Constitutional Whig. [volume], March 09, 1824, Image 2

About Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832

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designed for tlic* people, and we shall nest ful
its ends by rxjHMinding its provisions & adminis
1 ering it> jiowcrs. upon tlio-r broad and obvious
principles which the people can clearly coni'
prebend.
1 have reason to apprehend, Mr. (’hairman,
that the attention of the committee has been
so exclusively directed to the abstract question,
of power, that they hare lost sight of many of,
the considerations which recommend the adop
tion of the measures under consideration, on the
score of expediency. With the indulgence of
the committee, l will oiler a few remarks on
this latter view of the subject.
A gentlman from Virginia, (Mr. Stevenson,)
has told us, with a manner of utterance which
forbids ns to misunderstand his object, that mea
sures of this description will make this a splen
did Government! 1 trust, sir, that xeonls can
have no magical influence on our deliberations
ou this grave question, and l confess l can col
lect no distinct or intelligible idea from the ex
pression to which 1 have just alluded. What
does the gentleman mean by a splendid Govern
ment? Does he mean a Government which
takes an enlarged and comprehensive view of
the great interests of our common country, and
wisely provides means for their development ?
Does he mean a Government which applies the
revenue of the country, not to the gratification
of its own ambition, but to the promotion of the
happiness, the wealth, :uid the security of the
people? If such be his meaning, 1 hope this
will never cease to be a splendid Govern
ment. If such he not his meaning, the ex
pression can have no application to the mea
sure with which it has been associated. ISo
gcutleinan has ventured to question the impor
tance of internal improvements, as a means of
promoting the wealth and prosperity of the coun
try. This has long since ceased to be a ques
tion, in every eiv ili/.cd nation in the world.
Hut, it is contended that this Government is
not capable of executing works of this descrip
tion, with the same judgment, skill, and econo
my, as the State Governments. Sir, the roads
and canals contemplated by this bill, will he of
an extent which will render it impossible for the
State Governments to execute them. If, there
lore they are not made by tins Government,
Chey will not be made at all. Hut gentlemen
are certainly mistaken in supposing tliat internal
improvements, of any kind, can be more skil
fully and cheaply executed bvthc State Govern
ments, than by tin's Government. A State Go
vernment, 1 admit, is more capable of determin
ing what improvements will promote the pecu
liar interests of the State, lor the same reason
that this Government is mote capable of deter
mining what improvement- will promote “ the
general welfare” iff the whole Union. But, as
relates to their comparative competency for
skilful execution, it would be extraordinary if
the General Government had not the advantage.
It has already in its service a corps of scientific
Engineers, and is possessed of superior resources
and opportunities for commanding the first ta
lents of the country, or of the world, if neces
sary. It can cast its eye over the whole Union,
and combine and concentrate the results of the
experience of all the States. In a word, it has
all the advantages which more abundant re
sources, superior intelligence, and a more com
prehensive view of the improvements already
made in this and other countries, can confer up
on it. Very few of the States have much prac
tical knowledge on the subject. It is within my
owu knowledge that in that which 1 have the
honor in part to represent, vast sums of mom v
have been expended, with very little skill or
economy. 11 is not to be expected, indeed, that
any Government can carry on undertakings of
this kind, with the minute economy which is
practicable in those of a private nature, in which
individual interest holds a constant check upon
extravagance. But, in this ivs-iect, Govcrr.
xnent is Oucernmenl. All are equally liable to
imposition, and if the objection 1 ain considering
were substantial, it would arrest the progress of
internal improvements altogether. The fallacy
of this argument, as well us of most of these
urged by the gentleman from V irginia, consists
in the supposed exemption of the. State Govern
ments from the frailties and imperfections which
arc incident to all Governments.
