The southern press., 1852-05-18
Remarks OF Mr.. Fitch, In the House, on
Public Printing.
~. WEDNESDAY, May IL.

| ... WEDNESDAY, May II.
"."-.t." CONCLUDED. >.-s Is
Mr.. FITCH. While upon the subject of
promises, it will be as well, perhaps, to allude
to two or three others. The one have men,
toned was made to individuals. There were
promises made to the House. We were told,
that if the entire matter was referred back to
the committee without instructions, whatever
printing they should give out to any party other
than to the public printer, should be given upon
the terms Of Towers's bid. Has this promise
been fulfilled? Let that report upon your desk
answer. The committee, in that report, and in
the late debate, admit that they have deviated
from that promise, but tell US that the terms
which they have adopted, in giving out the
printing to other. parties, are substantially the
terms of Towers's bid, and that the variations
are not material. Now, Mr.. Speaker, do not
know what the committee deem material, but il
| appears from the figures of the terms published
| by them, and from the statement of gentlemen
who know, practically something Of printing,
| that the difference between the terms Of Towers's
bid and those adopted by the committee, is
some fifteen to thirty per cent, that the commit
tee have adopted terms that much in advance Of
the terms of Towers bid. This is difference
which, apprehend, the country will esteem
somewhat material, the opinion of the commit
tee to the contrary notwithstanding. They
Justify their action in this respect, by stating
that they have adopted the terms of Towers's
estimate. Now, sir, is it sought, by associaing
| Towers's bid and Towerss estimate, to convey
the impression that the terms are the same
There is the difference have mentioned-a diff
ference of from fifteen TO thirty per cent.
The bid by Towers was made more than a
year since, when he was competing with Rives,
Hamilton, and others for the public printing.
The estimate was made very recently-made at
the nstigation ola gentleman who is interested
in having the action of the committee sustained.
| Il was given 10 that gentleman as is understood,
without any knowledge upon Towers's part Of
the use TO which it was to be applied, and it,
terms have been adopted, not to give the print
| inr to Towers, who made the estimate, but to
give il to other parties to whom the committee
| had predetermined TO give IL under any circum.
stances. And they gave il to those other parties
upon the terms Of the estimates, Notwithstanding
| Towers notified them that he was ready and
willing IN execute the printing in good faith
and give unquestionabe security therefor, in
accordance with the terms Of his bid, the terms
which the committee had promiFed to adopt.
Have we no cause TO complain Of the manner
Of the fulfillment Of this promise
i Again: on Thursday, the 9th instant, the
day after the instructions were adopted and
sent 10 the committee, we were distinctly told
that these instructions should be followed. But
I will read the language used:
"Mr. GoRMAS.. | ask the gentleman from
Massachusetts, 10 allow me 10 make one remark.
The House have given US directions in relation
TO the public printing, and now give notice that
we intend 10 execute strictly those directions,
and if the House wants any Of its printing done
z. -, 9th
And again:
"Mr. CioRMAN ! only wish TO repeat what
have said, that the House have directed that
we shall let out this printing which the public
printer cannot execute after ten days, advertise
nent. Now, the public printer has not done
ANYTHING according 10 the contract, and give
notice that the committee will execute strictly
the directions OF the House, whatever may be
The delay in procuring the printing necessary to
he done from tune 10 time"
am bound 10 believe that my colleague M
GoRMAsl endeayored 10 carry out those in.
structons, but was defeated, outvoted, in his
efforts in the committee.
! Mr.. GORMAN. did; and felt bound Ia
do so, or resign my place upon the committee.
Mr.. FITCH. II matters little, however, what
was the cause of the failure TO fulfill the
promise; It's fUlfillment has failed so far from
obeying the instructions Of the House, the com.
mittee now report TO us deliberately their inten.
ton TO defy and disobey those instructions.
They present to us the alternative either 81
sacrificing our self respect by allowing them 10
defy and disobey the House. or permitting them
20 retire from any further duties upon the com
mittee. Can we hesitate one moment which OF
these alternatives TO accept No, sir self
respect, and proper regard for the business OF
the House, and the legislation Of the country,
demand our acceptance Of the latter. Let il be
accepted We were told, during the previous
debate, that "small section" Of the Democratic
party was endeavorng 10 rule the House, in
endeavoring TO prevent the bestqwal of the
printing upon par,izan editors for partizan pur.
poses. and that we had tolerated their recre.
ancy" too long, and that there was no hope OF
success If IL was only TO be purchased at the
expense OF our long established principles"
4 Truel Yet, sir, we find "small section Of the
pirty" conioined with portion Of the Wings,
! under the lead of the Committee on Printing,
asking the House 10 tolerate their recreancy
in attempting 10 bestow the printing upon their
favorites at prices higher than il would have
been taken By others, without competition, and
in violation Of the spirit Of the contract system,
although our doing SO must be I" at the expense