Mr. NIBLACK. I move to amend this clause by inserting the word “Portugal” after the word “Brazil;” and also by increasing the gross amount appropriated by this clause by the addition of $7, 500. Mr. Chairman, I understand, from an examination of all the records to which I have had access, and by inquiry at the State Depart mont, that we still have a minister resident near the Government of Portugal. And on further inquiry I understand that the salary of that minister is $7, 500 a year. It seems that from some cause (I do not profess to be famil iar with all the reasons) at the last session of Congress the appropriation for the payment of the salary of that minister was omitted. I learn that the minister now residing near the Government of Portugal was appointed on the 28th day of March, 1851, by Mr. Lincoln; his nomination was confirmed by the Senate, and he is still in commission as the Present minister of this Government to that country. I take it, therefore, that the reasons for withholding the appropriation to pay his salary as minister must be very urgent indeed, or the Congress of the U.S. will not longer be induced to pursue that course. I certainly have heard of no good reasons for thus refusin to pay this man his salary. I confess."; regarded the withholding of his salary at the last session as very extraordinary legislation on the part of Congress. I do not say that it was unjustifiable legislation, because I do not pretend, as I before remarked, to know all the reasons which induced it. But it is a precedent which I think we should be very reluctant to set in matters of this kind. Matters pertaining to the diplomatic affairs of the country are committed to the Executive. Many of the duties pertaining to this branch of the public service are kept from the public view are what are commonly known as state secrets. Many things occur in that branch of the public service which are not deemed fit matters for publication. When we call for information from the Dept of State we usually make the call through the President, with the reservation that he shall communicate the information asked only in case he shall consider it not incompatible with the public interest to do so. Very great discretion, therefore, is intrusted to the President in the management of the foreign affairs of this country. And I think we should not attempt to abridge that discretion, except for weighty and sufficient reasons, well known to ourselves and to the country. It is with a view, therefore, of ascertaining why the salary is withheld from our minister to Portugal that I have moved this amendment. I am quite sure the House ought to adopt the amendment, unless some good reasons can be urged to the contrary. I now yield to the Gentfrom Pennsylvania [Mr. Stevens] the chairman of the ComAppropriat, for any expla nation he may desire to make.