, 1840-02-15
Correspondence Of the Baltimore Patriot.
WAsHINsroN, Jan. "a, 1910.

tStNH NAV -
flied. and took his seat.
The Vice President communicated the
Annual Report Of the Commissioners Of the
Patent Office.
DUTIES ON THE IMPORTATION
OF SILK.
Among the memorials presented to-day.
was one by Mr.. Buchanan, from aiarge num-
Der of citizens of Pennsylvania, asking Con.
gress to impose a moderate duty on imported
Silks. Mr.. B. accompanied the memorial
with some remarks in the course Of which
no alluded To- the Morus Multicaulis specula-
ton, which he thought had been beneficial
to the country. The culture and manuiac-
ture Of silk were now naturalized among US,
& must ere long, serve in a considerable de-
gree, TO reduce the amount OF those extrava-
CANT importations which he thought so inju-
rious TO the best interests OF the country
He stated, that during the three years Of
1886, 1887 and 1888, we had imported ION
siderably mole than three times a greater
amount in value Of silks, than We had expor.
ted -four.
Mr.. Buchanan alluded to the condition
OF the Treasury, and said he had 30 doubt
that before The close Of the present session, uc
,rouM BE- COMPELLED 10 raise additional reus-
nue. in some manner, to meet the actual
wants of the Government! and he maintain
ed that there was not a single article upon
which a duty could be imposed with so much
p-opriety as on Silk. Such Il duty, while it
should be imposed for revenue alone, would
afford incidental encouragement to the do
me site manufacture Of the article; and he
no an,i-tariff Seua,or who would OBJ
ject 10 such a consequential lcneht TO SO I'M
4 domestic interest.
Uuder our existing laws silks are admitted
free Of duty. Mr.. Buchanan sIid he
it would be much wiser 10 raise Il
on the importation of silks, than 10
create q debt against the country, either
BY the issue OF Treasury Notes, OF by Dor
money.
Notwithstanding the Constitution reqn'r-
ej bills for raising revenue 20 originate in the
House Of Representatives,, he hoped the Com
on Finance, Of the Senate, might
have an opportunity Of con,tiiu,ioaally eI-
pressing their opinion, bsfore the cI"ss OF
the Session, on the subject.
The memorial vas then referred 10 the
on Finance.
BOARDOF COMMISSIONERS,
The bill 10 establish 4 Board of commits
TO hear and examine claims against
The United States.
Mr.. Hubbard advocated this biil at some
dccming i, indispensable that justice
be done 10 the irdividual claimants,
and the treasury be guarded from abuse.
Mr.. Calhoun thought The bill entirely un-
Us it would open the way. in his
to more abuse than ever; there was
experience enough in relation to 4 board
very much Of the same kind, established
ioon after Ike war, which had 10 be repealed,
keep the Treasury from being emptied.-
Such a board as contemplated by the bill
would be Of more Importance than the Su-
IRENE Court of the United States-it would
lecide principles much more important in
themselves, and property to a far greater
mount.
Mr.. Grundy advocated the hill by way
# experiment; which he admitted. he was
wiling to try, believing as he did that if
,ood and competent officers were appointed,
| would be attended with the most benefi-
ial results; but if on the other hand. incom-
,etent officers were selected, the most inju-
-ious results might follow.
Mr.. Merrick addressed the Senate also in
of tho general provisions of this bill,
that the time taken up in the inves-
igation Of these private claims, was far
more than that employed in public bills Of
he greatest national Importance. !,
Mr.. Sewer opposed the bill-he thought
useless, and that the adoption Of it would
be consistent with the recommendation I
hey had received from all quarters in rsla- ,
ion TO economy. What were senator's ,
for but to investigate private claims AS g,
veil might the whole business OF the Gov
begiven up to a board as this por- d
ion of it taken from their investigation. ?
Mr.. Preniiss advocated the bill, stating s
Is object to be to hear & examine & report I
n all claims against the United States, and e.,
they had done so, the decision was TO .
e brought before Congress for final confirm u
ton. Q
The Bill was postponed and made the or s
er Of the day for Monday. y
Among the reports from committees was ! !
ne from tho committee on commerce., on y
ne memorial Of Edward Tanning, setting a
,ur,h the great advantages to be derived I