing you TO
select and be purchased for the and benefit
of sick and boatmen and all other nasgators on
the rivers and lakes, suitable sites for hospitals
commission Of able and experienced surgeons OF the
army was appointed to discharge this duty. The &C
companying report shows that they have performed Il
with the zeal and ability which charactcrzes this branch
Of the service and The contracts made by them to effect
the purchase OF the selected would have been sane
toned by the department had the sum been with the
amount appropriated by Congress for this purpose The
whole required will be S39, 96s, beng an excess
over aud above the SIM appropriated, OF S2i, 96S
The benefcent object intended to be accomplished by
Congress directing this examination and the purchase
of the several sites selected will not trust be defeated
by this circumstance, and in this hope, plans and es,i
mates for tnc~Sonstrucon Of the hospitals accompany
this report. y
All which is respectfully submitted.
J. r. PoINsETT.
To THE PREsrDENr OF THE UNITED STATES