"Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire and report, by bill or otherwise, whether any, and what, further provisions are necessary to be made relative to the sales of real estate delivered to the United States in satisfaction of judgments against persons indebted thereto."
Three members were appointed.
The House then went into Committee of the Whole on the bill for the removal and accommodation of the Government of the United States.
Mr. Harper proposed to amend the act so as that the sum to accommodate the household of the President of the United States with furniture, in addition to what was now in possession of the President, should not operate until after the third of March next. This he did, he said, in consequence of some constitutional doubts which he had expressed. The constitution declaring that the salary of the President should receive no addition nor diminution during his being in office. This was concurred in.
The question then was, what sum should be allowed for that purpose; $20,000, $15,000, and $10,000, were severally named.
Mr. Randolph, considering the principle itself unconstitutional, moved, in order to defeat the section altogether, (it having been amended and being out of order to move its being stricken out,) to insert the sum of $500. These different sums called forth a lengthy debate. The sum of $20,000 was negatived—45 to 39. That of $15,000 was carried—yeas 44, nays 42.
The bill being gone through, was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading on Monday.
Mr. Nicholson called for the order of the day on the bill prescribing the mode of deciding disputed elections of President and Vice President of the United States.
Mr. Harper moved that it be postponed till Monday.
Mr. Nicholson, after expressing his abhorrence of the principles contained in the bill, then moved that it be postponed till the first Monday in December next.
Messrs. Harper, Dana, Rutledge, and Marshall, opposed this motion; and Messrs. S. Smith, Gallatin, Randolph, Nicholson, and Nicholas, supported it.
The question was taken by yeas and nays, and decided in the negative—yeas 48, nays 52.
Mr. Harper's motion for postponement till Monday, was then agreed to—ayes 54.
Mr. Parker, from the Naval Committee, reported a bill for the appointment of admirals for the navy.
[This bill provides for the appointment of one Vice Admiral and four Rear Admirals, and arranges the fleet into squadrons.]
It was read a first time, and on the question for the second reading, it was carried—37 to 31. Having been read a second time, Mr. Gallatin moved its postponement till the first Monday in December next.
The Speaker said the question was, whether it should be committed or not? The question for commitment was carried, 37 to 32. The question was then to make it the order of the day for the first Monday in December next.
Mr. Eggleston hoped it would be postponed. He said it would be agreed upon to suspend the building of the 74's for the present year; in addition to this our difference with France would most probably be soon adjusted. Another reason was, it would incur an addition of expense, which it would be improper to go into, having recently agreed to borrow $3,500,000. He was really surprised to hear such a bill proposed; he scarcely could think his colleague sincere.
Mr. Parker said that the building of the 74's was not suspended, but it was thought advisable not to hurry their building. He stated a number of conveniences that would attend the new arrangement; that the whole expense would not be more than $10,000, but owing to the advantages, he believed it would be a real saving. He did not think there could be any certainty of a peace, from the revolutionary disposition of France; but even if it was certain that peace would be made with that nation, it was not certain that the combined powers would not renew their hostilities. He wished this measure to be adopted, even if it was at the expense of the army. The return of peace would render the army nugatory, except just enough for the garrisons; the whole of the army expenses, he said, was upwards of four millions, but the whole sum expended on the navy (really a more efficient defence and advantage) was little more than two millions. He wished our naval defence to be nurtured and rendered respectable, for which the squadron arrangements and appointments of suitable commanders were necessary.
Mr. Champlin also spoke in favor of the bill, and in favor of its commitment for an earlier day.
Mr. Claiborne could not think the gentleman (Mr. Parker) sincere in his professions that the army was not necessary, when he perceived that every motion to reduce the army, which by other gentlemen was thought absolutely necessary, had as uniformly been opposed by that gentleman. Mr. C. said he did not look forward to a period when the navy as well as the army would be unnecessary. This appointment might take place at any time when there should be necessity of it; and, therefore, as it was not pretended the 74's could be built before the next session, it would then be time enough to think of voting these officers.
The Speaker said that it was unknown in the Parliamentary proceedings of any country that the merits of a bill were discussed on a motion for postponement; he must therefore say that any discussion on the bill was out of order, and that gentlemen must confine themselves merely on the question of the day this bill should be made the order for.
