a commission upon all moneys collected by district attorneys, and to graduate the commission according to the amount of each collection, in such a manner that a higher percentage shall be allowed for the collection of a small than of a large sum. Perhaps for this purpose the following scale might be a proper one: On any sum not exceeding $500.... On so much of any sum as may exceed $500, and not ex- On all exceeding $1,500, and not exceeding $10,000... Another subject to which I desire to call attention is the limitation of the compensation of district attorneys, except for certain specified services, to six thousand dollars per annum. Careful inquiry and reflection convince me that such a limitation is unwise, and only operates to the disadvantage of the public service. I do not hesitate to say that the requisite ability, experience, and devotion for the proper discharge of the duties of district attorney in the principal districts of the country, cannot, except as the result of some fortunate accident, be procured for the compensation mentioned. In private practice a lawyer possessing these qualities would realize from twice to three or four times the amount. It is of the highest importance to the government that capacity and diligence shall be secured. More may be lost by their absence, in a single case, than the salary of the district attorney for his entire term. Besides, I can perceive no propriety in limiting the compensation of these officers, depending as it does upon the amount of business conducted by them. No gentleman in private life asks what are the aggregate earnings of his attorney. All that he concerns himself about is the ability, fidelity, and assiduity with which he attends to his business, and whether his charges for his services are reasonable. Such, in my judgment, should be the conduct of the government in relation to district attorneys. It should fix the compensation to be allowed at reasonable rates for the various kinds of service performed, and so arrange it that the amount of compensation will depend upon the amount of service rendered and the success attending it, and there stop. I am persuaded that a contrary course, while it may save a few dollars in salary, will inevitably result in the sacrifice of thousands from the withdrawal or withholding of the proper stimulus to exertion. Thoroughly convinced as I am of the correctness of the main views which I have thus expressed, I respectfully ask for them your favorable consideration, in order that, should they meet your approval, Congress may be asked to give them effect by the proper legislation. I have the honor to be, with high respect, Hon. S. P. CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury. EDWARD JORDAN, Statistical summary of business under charge of the Solicitor of the Treasury during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1863. Alabama, southern dist.. Louisiana, eastern dist.. Louisiana, western dist.. Mississippi, northern dist. |