Mr. HENDRICKS. I suppose that if these words are not stricken out there will be some gentlemen excluded from the benefits of this resolution not intended by it. It will be recol lected that perhaps 2 years ago the salaries of the Asst Secretaries and the Asst Postmasters General were equalized at $3, 500. Some received prior to that time $4,0some Asst Secretaries $3,000, and congress equalized them all at $3, 500, so that the anguage now used would exclude those who had $3,000 before and by that law were increased to $3, 500, which would not be just if we allow the 20%. to those who were reduced from $4,000 to $3, 500, and I would not be satisfied to see the language of the resolution stand as it is. I admit the force of the argument of the Senfrom Ohio on the other question, the compensation to the female glerks; but I do not think that in a bill like this we can reach the question, which Congress perhaps will have at some time to consider, whether the intro duction of female labor to so large an extent as we now witness into the several Depts of the Government is an advantage to the public service and brings credit upon it. That is a question upon which I think any Senator may well have his doubts; but I do not think we can adjust and settle that question upon a measure like this. Pursuant to law these ladies are employed; they have a salary of $900; and I cannot see why, if we give 20%. additional compensation to other clerks, they shall not have it. But when the question shall come up whether by the action of Congress this system of doubtful propriety, and which has been the subject of very much scandal, shall be increased, or whether the influence of Congress shall be given in favor of its gradual abandon ment, it will have to be considered. My mind is not fully satisfied about it. Certainly the beautiful sentiments of the Senfrom Illinois {Mr. YATEs] find a response in the heart of every one of us; but it is not clear, when a man looks into some of the congressional in vestigations, that this system is promotive of advantage in the several Depts; but while the system stands and is recognized by law I am inclined to give them the same benefit of an increased compensation as is given to other employees.