It was now moved to strike out the words secretary and clerks.
Mr. Madison thought the Executive Magistrate ought not to have the power of creating officers; yet if he appointed his secretary and clerks, and they were recognized, either with respect to salary or official acts, they became officers of the Government.
Mr. Benson did not think it necessary to recognize any such officers; they were to be esteemed the mere instruments of the President, and not as sharing in the administration.
The motion was put, and carried in the affirmative, and then the House adjourned.
Thursday, July 16.
Compensation of the President, &c.
The House resumed the consideration of the Report of the Committee on the Compensation to the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress.
The blank occasioned by striking out on Monday last, was now proposed to be filled.
Mr. Livermore moved to fill it with 18,000 dollars.
Mr. Burke said, there were some members of the committee in favor of 15,000 dollars; others indeed were for a much larger sum—he believed they went so far as 70,000 dollars; that 20,000 dollars was an accommodation, and as such he had agreed to it; but he was of opinion that 15,000 dollars was sufficient; that 20,000 had been once agreed to, but the expenses were added at a subsequent meeting of the committee; now, as the House had concurred in striking out 20,000 dollars, and a proposition was come forward more correspondent to his judgment, he should give it support.