16

for the last year 1854 the sum paid for this account was $ 1,763. A single
settlement with Messrs. Barrings Brothers & Co., and an agreement with
them providing for semi-annual remittances of paid Coupons to the Trea-
sury Department, at such periods, when the Officers of the Department
would have time to record the same, would entirely dispense with the
necessity of a Coupon Committee. The Committee of Ways and Means
could, in one day, examine the registered Coupons and test the accuracy
of the record.

There should be provision by law, allowing the Comptroller, in case of
necessary absence from Annapolis or illness, to appoint, in writing, his
Chief Clerk to discharge the duties of Comptroller pro tem., and for all the
acts of said Deputy, while so acting, the Bond of the Comptroller should
be answerable in the same manner and extent as for his personal acts. As
the office is at present organised, a severe illness of the incumbent would
entirely arrest the regular business of the Department.

It is impossible for the present incumbent to retire from this Office with-
out bearing testimony to the promptness and fidelity with which the Clerks
of the Treasury Department have discharged their respective duties.

All which is respectfully submitted.

WM. PINKNEY WHYTE,

Comptroller.

ERRATA On pages 15, 16 & 17, "Barrings Brothers & Co." should be,
Barings Brothers & Co