The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-04-03

~ Mx. WHITCOMb. do mol Else 10 proong TINS de-
hsle oreupied an saenvabe position The other even
ins M rai.ins tbs question did II snaer full sense oil
he responsibility involved. knew il was a posilion
upon whish gould pe ms sat knew however
one that OF no benefit TO 10 in this
Il could he no earthly gain 70 to in il; the
contrary, II II Involved anything ii would be the loss OF
the good feeling and kindly sympathy which trust
have formerly enjoyed among all the recipients OF this
bounty, But can afford TO take this position, for the
reason thai know no, one of them between whom and
myself there is not kindly relation OF sympathy
existing. al least on my part SO far regards the hap
Pness % be conferred or the qualification to be afforded
mere 10 not one oil them. II wish OF mine could effect ii,
who would not receive twice as much this resolution
grants.
But. sir it is question Of principle. We have law
and these persons who have been appointed under thai
have CERTAIN fixed compensation allowed by that law.
They male contract. in fact therefore, in coming that
they would do all the duties assigned 10 Them for The com
upon some case Of extreme hardship. mentioned by
my colleague to give them, not higher compensation,
but an extra gratuity or bonus Now, sr, II 1t were a
question addressed my individual charity, that would
be another thing Then the plea OF The orphan and the
widow would find, trust. not uniting response on
nypaIt But here is question that addresses itself to
in my official capacity, representing portion OF the
people OF the United States, whether shall pay per-
sons extra sums OF money, beyond what they now
allowed by law TO receive out OF the pockets OF those
who know nothing about it, aud many of whom are
far than they are Il involves question OF prin
riple. think have nied, IN obedience TO the sugges
tons OF my friends the about me- shut my
eyes 10 ii, and let it pass tell YOU sir, that cannot
with sense Of that duty owe 10 myself and 10 my
country do otherwise than object to this vicious sys
TEN. Do We hear anything else upon any side OF TINS
chamber than that this is wrong IN prscrle! That IS
universally conceded Even my friend from North Car
DINA, Mr. BApGER.l who am sure will not be accused
of being penurious his votes upon questions OF dis-
bursement of the public moneyeven be admits to De
wrong at least say that at another session he
will 60 along. boldly and manialy side by side with my
colleague in Introducing reform.
MI. BADGER, Untefposing) | never vote for any
thing believe to be wrong. never said his was
willingly in making the compensation of these officers
such that there will be necessity Tor voting them
extra COMPENSATION. That is ALL
MIR. WHITCOMB resumed. | graiied TO hear
some remarks that fell from my friends from Texas Mr.
RusKl and Missouri, mir. ATCHIsoNl They all seem to
coneede that the principle is wrong, but, unfortunately
The senator from New Hampshire MIR HALE] repeats
the same sentiment in such lone and style TO leave
uncertain whether he will not ultimately vote against
the resolution think the remarks he made-in that
trIca manner which he employs with so much effect
meant anything but appreciation OF this resolution But
hs says We must commence nee ei9 h our naval appoP
senator's figure Think also, that this is the proper
way, but that one bull at time is quite much we
shall Be able to manage fear rather more than we shall
us am for flooring him, il possible; and pledge myself
the honorable that when the other approaches
will 90 with him at the next session TO carry reform
into the navy and the army expenditures. am satisfied
that both too large scale believe that they
need the pruning knife literally and freely applied.
Dellcve nx. system oil abuses creeping
upon the administration of public affairs in this country
that, il not arrested in time, will ingulph in
heavy national debt in time Of peace should not be
surprised if from this should date the
mencement OF regular standing debt to be enaed upon
this country IN time OF peace The Argument is that this
IS not the time TO commence reform.
We are told this is too small, and must wait until
we find something that is larger il will not do 10
mencc reforming in such small matters Well sir. $4,000
small matter TO one man, and 81 900 or IS 900 is
very large matter 10 anoher 10 sill another $50 or
would unit
may lessen the results OF improper course but il does
not diminish the vicousness OF the principle, il is but
single dollar discussed, instead OF 100000 The ques
and right, 10 put hands into the national treasury
and pay out money without equivalent for the
Something has been said about little boys WE'LL sir
like little boys. hope shall forget that was
little boy once myself have as much Kindly sympa.
thy for them any here sir but what do they get
now' Two dollars a day is the price allowed their
regular compensation; and now they are 10 receive two
hundred dollars extra misunderstanding in all to
more than four dollars day that they 10 have for
their services in running errands 1t is they do
them very well-very aceepably; but il will strike some
people very strangely TO be Informed that their compensa
ION amounts TO four dollars and half per day
think would strike persons very strangely they
should look IN upon US and these little boys learn
that they were receiving four dollars and half day
The honorable senator from North Carolina [Nr
BADGrRl speaks about the small compensation of the
Secretary OF this body. Tha, may be | believe tina.
Secretary has very and responsible duty 10 per-
form IN relation 10 disbursements and il may be thai he
osght receive more believe the honorable senator
did not extend his remarks any further than TO alude 10
the responsibility OF his duties, and TO that for that
reason his compensation should be increased wish he
had gone into the whole subject in that light When we
Know what justice is, we will be very willing 10 admin
lister IL he has the facts and reasons al hand and wish
ne had fe himself at liberty 20 through the whole OF
then and show why they ough, TO receive additional
compensation.
4 have but closing remark 10 make wish 10
place mysef night. | wish 10 say that am operated
upon by no motive IN this case, OF unkind feeling am
led TO this course only by OF duty wish to do
what is honorable and JUST and say that must not
disappon these PERSONS because they have been in the
habit OF receiving this amount OF money, but will all
uniie next session in passing general law upon the sub
fct occurs TO me, however, sir, that ought TO do
noihing about this matter, excepting 10 put stop TO the
dsbur semen OF money in this regular mode by way of
extra allowances but the should lie upon the part
OF those who complain that the present compensation is
no sunc'ent Let them bring forward their bill, sir if
tney are IN earnest, Let them bng forward their bill
spprehend we shall have the task of Ssyphus 10 per
1osm we may roll the stone The top OF the hill but IL
WI Always De coming down again. | want 10 see those
PeSsons who are interested in this matter do The WORK
msmeeves Let mem bring forward that is, il we are
e give eny additional compensation. Let bill be intro
dscsa IL il necessary iorm my word for it, il will be
ntf0deced IN the very next session but if that is not
doae, appfehend, sir shall be met at lis close with
proposition similar to that now before us MIR Presi-
dent, have said more than intended 10 say when
aha not often appeal TO this body for any favor and
question may have the benefit of the yeas and nays.
MI BORLAND, MIR President. desire to say one OF
TWO words only upon this question shall vote for the
resolution Some remarks have been made, rather in
sPorve way about the proper mode OF commencing the
veorm As have been told the proper way is 10 take
the bull by the horns think lha, is The proper course
We UPON ms question: and for that reason it seems
NC ooKb, NOS TO begin here for instead OF taking