The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-03-12

TO utleI. by faud and Encouragement the peace en-
pendure OF the government has been doubled, and
the annual average made equal TO that OF Mr. Folks
administration, which put commercial and hnan-
ca system in operation, and conducted foreign al
heavy outlay still the Richmond paper justified and de-
Tended the financial operations OF the wings But
when the salaries OF the Vice President, heads OF depart
ment and certain important ministers abroad, in.
creased by the Executive bu by the representatives OF
the people, although the addition is equal to the addi
ional cost OF living. the air is filled with hypocnucal
complaints Every acquainted with Washington ad-
ts the great increase in the cost OF necessares since the
salaries OF The Vice President and members OF The cabinet
were fixed The growth Of the city IN population ana
wealth. and the production OF gold, have exefed such
an influence that twelve thousand dollars now cannot
command more than six thousand did when The cabinet
salaries were first determined year ago Congress
acknowledged the increase in the price OF rents and pro-
VISIONS by adding given per eeniage 10 the salaries Of
the clerks 10 the executive departments who were most
ly wings The whg press did not If we remember right
w. object that but now, when necessary addition
is made to the compensation OF the heads Of department.
the Richmond Times makes pitfu exhibition of party
venom, by denounciog movement because it relieves
democratic instead OF wing officers.
The Times says the increase OF compensation " was
gotten up by the friends Of the administration wholly for
the benefit OF its forced through Congress
by the application Of the party lash, and is essentially
plan whereby the public money is to be squandered upon
party favortes" Believing the increase of salaries TO
be proper do not wish TO avoid any OF the respon-
sbilty which may Justly attach 10 the democratic party
in the premises But it is not improper to expose the
ignorance OF the Richmond paper, although It's party ma
Lightly may thwart any attempt 10 enlghen IT,
The nsuficiency of the compensation OF GU. officers
abroad has long been subject OF complaint; and Mr.
Webster as Secretary OF State directed ministers 10
send 10 the State Department estimates OF the cos, of
living in the various capitals to which they
credited with increase of salaries. Mr. Fill
more knew of these and their object, and he of course
approved of it, or they would not have been given If
the wings had occupied the position OF the democracy,
they would doubtless have embraced than the four
minister's to England, France Russia, and Spain and
the Richmond Times would have justified their &C
ton. As to the former compensation of the heads
of department. the country is familiar with Mr..
Websters declaration just before accepting the State
Department that no man with family could af-
ford to fill the office; and the country is also familiar
with the manner in which Mr.. Corwin enabled 10
accept the Treasury Department under Mr.. Fillmore.
With all due and proper Difference, do not think that
such arrangements conduce to public morality, can
be considered even economical for the government if
tensvey adopted At all events prefer that the dem
oca,ic party be assaied by the Richmond Times for in
creasng the compensation of The member of the cabinet
rather than see democratic cabinet officers interested in
Indian claims enabled accept official positions by the
lberalily of private friends by the sale of interests
Mexican ndemnties But in fixing the responsibility for
the recent increase the salaries OF the Vice President and
heads of department, would for the edfca,ion
OF the Richmond Times, that the measure was rec
commended by Mr. Fillmore's Administrations which
was fully impressed with the inadequacy OF the pres
ent compensation, and therefore proposed to build and
furnish residences for the Vice President and seven Sec
retares, and supply them with fuel and lights, Com.
mendng the old adage look before you leap 10 the
Richmond Times, we would invite the attention OF that
journal to the following from Mr. Alexander H.
H. Stuarrs report, accompanying Mr.. Fllmore's last
annual message. They be ioundin the first part OF
the Presidents message and accompanying documents OF
the last session, pages 40 and AZ
"Beforo closing this my last annual report, feel i'm
PEELED by Of public duty invite your
another subject which, under different circumstances
| would not have alluded | refer 10 the propHety Of
appropriation by Congress OF sufficient and
suitable houses for the accommodation OF the Vice
President United States and the members OF the cab
met At the time government went into operation and
the taaes Of those officers fixed by law they
adequate for their comfortable support but In consequence
Of great OF the supply Of the precious metals
and the rpanson Of the currency by OF banks the
relative OF money been much reduced that sin
thousand dollars Is worth much than three
thousand was at that time The Of house rent provs
IONS fuel and indeed Of all the necessares ofe in Wash
inston, has risen such degree require the
rigid economy enable the members Of tbs cabinet and
the Vice President live within their incomes A. far
my observation has extended, lew II any Of them, have
able do This evil 10 increasing every year and
IL adopted H. the day far
distant when OF moderate means but ia all respects
fitted the public In high and responsible places
will be deferred from ptng them BY the heavy pecu
MARY loss 10 which they must inevitably be subjected,
am far from wishing to eruaysgsnt salaries paid to
public oficen bat think the aborer is worthy Of his
hire and the American people would not desire
to see the public funconsrcs impoverished their ser
vice. They willing that they shall receive such
pen.ation a. will enable them live in style becoming
their position without invading their private resources
The high Office. country should be open the poor
as well a. the rich but practical effect Of the present
rate Of compensation will be exclude from the
ecutive councils all who have ample indie
pcnd.ndy OF their official salaries.
after much re Election. have the conclusion
best Of remedyng the evil will be erect
suitable house. for the Vice President and members Of
ture fuel, and lights.
Of thi, measure but will my purpose barely 10
sllude a few OF them.
upon every change OF adm nss,ion or in cases Of the
a.