New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-02-14
WASHINGTON,
Claims on the Governmenf-Consressi
Economy.


Claims on the Government Congressional
Economy.
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, Feb. II.
The House to-day have killed the bill to provide
Commissioners to adjust claims against Govern
ment. The immediate cause Of its desth, Tsppre-
bend, was its friends, joined to a spasmodcal or
periodical fit OF economy. Prudential saving is
an excellent virtue and one for which the present
House ought certainly TO receive all credit. Any
expenditure which does not 60 into the members
pockets, will ruin the nation. This kind Of econ
omy tells among their cOnsttuents-that is, a
certain class. A Board of Accounts, with proper
restrictions and provisions, would probably cost
the Treasury at least seven times less, yearly.
than the same claims prosecuted as usual before
House. But such saving would interfere with
the members gains, hence, inevitably ruin the ma.
tion by extravsgant salaries. BUTT is not mere.
y this; every appropriation, by certain class Of
politicians Is regarded in the same light, aud OPP
posed upon the same grounds. IL is kind OF an
economical dut0 dd fe, where every interest s to
be disregarded except that of the Judge Inquisi'
tors.
Not long since an inquiry was made respecting
the duties hours and salaries of the Clerks in the
different Departments; and, believe an order
resuscitated requiring ten hours labor. Whether
the Clerks ought to work ten hours or six, is a
question which shall not decide; but the exces.
sive modesty and equity Of the affair, could not
but remark.
Members of Congress work three hours per day
and receive eight dollars Clerks must work ten
hours and receive on an average about three dol
lars And question whether the Members work
half as faithfully as the Clerks, Notwithstanding
the statement ofOne honorableg gentlemen, who said
the Clerks read newspapers, and promenaded
the streets during office hours IL the honorable
gentlemans influence procured the appointment
Of any Clerk, l should presume his statement
might be very correct respecting his own protege.
At all events it is very evident from his testimo-
nv, that he has sufficient leisure during Office
hours" to discover the delinquencies of others.
refer to this incident az an illustration of the
spirit manifest No doubt the nation will be
saved from ali wrongs and evils-excepsing those
existing in and arising out of the National Legis.
ture. They manage the affairs OF the nation, aud
attend to everybody's business bat their own.
When their reforms strike home-when they
work more hours and take less pay-then, | shall
give even Congress the credit of patriotic econo-
my. s.r.v.
But they don't, and never did.-ED.
Lieutenant General and General Scott.
Correspondence Of The Tribune.
WASHINGTON, Wednesday Feb -
The sessions OF both the Senate and House have
been very exciting and interesting, though neither
have perhaps contributed much to the dispatch Of
public business.
The proposition of Gen. SHIELDS to confer the
power upon the President of breveting the most
deserving officers Of the American army, Lieute-
tenant General, elected an animated, exciting,
and interesting discussion. OF course the resolu-
ton points to Gen. SCoTT, and the beautiful Gu
logies that were poured forth upon that gallant
and good man were delightful to listen 70, The
aof NJ GT UNA N old enthu-
siastic tones when he spoke OF the services and
deservings of that distinguished Gensral' ana nus
speech aroused an enthusiasm even IN tnat ulsnl'
fed body, which the opponents OF the resolution
IN vain endeavored to overcome. Mr.. SEWARD,
in his clear perspicuous and ornate style also ad
vocated the propriety OF this compliment to the
head of the American army. 1t is due to those
who are opposed in political opinion to General
SCOTT to make special mention of their liberal
and efficient support of the resolution. Gen.
FOOTE warmly espoused it, and it was no less
earnestly sustained by Messrs. BUTLER Of S. G.,
HUNTER of Va, and Others and among the ayes
are the names of DOUGLASS, DODGE, and SoULE.
The bad taste displayed by Gen. Sam HoUsToN,
in opposing such a resolution, was the subject OF
general remark. The decisive character Of the
vote-32, noes not counted-is very gratifying.
had the pleasure, this morning, of being shown
by the member from California a magnificent
watch, presented by the young men OF that State
to Hon. STEPHEN A. DOUGLASS, the author of the
bill for the admission of California into the Union.
No person was allowed to subscribe sum ex-
ceediDg FIVE cents toward the object, and the sub
scription consisted of such contributions. It's
value is about $780, 1t is a hunting case. on one
side of which are the arms of the State of Illinois
on the reverse, those Of California The presen-
tation inscription is appropriately engraved inside
1t was manufactured in NewY0rk, and is a very
elegant affair. WoUTER Won TwILLER.