The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser

Congress of The United States.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

February 9.

The bill from the Senate for increasing the compensation of certain officers was taken up in a committee of the whole.

The first clause of the bill contemplated making additions of five hundred and two hundred dollars to the salaries of the President and Vice President respectively. It was contended by some, that the President particularly could not live as became the chief magistrate of this country upon 25,000 dollars: that he must have a private fortune to aid in keeping-up his establishment on a respectable footing, and that it was not just, that public officers should be under the necessity of expending their private estates in the service of the public. Others wished the addition to be considered as necessary to renew the furniture which the new President must require.

Against the addition the usual arguments were cited. Plainness, it was said, is the best ornament for a republican magistrate and it was asserted the 25,000 dollars was quite enough, not only for the President's maintenance, but even would afford enough to purchase such new furniture as could be required. Others, however, were of opinion that something should hereafter be allowed extra for that object.

This first clause was negatived, 66 rising against it.

The second clause provided an increase of 25 per cent, of the salaries of sundry officers was also negatived, 53 rising against it.

The committee then rose and reported; and the House concurred in the report. Ayes 28. Noes 38.

The Senate informed that they had appointed a committee to enquire in conjunction with a committee of the House, what measures would be necessary to be taken for the accommodation of the new President.

The House were also informed, that the President elect would attend on the 4th of March; at 12 o'clock, to take the oath of office.