1. as it is one purpose of this work to give a clear and complete account of the mode of conducting the affairs of the general government, we have thought it best to call attention to the class of officers named at the head of this chapter; and especially since persons acting under this title are assigned to a variety of duties, sometimes permanent and sometimes temporary. in the first place, they act as heads of bureaus in the various departments. these commissioners are permanent officials of the government, established and provided for by law; such are the commissioners of the land office, patent office, pension office, &c.
2. another class of commissioners can hardly be considered officers, but rather temporary or special agents. in the multifarious duties devolving upon congress, the president, and all the departments, it not unfrequently happens that it is impracticable for them to do certain things necessary to be done. the business to be transacted may be at a great distance from the capital, even in a foreign country. in these cases commissioners are appointed to do such business. they have been appointed to negotiate a peace, to make treaties of various kinds between us and other powers, and to negotiate with the indians for the purchase of their lands. the united states courts appoint them to take bail, or to take testimony to be[581] used on trials, and do various other things necessary in trials and proceedings before them.
3. congress frequently appoints commissioners to obtain information, or to investigate some matter on which they expect to legislate. in all cases they must report their proceedings, either to congress, to the president, or to the head of the department under whose instruction they act. permanent commissioners report once a year, or oftener if required, that congress may know the condition of affairs in their respective bureaus. special commissioners, after they have performed the work assigned, make their report; after which their duties cease, and their commission comes to an end.
4. the lowest grade of diplomatic agents are called commissioners. we are thus represented at the present time in the republics of hayti and liberia.
5. by recent acts of congress, the powers of commissioners in some cases have been enlarged. they now examine persons charged with crimes against the laws of the united states; hold them to bail, discharge them, or commit them to prison; and do other magisterial acts, preliminary to the trial of the accused. when acting in such cases, they are clothed with some of the powers of a court.
