The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-22


sion for the sums now due to the unpaid workmen
Mr.. CALVIN had no doubt that the additional
wings to the Patent Office would be necessary for
the purposes of the Government. At this time,
buildings were rented there not being room enough
in the public edifces. He was in favor Of making
the appropriation of ninety thousand dollars out
OF the treasury, and applying the Patent otice
fund TO the advancement OF the mechanic arts, in
accordance with the suggestions of the Commits
sioner.
Mr. MOORE said that he desired to say but few
words in reply to the gentleman from Tennessee,
his colleague from Pennsylvania had anticipated
him in the amendment he desired to offer TO this
bill. The gentleman from Tennessee asks, where
is the necessity of making this appropriation for
continuing the improvements at the Patent Office?
Why, sir, l have been credbly informed by some
Of the mechanics and laboring men engaged on
that building, that. for the last three or four
months, they have been receiving in payment for
contractors, which they have only been able to
use at very large discount, and that, unless some
appropriation is made to continue the work, they
will either be compelled to quit work entirely, or
continue to receive this deprecated sort of cur
rency. Now, sir, cannot but feel that this is
very hard for these mechanics and work
ingmen, large majority OF whom are not resi-
dents of this District, but have come here from
various sections OF our country, and are poorly
able to do without work lose any portion Of
their earnings; and l think, if the gentleman
from Tennessee, or any other member of this House.
who may be opposed to this appropriation, would
but take the matter home to themselves, they would
not hesitate moment to pass this item Of the bill
Why, suppose, sir, that we were dependent upon
some higher branch Of the Government for our per
diem for this session. and that could not receive
any pay whatever for five or six months, unless we
would take the promises to pay of our worthy
Speaker, and we were obliged to sell them at a
large discount, (Which, know, is hardly sup
possible case; for his paper apprehend, would dis
count very well) yet say, if it were 80, should
certainly think 1t severe case; and if ii would be
so for US, is it not equally so for these workngmen
by the sweat of their brown And do hope then
sir, that the members Of this House will pass this
appropriation unanimously, so that these working
men, who have come here from various sections of
our Union to uprear these monuments of utility and
usefulness for our Government, may receive their
pay in the good substantial currency of our coun-
try instead of this deprecated paper. And hope
the appropriation will pass with the amendment of
my colleague.
Mr. BROWN, of Indiana, was understood to saw
that he would vote for the amendment to paw the
clerks, because it was necessary; and he accused
the Secretary OF the Interior of assuming authority
not authorized by law, in appointing the clerks
and fixing their salaries.
Several other gentlemen participated in the de-
bate.
Mr. BAYLY having reported the bill under con-
sideration, was allowed by the rules to make the
closing speech. He yielded the floor to
MIR. THOMPSON, of Mississippi, who, after COM
mencing to read list of the clerks in Office on the
4th of March, lS49 and the character of their poll
tics, was called to order by several gentlemen
He said that he would hand it to the reporter lust
as il was, for publication.
MIR. TAYLOR (by permission of MIR. BAYLY
who was entitled TO the hoor,) made statement
on the authority of gentleman connected with the
Departments for several years, that Of the whole
number of officers in January 1880 there was a
majority of fifty two Democrats.
There was much confusion in the hail. and the
reporter could not hear the reading of the figures
with clearness.1
MIR. SCHENCK. Is there larger number of
Democrats than Whipa m office
Mr.. TAYLOR. Yes
MIR. SCHENCK. Istherc any prospect ofcorrect-
ing the evil?
Mr.. TAYLOR. think SO. TIaughterl
Mr. BAYLY then made the closing speech, pro-
testing against the employment of the clerks by the
Secretary OF the Interior. II would lead he said TO
Infinite abuse, the extent of which no con-
ceive. He defended the propriety Of making an
appropriation to carry the erection of the wings
OF the Patent Office and alluded to the remark Of
Mr.. CRowELL with regard to the great number of
sirginlans IN office. He recollected that, two or
three Congresses ago, similar accusation was
made by gentleman from New York, (Mr.
RATHBus) He then took pains to vindicate that
State, and to show, by figures and names, that the
now, in order that he might append those remarks
to his present speech, and have them printed in the
c ressionai Globe.
The pending amendment was amended, on mo-
ton OF Mr. GREEN, 10 the effect that Sl4 56S % be
appropriated for the salaries of the chief clerk and
the other clerks Of the Secretary of the Interior
from the 9Th OF March, lS49, TO the Both Of June
1885, provided that thereafter, the clerks shall be
transferred from the other departments in proper
ton to- the business transferred TO the Department
Of the Interior, and nothing herein contained shall
be construed 70 authorize an increase of clerical
force in the several departments, in consequence of
the creation Of the Department Of the Interior un
der the specification OF the law Of March 3, Ie49.
The amendment as amended was agreed 70, by
a vote of-ayes IS, noes 79.
On motion OF Mr.. BAYLY, an appropriation of
$1,000 added for the compensation Of nine
extra clerks employed under the act of August
1912, during the session Of Congress- in the Third
Auditors office, and for contingencies incident
thereto.
The committee rose, when
The Senate bill to carry into effect the convention
between the United States and Brazil was passed.
And the House adjourned.
The following petitions presented to- day
under the rule, viz
by Mr.. EVANS of Ohio Petition Of ninety one
citizens OF Guernsey county, Ohio, praying for
cheap postage. Referred 10 the Committee on the
Post Office and Post Roads
Also, the remonstrance Of thirty seven citizens
OF Gainesville, Ohio, against any further extension
by Congress Of the Woodwork patent. Referred
TO the Committee on Patents.
BY Mr.. CHANDLER: The petition of John c.
Davis and other citizens Of Philadelphia asking for
the construction Of piers at Recdy Island, on tho
Delaware. Referred 10 the Committee on Com
merce.
by Mr.. HIBBARD: The petition Of s. w. Miles
and others, citizens Of Plainheld. N. H., praying
which was referred TO the Committee on the Post
m Daaf HnUIa