Mr. SUMNER. I agree entirely in the general remarks of the Senfrom Maine. I coincide perfectly in what he sets forth as the object of this proposition. I want to do something to keep bad pictures out of the country, if possible, and also to encourage our artists at i. There we go; together. The simple question is, by what form of proposition shall we practically accomplish that in the best way? Now, if we followed the artists implicitly we should not have the support of the Senfrom Maine, for the artists appear here by petition, in which a very large number have united, nearly all the artists of Boston, I think, asking for a duty of $100 on these pictures; but the committee have not accepted that proposition. They put it at 30 dollars, and as I understand they do it on the authority of an artist from Philadelphia, and now the Senfrom NewJersey says also on the authority of a dealer in pictures in NewYork. Well, I cannot say that I speak on the authority of any artist in Philadelphia or any dealer in pictures in NewYork; but I do speak on an authority which to me is better than both combined; and then I add that I do bring to it such judgment as I have on the question. I, claim very little, however, for my own judg; ment, though it is a topic which has occupied some of my attention for some time; but I have in my hand a letter from a person so circumstanced as to be absolutely unselfish, and also so circumstanced at this moment as to find it his special duty to study this question. I onlirather not mention his name, because I do not wish to bring it into contest. Suffice it to say that his authority with me is complete. I requested his opinion on this proposition, and I will read to you his reply: low“SinIRg: suInggoebsetidoine sincere to latyioounrtwoitshheIinmeraekaesethdetafroiflf: on paintings: o“1.of Thtwatentthyedreolslahrosuoldnbeeacahsppiecctiufircedvuatlyueodn aptaint $200 or less. “2. That an adralorem duty of ten%, should be addedon every painting valued at over $200. The motion that I have made, it will be ob. served, is in harmony with this suggestion. He then proceeds: “By this the artists are fully protectedagainst the importation of trash.. It will increasethe revenuelargely. ho It will prevent undervaluation at house. the custom “ 30%. will keep out all of lent class that excel of pictures by Frère, Lambinet, Plassan, CompteCalix, Dewergen, &c.”