The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-03-02

point TO the inference that such officers were re-
iained in place because they possessed extensive
political influence, and were useful and active par
tisans. Whether such INSTRUMENTATION eonsii-
tues Official corruption In those superior officers Of
the Executive departments who knew OF and per-
mted in their subordinaies the conduct which has
been referred 10, is a question which the committee
submit to The House and the country 10 decide.
PARr v. FACTS CONNECTED WITH THE
FOREGOING DEFALCATIONS, AND
DEEMED MATERIAL TO DEVELOP
THEIR TRUE CHARACTER.
In conclusion, the Committee cannot forbear re-
marking, that during their whole investigation they
have not found the case TO which The laws, as mfy
ALREADY er do not apply, or in which they are de-
fectiye The permanent provisions OF the laws con-
stitue every necessary check upon collectors, re-
ceivers, and disbursers OF public money and the
checks which, BY law, have been and may be Great
ed In the discretion OF the Executive have only 10
be attended 10 and applied by those whose duty Il Is
TO supeTinend the execution Of the laws, 10 ensure
faithfulness, and detect derections or dealcaions
in pubic officers.
Indeed in all the new recommendations which
have been proposed by the President or The Secrela-
ry Of the Treasury, the Committee has found either
what already exists, or what might have always
been prescribed and enforced In the form OF Trea-
sury regulations and which, If enforced, would
have prevented the late defalcalions; and these new
recommendations can, indeed, be regarded as so
many proofs Of what regulations In respect TO the
late defauliing collectors receivers &C. have been
hitherto wholly neglected by The present Executive
and heads Of Departments.
Par vi. Mr.. HOPKINS SPECIAL CONCUR
RENEE IN THE REPORT OF THE COM
MITTEE, APPENDED THERETO BY VOTE
OF THE COMMITTEE.
have not had the requisite time for scrutnizng the
report Of the Committee with that and attention
which It's length and Importance deserve, and which
would have desired; and should have preferred, for
this reason, have presented the journal OF the Com
mittee, without comment, to the House Of Representa-
tves. But as conflicting opinions prevail in the Com
mittee, and are to DO submitted the country in the
shape Of formal reports, consider it my duty to say
that concur with the Committee in ell the conclu
sons at which they have arrived far as those con-
illusions apply 10 the extent and character Of the
defacauons Of Samuel Swartwout and William M.
Price
should be faithess to my duty, and do violence to
the most conscientious convictions Of my Judgment if
did not also declare my entire in those
clnsions Of the Committee which relate to the conduct
Of the late naval officer Of the house at New
York the late and present Solicitor Of the Treasury;
to the Secretary and accounting officers OF the Treasury
Department, including the late Comptroller Of that De-
partment and in that part Of the report which reviews
the conduct of Hoyt the present collector Of the
toms at the port Of New York.
GEO. w. HOPKINS,
Member Of the Committee.