Mr. Harper stated some of the inconveniences that must attend gentlemen who brought in, or would wish to support a bill being presented, recommending its provision by a motion to postpone; he conceived the bill a valuable one, and wished for an opportunity of endeavoring to convince the House of that fact, but he was precluded by the decision of the Chair, he must therefore beg leave to appeal from the decision.
The question was put, "Is the decision of the Chair right?" and carried—yeas 65.
Mr. Smith said he should vote for this bill being the order for December next, but if the 74's were then ordered to proceed, he should vote for this bill, if then proposed.
The yeas and nays were taken on the question, "Shall this bill be postponed till the first Monday in December next?" and decided in the negative—yeas 44, nays 45, as follows:
Yeas.—Willis Alston, Theodorus Bailey, Phanuel Bishop, Robert Brown, Samuel J. Cabell, Matthew Clay, William C. C. Claiborne, John Condit, Thomas T. Davis, John Dawson, Joseph Eggleston, Lucas Elmendorph, John Fowler, Albert Gallatin, Andrew Gregg, William Barry Grove, John A. Hanna, Joseph Heister, David Holmes, George Jackson, James Jones, Michael Leib, Matthew Lyon, James Linn, Nathaniel Macon, Peter Muhlenberg, Anthony New, John Nicholas, Joseph H. Nicholson, Abraham Nott, John Randolph, John Smilie, John Smith, Samuel Smith, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Richard Stanford, David Stone, Thomas Sumter, Benjamin Taliaferro, John Thompson, Abram Trigg, John Trigg, Joseph B. Varnum, and Robert Williams.
Nays.—George Baer, Bailey Bartlett, James A. Bayard, Jonathan Brace, John Brown, Christopher G. Champlin, William Cooper, Samuel W. Dana, John Davenport, Franklin Davenport, John Dennis, George Dent, Joseph Dickson, William Edmond, Thomas Evans, Abiel Foster, Dwight Foster, Jonathan Freeman, Henry Glenn, Chauncey Goodrich, Elizur Goodrich, Roger Griswold, Robert Goodloe Harper, Benjamin Huger, James H. Imlay, Henry Lee, Silas Lee, Samuel Lyman, Lewis R. Morris, Robert Page, Josiah Parker, Thomas Pinckney, Jonas Platt, Leven Powell, John Read, John Rutledge, jun., Samuel Sewall, James Sheafe, William Shepard, George Thatcher, John Chew Thomas, Richard Thomas, Robert Waln, Lemuel Williams, and Henry Woods.
The bill was then made the order for to-morrow.
Mr. Dennis said that by the act passed the present session, further to provide for the removal and accommodation of the Government of the United States, a sum not exceeding $5,000 was appropriated for the purpose of procuring a Library. In order to carry that provision into execution, he would move the following resolution:
"Resolved, That —— be a committee, jointly with such committee as may be appointed on the part of the Senate, for the purpose of making out a catalogue of books, and adopting the best mode of procuring a Library, at the city of Washington; and for adopting a system of rules and regulations relative thereto."
This motion was agreed to, and Messrs. Waln, Evans, and Powell, appointed.
The House resolved itself into a committee on the bill from the Senate, in addition to the act, entitled "An act prohibiting the carrying on the slave trade from the United States to any foreign place or country."
Mr. J. Brown said, when the motion was first laid on the table, he thought it improper to prevent the citizens of the United States enjoying the benefits of a trade enjoyed by all the European nations. He really was in hopes that the good sense of the select committee would have permitted them to have seen the policy of realizing the act in question. Many members of the House, he observed, knew how the former act was passed; they knew that Congress was drilled into it by certain persons who would not take no for an answer. It was well known that the Abolition Society, otherwise the Society of Friends, as they were called, were very troublesome until they got that act passed. It was also well known that those people did not do much to support the Government, but that they did as much as they could to stop the measures of the Government, and particularly our defensive system, on which our national security depended.
Mr. Nicholas asked whether it was in order to abuse any class of citizens in this manner, and particularly since no motion was before the committee?
The Chairman said he conceived the gentleman to be in order, since he supposed he was about to make a motion affecting the principle of the bill.
