Mr. SHERMAN. I have not resisted the progress of this bill because I did not wish to make any amendment to it, but now I desireI simply to state the effect of the bill. I was not a member of the committee organized to consider it and did not wish to interfere with its consideration by the Senate; but before it is finally acted upon the Senate ought to understand that the effect of the bill, although attempted, it seems to me, to be disguised to some extent, is to increase the salaries of all the clerical force of the Interior Dept frond ten to 15%. In other words, it pays 336 employees in the Interior Dept very nearly the same compensation that is now paid to 382. It is said that the 336 will be sufficient to perform all the duties required in the Inte rior Dept. I think so, to0‘ but under existing laws the SecyInterior can reducc the number of his clerks. The number decreased is 46, and the salary or compensation now paid to 46 clerks is to be divided among the remaining employees. My objection to this bill, and the only reason why I shall vote against it is, that in my judgment this is not the time to commence an increase of salaries, for of course the increase provided for in this bill, equal to about 12 or 15%., must run through all the various Depts of the Government. If this bill passes, as a matter of course the same claim will be made from all the different Bureaus and Depts in Washington, extending to some 2 or 3,000 employees, and having passed this bill we cannot resist their claims. Indeed, the business of the Interior Dept is rohably less onerous than that of the War Dept or' of the Treasury Dept. I do not wish to discuss the question, because the whole thing is in anutshcll. The increase of salaries amounts to about 12 or 15%. by the division among the remaining employes of the salaries heretofore paid to 46 clerks. There is no trouble under existimr laws in reducing the number of clerks; but under this bill the same persons will be employed and continued in 0 cc. There is scarce y a doubt of that. It is not contemplated to reorganize entirely the whole clerical force. but the same persons will be continued in office.