But, Mr. Chairman, we arc urged to the a
doption of this system of the internal improve
ments, by considerat ions growing out of the pe
culiar character of our government, infinilclv
more important than any which relate merely to
the economy of national wealth. There is not,
upon the face of the earth a nation s«< deeply and
vitally interested in the improvement of the fa
cilities of internal communicalion, as the United
States; for, whatever, differences of opinion
may prevail upon other subjects, all of us must
agree that our hopes of reaching the high and
happy destinies for which Providence seems to
have formed this country and this government,
absolutely depend upon the preservation of the
U.iion. And what are the sources from which
danger is to he apprehended in this particular?
Dissimilarity of interests, suspicion of social
and commercial intercourse, and a consequent
alienation of feeling among the great geographi
cal subdivisions of the country. Intercourse is
the only c.fectual preventative. This, sir, is not
a matter of more speculation. The most saluta
ry effects hava resulted from the intercourse
between the Northern and Southern States; an
intercourse founded upon commercial and other
accidental relations, and facilitated by the chan
nels provided by nature. S» palpable has been
•’the effect of this intercourse in correcting mu
tual prejudices, that it cannot have escaped the
most careless observer. Without this, it is im
possible to say what would have been the effect
of our political divisions, in a crisis which lias
happily passed away, or what would now have
been the state of feeling existing between the
Northern and Southern portions of tins Union.
But, united as they aro by the strong ties of
interest, consecrated by social kindness and mu
tual good o- .ices, these portions of the Union can
never separate.
Hut, sir, there is, in another direction, danger
which cannot ho disguised- No statesman, of
enlarged views and patriotic feelings, can look
•with indkrerencc upon the situation of the Wes
tern Country, and the relation it bears to this
Union. It is an old maxim that rivers unite na
tions, but mountains separate them. And why
is it so* IJecauserivers facilitate intercourse
and mountains prevent it. I tru<t I shall not
die misunderstood in what I say of the Western
States. .>n this delicate sub eet.—There is no
portion of this Union (F make, no exception) more
iustly listinguished for loftj and patriotic feel
ing (I an the Western states. Nor is there any
portion of th* Union, at this time, more ardent
and <U > oted in its attachment to the general go
verincnl. Hu! what produces this attachment ?
The ties >f consangunity, and the power of
youthful associations. Few of the citizens, who
Constitute ihe governing power in those states,
can look ar-wiod them for the tombs of their fa
thers. Tie ■ depositories of the dead, and
manv living Ejects of their affectionate remem
lior-inee, are .et awhile, on this side of the
mountain*. >>*il tiure is gradually weakening
these ties ofnatu/c, and, when a few generations
more shall liave i issed away, the bond of affilia
tion which now I’-’rtf ■ lemfous will be entire
tv dissolved. We* • impre«>ive fads he.
fo.’O as, we should '• luv.orthv or' the high frost
confided to us, if v" did not cuideavor, by a
provident forecast, t substitute new , inciplr.
of attachment for llior.e which must so soon cease
t i operate.
T/Ct ns, then provide the fubstordinl ties nf
eommerciat interest. Itismy deliberate opin
ion, that, if flic entire commercial »upp!i of the
Western states si.ould be permanently derived
thibiigh the port of New Orh ans, ami no com
mercial intercourse »liuukl subsist between
tl/om and the Atlantic Mates, it would be linjus
s/lile lor ulltbe power of parchment and political
VigaMk'.ution to hold this U uiou together lor a hall,
u century longer. In this view ot the su 'jcc1..
I have often reflected that difficulties incident
to the navigation of the Unlf of Mexico, and of
(tie river Mississippi, were kindly intended by
Providence to promote our union and greatness.
I rejoice that those dilUeultics do exist; and 1
trust, we shall he wise enough to improve them
to our advantage. Let us, then, cut down and
level Lhe mountains, not like the Persian tyrant,
to subjugate nations, but in order to achieve a
more glorious camplest—the subjugalio ol Our
own mutual prejudices. Sir, in whatever light
wc view these improvements, whether in refer
ence to the diffusion of intelligence, the increase
of the defensive power of the country, or the per
petuation of the I'niou, they are as essential to
our existence and prosperity as a nation, as the
\eius which give circulation to the principle of
annual life arc to the health and vigor of the ani
mal system.
