Mr. Nicholas hoped this item would be struck out. It was certainly an expense for which there was no occasion. He did not wish to see men raised when they could be of no service. The frigates, he said, could not be fit for service before the next session. He hoped, therefore, no opposition would be made to the striking out of the clause.
Mr. W. Smith said, they had authorized by law the building of three frigates, and it was wished that they should go into service the present year. If the whole sum was not appropriated, there would certainly be a necessity for a part of it.
Mr. Nicholas moved to strike out the item as it stood, and insert, "the pay of the captains of three frigates."
Mr. Macon believed these were the only officers at present appointed.
Mr. Havens wished gentlemen to say why these captains should be paid at all. He believed that building of ships was not their business, and that these places were at present mere sinecures. He should therefore vote against the amendment.
Mr. W. Smith said, it would be necessary to add subsistence as well as pay of three captains, and moved to fill the blank with five thousand dollars; which, after a few observations, was agreed to.
On motion of Mr. W. Smith, the blank for military pensions was filled, without opposition, with $114,259.
The committee then rose and the House entered upon the consideration of the amendments which had been made, when all were agree to, except that relative to the subsistence of the non-commissioned officers and privates.[81]
Wednesday Evening, June 1.
Mr. J. Smith, from the committee appointed to wait upon the President of the United States, to notify him of the intention of both Houses to adjourn on this day, reported his approbation thereof.