Mr. BENdAMIN. Mr. Chairman, in reply to the Question of the Gentfrom Pennsylvania. I Will say that we have the fact officiiilly made to the Senate by the heads of at least 2 of the Depts. that appointments have been made in Violation of law. The further fact is reported that: in the case of certain persons appomted as provisional goveriiorst ey have been aid out of the contingent fund of the War dept. 1 he purpose of the amendment will be read ily understood by all who are conversant with the act to wlllCll the amendment alludes; It is humiliating to be obliged to legislate to prevent a further violation of the laws on the part of those upon whom the Constitution has imposed the duty of seeing that they are faith fully execute. Congress has, alter deliberation, passed an not designed to protect the Government against the machinations of trai torous otheers by requiring them to declare their innocence ofany complicity in the late attempt to subvert it, and a promise of loyalty in the future. The law is either a good law or it is a bad law, either wise or unwise, wholesome or unwliolcsome. If the law is unwnse and over atesinjuriously, itshonld be forthwnh repea ed; but whether good or bad, it should be enforced until it is repealed. I assume, however, that Congress intends to perpetuate the restrictions imposed upon those " guilty of their countrys blood, ” as i see no effort is being made to remove them from the statute book. Perhaps we are powerless in preventing the appouitment of such persons to important offices, but we can give ii gentle hint to all those “whom it may CflllCQlllIyof our displeasure at such flagrant violations of the law of the land. by refusing the means for their payment. lf we fail to rebuke such acts, but goon and vote the money for their salaries, we indirectly sanctum the act and make ourselves poriiceps crimiiiis. Let us say in these bills, “ We believe the republic contains a sufficient number of loyal citizens to fill all the offices and if any others are ini osed upon us they need expect no compensation from Congress.” I hope the amendment will be adopted.