The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-03-24

dures under the existing Administration, on some
other objectionable item Of the bill.
He replied 10 Mr. Cambrelengs objection as TO
the urgency Of the wants Of the Treasury by MOTTO
ing the constant recurrence OF that objection when
ever an investigation was proposed Of the measures
OF Government. Il never recarred The right time.
Mr.. BOON commented with very great severity
on Mr. Halsleds speech ofyesterday, and ayowed
his intention " TO skim that gentleman. he SAID his
speech cvinced the advantage OF being high-born
and college bred characterized its strain oil language
as low and vulgar, and every way unworthy OF a
representative referred 10 MIR. HALsTEDs colsnmp-
ton Of pens and paper as being ten times greater
than his own; he remarked upon his dress as being
that Of dandy, &c. and concluded by comparing the
whole speech TO butter churned without cover,
which spiashed on all around, &c. &c.
Mr.. LINCOLN made very brief reply to the re-
marks of Mr.. Halsted explaining that the CHIEF rea-
son of his former remarks had been unwiiingness
to see others attacked on the ground Of measure
which he had himself proposed
MIR. EWING made ayery spirited reply to the re-
marks OF Mr., Boom and in support OF the ground Ia
ken by Mr.. HaS;ed, 70 whom he returned his cor
dial thanks for his speech II had been unfortunate
as interfering with Mr. Lincoln but well meritedby
the extravaganza Of an Administration which had
come into power on promises OF economy. lie re-
feTred 10 an implied threat of personal violence in
the speech of Mr. Byuum Yesterday on which sub
ject he said he was entitled To speak, having once
suffered in that way, being taken unprepared bat il
should be the last lime he would be caught IN that
situation
The debate on this item was closed By motion of
Mr. MERCER to amend il BY striking our The detail
and Inserting gross sum Tor completing the iIn-
provement of the public grounds according to
plan adoptedbyth The last Congress; which was agreed
Mr. MCKAY moved to amend the bill farther by
striking out the item for clerk hire and the salary OF
messenger in the . clothing bureau" and increas-
ing, to the amount, The appropriation for the
office Of CommisSary General Of Purchases which
amendment while it left the expenditure the same,
would avoid any implied sanction, by the House, OF
the establishment OF a new bureau by the simple su-
thority of the Head of Department.
MIR. MALLORY, OF Virginia, took the present
occasion 10 read communication addressed TO him
by Commodore Dallas 10 consequence Of certain
animadversions in speech made by him al the Sep
TENDER session, accompanied by certain statements
of Lieutenants Mcintosh and Saunders by all
which Mr.. M, declared himselfnot convinced.
Mr.. BELL renewed the presentation This amend
ment 10 reduce all salaries one-fourlh but modified
by emitting the contingencies formerly inserted
condition, namely, that the Sub Treasury bill should
pass.
The CHAIR still persisted in the opinion that the
amendment, even in this form, was sill not strictly
in order.
Afler brief discussion Of the point Of order by
Messrs. Haynes and Bell, the decision Of the Chair
was sustained by the House. "."
Mr.. BELL then moved 10 amend the bill by strik-
ing out 1885,, $50 for pay and mileage of members,
and inserting $4-5760. Also, by striking out Ssi0,-
400 for clerks and oficerso of both Houses, and in
sering 800
Mr. b. had no wish to commence with these items,
but they the first in order he had been
PEELED to do so he wished proceed and propose
similar reduction in all the salaries throughout the Go
vernment with the exception Of the President, Vice
President, and Judges. He not opposed to lbe-
raj allowances for public services, DESTROYS Of
duction for its sake, but he thought the great dis
parity between the salaries of State and Federal officers
called for Of the kind 1t would be vain
to rely State rights as bulwark against the en-
croachments Of the General Government while that
disparity continued. 1t gradually, in practice,
working change in institutions; instance Of
which, he alluded to the fact Of the Ex-Governor of
State accepting subordinate station in OF our De-
partments in the Cusom-house But whether the
Sub Treasury bill should pass me- the thing it pro-
poses authorize did already exist fact and its ef
feet had been, by paying Government officers IN gold
and silver TO raise virtually, the salaries they received,
and the same proportion to diminish the means
joyed by the debtor class in the community TO pay their
debts The reduction was, therefore, perfectly fair
and if banking hereafter be curailed,
the reduction ought, Of right 10 be permanent. He
was content al present, to makeit temporary arrange
ment.
Mr. MERCER, though not Disappearing the gentle
mans object, could not support his motion, as 1t was
according to usage TO reduce salaries by an appro
priation bill it ought to be done, II at all, by law
Mr. REED regretted the debate but how could 1t
be avoided! Which the proper place and the fit
ting opportunity to animadvert upon the measures OF
the administration, and the c&ravagances OF the IoVern
ment, not upon the appropriation bills He referred
to abuses in the Post Office Department. and in the
proportion OF collectors salaries; but could not support
Mr. Bells proposal to reduce all in the proper
ton some ought to be reduced one-ha, but others
should not be diminished at all ...,
Mr. WILLIAMS, Of n c., thought it according to
law and usage to reduce salaries well by anpro
pration bill in any other manner.
MIR BELL demonstrated with warmth against Mr.
MERGERS position The appropriation bills were the
great c,ades Of the people, in resisting the expressions
of Government. This had been admitted even in aris
ocrac, monarchca England how much more should
the doctrine be cherished under free Government
He amented that it seemed his fate always to be
sisted by his own political friends and allies.
Mr.. MERCER explained. He did not deny the
naked power, but only the previous usage of the Govern
ment
The question being put on Mr. BELLS amendment,
it was rejected
The committee then rose, and reported the bill, and
The House adjourned.