There is another view of this subject to which
I shall merely call the attention ot the commit
tee, having neither time nor strength for its
full devclopcmeut. An attentive examination
of the philosophy of national character and na
tional greatness will lead us to the conclusion,
that the common efforts and common sacrifices
of the whole people, made with a view to some
great national object, are absolutely indispensa
ble to the existence of these attributes. 1 Iem e,
the influence of war in calling into action senti
ments of patriotism and nationality, and the
tondnney of peace to cause these lofty princi
ples of action to degenerate into selfishness and
a want of public spirit. Sir, what would this
uation he without those military achievements,
which are so many monuments of our common
exertions? Strike from the record of history
the heroic deeds of our ancestors, and the more
recent events which illustrate the valor and pa
triotism of the present generation, and the peo
ple of these United States would he reduced to
a mere multitude of human beings, animated by
no common principle, and united by no common
sympathies, destitute of those moral characte
ristics and sentiments, without which all the phy
sical elements of power and greatness cannot
constitute a nation. Hut, sir, 1 trus that mili
tary achievements are not the only means'of;
giving us national character and national senti
ments. Let us substitute moral for military
glory; the achievements of national industry,
directed bv an enlightened policy jto the great
improvements contemjilated by tin's bill, for a
chieveinents involiug much more painful sacri
fices, and productive of less durable benefits to
the couutry. Let us create, by our common
treasure, some great monuments of the enter
prize of the nation, which the people of this Un
ion will contemplate with a com ;on pride and
regard as thcr common property. Sir, it is im
possible to estimate the value of these improve
ments. I will not say they will make this Union
perpetual; for the frailly and imperfection of
every thing human forbids us ti indulge that
hope. But 1 will say, that if we wisely improve
our advantages in tins respect, human sagacity
cannot point out any probable ca isc which will
produce a separation of the stales. But if un
lappily, it should ever be our d tiny to divide,
and if our liberties should perish in the convul
sion, lotus at least leave, for the admiration of
posterity, some memorials that the Republic lias
lot existed in vaiu.
IN SENATE.
Thursday, March 4, 102-4.
Mr. Johnson, of Kentucky, presented the pe
tition of Frances Labart, praying to be allowed
■••i tain claims which he has on the government,
deferred tithe Committee on Claims.
•lr. Van Huron, from the Committee on the
Judiciary, reported the bill “ providing for the
•uttlemcnl of certain pecuniary claims against
ie United States,11 with an amend uent; which
•vas read.
Mr. VanBuren, from the Committee on the
Judiciary, to whom was referred a resolution ol
ie Senate, passed in December last, reported a
bill “ in addition to an act respecting the election
if President and Vice President.1 The bill was
>ead twice.
Mr. Lloyd, of Mass, submitted a resolution,
requesting of the President of the United States
copies of the instructions given to our several
Ministers to France, in relation to spoliations
committed by the vessels of that nation previous
to the year 11100, and any information which it
may lie proper to communicate in relation to
those spoliations. The resolution was read, and
laid over for consideration.
Mr. Ilayne presented the petition of the legal
representatives of James Podding, of Charleston
3. C. praying certain corrections in his accounts
vith the government. Referred to the Commit
I tee on Finance.
Mr. W illiams presented a memorial ol the le
gislature of the State of Mississippi, respecting
the extinguishment of Indian titles to lands u-ith
in that stale. Kcferred to the Committee cn In
dian Affairs.
On motion of Mr. Ring, of New York, the Sen
! ate proceeded to the consideration of executive
i business ; and, after some time spent therein,
j the doors were opened ; when,
| The report of the Committee of Claims, ad
! verse to the petition of Sarah Easton and Dorothy
Storer, was taken up for consideration, Mr.