Mr. Brown resumed. He was only speaking, agreeably to his information, how this bill came originally into existence. He was certain that this nation having an act against the slave trade, did not prevent the exportation of a slave from Africa. He believed we might as well, therefore, enjoy that trade, as to leave it wholly to others. It was the law of that country to export those whom they held in slavery—who were as much slaves there as those who were slaves in this country—and with as much right. The very idea of making a law against this trade, which all other nations enjoyed, and which was allowed to be very profitable, was ill policy. He would further say that it was wrong, when considered in a moral point of view, since, by the operation of the trade, the very people themselves much bettered their condition. It ought to be a matter of national policy, since it would bring in a good revenue to our Treasury. It was not pleasing to him, Mr. B. said, to pay an interest of 8 per cent. for our loan: rather than borrow money, he would wish to be paying off some of our old standing debt, which could be done by increasing our commerce, or rendering it free. He wished it to be free as the wind that blew—from one end of the world to the other. As he observed before, he believed not one more slave would be exported from Africa, while our merchants and our revenue would enjoy the benefit.
Mr. B. said, our distilleries and manufactories were all lying idle for want of an extended commerce. He had been well informed that on those coasts New England rum was much preferred to the best Jamaica spirits, and would fetch a better price. Why should it not be sent there, and a profitable return be made? Why should a heavy fine and imprisonment be made the penalty for carrying on a trade so advantageous?
But, he observed, if it was thought advisable that the old act should continue, he would wish it could be made to meet the purpose altogether, and prevent the system of slavery entirely, so that equal advantages might be given to all the inhabitants of the Union; without this, it would, as it ever had been, remain a great disadvantage. He therefore moved that the committee rise, in order to postpone the bill. He believed the House would be better prepared to meet it in a few days.
Mr. Nicholas seconded the motion, not but that he was prepared to decide on it, but that there might be opportunity given to express an opinion. He really could not understand the gentleman, when he said that our people being employed in that trade would not add nor diminish the number exported. This was certainly a wrong calculation. These people were enslaved for their masters, or to supply some foreign market. Certainly if the number of purchasers were increased, the number of slaves would be increased. Surely the gentleman would not wish them brought into the United States when he talked of their condition being improved; this was a fact, to be sure, but would it be policy so to do?
But another and an important point was touched upon—that he would wish the law to be made to meet another object, if it was determined to prohibit the trade in this country. As a Southern man, Mr. N. said, he would observe that he was placed in a most unfortunate situation, indeed, in being obliged, in common with other people of those States, to keep men in a state of slavery: but he had the consolation to inform the House, that he believed the people of the Southern States were wiping off the stain entailed upon them by their predecessors, in endeavoring to ameliorate the situation of that race of people as much as possible. This appeared to be an increasing disposition. He hoped the gentleman would have an opportunity to produce all his arguments on this subject, in his endeavors either to get the law repealed or to strengthen it, agreeably to his wish, in order that he might be satisfied that he would not find an advocate in the House.
Mr. D. Foster spoke against the committee rising.
Several sections of the bill were then gone through with, when the committee rose, and obtained leave to sit again.
Mr. Rutledge moved that the Committee of the Whole, to whom were referred the bill for preventing the carrying on the slave trade, &c., be discharged from further consideration thereof. He conceived it to be one of the most defective bills that ever was before Congress, because the object intended was in nowise provided for, or utterly impracticable.
Mr. Bayard was of the same opinion. He had taken some pains to examine the bill, but was obliged to conclude it extremely imperfect. The objects of the former bill, and which was intended to be improved, were, to prevent the citizens of the United States having any right in vessels so employed; and also to prevent the citizens of the United States being employed on board any such vessels. He trusted that a great majority of the members of the House would be in favor of those principles, and effectually promote them. It would indeed be extremely dishonorable in a country like this, to affirm such a trade, so contrary to all those principles held dear in the United States, and which ought to be promoted. His desire was, that a bill should be constructed upon the true principles of the intent of Congress: so far he thought they might go, but no farther. To be sure, as the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. J. Brown) observed, the Government could derive revenue from the encouragement of this trade, but he thought a more dishonorable item of revenue could not be established.
The committee was discharged.
Mr. Bayard then moved that the bill should be referred to a select committee.
