PHILADELPHIA, MAY J.
km
that the people are in the greatest conrteioation.
Where one sentence is publiihed in favor or fuppor
measures of government which have raised this country to p -
feflt enviable situation, whole columns appear to peifua . P
pie .hat their senses deceive .hem, and .hat th. men who a d
their country in war, are comr.v.ng the deftrua.on of i.s hbe".«
» peace—With what face then i. it (a,d that attempt, are made to
"wtt'eha^would the people have for freed™, ,f the friends
of that government whose basis is liberty, Ihould by the arts ol m
enemies, be precluded from cxpofing their bv
{hackling the press ?—There are more ways than one of doing
this.
THE STATUE.
WHAT, faife a Statue trf his glory !
In fact a most prepoft'rous story !
By faliiels in and out doors Icouted,
Its policy by shrewd ones doubted—
Old Congrcfs, when it pafs'd the vote,
Were poor as death, without a coat-
But glowing with celestial zeal,
To Ipeak what grateful bofjms feel, '
RefolvM the Sculptor's hands ftiould (how
What virtues can exist below —
Thev pledg'd their Country's faith and fame,
T' immortalize its Hero's name—
But those who on a Coin can trace
The features of a Tyrant's face,
To save the credit of the nation,
Evade the sacred obligation 1
SHIP NEWS.
ARRIVALS AT the PORT OF PHILADELPHIA.
Brig Cleopatra, Mead, Savcnnah
Allouier, Datolio, St. Marks
Schooner John, Post, C. Francois
"Isabella, Green, ditto
Lively, Marble, North-Carolina
Mary, Smith, ditto
Stock Brokers Office,
No. 45, Great Dock-street, New-York,
THE Subscriber intending to confine himfelf entirely to the
PURCHASE AND SALE of STOCKS ON COMMISSION,
Begs leave ro offer his lervices to his friends and others, in the
line of a Stock Broker. Those who may please to favor him with
their business, may depend upon having it tranfa&ed with the ut
most fidelity and dispatch.
Orders from Philadelphia, Boston, or any other part of the
United States will be ftri&ly attended to.
May 2,
CONGRESS.
PHILADELPHIA
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
TUESDAY, March 27.
Sketch of the debate on Mr. Giles' notion, that the
Vrefident of the United States be r/quejled to order
an enquiry into the cattfes of the defeat of the army
under General St. Clair, ire.
MR. VINING enquired what was the objeifl
of the resolution —in what way was it to
be carried into execction ! for if the House is
not furniflied with some answer to thefc enqui
ries, he did not fee how gentlemen could vote
for it—He conceived that this indefinite mode
of procedure would only embarrass the President,
without producing the desired effedt—He was in
favor of a full and complete invefligation of the
bnfinels ; and if there has been any deficiency,
let those who are to blame be impeached j he
was not disposed to screen any officer from jus
tice, let him be of what rank he may—but he
was not fatisfied with the mode now proposed ;
he did not consider it as conflitutional or prac
ticable.
Mr. Boudinot faicl he was surprised to hear the
gentleman from Delaware express a doubt of the
practicability of instituting an enquiry into the
late unfortunate business »«the mode proposed—
for his part, he saw no such difficulties in tlie
way, as appeared to the gentleman. Mr. Bou
dinot then dated certain complaints which ex
ited, and were currently reported-tfuch as a
failure of the contratfs, and for aught that ap
peared to the contrary, the misfortunes of the
army may be traced to that cause—other com
plaints are circulated, refpetfing which the pub
lic have a right to be fatisfied—Theprefent pro
portion goes no further than a fiinple request—
Having fignif.ed the wifl, of the House, the Pre
lident may adopt such measures 111 relation to
the fubjeft, as he may fee proper.
,Mr. Giles supported his motion—He conceived
that the enquiry was indispensable, and the mode
proposed ftritfily proper—The business mult be
g'n <»me where—this House is the proper source
as the immediate guardians of the public interest!
LEONARD BLEECKER.
(<•'•)
Mr. Viuing rofc to explain—he dated various
difficulties which would impede the progress of
the bofinefs in the informal mode proposed
these, he observed, were so great, as to involve
an impoflibility of prosecuting the investigation
to any purpose.
He supposed that a more proper and conititu
tional way, would be to call on the heads of de
partments to give an account of their conducfl.
Mr Clark observed, that it was evident the
public mind was greatly agitated—an enquiry
was neceflary—lf the mode proposed Ibould not
prove agreeable or convenient to the Prelidcnt,
he will let us know it.
Mr. W. Smith observed, that this was the nrlt
instance of a proposition on the part ofthis House
to enquire into the condtufi of officers who are
immediately under the controul of the executive
—In this view of the fubjeift, the resolution pro
posed could not but be considered as an impeach
ment of the condu<sl of the firftmagiftrate.—Mr.
Smith then adverted to the division of the pow
ers of the government, expressly provided for in
the constitution—Gentlemen, said he, have dis
covered great solicitude to keep the branches se
parate and di(tin<st ; but on this occasion, from
the consideration that this House is the grand in
quest of the nation, they seem to discover a dil
poiition to go into a similar mode of condutf with
th« National Aflembly of France, who spent a
whole night in examining a Drum Major—He
would not fay that they had not a right so to do,
but he believed no gentleman would juflify such
a line of eondudl on the part of this House.
He then particularized the several objerts of
enquiry in relation to the present bnfinefs—He
{hewed that the constitution had made provision
in all the several cases—And as it was the duty
of the President of the United States to carry
the laws into execution, it ought to be (hewn that
he has been remiss in his duty, before he is call
ed on in this way—He noted the account pub
liflied by the Secretary of War, by ~ direction of
the President, and considered as his a<ft—After
several other remarks, Mr. Smith concluded by
faying, that in any cafe wheie it Ihall appear
that the Supreme Executive has not done his du
ty, he ihould be fully in favor of an enquiry—
but till that was done, he trusted the meafore
would .not be adopted, without at least a previ
ous and full difculfion.
Mr. Williamfon said he doubted the propriety
of the resolution in its present form ; but was
fully of opinion that an enquiry into the expen
diture of all public money, was the indispensable
duty of this House—He proposed the appoint
ment of a feledl committee to enquire and report.
Mr. Kittera moved to amend the resolution,
by substituting a feledi committee.
Mr. Venable was in favor of the original mo
tion—He conceived that it was the only proper
mode of proceeding—nor had he any apprehen
sion that the President would consider it as en
croaching in the smallest degree.
Mr. Giles contended that his motion was fofar
from tending to blend the several branches of go
vernment, that its effect would be the reverse.
Mr. Steele said he was indifferent as to the
mode, provided the business was fully gone into.
The gentleman from South-Carolina has menti
oned the report of the Secretary of War, and has
said that it is considered as the acft of the Prefi
• dent of the United States. Mr. Steele denied
that it was the President's atfl—it vras not fatis
fadtorv—will any gentleman on this floor, said
he, fay it is fatisfatffcory to him ? He enumerated
leveral articles of complaint, and observed that
he had no great doubt that an enquiry would
lead to an impeachment—Jufticeto the public,
and th« officers particularly concerned, loudly
demands an enquiry.
Mr. Vining here moved that the refolntion
should be committed to a feletff committee.
Mr. Boudinot objected to the idea of a com
mittee—He said the time would not admit of it
—witnefles, said he, are perhaps 800 miles oif
what progress can a committee make in such a
buftnefs ? He denied that it was the duty of the
President to institute the enquiry unleis he was
requeued to do it—The magnitude of the objects
of enquiry would involve such an expense, that
the President would not be juftified in incurring
it, unlets he was authorised by the House He
then Hated some particulars to ffiew the practi
cability of the measure—among others, that there
were a fufficient number of officers present, to
form what is denominated a court of enquiry.
Mr. Barnwell \»as oppoled to the original mo
tion—he considered it as informal, and suggest
ed what he considered as the pioper mode of
procedure, which was to call 011 the several offi
cers of government for such information in the
business as may be necefiary—He was againll the
commitment.
The motion for a felecl committee was rec3-
tiveU.
The Que ft ion then was on agreeing to the resolution.
Mr. Hiilhoufe j aid he believed this was the firft time that
it was e\er contemplated to appoint a Court Martial to en
quire into the expenditure of public monev.
426
. Mr. Fittfiraafts said he conceived that several parts of fte
refolurion were improper—He thought that it was entirely
out of order to request the President of the United States to
institute a Court Martial or a Court of Enquiry—The rea
sons and propriety of such courts- are better and more full*
known to the President than to the members of thfc Houfe__
Ho was in favor of a committee to enquire relative to fuchob
je&s as come properly under the cognizance of this House—
particularly refpefting the expenditures of public money—
and if the resolution should be disagreed to, as be hoped it
would, he should then move for such a commttee.
Mr. Baldwin said he had made up his mind on the fu! jest—
He was convinced the House could hot proceed but bv a com
mittee of their own—such a committee would be able to throw
more light on the subject, and then the House would be able
to determine how to proceed ; and if any failure 1 ad taken
place on the part of the executive officer-, he Ihould then 1*
prepared to address the President, and to request him to take
the proper steps in the cafe.
Mr. Seney advocated the resolution, and several ob
jections against a committee.
Mr. Hartley said as it was probable some degree rf odium
would fall on those who might vote against this refulutioft—
he thought proper to give some reasons why he ihould vote -
g linft it—These were similar to what had been ottered bv se
veral other gentlemen against the relolution, as improper and
informal.
Mr. Madison started some difficulties in the bnf.neft-eiie.
said the House ought to deliberate well, before they requefA
the President to do a thing which he had it not in his powSf ;
to do—lt was evident that the object of a court-martial or
court of enquiry, must be to elucidate facts which would re
quire the presence of officers, who could not pofliblygive their
attendance in season to meet the object of the resolution— ifc
added some further remarks, and then the qveftiori on the re
solution being put, it was negatived.
A committee was afterwards appointed.
MONDAY, April
The duties on spirits distilled from domestic produce, were
reduced from 8, 9, io, 12, 15, and 20 cents (as reported by the
committee) to 7, 8, 9, > I, 13, and '8 cents.
The ayes and noes on the question for agreeing to the duty
of 8 cents, reported by the oommittee, were as follow :
AYES.
MeflTrs. Ames, Barnwell, Eenfon, Boudinot, S. Bourne,
B. Bourne, Clarke, Fitzfjmons, Gerry, Gilman, Goodhue,
Gordon, Hillhoufe, Kitchell, Lawrance, Learned, Lee, J.
Smith, W. Smith, Sterrett, Sturges, Svlrefter, Thatcher,
Treadwell, Wadftvorth, AVard —26.
N O E S.
Messrs. Afhe, Baldwin, Brown, Findley, Gregg, Grove,
Heifter, Huger, Jacobs, Key, Livermore, Macon, Madison,
Moore, Murray, Niles, Page, Parker, Seney, Sheredine, I.
Smith, Steele, Sumpter, Tuckcr,White, Williamibr,Willis —27.
"WEDNESDAY, M*v 2.
An engroSid bill concerning the duties on spirits diftillcit
within the United States, was read the third time, and psffed.
A meflage from the Senate, by Mr. Otis,informed the Hoine
that they have appointed a committee on their part, to join
with such committee as the House shall appoint, to wait on the
President of tbe United States, and notify him of the proposed
recess of Congress.
An engrpfiecl lull to confirm an award of referee's between
tbe United States and certain contractors for furniihing lup
plies of provisions to the army during the late war, was read
the third time, and on the question, (hall this bill pass ? it was
negatived, ayes 25, noes 27.
MefTys. Ames, Barnwell, Benfon, S. Bourne, B. Bourne,
Fitzfimon", Goodhue, Gordon, Hillhoufe, Lav/rance, Learned,
Livermore, Page, Schoonmaker, J. Smith, I. Smith, \V. Smith,
Sterrett, Sturges, Svlvefter, Thatcher, Tucker, \ ining,
Wadfworth, Ward— 25.
NOES.
MeiTrs. Aflie, Baldwin, Brown, Clark, Dayton, Gile*, Gil
man, Grove, Heifter, Key, Kitchell, Lee, Macon,
Madison, Moore, Muhlenberg, Murray, Niles, Parker, Seney,
Sheredine, Steele, Sumpter, Venable, White, WiUiajnfon—2/.
A meflage from the President of the United States, by Mr.
Lear, informed the House that the President did this day ap
prove and sign two acts—one entitled, u An ad for railing a
farther fuin of money for the protection of the frontiers, and
for other purposes therein mentioned;" the other, Ar. act
to provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws c
the union, suppress infurretoons, and repel invasions "
An engrofled bill relative to the compensations to n
officers employed in the collection of the duties of impost an
tonnage, was read the third time, and palfed.
In committee of the whole, on the bill 1 implement a < to
ast making provision for 4 the debt of the United States i e
committee difcnfled the firft fe<ftion, tofe and reported pi_ogre -
A second meilage from the Senate informed the Hou.e, ? -
the Senate have palled the bil l , entitled, uAn a& autliorizm o
the grant and conveyance of certain lands to John eve
Symmes add his affbciates," with several amendment-, a. o,
that they agree to some and disagree to others of the ainen
ments proposed by the House, to the bill entitled, ' An ac..
the relief of persons imprisoned for debtand that tiiey agre
to some and disagree to others of the amendments ; propoie
the House, to the bill entitled * Anaclfor regulatingprot e
in the courts of the United States, and providing compensa
tions for the oif.cers of the fa id court:, and for jurors and »■
neJes.'
THURSDAY, May 3.
Mr. Sheredine had leave of absence for u,e
residue of the session.
The amendments of the Senate to 1 lie bll • a
thorizing the grant and conveyance of certain
lands to John Cleves Symmes—were taken in
consideration and agreed to. .
The amendments of the Honfe to the bill
the relief of persons imprisoned for debt, :3 *
greed to by the Senate, as by their menage 0
ye'derday, were receded from 011 the part 0 t 1
The mefl'age of the Senate respecting the a
mendments of the House to the biil regulating
procefl'es in the courts of the United States, w
taken into conftderation—to some of these al ,
inents the Senate agreed, to otheis th ( > ■
with amendments, and to others - 1 .. ef
The Senate disagreed to the amendment to '
second {(('lion, which was to strike out t
words, ''and be at liberty to purine the lame,
YES.
Adjourned-