The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-03-17
PUBLIC GARpEssR

management
Capitol and surrounding the Executive Mansion shall be
under his contfolF
J Mr. HUNTER. The proposition as came from the
House TO put these grounds under The exclusive
control OF the head gardener, which has been
lempaled by any laws and II seems 10 that things
very well as they are.
Mr., WALKER. was of opinion that these grounds
had always been under the control OF The public gar
dener until the system which was introduced by Mr.
Downing understand that these grounds have been
brought TO their present stale OF beauty and improvement
snder the superintendent OF the public gardener; and
when | say "public gardener" | mean one particular
man James Maher recollect since | have been
nember OF the Senate that this claimed for him by
no less distinguished individual than the deceased
ator from Kentucky, Mr. Clay; and believe il was al.
his habit, whenever any thing said Ia regard
the management OF The public grounds take the floor
and bear testimony IN favor OF this man has been al
legged, if remember Alright, by that great man. that there
had been dlapidaton and failure keep up the state
OF his Improvements since the public gardeners admins
traon had been intenered with | think | remember
that the late senator from Kentucky made such state
men and intended 10 propose amendment to obvi-
ate THIS interference, which seems 10 have been intro
duced and TO insert expressly he TO be continued
public gardener that this shall be under his control by
name.
Mr.. HUNTER This question is no stranger 10 me-
because have been Tor time a member OF the Com
mitee Public Buildings The head gardener has some
how taken into his head that he is Il person entitled
TO be The head OF the concerns, to manage the aboers
and make bis estimates, and for the expense OF the
public grounds. Now so far there is any law the
subject 1t conemplaes that these grounds shall be under
the charge OF the Commissioner OF Public Buildings
The exception 10 that law was when Mr.. Downing was
appointed and since that has been appointed
to hm-a landscape gardener who directs these things
II Is true that the state OF the law is imperfect and crude
In looking into the matter some time since, found that
there were great many enacmeHts in appropriation bls
some OF them conflicting, and none of them very
rate and precise but still my Interpretation OF the law
that the Commissioner of Public Buildings was designed
to attend TO this particular department of our affairs.
Now, sir, Maher is very good head-gardener, but il
would be almost absurd TO give him the exclusive
agemens OF the public grounds am sure that he is not
expenditure OF the money in proper way. He cannot
read or write, | understand.
Mr.. RUSK. Oh, yes he can write like book
Laughter lie correspondent with General Jackson
Mr.. HUNTER | think there must be some mistake
about that He is capital gardener and have no idea
that any man who may be at the head OF the grounds
would interfere with him in his own branch. He will be
left 10 cultivate the trees and the shrubs he thinks BEST
but he will be controlled in regard TO the expenditure
1t is true that in relation to the grounds other than the
Capitol grounds, and those about The Presidents House,
plans were submilted-plans OF Improvement not sug
gesed by him, but by Mr. Downng-pans which have
been very much admired by all persons OF taste and
knowledge this subject Now, if depart from the
old practice, which has been that the Commissioner Of
Public Buildings should be at the head of the public
grounds. we shall fall into difficulty.
Mr.. DAVIS ! recollect that MIR. Downing stated to
that he forbidden by of these officers 10
take trees and light shrubbery away from the grounds
there poiniing TO the eastern portion of the Capitol
groundsl where they were too thick, in his Judgment
and remove them to the grounds below An authority
was interposed, and am rather inclined to think was
this very gardener who did it. He set up his authority
above that of The Commissioner of Public Buildings
When Mr.. Downing went 10 take suitable trees and
shrubs from where they not needed TO where they
were necessary, his hand was stopped in the matter.
think there is no proposition palmer and clearer than
that there ought 10 be responsible head and think
more suitable head can be found than he who has charge
OF the grounds and buildings.
Mr. MANGUM. Mr.. President, differ entirely from
both OF the gentlemen who have just addressed the Sen
ate: do not think that the Commissioner OF Public
Buildings ought to have the charge OF the grounds at all
He is generally political officer coming in with one ad
mnlsalion and going out with IL. This man, whatever
may be said OF him. has been the most tasteful manager
OF the public grounds that we have had in Washington,
with possibly the exception of Mr. Downing | think
that IS the universal sentiment remember when first
came 10 Washington that the eastern portion OF the pub
ic grounds around The Capitol was continuous brick
yard, with no ornaments OF any sort Those grounds
have since been successfully cultivated, and with very
little resources indeed Congress from year TO year has
refused 10 grant sufficient amount, my opinion and
think very inadequate salary is given 10 the public
gardener He here in the days of General Jackson.
and believe General Jackson sent for him and brought
him here. AT that time he had unlimited and perfect
troll but since that day his rights have been trenched
upon until, in truth he has been made quite subordi
nate 10 almost everybody. feel sympathy for his sit.
uaton. have strong impression OF his merits
public officer and propose now 10 move, IL II be in or
der, 10 increase his salary TO 81 500 a year.
Sir, the man who did more than any other man living
or dead TO beauty the walks and grounds about this
Capitol allsde 10 the late and illusous Clay-who
projected all the Improvements here, and under whose
influence they have been carried out, always insisted,
learn, from information upon which rely, that this
officer ought TO have salary OF 81 500 year think
he is much more entitled 10 IT than many oil your clerks
at higher salaries who do not perform half the labor !;
and think ought TO give him full control OF the
grounds around the Capitol Ii il is IN order, move 10
fix his salary at 81 500 year.
The PRESIDING OFFICER That amendment not
IN ORDER because previous amendment is pending,
and the amendments Of the committee have not been
gone through with.
Mr.. MANGUM In the mean time ! hope he win
have the charge OF the grounds about the Capitol and
the Presidents House, and that shall not place them
under individual who IL in irresponsible,
and who may be supposed to be incapable the
Commissioner OF Public Buildngs-who comes here,
stays year two, out, and another comes IN with
knowledge OF his duties than his predecessor.
Mr. DODGE. of Iowa. rise to endorse every word
which has been uttered by the honorable senator from
North Carolina [Mr MAsGuMl with regard 10 this mat.
ter and TO epel The most unjust and unJusable assault
made by my worthy friend from Virginia upon the public
gardener think my friend has forgotten himself upon
this occasion, and done injustice to most valuable and
efficient officer. recollect that OF the last things
done by the late senator from Keniucky-Mr Clay-in
reference TO this matter TO to increase The sal
AIRY OF the public gardener, bearing evidence al the
time to the general fidelity and the usefulness with
which he performed his duty here gardener. hope
shall in the proposition OF the House, and
make the increase of salary suggested by the senator
from North Carolina
Mr.. HALE ] would suggest TO the senator from
Virginia that the clause comes from the House places
the whole matter entirely with the public gardener with
question be taken the motion 10 strike out, want
qualification TO be added at the end OF the section mme.
daely succeeding the words 10 be stricken out in these
words
Subject osy the direction Of the President Of the Uni
ted States
Il