>mith in the chair. These petitioners, daugh
ters of the late Col. Robert U. Harrison, pray
that they may receive the commutation fur hall
pay, and the bounty land, provided by Congress
i for the officers andsoldiers of the Revolutionary
army, to which they think they are entitled in
virtue of the services rendered by their father,
as Aid de-camp and principal Secretary to Gen.
Washington, from 1775 to 17111, at which time
Gen. II. retired from the army, on furlough, in
consequence of the bad state of his health, whicij
he never afterwards recovered, auJ died in I7i)0.
The committee report against the claim on the
grounds that there is not sufficient evidence that
General I larrmon retired from the army, onfur
rough ; or that his case could he brought within
*'i:- acts allowing the commutation and bounty—
♦hat his accounts with the government do not ap
pcar to have been regularly settled—that it is
not f und that lie himself ever made any claim
for half pay, or bounty land, and that they can
not perecive any good reason why the prayer ol
(the petitioners should he granted.
I Mr. 1 jloyd,of Maryland, opposed the report
' of the committee, and moved to reverse if.
Messrs. Barbour and Johnson, ofL misiana, ad
vocated that motion, and Messrs. Bell. Chand
ler, Taylor, of Va. and Buggies, opposed it.
Without taking the question,
The Senate adjourned till to-morrow.
!
HOUSE OF REPRESENT VTIVES.
Mr. Cobb, by leave, presented two petitions
i from Georgia, in opposition to the Tariff Bill.
>Ir. Little, from the Committee on Pensions
and Revolutionary Claims, made an unfavorable
report on the petition of Lucy Marlin; which
was laid on the fable.
Mr.Gar.lay. from the committee to whom was
j rofi rred the memorial of Dr. James Smith, on
Vaccination, made a report on that subject, ae
cotnnanicd by ahi!l“ toencouragc Vaccination,”
(which provides for the appointment, y the
President of the Coifed States, of a Central
Agent, with subordinate Agents in enc’i State
a:r! Territory, forlhc conservation and cCtribu
.'ion of vaccine matter; all distribution o small
{ ox matter is made penal: all persoj* applying
fur vaccine matterto he supplied with a packet, i
for one dollar, sufficient to vaccinate five fiuni- i
lies :) which was twice mul and committed.
On motion of Mr. Cocke, it was
ifrjo/m/,Tliat a Coininittec beappoiutodtoin- i
({Uiron'liatiSu. ofpublic lots in the City of Wash- I
mgton have been sold by the agents ot the 11.S. i
when sold,h\ whom, to whom, for what price;
what part of the purchase money has been paid ;
the amount due, and when payable; whether tho {
debts are well secured, and whether all the mo I
ney received has been applied to objects audio- j
ri/cd by a:iv existing law ; how much thereof >
has been paid into he Treasury ; and what dis- »
position has been made of the money placed in !
the hands of the late. Superintendent of the < ity t
for disbursement; and that said Committee hate
power to send for persons and papers.
On motion of Mr. W ilson, ol ts. C. it was s
Resolved. That the Committee ou tho Post i
Office and Post Hoads be instructed to inquire «
into the expediency of establishing a post route 1
from AugustaGeorgia,to Abbcvillccourl-liousc, <
and Pendleton Court-house in S. Carolina.
On motion of Mr. Stewart, it was <
Resolved, That the Committee on the Post 1
Office and Post Hoads he instructed to inquire ■
into the expediency of establishing a post route
from Jefferson, in Green couuty. Pennsylvania,
through CannichacUowu and Masontuwn, to
New Geneva, in Fayette countv.
REVISION OF THE TARIFF.
The House then resolved itxdf into a commit
tee of the whole on the hill amending the sever
al acts laying duties on imports.
On a number of the details of this hill a debate
arose, of which, from want ot space, it is impos
sible for us to-day to present any thing more
than the results. We hope, however, to give an
outline of what was said in a future paper.
On motion of Air. Tod, Chairman ol the Com
mittee on Manufactures, tiie hill was amended
bv striking out from the list ot articles excepted
from the operation oj the proviso in the first sec
tion, the words “ flannels, baizes, atul other tin- !
milled woollen.” (The first section lays ou all
manufactures of wool, a duty of 30 per cent, ad
valorem until 1st June, 11V25, and 3d 1-3 utter
wards, with a j true iso, from and after 30th June,
1 all woollen > lotlis, (exceptingcarpets and
c arpeting, blankets,Ji.mneh, httizes, and other
unmilled woollen or worsted or stuff goods) the
original cost of which, at the place whence im
ported, with the addition of 10 (ht cent, shall he
less than [»0] cents per square yard, shall, with
such addition, be deemed and taken to have
cost that sum, and shall lie charged with duty
accordingly.)
mi uiouon iiiu siiuif, mu iuuuwiii^ utuia
were also stricken out :
“ soyllies 25 cents each.
“ gridirons and griddles, 20 cents each.”
“ On frying puns, 23 cents each,” and insert in
Ijeu thereof “4 cents per lb.”
To the article laving- a duty of 25 cents per
Rollon on linseed and hempseed oil, was added
the words “ rape seed” (oil.)
The word eighty, in the first proviso of the
first section, above quoted, was altered to 40 ;
so as to make the minimum price of woollen
goods on which the duty is to be charged 40
cents per square yard.
The second proviso, in the same section, is
stricken out. It was in tin; following words :
That all flannels and bai/.es, and all other un
milled woollen cloths, or cloths of which wool
shall be a component material, excepting carpets
and carpeting and blankets, the original coat of
which, at the place whence imported, with the
addition often per centum, shall be less than for
ty cents per square yard, shall, with such additi
on, he taken and deemed to have cost forty cents
per square yard, and shall he charged with duty
accordingly.
The third section was so altered as to read as
follows :
On wool, unmanufactured, a duty of 20 per
cent, ad valorem, until 1st June 1425; after
wards, a duty of 23 per centum ad valorem, un
til lt,t June, 1J526 ; afterwards, a duty of do p--r
centum, ad valorem, uutil 1st June, 15527 ; af
terwards, a duly of.55 percentcm ad valorem,
until 1st June, 1G2P.; afterwards a duty of 40
per centum ad valdrcm, until 1st June, lC29;«Sf
afterwards, a duty of 45 per centum ad valorem,
until 1st of June, 1030 ; and after that time, a
duty of 50 per centum ad valorem: Provided,
That all wool, the actual value of which, at the
place whence imported, shall not exceed 10
cents per pound, shall be charged with a duty of
15 per cent, ad valorem, and no more.
This sect ion was farther amended, by inserting
after the words wool unmnnitfucured, the words
“ the original cost ofwhich, at the place whence
imported, shall not exceed 10 cents.”
[The above are all the amendments which our
Reporter was able distinctly to hear and under
stand. He is under the impression there was
another, in relation to flour ; if so, it shall he no
ticed in cur next.]
A message was received from the President of
the United States, by Mr. Everett, his Secreta
ry, transmitting, in compliance with a resolution
of the House of Representatives, of 1st March,
1023, information of the number and position of
the permanent fortificationsoftheUnitcd States,
Also, transmitting the informationrequiredhy
.i resolution of the 9th ultimo, in relation to the
Report of the Register of the Land Oflicc, in the I
Eastern Uistrict of Louisiana.
IN SENATE.
Friday, March 5, 1024.
A message from the President of the United
Stales, transmitting copies of contracts for sur
veving public lands, in Illinois, Missouri, and
Arkansas, since 1st January, 1019, tvas receiv
ed, read, anil referred to the Committee on the
Public Lands.
The Vice President communicated a preamble
and resolution of the Legislature of the State of
New-York, requesting' tiicir Senators and Re
presentatives to endeavor to obtain from Con
gress some further relief for the Niagara suffer
ings during the late war. On motion of Mr.
Van Buren, the document was ordored to lie on
the table.
The resolution submitted by Mr. Johnson, of
Louisiana, a few days since, directing an inquiry
into the expediency of opening a post road from
Raton Rouge to Opelousas Court House, in the
state of Louisiana, was again read, and, on mo
tion of Mr. Mills, it was laid on the table.
The resolution submitted yesterday by Mr.
Lloyd, of Massachusetts, was again read. The
resolution requests from the President of the
United States copies of the instructions given to
our Minister, to France, with the correspon
dence, and such other information in reference
to spoliations committed on our commerce by
the vessels of that nation previous to the year
lKOOasitmay be proper to communicate, in
order to shew how far the individuals claim to
indemnity for those spoliations was affected by
the Convention concluded with France in the
year 1800.
Mr. Harbour staled that as Chairman of the
Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom the
numerous petitions on this subject was referred,
he had communicated with the Secretary of
State in relation to it. He had been informed
that the documents connected with these claims
were so voluminous that they could not possibly
ho prepared during the present session. He did
not make this remark in opposition to the reso
lution, but merely to shew to the Senate the rea
son whv the Committee would net be able to
report on these claims.
Mr Llovd, of Massachusetts, made a few re
marks in favor of the resolution. He was no.
rutfrtricntly informed on the subject, although i ,
involved claims ui a targe amount for want ot the
information mentioned in the resolution. And,
as those claims could not bo acted upon with
propriety uutil this information was obtained,
he hoped the resolution would bo agreed to, even
though it might postpone a decision ou the claims
until the next session of Congress.
The resolution was then agreed to.
The Senate then took up tor consideration, in
Commit teeof the W hole, AI r. Eaton in the Chair,
the bill autfutrixing the Register of'the IauuI Of
fice fur the li t stern dintrict njthc Stateof Louisi
uifi, to ret tort upon certain tundclaims within the
ntul District. The bill was reported to the
Senate, and passed to he engrossed and read a
third time.
The bill reported by tlteCommittee on Naval
Affairs, “regulating the transportation of gold
and silver bullions specie, and jewels, and car
rying of pusseugers, and to prohibit the receipt
of merchandise, in the public vessels of the 0
nited States,” was taken up for consideration, in
committee of the whole.
Mr. Ldovd, of Marvland, said,as he had offer
ed the resolution which gave rise to this bill, he
thought it his duty to state the views which in
duced him to propose it. lie felt a great inte
rest in the Navy, and wished to do all he could
to sustain its honor. He believed the permis
sion to carry specie, had grown up, like many
other of onr practices, from the example of Eng
land. Uut, il became now necessary to inquire
how far toe honor and welfare of the country,
audits navy, was compromitted by this practice.
Considerable sums of money have been made in
this trnllic, by some of our officers; our public
vessels have been the depositories and the in
surers of the property of foreign nations, and of
belligeranls. This permission to carry specie
was aiculated to destroy, the fine and chival
rous feelings o the officer to turn his mind from
seeking “ reputation at the cannon’s mouth,” to
interested and sordid pursuits. Farther than
this, the practice was liable to involve us in dif
ficulties with foreign nations; it was an infringe
ment of our neutral character; it was authorizing
a practice, iu regard to those nations which had
not the power of resistance, which the more
powerful would never submit to. These con
siderations, a ceding the character of the coun
try and the navy, led him to believe that the
transportation of specie, in the public vessels,
oucht to be prohibited.
Mr. Lloyd of Massachusetts, said he believed
that the trail-portation of specie, in public ves
sels, might be permitted, under certain regula
tions without detriment to tiie service. Great
Britain hadallowpd this practice in her Navy,
time out of inind, under restrictions. In our
Navy there had been no regulation on the sub
ject, and it ought not to be permitted to go on so;
our vessels were liable to engage in improper
cruizes, and to enter improper ports, for the
purpose of carrying on this trade ; audit might
jeopardise the peace of the country. The trans
portation ofspccic, by our public vessels, cer
tainly requires some regulation; although, Mr.
L. thought, it was not proper to prohibit it en
tirely’, The bill now before the Senate contains
the necessary provisions; it provides what ports
specie may he carried to and from; and what
countries, under certain circumstances. The
permission to bring specie, in the national ves
sels, to the United States, is important to the
country. 1* is said, that we arc in great want of
specie—the embarrassments of the manufjctu
rerspartieularly. are said to be very great—and
how are w’e to get specie? It must come from
foreign countries; and the public vessels furnish
the safest mode of transportation. He believed
that no dishonorable acts could be charged upon
our Naval Olliccrs, in this respect.
Mr. Lloyd, of Md. rose to explain. lie had
not the least intention to charge any of our Na
val Oilicers with improper conduct—but thought
that the transportation < if specie ughttobeprohi
b ted, to prevent consequences which miglitherc
after result from the practice.
Mr. Llovd, of Massachusetts, said he had not
understood the gentleman from Maryland as in
tending to prefer any charges against the Offi
cers of the Navy. Ho believed there was no
danger that their honourable character would be
affected by continuing this practice. It had not
produced that effect upon the Offices of the
British Navy. Hitherto, we have had no regard
to the maximum of freight to be allowed for the
\rnnsportation of specie. This bill has a provis
.n on that point. In the present absence of all
egulation flic Commanders of the vessels have
themselves received all the’benefit accruing
from the freight of the specie. Not so in the
British service. A certain part of the freight,
in their vessels, goes to the other officers, and a
part to the Greenwich Hospital. The present
bill has a simi ar provision. A certain portion
of the freight money is to go to the inferior oth
ers and to the Navy 1 Iospital fund. It appeared
to the committee prpper that some regulation
should, also, be adopted in relation to the trans
portation of passengers. Considerable inconve
nience has occurred, from carrying passengers.
Wc have been in the habit of making drawing
rooms of the cabins of our public vessels; this
:s certainly not beneficial to the service. If our
captains can carry their ladies and families in
their v essels the lieutenants may do the same*—
and ‘his will be an increasing1 evil. The bill
proposes checks upon improprieties that may
hereafter occur. Mr. L. thought it would be
better to take up the biil, section after section,
in order that it might be fully considered, and
opportunity afforded for amendments, if gentle
men should think proper to opoposc any.
Mr. Smith said, that he was not yet sufficient
ly informed upon this subject, to go into the con
sideration of it, at the present time. J le, there
fore, moved its postponement till Wednesday
next. This motion was agreed tr.
The bill reported by the Committee on Pub
lic Lands, “to enable the holders of French,
British, and Spanish titles to lands within that
part of the State of Louisiana situate to the east
of the Mississippi river, and Island of IS’ew Or
leans which have not been recognized as valid
by the validity thereof,’1 was again taken up.
Several amendments, which were adopted when
the bill was before the committee of the whole
agree 1 to by live Senate; and the hill passed to
be engrossed and read a third lime.
The bill, reported by the Committee on the
District of Columbia, “in addition to the act in
corporating the Washington and Alexandria
Turnpike Corporation, ” was taken up in Com
mittee of the whole. This bill authorizes the
Corporation to establish additional tolls, &c. It
was reported to the Senate without amendment,
and passed to be engrossed and read a third
time.
The bill “ to alter the time for bolding the
District Courts in the District of Kentucky,”
was taken tip in committee of the whole, re
ported to the Senate, add passed to be engrossed
and read a third time.
