Mr. TRUMBULL. I think this question should be treated upon its merits, without any regard to the imputation of motives to anybody why they approve or disapprove of it. I certainly do not approve of the course which the SecyTreasury has thoughtproper to adopt in speaking of Congress. I think it is always best to speak respectfully of the coordinate depts of the Government, and that nothing is gained by indulging in abuse of those that we cannot agree with. But the form of this appropriation, it strikes me, is very objectionable. It really puts it in the hands of the head of the Dept to fix the sal aries of these clerks. It put in his control some 250,000 dollars, I believe, last year, and $100000, I think, by this bill, which he is to distribute in the em ployment oftemporary clerks, and in additional compensation to such clerksashe thinks proper. I should not think that the Secretary would want to be invested with such a power. It must be very harassing and embarrassing, I should think, to him, to have to make this distinction. But the objection which I have to it is that it leaves a discretionary power, which, while it may induce zeal and greater activity on the part of the clerks, it seems to me has a tend ency to make them more dependent upon the head of the Dept. I dislike above all things to see this dependence of one man upon another any more than it can be possibly helped in the necessary discipline to be observed in the Depts. I would not have the subordinate clerks to depend upon the head of the Dept for the atnount of their salary; and certainly it is calculated to lead to abuse. I will not undertake to say that the present SecyTreasury, or any SecyTreasury would abuse it; but it is a part of the Lord’s Prayer, “lead us not into temptation.” If they are not placed in this position, they certainly will make no misapplication of any such fund. It does not seem to me that there is any necessity for it. I have not looked into the statutes, but I rather think it will be found that it. has grown up within the last 3 or 4 years.