The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-08-09
CONGRESS-.

In the Senat on Saturday, the bill for the proec-
ton of the public and private property in the city OF
Washington, was taken up for consideration.
Mr. BAYAID explained that this bill was from
the House of Representatives, and was designed TO
supersede thewatchmen employed at the different
Departments ind to complete the guard as to pro-
mote sundry OBJECTS Since the passage of this bill
by the other ranch, the House had passed another,
making appropriations for contingencies not provided
for in the geeral appropriation bill, in which is de-
sgnated ce,tain number Of watchmen for the pub
lie buildings, and the salaries which they shall re-
ceve. This worlt be in conflict with the bill now
before them, which took from the heads of the De-
partment the immediate control of their respective
buildings He had received letters from these gen
temen, complaining of and protesting against the bill,
as deprivne them of superintendent the build
ings and indeed the measure, thus far, was not
reasonable ne. Take case, for example: In the
Departmental State where all laws and records are
deposited ne officers, being responsible, should have
control over the persons who watch the archives.
He therefore, proposed an alteration of the BILL by
striking outhe first two sections, and substituting in
lieu thereof, that, in addition to the guard
or watch, for the protection of the public bull
dings, th0e shall be established an auxil-
lary guard to protect the public and private
property against the torch of the incendiary
The guard to consist of one Captain to be APP
pointed ly the President of the United States,
at an ANIMAL salary of $1,000 fifteen other persons
five of them to receive 1885, and the remaining ten
$50 per month the auxiliary guard shall be subject
to such rules and regulations may be prescribed by
board, consisting OF the Mayor OF washington, the
Attorney of the United States for the District of Co
lumba, and the Attorney of the Corporation OF
Washington, with the appreciation Of the President OF
the United States. The bill makes appropriation
of $1,000 for insignia of office and for other pur-
poses.
The amendments were agreed to and the bill thus
modified was read on the suggestion of
Mr.. CHITTENDEN, who said that, as the Legis-
lature for the District of Columbia it might be pro-
per to organize suitable system OF police but 1t
seemed to him that by subjectng this matter to the
control of the President of the United States, it might
be metamorphosed into political guard for the Exc
cutive and the Governors at the City OF Washington
He thought that it would not be entirely safe to organ
ize such corps 1t little sort of standing guard
The Consular guard consisted originally of but thirty
men, and there were just thirty who originally COM
posed the Imperial guard which subsequently num-
bered IS 600 strong and proved terror to the world
He did not want to see this seed sowni he did not
know what they might reap from it. He was will
ing as far he could to extend protection to public
and private property but he desired to dispossess
the appearance of Government guard. He would
suggest to his friend whether it would not be better
to strip the bill of that character which stamped
on it. and whether it would not be better to legslate
cautiously in this particular
Mr.. LINN observed that the bill would probably
lead to some discussion. Not that he had an ob]ec-
ton to the Insignia but he would be glad if the SEN
ate would consent to pass the subject informally
Another thing, it was public bill, and he wished to
lay it aside for the purpose of going on with private
business.
Mr.. BAYARD had no such apprehension that
adverted to by the Senator from Kentucky
This bill was the seed of very small plant, to
be nourished and watered by themselves. There
was no sort of comparison to be instituted
by the Introduction of principle to depend on the
will of one person and a principle entirely under the
control of Congress- He considered this measure as
harmless and so it would be found when they came to
consider it in all its bearings. He had disposition
to press this matter, be did not cherish it of
vast Importance, but still he thought that they could
give additional security to the public property with
out much expense.
The further consideration of the bill was post poned
until Monday.
The joint resolution authorizing the commission
appointed 10 prepare rules and regulations for the gov
eminent of the naval service to employ clerk was
read a third time and passed.
In the course of the day large number Of private
bills were read third time and passed.
The bill fol suppresslng the sale of lottery tlcktes IN
the District Of Columbia, was taken up; when
Mr.. BAYARD said that, in some of the States the
lower classes and those of the least intelligence and
property had been injured to such an extent that, al
though the selling of lottery tickets in former times
had been resorted to as means OF taxation and Tor
raising money indirectly, it had been abandoned by
every enlightened Legislature in the country 1t was
peslental and the mischief in this place had been
great. He had heard that many ofthe public officers
had been induced to mortgage their salaries in adj
trrl thnr
ing their small derived from the Govern
meht.
Mr. MILLER said that, although he was in favor
of breaking up the lottery system, still he would not
disturb existing contracts and this was the reason
why he asked that the further consideration of the
bill be postponed until Monday, that he might, in the
meantime, examine its provisions.
MIR. BAYARD remarked that the bill amply pro-
vided for all cases of existing contracts.
MIR. BENTON observed that some years ago he
several times moved in this matter, when he was met
by such arguments as were now brought forward
that it interfered with contracts. If they did not
now proceed with the BILL they would not accom-
plish its object at ALL
The question was taken on the motion Of Mr.. Mil
Ter, but it did not prevail.
The amendments proposed by the Committee on
the District of Columbia agreed to; and the
bill was ordered to be engrossed for third read
ing
Mr.. BAYARD would not ask for the question on
its passage at this time, the Senator from New
Jersey had expressed wish to examine its provi-
sions.
The bill for the organization of the Navy Depart
ment was then read and
Mr.. ARCHER briefly explained its object. 1t
proposed to abolish the Board of Navy Commits |
sioners, and substitute therefor several bureaus.
This would produce mnuter subdivision OF labor, |
and impose direct responsibility and it would,
besides, save to the Department from six to eight
hundred thousand dollars q year.
Mr. CUTHBERT inquired whether civil officers
were to be placed at the head of the bureaus
Mr. ARCHER replied that it was proposed to en-
poy gentlemen of nautical knowledge and who were
connected with the Navy.
Mr. WILLIAMS said that there were he behev
ed, sixty-eight Captains-many of them advanced in
ape-and ninetv-sX Commanders. Therefore he |