In answer to the resolution of the Senate of the 26th April ultimo, I herewith transmit a report[108] from the Secretary of State, with accompanying documents.
U.S. GRANT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, June 17, 1876.
To the Senate and House of Representatives:
The near approach of a new fiscal year and the failure of Congress up to this time to provide the necessary means to continue all the functions of Government make it my duty to call your attention to the embarrassments that must ensue if the fiscal year is allowed to close without remedial action on your part.
Article I, section 9, of the Constitution declares:
No money shall be drawn from the Treasury but in consequence of appropriations made by law.
To insure economy of expenditure and security of the public treasure Congress has from time to time enacted laws to restrain the use of public moneys, except for the specific purpose for which appropriated and within the time for which appropriated; and to prevent contracting debts in anticipation of appropriate appropriations, Revised Statutes, section 3679, provides:
No Department of the Government shall expend in any one fiscal year any sum in excess of appropriations made by Congress for that fiscal year, or involve the Government in any contract for the future payment of money in excess of such appropriations.
Section 3732 provides: