Speech on the Subject of Salaries (2 June)

Sir,

It is with Reluctance that I rise to express a Disapprobation of any one Article of the Plan for which we are so much obliged to the honourable Gentleman who laid it before us. From its first Reading I have borne a good Will to it, and in general wish'd it Success. In this Particular of Salaries to the Executive Branch, I happen to differ; and as my Opinion may appear new and chimerical, it is only from a Persuasion that it is right, and from a Sense of Duty that I hazard it. The Committee will judge [of my] Reasons when they have heard them, and their Judgment may possibly change mine.———I think I see Inconveniences in the Appointment of Salaries, I see none in refusing them, but on the contrary great Advantages.

Sir, there are two Passions which have a powerful Influence in the Affairs of Men. These are Ambition and Avarice; the Love of Power and the Love of Money. Separately each of these has great Force in prompting Men to Action; but when united in View of the same Object, they have in many Minds the most violent Effects. Place before the Eyes of such Men a [Post] of Honour that shall at the same time be a Place of Profit, and they will move Heaven and Earth to obtain it.