Mr. Rutledge hoped this would not be agreed to; he was not disposed at this late day of the session to take up any new business that was not of urgency. He thought it was perfectly unnecessary to make a new act upon the subject; he believed the former act did every thing that was necessary or practicable to be done. What more could be wanted than that persons engaged in this traffic should forfeit their ships and pay a fine, besides, in many instances, imprisonment of the person offending? Surely that was all the occasion required. The different States which had heretofore imported those people into the United States had established the policy not to import any more; but in addition to this willing restriction, the Federal Government thought proper to prevent the trade being carried on, by our ships, to those countries which did suffer their importation. This was going very far indeed, but so far it was thought proper to go, to furnish a peace-offering to those philanthropists whose urgency was great to accomplish the general destruction of the trade. However, the activity of the people of the four New England States first engaged them in this profitable traffic; their produce would bring a good price on the African coast, and why they might not enjoy the profit of it as well as the English he could not conceive. He believed it to be impossible effectually to prevent it. Some gentlemen, indeed, had talked of authorizing our cruisers to seize vessels of this kind, but, suppose they were confiscated, what was to be done with their cargoes? They could not be brought into the United States. Where could they be carried? It was not consistent with the policy of the West India Islands to suffer them to land there, since it was their practice to keep these people in bondage, and they did not want, nor could they suffer free men to inundate those colonies. He knew of no place where they could be landed but St. Domingo, and as these people would not have been of those who had procured the freedom of slaves there—were not of those who had spread devastation and murder throughout that island, it was probable they would spurn them from their shores. What then was to be done with them? Surely no gentleman would wish them to be drowned, and it would be as absurd to think of sending them back to Sierra Leone! These difficulties he thought insuperable.
Mr. Waln hoped the bill would be committed, and that the provisions of it would be made effectual to its object. As for the people of Pennsylvania, he believed he could say they were unanimously in favor of the trade being put an end to most completely; which was in nowise done by the law now in force, nor by the bill now proposed. He said it was well known, that great grievances did exist for want of the due execution of the law, and much greater than were generally known, and hence it was that no more was heard of it from the people on this subject. He had been well informed that great evasions had taken place, and that this unlawful trade was becoming more and more in use. In the last year he believed that near forty vessels entered the West Indies with this illicit species of commerce. In some parts of the United States, he had been well informed, it was become so popular, that if a vessel was seized and sold, it was impossible to get any person to bid for her, and therefore the owner was enabled to repurchase her at a very low price indeed. It would be much better to repeal the old law, and open the trade, than to suffer the law to continue when nearly a nullity. But this he believed was not the disposition of the House; he believed the House could carry the principle into effect, and he was sure that a very great majority of the American people would wish them to do it.
The motion for recommitment was carried by a very large majority, and three members appointed.
Mr. Eggleston said, since he found the House so much disposed to prepare for the close of the session by postponing unnecessary business, he would move that the bill for establishing a Military Academy, and for the better organization of the corps of Artillerists and Engineers, be postponed till the first Monday in December next.
After some observations against the motion, by Messrs. Parker, Champlin, and H. Lee, and in favor of it by Messrs. Eggleston and Shepard, it was carried—yeas 64, nays 23.
The House went into a committee on the bill for the execution of the 27th article of the Treaty with Great Britain.
A motion of Mr. Nicholas was under consideration, that no person whose case was cognizable in any of our courts should be delivered up. This caused a lengthy debate; it was advocated by Messrs. S. Smith, Nicholson, and Gallatin, and opposed by Messrs. Bayard, Dana, and Dennis. It was negatived 45 to 42. After which the committee rose, obtained leave to sit again, and the House adjourned.
An engrossed bill to promote the manufacture of sheet copper within the United States, by incorporating a company for carrying on the same, was read the third time, and passed.
The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole House on the report of the committee to whom was referred, on the seventh of March last, the petition of William Hill and others, and, after some time spent therein, the committee rose and reported two resolutions thereupon; which were severally twice read, and agreed to by the House, as follows:
Resolved, That the sum of —— dollars ought to be appropriated by law to defray the expenses of such treaty or treaties as the President of the United States may deem it expedient to hold with any nation or nations of Indians south-west of the river Ohio.
Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law, authorizing and enabling all persons who, under the laws of North Carolina, and in conformity to the regulations and provisions thereof, have entered, surveyed, located, or obtained, grants of any of the lands ceded by the said State to the United States, in such manner as would have vested a good title under the said State of North Carolina, if such cession had not been made, to enter upon, occupy, and possess, the same, or to remove thereto their location from such lands, the titles whereto shall not be extinguished, whenever, and as soon as the Indian title or claim to a sufficient portion of the said land shall be extinguished, under the authority of the United States; and to possess and enjoy the same in as full and ample manner as if the same had been derived from, or under, the United States.
Ordered, That a bill or bills be brought in, pursuant to the first resolution; and that Mr. Pinckney, Mr. Chauncey Goodrich, Mr. Henderson, Mr. Nicholas, and Mr. Thatcher, do prepare and bring in the same.
The House went into committee on the bill to prohibit carrying on the slave trade to any foreign country. The committee rose and reported the bill. On the question, when it should be read a third time, it was carried for to-day. On the question for its passing, a long and warm debate ensued.
Several attempts were made to postpone its passing, but to no effect. At length the question was taken—yeas 67, nays 5, as follows:
Yeas.—Willis Alston, George Baer, Theodorus Bailey, Bailey Bartlett, James A. Bayard, Phanuel Bishop, Jonathan Brace, Robert Brown, Samuel J. Cabell, Matthew Clay, William C. C. Claiborne, John Condit, William Cooper, Samuel W. Dana, John Davenport, Franklin Davenport, John Dennis, William Edmond, Joseph Eggleston, Thomas Evans, Abiel Foster, Dwight Foster, Albert Gallatin, Henry Glenn, Chauncey Goodrich, Elizur Goodrich, Edwin Gray, Andrew Gregg, Roger Griswold, William Barry Grove, John A. Hanna, Robert Goodloe Harper, Thomas Hartley, Joseph Heister, William H. Hill, David Holmes, James H. Imlay, Aaron Kitchell, Silas Lee, Michael Leib, Samuel Lyman, Nathaniel Macon, Lewis R. Morris, Peter Muhlenberg, John Nicholas, Abraham Nott, Robert Page, Thomas Pinckney, Jonas Platt, Leven Powell, John Read, Samuel Sewall, William Shepard, John Smilie, John Smith, David Stone, Thomas Sumter, George Thatcher, John Chew Thomas, John Thompson, Abram Trigg, John Trigg, Joseph B. Varnum, Peleg Wadsworth, Robert Waln, and Robert Williams.
Nays.—John Brown, George Dent, Joseph Dickson, Benjamin Huger, and John Rutledge, jr.
And the House adjourned.
The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the further report of the Committee of Ways and Means, on the subject of the revenue; when the first resolution, laying an additional duty of twenty per centum on wines, after being amended, on motion of Mr. Griswold, to read as follows, was adopted:
"Resolved, That it is expedient to lay an additional duty of twenty per centum on the amount of the present duty upon wines imported into the United States, and to vary the scale of duties in such manner as to comport with the plan of the Secretary of the Treasury."
The second resolution was agreed to without debate as follows:
"Resolved, That it is expedient to lay an additional duty of two and a half per centum ad valorem on such goods, wares, and merchandise, imported into the United States, as are now subject to a duty of ten per centum ad valorem."
The third resolution was opposed by Messrs. Harper and S. Smith, and supported by Mr. Griswold; after which the committee rose, and obtained leave to sit again.
A message from the Senate informed the House, that they have concurred in the amendments of this House, to the bill relative to the slave trade with several amendments, to which they desire the concurrence of the House; also, that the Senate insist on some of their amendments disagreed to by this House, to the bill supplementary to an act for an amicable settlement of limits within the State of Georgia, and for establishing a government in the Mississippi Territory.
Mr. Harper said, that by the terms of enlistment of the additional army, they were engaged to serve for three years, or until an amicable adjustment of the differences existing between the United States and France; from which circumstance, the President was precluded, even if he knew the preliminaries of peace to be adjusted, from disbanding it until a treaty should be actually concluded and ratified by the two Governments—whereby the troops would be kept for perhaps six months in service unnecessarily. The Navy and other parts of our defensive system, were upon a different footing. He wished the Army to be placed on a similar one, and therefore moved the following resolution:
"Resolved, That it is expedient to authorize the President of the United States to discharge the additional army thereof, as soon as the state of things between the United States and the French Republic will warrant the measure."
The resolution was agreed to, and referred to the Committee of the whole House, to whom was committed the bill from the Senate, to suspend part of the act entitled "An act to augment the Army of the United States."
The House again resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the further report of the Committee of Ways and Means on the subject of revenue; and the tax on drawbacks being under consideration, Mr. Griswold and Mr. Harper again spoke for and against the motion. Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Huger, and Mr. Randolph, also spoke against the motion; after which the question was taken and negatived, only 23 votes being in favor of it.
The third resolution, to lay an additional duty of one half per cent. per pound on brown sugar and coffee imported into the United States was opposed by Mr. Griswold, who doubted much the propriety of laying an additional duty on coffee, and therefore moved to strike out that article. The motion was opposed by Mr. Harper, and advocated by Mr. Sewall, who was of opinion that this article was frequently smuggled, and was apprehensive it would be more so, if an additional duty were laid, and therefore would injure the revenue.
The motion was carried—yeas 38, nays 21.
The question on the resolution as amended, was, after some debate, put and carried—yeas 45, nays 28.
The fourth resolution reported, to retain two and a half per centum on all drawbacks allowed for goods re-exported from the United States, in addition to the sums heretofore directed to be retained by law, and also on the whole of the additional duty on goods imported in foreign ships or vessels, was agreed to without debate. The committee then rose, and, upon the question, Will the House concur with the committee in their agreement to the resolution laying an additional duty on sugar? the yeas and nays were called for, and taken—54 to 28.
The other resolutions, as amended, were also agreed to, and the Committee of Ways and Means directed to bring in a bill or bills conformable thereto.
Mr. H. Lee, from the select committee appointed to consider what measures it would be proper for Congress to adopt for paying suitable respect to the memory of the man first in peace, first in war, and first in the hearts of his countrymen—the deceased General Washington—made a report, recommending the adoption of the following resolutions:
"Resolved, That the resolution of Congress passed in the year 1783, respecting an equestrian statue of General Washington, be carried into immediate execution, and that the statue be placed in the centre of an area to be formed in front of the Capitol.
"Resolved, That a marble monument be erected by the United States in the Capitol at the city of Washington, in honor of General Washington, to commemorate his services, and to express the regrets of the American people for their irreparable loss.
"Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to give such directions as may appear to him proper, to carry the preceding resolutions into effect; and that for the present, the sum of $100,000 be appropriated for these purposes."
The resolutions were referred to a Committee of the whole House, and immediately taken into consideration; when
Mr. Harper moved to amend the first resolution, by inserting that a mausoleum be erected for General Washington, in the city of Washington, instead of the statue proposed, which was carried; the other resolutions were negatived, of course.
The committee then rose, and the resolution, as amended by Mr. Harper, was agreed to by the House, and a bill ordered to be brought in pursuant thereto.
The House went into a committee on the act supplementary to the act entitled "An act to establish the Treasury Department."
The committee rose and reported the bill—which provided that the Secretary of the Treasury should lay before Congress, at the commencement of every session, a report on the subject of finance together with such plans for improving the revenue as may occur to him.
Mr. Gallatin and Mr. Nicholas opposed the passing of the bill, on constitutional principles. They observed, that as all money bills were to originate in the House of Representatives, the Senate had no right to propose any bill by which that provision was changed; nor could the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the same ground, propose any thing that should originate any money bill. Heretofore, it had been usual, when information was wanting by the House, to call for it from that department, and the same could be done again.
It was contended by Mr. Griswold and Mr. Harper, that it was not a power to report a bill, but merely the state of our finances, which, for want of due notice, had heretofore been delayed, so as to throw all the most important business upon the close of the session, whereas, by a leisurely and mature examination, the Secretary of the Treasury would be enabled to make a timely and complete report.
The bill passed to its third reading—43 to 39.
Mr. Evans, from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported a bill for erecting a mausoleum for George Washington, in the city of Washington.
The bill provided that it should be one hundred feet square at the base, and of a proportionate height.
Mr. Eggleston wished to hear the estimated price.
Mr. Harper said he had an estimate from Mr. Latrobe, of Philadelphia, who was the architect employed on the Pennsylvania Bank, the estimate of which had rather been over the actual expense; the estimate was that a pyramid of one hundred feet at the bottom, with nineteen steps, having a chamber thirty feet square, made of granite, to be taken from the Potomac, with a marble sarcophagus in the centre, and four marble pillars on the outside, besides other proportionate ornaments, would amount to $62,500. He hoped no objection would be made to the price, since it could not occur on any future occasion, as another Washington would never die.
Mr. Nicholas thought every sense of respect would be as well signified by a building of less dimensions, and it would be considerable less expense; he moved to strike out one hundred and insert sixty. After some debate, this was negatived.
The bill was then ordered to be engrossed for its third reading.
A bill was received from the Senate appointing the time and directing the place of the next meeting of Congress, which provided that the two Houses should meet at the city of Washington on the third Monday in November next.
The House went into committee thereupon, which was reported. On the question for its third reading, it was carried—yeas 32, nays 32. The Speaker voted in the affirmative, and it was ordered to a third reading to-morrow.
The bill for erecting a mausoleum for George Washington, in the city of Washington, was read a third time; and upon the question, shall the bill pass?
Mr. Kitchell called the yeas and nays upon it, and proceeded to give his reasons why he would vote against the bill. He was followed by Mr. Harper in favor of it, and Mr. Randolph against it; when the question was taken, and the bill passed—yeas 54, nays 19, as follows:
Yeas.—Willis Alston, Bailey Bartlett, James A. Bayard, Jonathan Brace, John Brown, Gabriel Christie, William C. C. Claiborne, William Craik, Samuel W. Dana, Franklin Davenport, Thomas T. Davis, John Dawson, George Dent, Joseph Dickson, Thomas Evans, Abiel Foster, Albert Gallatin, Henry Glenn, Chauncey Goodrich, Elizur Goodrich, Edwin Gray, Roger Griswold, John A. Hanna, Robert Goodloe Harper, David Holmes, Benjamin Huger, James H. Imlay, James Jones, John Wilkes Kittera, Henry Lee, Silas Lee, Edward Livingston, Lewis R. Morris, Peter Muhlenberg, Abraham Nott, Robert Page, Jonas Platt, Leven Powell, John Read, John Rutledge, jun., Samuel Sewall, James Sheafe, John Smith, Samuel Smith, Richard Dobbs Spaight, George Thatcher, John C. Thomas, Richard Thomas, Abram Trigg, Philip Van Cortlandt, Peleg Wadsworth, Robert Waln, Lemuel Williams, and Henry Woods.
Nays.—Theodorus Bailey, Robert Brown, Matthew Clay, John Condit, John Davenport, George Jackson, Aaron Kitchell, Michael Leib, James Linn, Nathaniel Macon, Anthony New, John Nicholas, John Randolph, William Shepard, John Smilie, Thomas Sumter, John Thompson, John Trigg, and Joseph B. Varnum.
The bill from the Senate appointing the time and directing the place of the next meeting of Congress, was read a third time; when
Mr. Bayard moved that it be recommitted to a Committee of the whole House, for the purpose of altering the time of commencing the session. After some debate, the motion was negatived.
The question was then put, shall the bill pass? and resolved in the affirmative—yeas 41, nays 35. The next meeting of Congress will of course take place on the third Monday in November next.
The bill making further provision for the relief of persons imprisoned for debts due the United States, was taken up in committee, agreed to, and upon the question shall the bill be engrossed for a third reading, it passed in the affirmative—yeas 36, nays 25. The bill was subsequently read the third time and passed—yeas 39, nays 27.
[By this bill no person indebted to the United States can be discharged from prison, unless he shall have suffered two years imprisonment.]
A message was received from the Senate informing the House that the Senate adhere to their disagreement to the amendments to the bill prescribing the mode of deciding disputed elections of President and Vice President of the United States, made by this House, and subsequently insisted on, Whereupon,
Mr. Harper moved that this House do also adhere to their disagreement to recede; which was carried, and the bill, consequently, is lost.
On motion of Mr. Nicholas, the House rescinded a resolution to adjourn the two Houses this day, and a resolution was adopted that the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House should adjourn both Houses to-morrow. The Senate amended it by proposing Wednesday. On the question of concurrence, it was carried, 40 to 24.
A message from the Senate, informed the House that the Senate agree to the resolution for postponing the time of adjournment of the two Houses, with an amendment; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.
The House proceeded to consider the amendment proposed by the Senate to the resolution for postponing the time of adjournment: Whereupon,
Resolved, that this House doth agree to the said amendment.
A message from the Senate informed the House that the Senate have passed a bill regulating the grants of land to the Canada and Nova Scotia refugees, with amendments.
The amendments were taken into consideration, and opposed by Mr. Gallatin, who said the object of the Senate was to give the refugees land worth ten cents an acre, instead of good land worth one dollar per acre, as proposed by this House; rather than do this, he would give them nothing.
Mr. Livingston was of the same opinion, and hoped the House would not concur. These people had waited eighteen years, and he thought it extremely hard they should now be put off in this manner.
The amendments were unanimously rejected.
A message from the Senate informed the House that they adhered to the amendment; whereupon,
Mr. Gallatin moved that the further consideration of the bill be postponed till the third Monday in November next, which was carried.
After receiving several messages from the President, notifying the signing of various bills, there appearing no further business before the House, on motion of Mr. C. Goodrich a resolution for the appointment of a joint committee to wait on the President, and inform him of the proposed recess, was adopted, and was concurred in by the Senate.
Mr. C. Goodrich, from the Joint Committee, reported that they had performed that service, and that the President informed them he had no other communication to make, except his good wishes for their health and happiness, and that he wished them a pleasant journey to their respective homes.
A message having been sent to the Senate to inform them this House was ready to adjourn, after a few minutes a motion was made for that purpose, and carried; when
The Speaker, after taking an affectionate farewell of the members, and expressing his wish for their safe return and happiness, during the recess, adjourned the House till the third Monday in November next, to meet in the city of Washington, in the District of Columbia.
In pursuance of the law of the last session, the second session of the sixth Congress commenced this day, at the city of Washington, and the Senate assembled, in their Chamber, at the Capitol.
Present:
John Langdon and Samuel Livermore, from New Hampshire.
Dwight Foster, from Massachusetts.
James Hillhouse and Uriah Tracy, from Connecticut.
Theodore Foster, from Rhode Island.
Nathaniel Chipman, from Vermont.
James Schureman, from New Jersey.
William Hill Wells, from Delaware.
John E. Howard, from Maryland.
Stephens Thompson Mason, from Virginia.
John Brown, from Kentucky.
Joseph Anderson and William Cocke, from Tennessee.
Abraham Baldwin, from Georgia.
The number of members present not being sufficient to constitute a quorum, the Senate adjourned to 11 o'clock to-morrow morning.
The number of members present not being sufficient to constitute a quorum, the Senate adjourned.
There being no quorum, the Senate adjourned.
There being no quorum present, the Senate adjourned.
Timothy Bloodworth, from the State of North Carolina; Humphrey Marshall, from the State of Kentucky; and Gouverneur Morris, from the State of New York, severally attended.
The credentials of Dwight Foster, appointed a Senator by the State of Massachusetts, in place of Samuel Dexter, resigned, were read, and he took his seat in the Senate.
The Vice President being absent, the Senate proceeded to the election of a President, pro tempore, as the constitution provides, and John E. Howard was chosen.
The President administered the oath prescribed by law to Mr. Foster.
Ordered, that the Secretary wait on the President of the United States, and acquaint him that a quorum of the Senate is assembled, and that, in the absence of the Vice President, they have elected John E. Howard, President of the Senate, pro tempore.
Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is assembled and ready to proceed to business; and that, in the absence of the Vice President, they have elected John E. Howard President of the Senate, pro tempore.
A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that a quorum of the House is assembled, and they have appointed a committee on their part, together with such committee as the Senate may appoint, to wait on the President of the United States, and notify him that a quorum of the two Houses is assembled, and ready to receive any communications that he may be pleased to make them.
Resolved, That the Senate concur in the resolution last recited, and that Messrs. Wells and Tracy be the committee on the part of the Senate.
Mr. Wells reported, from the joint committee last mentioned, that they had waited on the President of the United States; and that he acquainted the committee that he would meet the two Houses of Congress, at 12 o'clock to-morrow, in the Senate Chamber.
Ordered, That the Secretary notify the House of Representatives, that the Senate are ready to meet them in their Chamber, for the purpose of receiving the communications from the President of the United States.
The House of Representatives having accordingly taken the seats assigned them, the President of the United States came into the Senate Chamber, and addressed both Houses of Congress as follows: