ent. in coin, or
par in United States notes. Soon after the war, bonds advanced
far above par in coin and have been worth thirty per cent. premium.
Yet, in spite of this, Congress has repeatedly refused to allow
notes to be issued by national banks, to the par value of bonds
deposited on security, thus limiting the amount of bank notes
unreasonably. I introduced a bill early at this session to correct
this. It passed the Senate, but was ignored in the House. The
same result has happened at nearly every Congress since, even when
the bonds were so high as to deter the issue of bank notes when
they were greatly needed.

During this session a delicate question arose whether a Senator
could refuse to vote when his name was called, and he was present
in the Senate. The Senate being so closely divided a few Senators
might, by refusing to answer to their names, suspend the business
of the Senate when a quorum was present. Mr. Bayard and myself
agreed that such a practice would be a breach of public duty, which
the Senate might punish. Senators may retire from the Chamber,
but the Senate can compel their attendance. If a case should arise
where a Senator, being present, and not paired, should, without
good reason, refuse to vote, he should be censured. The increase
in the number of Senators makes this question one of importance,
but I hope the time will never come when it practically shall arise.

The Senate is properly a very conservative body, and never yields
a custom until it is demonstrated to be an abuse. The committee
on appropriations is a very important one. It is always composed
of experienced Senators, who are careful in making appropriations,
but there are appropriations which ought not to be referred to
them. Their chief duty is performed in the closing days of the
session, when all business is hurried, and they have little time
to enter into details. They are entirely familiar with the great
appropriations for the support of the government, and can best
judge in respect to them, but there are other appropriations which
ought to be passed upon by committees specially appointed for
specific duties, like that of the District of Columbia. No reason
can be given why these appropriations should not be acted upon by
such committees. It is true that the appropriation committee ought
to simply report such sums as are necessary to carry into execution
existing laws. That is their function, according to the