Eastern times., 1855-03-08
Remarks of Mr.. Benson.

| eAAS'3 ''SAo ~ ihat SSutiShuH ot' - ~~-~
day, 2lst ult. We are glad to perceive that
our local interests are likely to be well cared
for at the hands Of Mr.. Benson:
Mr.. Benson. | move to insert after the
last amendment, adopted on the motion OF the
gentleman from Alabama, the following
! To complete the custom-house at Bath,
Maine. $40 ,000
heard the chairman of the committee OF
| Ways and Means remark, since | offered my
amendment, that this was something like the
tenth time that there had been an approprla-
ton to complete this custom-house. Having
| heard that remark, a great error in point OF
fact by the way, there having been but four
appropriations in all for the custOm-house and
post Office at Bath, including the purchase OF
the site. ask the honorable gentleman TO
listen TO what may say, for have the fullest
confidence in being able to satisfy him and a
majority of the committee that this appropri-
alton should be made. hold in my hand a
letter from the Secretary of the Treasury,
which will send to be read at the Clerk 5
desk, assigning the reason why the amount
which he recommended last year, sec, 900,
was not enough, and stating that the building
can be finished complete for the additional
sum OF $4,000.
will not trouble Lhe committee with the
statistics in detail, which have at hand,
showing the importance of Bath collecton dis
trict. can show that the amount of duties
for the year 1854 collected was S36, 1928 As,
and on goods in bonds over $73 900; that
ninety-two vessels entered from, and one hun
drad and fifty cleared for foreign countries !;
that ninety-three vessels with an aggregate of
seventy Thousand seven hundred and eighty
four tons were built during the past year, ex-
ceedng the amount built in any district in the
United States that the tonnage of the dis
trict on the 3lst of December last, registered,
enrolled, and licensed, was one hundred and
seventy-nine thousand five hundred and forty
eight tons, and that the receipts of the post of
fee at Bath, for the year ending September
so, were S5 ,59I 50.
In consideration of these facts, and others
which might be stated, showing the entire in
suliiciency and unfitness for the rooms now
used for the custom-house and post Office, it
seems to me we cannot hesitate to complete
the building designed for both, according TO
the original plan. | am authorized TO state
that the committee on commerce, on the part
of the Senate, being of that opinion, unani-
monsly recommend tins amendment, and that
seven out of the nine members of the House
committee concur with them. And trust
this committee will be of the same opinion.
The following letter was then read:
Treasury DEPARTMENT Jan. 10, 1855.
SIR In reply to your letter of the 5ih
instant, have the honor to state that con-
tract for the granite work of the Bath custom
house was made with Charles Webb for the
sum of $3l, ,676 13. Mr.. webb also offered
to execute the remaining work Of the building
for the additional sum of $40 1924 40, amount
ing together to the sum of S5l 600 So. To
meet this, there remained balance of appro-
priations amounting 10 S33 900, to which add
the probable amount to be derived from the
sale of the old custom house and lot, 81, 500 !;
giving total available amount of S35 600.
Supposing that Mr.. Webb would carry out
his offer in good faith, an additional appropri-
alton of $50 900 was asked by the Depart
ment, and given by Congress during the last
session, making gross sum of S55 500.
Immediately after the appropriation. Mr..
Webb was notified that his proposal for the
additional work, at $40, 1924 AZ, was accepted,
and that contracts would be prepared for his
signature. Mr.. Webb declined to execute
the contract upon the ground of the enhanced
value of labor and materials, and demanded
the additional sum of Sll,74 So to complete
the work That amount does not, though it
is considered high, include the cost of super
intendence and other contingent expenses,
which Will probably amount to 1000. The
building, it is believed, can be finished com
plete for the additional sum of $4,000.
have the honor to be, very respectfully,
JAMES GUTHRIE. Sec. of the Treasury.
Hon. S. P. Benson, House Of Representatives,.
Mn. Benson. One word more. wish
simply to say that in consequence of the re-
strictions which were last year imposed in
the bill by which $40, 900 were appropriated
to the Bath custom house, the Secretary OF
the Treasury has been unable to enter into a
contract with any parties to finish the work.
1t has been entirely suspended, and must SC
remain until this additional appropriation is
made.
Nh. FULLER. move 10 amend the amend
ment by increasing the appropriation one dol
lar.
make that motion for the purpose merely
of having an opportunity to do justice to the
| Secretary of the Treasury in this master, al
though am, also, in favor of this appropria-
ton 1t is right that truth and justice should
be vndicated.
Mr.. BENSON, Gnterrupting.) VIII my
colleague allow me TO make an explanation
Mr. FULLER. Not for a moment vet
The Secretary Of the Treasury made his estl7
mate last wear on previous offers that had been
made. The building was TO be erected OF
granite; but the contractor has refused to COM
| ply with his contract The Secretary will
have the building completed with the appro-
priation voted him by Congress, but some OF
it will have TO be done with brick instead OF
granite A portion of the. building is now
completed with granite. The Secretary
stands upon his own recommendation, and has
wished simply to state the facts to Congress,
and then it is for Congress to Judge. The
Secretary has not exhibited any Inconsistency
whatever in the matter.
| say this in Justice TO him. 1t will cost
more than the estimate furnished TO him to
complete the building in granite; and if the
/ additional appropriation be not made he will
I have cheaper material substituted; and the
building completed | submit that the Sec
retary has done what all other practical men
would have done; what every man who builds
house and finds some unforeseen contingency
arise, would have done. And now, sir,
whether or not, after this building is partially
completed with granite, whether or not, we
should change the material OF its construction,
and carry out the remainder of it with brick,
is question which | submit TO the discretion
of the House. | suppose that it is preferable
to complete it with granite, and therefore, the
committee on commerce think that this addl-
4 l.