Mr. LANE, ofIndiana. I think the principle upon which our legislation has proceeded eretofore in such cases has been a out this: the Government has reimbursed 2 or 3 disbursing officers for losses by fire and entures by the enemy. In no other cases, I thin, have the Government reimbursed these losses by their disbursing agents. At the last session of Congress there was a case presented from the State of NewYork where a paymaster, in receiving money from the teller of abank, was robbed at the counter of the bank, and there was very great uncertainty in the proof as to whether the money had ever passed or not. That is the only case thatI remember in which a law has been passed similar to the one now asked for. There it was very doubtful; and the preponderance of proof seemed to be that the money had never passed into the hand of the paymaster. The moment the money, or draft, or requisition passes into his hands, it becomes his money, and its proper disbursement is secured by bonds that are taken by the Government. I we establish the precedent here of making good the loss to this man for stolen property, it may have the effect to lessen the vigilance of these officers in the custody of public property. I know nothing of this case, and o course take the facts precisely as reported, that this paymaster was robbed without any fault on his part, and that he is an honest and faithful officer; but granting all these things, I think the Government cannot step in and become the guarantor for the safe custody of moncy in the hands of its disbursing agents. A few days since a much stronger case than this was presented from the pension agent in the city of NewYork, and referred to the ComPensions. In that case he claimed that be was robbed; he pursued the robber to Albany, and upon full proof had him convicted and sent to the penitentiary for 5 years; but we supposed, the money being his own the moment it was drawn, and not belonging to the 7 Government, that he, like every other individual, was responsible for his own losses. The Senate will perceive very readily that although this case run be perfect y honest in every feature ofit, stil ifyou adopt the principle of making good to the loser all such losses. you may invite collusion between an unfaithful otheer and dishonest accomplices. I do not believe that such legislation should be entered upon at. this time.