The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-05

he would erase that portion Of il which related to
fines, psnates, and forfeiluses; and ID was iheo az
signed as reason that share in these ines, penal
ties and forfeitures was given with the view oil ope
be vgant and active in preventing frauds upon inc
revenue. That was the object OF the act OF i'o',
which the act in force; and even 80 late as
1871, IL was deemed expedient TO retain that pro-
vision, lest tho revenue might be injured by the 'aA
ily OF those 10 whom had been Committed ~ COL
lection. But as he said before, the amounts re-
ceiyed under the law by tie principal officers OF tho
| customs were enormous. Any one who read inc
printed statement before them might be sitlShea
that the compensation was unreasonable IL was
the more unreasonable from the fact that The eoee-
tors and other principal officers were not, IN pom,
Of fact, the persons 10 whose vigilance and EFFORT
the treasury was indebted for the fines, penalties,
and forfeilures lie was, therefore, IN any view OF
the case, willing that the experiment proposed W
the bill should " tried III 'A
Mr.. DIX said he was happy 10 have in support Of
the bill tho Of the senator from Conn,
whose long xperienee chairman OF the COMMITTEE
on Commerce Justly entitled his opinions TO great
weight on this floor. He had stated, when he was
explaining the provisions Of the bill, that he had no
intention Of calling in question the propuoiy Of The
construction given by the Treasury Department 10
that part Of the act Of le4l which relates to lines,
penalties, and forfeitures On the contrary, he had
stated that he believed il 10 be in conformity TO the
intention Of the act In respect TO tbs participation
Of the chief officers Of the customs in the avails Of
seizures he desired merely TO say, that he preferred
trusting their conseenliousness for faithful dis
charge OF their duties rather than TO the stimulus OF
pecunsry Inducements. Besides, he apprehended
that the pecuniary nduoement might, If maintained,
be applied TO the subordinate officers OF the reyo-
nue., who performed much of the service OF detect
log frauds without receiving any share Of the pen
altes. He would compensate officers literally, and
then rely on their good faith for vigant perform
ance Of all the services required OF them. The
only doubt he had was in relation TO the collector
of New York, whose duties were exceedingly ar
duous and responsible He trusted, therefore, the
bill would be passed as IL came from the House;
and he felt confident that its operation would be salu
tary, and that there would be occasion 10 TO
the old system Of pecuniary stimuants to secure
faithful official service.
Mr.. DAVIS, in a few brief and pertinent re-
marks, supported the bill. A reform in the system
Of compensation afforded TO officers Of the customs
was absolutely indispensable. The fees, in many
| instances, were indeed enormous. He very
willing try the experiment Of the principle pro-
posed in the bill II evil results followed, il was
easy TO return TO the old system.
The question then put on the third reading
of the bill; and, being decided unanimously In the
| affirmative,
| The bill was read third time, and passed.
| On motion, the Senate then proceeded to the con.
sderation Of executive business; and, after some
time spent, the doors were opened, and
The Senate adjourned.