The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-01-30


some OF the members-perhaps only by outgoing mem
beIs-who realize only the prices named in the second
column or about those prices, and then the dealers re-
sell them TO Congress- demanding the original cost
prices, when they edstfbued, aud 90 indefinite
~. When We consider the great number OF new mem
bers both oil the Senate and House. who make their APP
pearance on this theatre al the opening OF every Con-
gfessior II 10 10 such only the books are gyen will
appear that many hundred thousand dollars must have
been thrown away during the existence OF this system 10
confer an uncomfortable benefit on members and am
wrong IN denouncing such system as corrupt and as
unworthy OF further counenance or extension
SENATOR. Tin his seat) oh, move TO divide the
Mr.. SMITH, Qaughingy) Yes; if we could divide
the money among ourselves there would be some pro.
prey IN thatsome good common sense IN that; but TO
incur so much expense Tor the sake OF confenng some
little miserable plcayune benefit upon this member or on
that upon his receat advent TO Congress is wasteul and
extravagant TO the last degree But say 70 all earnest
ness that II would be infinitely BETTER II this system is
TO be continued to take this money openly and maniuy
out OF the treasury and distribute II amongst ourselves
than to resort TO this indirect method OF increasing the
remuneration OF members IN mode which IS really oil
very little value 10 way the other. But the
honorable senator from Indiana says that because this
old and corrupt systemand beg pardon for using the
word - corrupt" for mean nothing offensive by the
way in which | use (which has come down to us,
do not know how long, still in therefore shall
be justified IN sezng hold OF this piece OF departmental
printing and IN comforting It as Job on political favor
ties
Mr.. BRIGHT desire to correct the senator did
not use The word "corrup," nor did say anything
voted for books have always voted against the prac
tce though have taken them, as understand the
ator from Connecticut has also.
Mr.. SMITH i am sensible, in speaking oil the dis
trlbution OF books among members, have travelled IN
some degree out OF the proper limits but the honorable
senator referred to il as being justification OF this
nounce this system abuse But after all what is i
but buying books Ii is not congressional printing II
Is not departmental prnting buying certain books,
containing great deal of information, which we dis
tribute among the members for the purpose, sup
pose, OF enabling the better TO discharge duties
here But must confess they have had very little effect
so lar as am concerned Tor there many volumes OF
them into which have never looked. know that Con-
gess has purchased books, and has paid for them great
deal more than they worth and hope that when
my friend brings up the subject as one to be initiated be
does not propose that shall pay the Union office the
exorban rates, which he TO think will not
| amount TO more than 100000.
But how does the senator know it will cost only
$500 900 On what bass does he make that calcula-
ton Has he told US how many copies OF this work he
proposes 10 have printed and is il not absolutely
sary that Congress should settle the question in regard
10 the number OF copies before anybody make any
calculation OF the expense OF the work | certainly
cherish for the senator from Indiana sentiments of very
high respect know he is ygilan and highly vaua.
Bile member OF this body, and will do him the justice TO
say here, that know OF no man who is more prompt,
more energetic and more determined in resisting the
sage through this Senate OF any bill which will be likely
TO cast burden the treasury, without the severest
scrutiny and yet he prepared TO plunge into this busi
ness in the dark without any knowledge OF elements
cost.
There appears to be something that has disarmed the
usual vigilance of my friend from Indiana He says the
Superintendent oil the Census tells him this morning that
he has one Stale done. do not know how long they
have been in arriving at that point of consummaon
and when the remaining States 10 be completed,
do not know.
Sir, know that Congress has been in the habit of
buying books. and know that provide for the pub
LEGATION of our debates, to what profit will not under
take 10 say, with what utility TO the country. We
paid at the last Congress ~ so per column for the pub
LEGATION OF speeches in the nelligencer, and 81 so
to the Union The nellgencer could not live by it, and
has therefore gone out Of the business. But the Union
continues 10 prosecute The work, and | hope will
prosecute it with As is very important is
supposed 10 be important, that debates should be
published in full, ii 81 so is not sufficient compensa-
lion TO the Union, am willing TO add TO it, particularly
relieved from the expense OF publishing
them in the lnlegencer But what has that TO do with
the question before u.s. What if we do hire the Union
TO print debates What if we do not open the work
to competition The census is departmental printing
and say that the very moment we determine upon the
number OF copies to be printed and order the Secretary
OF the Interior print the work, il under the ope-
ration of existing laws, and is disposed Of
But, Mr. President after having addressed the Senate
perhaps at unreasonable length, yesterday upon this
subject. do not deem il right that should tespass fur
Their upon the time OF this body, and express
my thanks for the patience and attention that have been
shown in listening to me.