Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1855-01-12
GonQrassional.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
SECOND SESSION.
senate Thursday, january II, 1853.


The Senate, after passing several private bills,
proceeded TO the consideration OF the bill to in
crease the compensation Of Senator'S members Of
the House OF Representatives, and Judges of the
Supreme Court Of the United States, which was
reported from the Committee OF the Whole with
out amendment.
Mr. BAYARD remarked that he could mol vote
for the bill
Mr. DODGE, Of Iowa, moved 10 strike out so
much Of IL as relates TO the increase Of the com.
pensaton Of members Of Congress
Mr.. GILLETTE likewise opposed the bill. He
thought that TO increase the pay of members
would be 10 increase the distempers Of the Re-
public. He believed the laborer was worthy OF
his reward, If he earned il, but he also believed
that the people do not now receive an equivalent
for what they pay. There certainly was found no
difficulty in supplying the places here al the pres
ent prices.
Mr.. BADGER replied, affirming that he had
abandoned a profitable practice TO serve his coun.
try, and, though not an exlravagant man, he had
been obliged TO add $4,000 year to his compen-
sation, TO defray his expenses. He did not regret
the services he had rendered, but he thought the
country should not tax the patriotic devotion OF
its citizens too far tsa
Mr. CLAYTON said that his pay was about
equal TO that Of one Of the pages of the Senate,
and about half of that which was received by the
mes sengers of the Senate; but by voting for this
bill, he should vote 10 put money into his own
pocket, which he could not do. He did not come
here for the compensation he knew, before he
came here, that it was inadequate, and when he
was no longer able 10 sustain the cost, he would
resign his seat He was not willing 10 risk the
good opinion that was entertained for him. by
voting 10 increase his own compensation for his
motives might be misunderstood; but he would
vote TO increase the compensation Of his success.
sor, and OF those from other States.
Mr.. TOUCEY maintained that il was bad
general policy to pay inadequa,ely the public SER
wants.
The further consideration Of the bill was post.
poned until tomorrow.
The consideration of the bill 10 reorganze the
Judicial system of The United States was then re-
sumed.
Mr.. CHASE'S amendment TO reduce the num-
Der OF judges was rejected, and Mr.. GEYER's mo-
ton 10 strike out the first section Of the bill was
rejected also.
The substitute presented by Mr.. DOUGLAS was
then considered, for the purpose Of perfecting it,
before a vote was taken on that, as proposition
In lieu of the original bill Il was read by sections,
and then postponed till Monday next for final ac.
ton.
The bill 10 extend the provisions of the bounty
land laws was then taken up, the pending ques.
ton being on amendments TO extend il so as 10
include those who have rendered services when
not In the employment Of the General Govern
ment; on which conversation ensued that re.
suited in some notifications of phraseology, so as
to accomplish the object contemplated
After debate, and without concluding the ones.
ton,
The Senate went into an Executive session,
and afterwards adjourned.