Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-12-18

1876 at this time because they had no landmarks 70 guide
them, statistics single document message
from the President the subject They had not access
to single thing which could throw light upon this per-
picking question And yet the gentleman from New York
without hesitation had brought the whole question OF the
tariff before them, and asked immediate reference Of
the proposition to reduce the duties in order to get rid OF
the surplus The people had elected a new
President, and it their wish that he should not be
heard How could the Democratic party open this ques
tion before the who had been chosen by their own
party could have opportunity present his views on
the subject?
Mr. j. then stated what he believed to be the opinion Of
the people of Pennsylvania He said that the Democratic
party of PENNSYLVANIA had made up their minds not to
look for protection They had made up their minds that
the Democratic party the party of the country and
that its policy and its principles would rule the country
and although they might not obtain what they WISH The
meant the iron INTEREST," they could get what was best
for them-stability.
Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. said that he in favor Of
the appointment of the select committee proposed by the
gentleman from New York; committee which should be
charged with the specific duty OF nquirng into TINS SUD-
ject and making report upon it to the House and the
country He in favor of the proposition, for he de-
sired acton-action based upon information and upon
facts.
If this question should be referred the Committee Of
Ways and Means the duties of ordinary legislation which
were imposed upon them were OF such an onerous
character that it would be impossible for that committee
to collect facts and present them to the House and the
country in such shape would warrant wise legislation
He in favor of reduction of the tariff of 1886 lie
favor of that tariff when passed. believing it was
then suited in part at least the condition of the
try at that tme but since then the population of the
country had increased of industry had beer
opened imports had increased exports had enlarged and
in consequence of the changes which had taken place il
necessary that they should alter their financial sys
tenn The Treasury contained than was sufficient
defray the ordinary economical expenses of the Govern
ment, and he understood it, it principle of the
Democratic party not to raise more money than
cessary for economical administration of the Gov
eminent.
Now if the amount of revenue too large if the
dion of the country changed there certainly
necessity for reduction This question being conceded,
and he believed it was conceded upon all sides, the next
question which presented itself for consideration was
when should they enter upon this reduction when should
the reduction be made? He in favor Of egslatng
upon the subject for although this short
sion and they might not be able to consummate any
thing by the appointment of this committee yet facts
would be collected which would enable the next Congress
to take immediate action upon the subject
Mr.. j. replied to various objections urged against
ton upon the subject now and in his remarks he declared
that he for reetrade and direct taxation to sustain
the Government The principle of protection he eschew
ed and abandoned.
JONES, he sad that he opposed to taking Cuba away
from Spain by violence fraud any other unjust
He was not in favor of any illegal expedition being
fitted out in this country against that island contrary to
neutral obligations and the express law of land
If Cuba should be acquired by negotiation there might
then be necessity for these fifteen millions ofsurplus
but let them not anticipate events.
1t had been asserted that this Administration had been
wastefu and extravagant. Had dollar been taken
without authority of law that had not been voted by
Congress- Ii had been extravagant and lavish it had
been authorized and permitted by Congress- and upon
Congress therefore rested the responsibility and not
upon the Administration He was for doing justice to
all men.
Mr. MOLONY said that there surplus revenue of
fourteen millions of dollars in the Treasury and it was
clear that there could be wefouuded antcipaons in
regard that that would warrant the expec
aton of continuation of that surpusaye very great
increase under the present tariff law. Being, as Demo-
crat opposed decidedly the collection from the
people of money than might be necessary for the
most economical administration of national affairs he
would and should go for leaving in the pockets
Of the people any surplus that might be reasonably ex
pected to in the Treasury under the existing tariff
law. While he in favor of modification which would
reduce the surplus he protested in the of his
stituents, against any radical change.
Mr.. MEADE then obtained the floor, when
The committee
REPORTERS.
Mr. STANLY by unanimous consent offered the fol-
lowing resolution:
Realized That the following be made the 10Th
rule Of the House of Representatives:
And person shall be admitted under the rules of this
House. reporter stenogaher for any paper or papers
who shall be employed agent to prosecute any claim
pending before Congress- and the Speaker shall give his writ
ten permission with this condition"
Mr. JONES, of Tennessee moved to add to the end of
the amendment the words and no more than one re-
He stated that his object not to exclude any person
from the hail. or from position which would enable him
the better to what the representatives OF the people
doing and to give account of their doings to the
country. But his object to exclude from the hall
persons who in under the pretence of reporting the
proceedings of the House, but who never reported one
syllable for any paper but merely acted as claim agents
lockers frequently to the very great annoyance Oh
members and the obstruction of the legitimate business
of the House.
Mr. STANLY explained that his resolution intended
prevent abuse which had grown up under the 18th
rule and to remedy what at the last session became
great nuisance.
Mr. NABERS said that lie did not inepa :" oppose the
amendment of the gentleman from North Carolina; per-
haps he might vote for it, He however, felt 1t due to
himself to state that far he was concerned he deem
cd the proposition altogether superfuous The truth was
il seemed to him to imply that they could not
tation.
Mr. STANLY. by no means
Mr. NABERS. Flesh is weak no doubt of that. We
are all liable be tempted and perhaps prayer would
be more appropriate to in this House than Lead us
not into temptation" wish say that if this be adopt
ed SO far as am concerned, do not feel it is at all
essential to my protection 1t to me it is rather
small business byheby. There particular seats as
signed reporters and have full confidence that the
Speaker will discharge his duty with regard to assigning
those seats
Mr.. JOHNSON. of Tennessee inquired how many re-
porters' seats there were
Mr. JONES of Tennessee replied thirty-two.
Mr. STANLY desired to say to the gentleman from Mis-
sisspp that entered into his head that there was
any danger of bribery improper intercourse between
members and claim agents an nducement TO oner the
amendment He had always been against allowing per-
the hall false pretences, and tease them
to death by running about and talking of claims re-
spectacle farmer from his district would not be allowed
seat on the floor but q who remained here all the
winter to transact his business allowed