Mr. SUMNER. I understoo. that he went even further, and meant ull tne clerks and cinployes in the De artinents; he thought they were underpaid. am sure that those in the State Dept, where I am most familiar, are underpaid. I think we ought to do something for them: the committee with which I am associated think we ought to do something for them; and it was on that account that yesterday I brought forward the proposition which, yieldinr to remonstrances from Senators about me, I tinall withdrew. I say this to the Senfrom Indiana that he may see that I go along with him in that desire. I yielded reluctantly to the expression of opinion about me and withdrew the proposition. What next I I became satisfied that there was at least one member in that body in the service of the Dept of State, whose position, as I have sai already, was absolutely exceptional; that if you were disposed to neglect others, you ought not to negliact him; that he had a claim I may call it even by that very strong term upon his country, after 30 years of service, for a compensation that should enable him to enjoy, not. luxury, buta certain degree of comfort as years begin to creep upon him. When I expressed that opinion, found there was a general accord about me. Senator alter senator rose to bear his testimony to the extraordinary merits of Mr. Hunter; and the only question at that time I think the Senfrom Indiana was not in his seat was interposed by the Senfrom Maine as to the propriety of making this motion on the bill now before the Senate. I think that I answered satisfactorily that objection. Then the question was left open simply on the merits of this individual case. Has not Mr. Hunter rendered services to this Government which at his period of life make it proper for us to individualize him by name for the increased compensation which is now proposed? In in divi qualizing him by name, you make no precedent except where you can show similar services. It is not a precedent for raising the salary of any other cliief clerk, nor raising any other salary unless where you can exhibit a long series of services under peculiar circumstances such as we can exhibit in the case of this Gentleman. I hope, the refore, thot the proposition will not be O ipose d and I hope that the Senfrom Indiana will withdraw his opposition and let it pass unanimously. Let us make this offering to a good and faithful public servant who has served all the Administrations from John Quincy Adams down to this day, and I believe has enjoyed the confidence of all.