The daily union., 1852-09-18


so that The committee may be appointed by the Senae
Mr.. HAMLlN, word in relation TO what has fallen
from The senator from New Hampshire. We have heard
great deal OF talk throughout the country about frauds
upon ihs revenue. This is a measure which is proposed
and l suppose is designed by the senator from Rhode
islana, 1or the purpose OF making thorough nvesga
uoh III order TO ascertain whether there any truth in
these assertions, and # there be any, TO apply
I'VE ! hope that gentlemen who have talked SO much
auout frauds on me revenue will Interpose objection
OF justice.
Mr.. HALE. do not know whether there have been
many rumors OF frauds on the or not but |
thnk we pass this resolution, and allow be
drawing pay during the recess. the country will talk and
WIN great deal OF justice, about frauds the revenue
lshali simply content myself with calling for the yeas
Island. A
The question was taken on Mr. STocKroNs amend
ment, and the Chair announced that il was agreed to.
Mr.. MASON. call for division.
The PRESIDENT. The senator is aware that the
rules expressly require that all committees shall be ap
pointed by The Senae unless by unanimous consent they
are appointed by the Chair
Mr.. MASON. ! Withdraw my call
Mr. CLARKE have but one word to say. Those
persons who interested in the true execution of the
revenue laws have believed that there have been, and
continue 10 be, great frauds upon the government in
gard TO the valuation OF imported goods, and eQueny
IN the amount OF duties collected You will recollsct sir
a. lne as' session there was an act passed The better
rous sections OF the cOuHry that there are frauds II
disputed by Others and disbelieved by many Now what
IN.
vesgate the subject and ascertain whether the charge
true or false ii the charge against the neciency Of the
present law is correct why appoint such committee!
And when the committee shall have vestgated the sub
lect and shall have reported upon at the session.
the question will be settled, and Congress will know
whether any further legislation will be necessary en-
force the revenue laws hope the resolution of my col
Mr.. MASON. Mr.. President. that there are frauds
committed upon the revenue do not entertain doubt
and u frauds are not committed upon the appre-
Onl aft fha p,Ihlt
they are not committed But do know of any rea-
son why committee should be appointed to 90 abroad
over the country tor the simple purpose of determining
whether frauds have been committed upon the revenue
The scope OF the resolution s as understand.
tain whether frauds OF peculiar character have not
been comnitted-frauds which, in the opinion Of the
sary to change the mode OF imposing the duties from
which the revenue is derived II is the ulteor object
that am opposed. Sir, this is but opening the way
tam heend which many senators have in of changing
the mode OF imposing the duties from which the revenue
Of the country is derived. know the views OF the hon
orable senator who offered this resolution. He has
disc IN form which he has dgested in his own mind
and The ulteror object of which, | think-whatever
may De his opinon--w be 10 raise the standard of du
ties, after he has ascertaned whether these frauds are
committed | know the senator's views, for he did me
The honor of conversng with on the subject They
are certainly plausible but they theoretical, in my
judgment But, be that as il may, would submit TO the
honorable senator, and 10 others around him, whether
This cannot just well be ascertaned by Investigations
made at the custom houses by the investigation Of
committee and whether the investigation of officers who
have the charge of these custom houses would not be
better calculated 10 give us all the iaots'
Sir, am free to admit that particular and extraor-
tinary oecasons-occasons, apprehend, that very sell
dom occur-it may be necessary for one the other
House oil Congress 10 send committee abroad; but
submit 10 the Senate that is dangerous practcea prac
lice that may lead us we know not where Committees
should sit here, and should sit while the body to which
hey belong is in session. where the proceedings Of the
committees may pass under the supervision oil the body
10 which they belong. | certainly have no disrust of
the honorable senator from Rhode Isand-sone in the
world but speak OF the general principle with regard
10 The emanalon OF committees from this body.
have desire TO detan the Senae but my objections
commence al the very threshold OF this scheme OF chang
Bg The present mode OF imposing the revenue OF the
country. II has been most agiiang subect-one that
has divided IN sentiment lhe people OF the two great
lions OF this country; but had thought that under dem
ocranc administration, standard had at last been OBJ
alned which would not be departed fom-that IL there
were imperiecons we had better take the imperfectons
as hey existed Than attempt TO change the whole system
1r II there be such mperecons really require change
let US do Il gradually and in the ordinary mode These
Investigations and Inquiries can be made Just saiisac
oy and Just as certainly at the next session, the
reedDg session OF Congress- by committee 10 sit here
as by sending one abroad OF perpateic character.
submit also, that IS too late in the consider
he very grave and important questions that must arise
under The Investigations OF this committee. 1t should
have minute and specific instructions if il to be raised at
all trust therefore, that the Senate will not agree to
Mr.. JAMES. Mr. President, | am not disposed 10
discuss the merits OF the question this time nor will
consume much OF the time OF the Senate in reply 10 my
honorable friend from Virginia. Suffice ii say, how
ever, that am not for increasing duties on Imports but
ann for carrying out the spirit of the law OF is4e, II
well known fact that while The laborng classes OF
this couniry-tbe mechanics the artisans and the aer
cultursts-pay all the duty Imposed upon them by the
law OF 1916, those who consume uxuries-such as the
liner qualities OF broadcloth the fine cassimeres the
silks, the aces, and ARTICLES OF that chaacterpay little
more than from fifty 10 seventy five per cent OF what
The law, administered according 10 It's spirit, and honestly
carried out would impose upon them. All | ask is that
committee may investigate the facts, and lay before
The Senate Then the honorable senator from Virginia
IAN examine into the merits of the and whatever
may be brought here, presume the Senate
will act upon considerably hope the resolution will
'ass. have nothing more TO say al this Time.
Mr.. HUNTER, This is an important subject. be
ieve that this practice OF appointing committees TO sit
ates most important subject of legislation perhaps
he most important with which have to deal II be-
zones al-important, IL make tribunal TO collect
acs, that IL should be such tribunal as would demand
he universal respect and OF The country have
no doubt but that any committee appointed here for this
purpose would command the respect OF the country But
i would he committee which would be divided in ref
erence TO party upon these questions and there Is no
ioubt that would influence and govern them to
lent IN collecting the facts. II is impossible that II should
be otherwise But 10 avoid these influences, II seems TO
ne that this investigation should be made by committees
here while Congress s in session, while members around
what passing and have the means OF suggesting
something in order TO make the examination fuller and
airer.
here have been frauds under all systems and there will
,e frauds under any system which you may establish
But is an immense power TO conhde to any committee
o allow them during the to go out and examine