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A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774-1875
Journals of the Continental Congress --WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1783
On motion of Mr. [James] Duane, seconded by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry,
Whereas it is the duty of Congress at all times, but more especially when their constituents are exposed to heavy taxes, and the finances greatly embarrassed, to embrace every opportunity to introduce economy in the public expenditures. And whereas since a return of the blessings of peace, not only the business of many of the officers on the domestic civil list is decreased, but the charge of their subsistence is greatly moderated. And whereas by a change of system in conducting the affairs of the United States at foreign courts, great savings may be also made to the public.
Resolved, therefore, That a committee be appointed to consider what reductions may be made in the civil list, and to report specially on each department.2
[Note 2: 2 This motion, in the writing of James Duane, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, II, folio 243. The indorsement on the motion shows that it was referred to Mr. [James] Duane, Mr. S[amuel] Huntington, Mr. [Hugh] Williamson, Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry and Mr. [Abraham] Clark. According to an indorsement on folio 235, and the record in Committee Books 186 and 191, this committee reported in part September 27 stud on December 18 Duane, Huntington and Clark went off the committee and Mr. [James] Tilton, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson and Mr. [James] McHenry were added. The report of September 27 was recommitted March 4, 1784, and the new committee rendered a report March 5, 1784.]
Ordered, That the committee consist of five.
Ordered, That the first part of the report which was under consideration yesterday, so far as respects the civil list, be referred to the said committee.
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Congress then resumed the consideration of the report of the committee, to whom was referred the report on a letter of 11 July, from the legislature of Massachusetts, which is in the following words:
Whereas the legislatures, as well as the citizens of several states, are opposed to the allowance of half pay to officers of the army, and also to the commutation made by an act of Congress of 22 March last; and it is the request of the delegates of such states, that the legislatures thereof may have an opportunity of effecting a compromise with the officers of their respective lines, and of enabling them to retain the affection and esteem of their fellow-citizens.
Resolved, That the Secretary at War be directed to transmit to the legislatures of the states of New Hampshire Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and Connecticut, and of such other states as may apply for the same, a list of the officers belonging to such states respectively, to whom half pay or the commutation has been promised by Congress, and of the sums to those officers severally due, specifying particularly the arrearages of their pay, cloathing and rations, to the first of January last, and the amount of the commutation; in order that the said States legislatures, if they shall deem it expedient, may reward the services of the said officers, in a way that shall be mutually agreeable to them.
That the public securities which have been or may be issued to the said officers, for their arrearages or commutation, and which in consequence of a compromise shall may by them be assigned to their respective states, shall be received by the Superintendant of finance, from such states, in payment of requisitions of Congress not appropriated to the payment of the interest of the public debt: provided that such officers as may not accept the proposals of their respective states, for rewarding their services aforesaid, shall be
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nevertheless entitled to the commutation, and every other emolument granted them by acts of Congress.1
[Note 1: 1 This second part of the report, in the writing of Elbridge Gerry, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 20, I, folio 161. According to the indorsement, it was delivered September 8, read, and "Friday next assigned for the consideration of this."]
A motion was made by Mr. [William] Ellery, seconded by Mr. [Silas] Condict, to strike out the words, "provided that such officers," &c. to the end: And on the question, shall those words stand? the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [William] Ellery,
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So the question was lost and the words were struck out, it was resolved in the affirmative.
A motion was then made by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry, seconded by Mr. [Samuel] Holten, after the words "in payment of requisitions of Congress," to add "not appropriated to the payment of the interest of the public debt:" And on the question to agree to this amendment, the yeas and nays being required by Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry,
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So the question was lost.1
[Note 1: 1 The vote was entered in the Journal by Henry Remsen, Jun.]
[Motion of Mr. Stephen Higginson, September 17, 1783.]
That after the first day of November next the office of Receiver of Taxes in the several states shall cease and determine, and the business of that office be assigned to the loan officers in such states respectively, with a salary of five hundred dollars each per annum, and the Superintendent of Finance is hereby directed to give the necessary directions forthwith for carrying this resolution into effect.2
[Note 2: 2 This motion, in the writing of Stephen Higginson, is in the Papers of the Continental Congress, No. 36, II, folio 241. It was referred, the indorsement states, to Mr. [James] Duane, Mr. S[amuel] Huntington, Mr. [Hugh] Williamson, Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry aria Mr. [Abraham] Clark. See ante, September 16, note.
On this day, as the indorsement indicates, a memorial of William Jackson, for compensation for his services in Europe as secretary to J. Laurens, dated Princeton, September 16, was read and referred to Mr. [Theodorick] Bland, Mr. B[enjamin] Huntington and Mr. [David] Howell. It is in No. 41, IV, folio 445. According to the entry in Committee Book No. 191, a report was delivered September 29, and acted upon, October 18.]
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