The Scnatcthen proceeded to the further con
sideration of the bill “ to provide gradual sup
plies of cannon, bombs, and howitz, for Ihc for*
tifications of the United States.” After some
discussion, in winch Messrs. I.owrie, Jackson,
Smith, and King, of IS'ew York, took part, the
bill was postponed till Monday next.
The bill“ for relief of the legal reprrsetative
of Alexander Mitchell, deceased,” was taken up
in committee of tire whole. This bill provides
for the reimbursement of a sum of inonrv paid
for a license on a still, under certain circum !
stance-. The bill was reported to the Senate,1
and p i-scd to be engrossed and read the third
time.
Thj Senate then adjourned tilt Mm lay next
MUUSK OF REPRESENTATIVE.
revision or the TAiurr. I
The 1 louse (hen resolved itselt'into a Commit- *
tee of the Whole, Mr. Condict in the Chair, on 1
the Slate of the Union, on the hill for amending
the several acts laying duties on imports.
Mr. Tod moved to amend the 5th section of
(lie bill by adding to that article which lays utili
ty on window glass, of several dittcrcnt sizes, the
following pru/isq, (to prevent the law’s being
evaded,) viz; “ provided that all window-glass
iui|>orted in plates uncut be included in the a
boveduty.”
Air. Tod moved to add to the clause which
lays a duty “ on iron, in bars or bolts, not manu
factored, in whole or in part, by rolling, gl 12
per hundred weight,” the following words, (for
the same purpose of preventing the duty’s being
evaded,) ‘* ou plough plates or share moulds a
duty of one per ecut and a half per lb.”
On the motion some conversation took place
between Messrs. Cambrcleng, ltruwn, Sand
ford, L’dree, Bud Cobb.
The amendment was rejected—aves 59, nocs
03.
Mr. Tod then moved to adil to the clause con
taming a duty on Brussels, Vcnitian, Turkey,
and Wiltoncarpets and carpeting, the words “on
all ingrain carpets and carpeting 25 cents per
square yard which motion was carried.
Mr. Tod then moved to add to the clause lay
ing duties cn nail rods, sheet iron, and irou slit
and rolled, the following words, “ on pig iron
75 cents fier cwt.” On this motion a prolonged
and desultory debate arose, w hich continued un
til past four o’clock.
The speakers in favor of the motion were
Messrs. Tod, Brown, Stuart, Ldrce, Forward,
and Garrison.
Those in opposition to the duty were. Messrs.
Carnbreling, Itecd, Murccr, Fuller, Poinsett,
Sterling, Crowninshicld, Floyd, and Pott, of
Connecticut.
It was advocated, first, on the general princi
ples of the bill—that our own manufacturers
should, wherever it was practicable, be* encou
raged in preference to those of foreign countries,
in order to promote internal trade, and the inde
pendence of the country, and to provide a re
source in case of war. The article of iron is a
bundant, being found in almost all the states of
the Union ; its quality is equal to that of any in
the world pig iron is its very rudest form of ma
nufacture—it employs labor that would other
wise remain idle ; a duty has already been laid
on bar iron, which will lead to the importation of
pig, unless that importation is met by a duty on
pig also : none was imported previous to 1818 :
in that year one hundred tons were imported,
and the importation lias already reached thirty
one hundred tons a year. This goes to keep the
native riches of the country buried in the earth,
while foreign products and industry are promot
ed. This is an article that, of all others, should
be encouraged—because it converts that which
is worthless, (and worse,) into an article of great
value, of general utility, and of indispensable ne
cessity. IS o country that produces iron encou
rages, bui on the contrary, prohibits, the impor
tation of the raw material—and piguron is little 1
else.
It was opposod on the general ground that, in
stead of benefitling manufactures, this duty
went to injure them. l*ig iron is not imported
in any very large quantity—and that which is
imported, is not brought from abroad on account
of a low price, but of a peculiar quality. It is
the Scottish grey iron, which has a degree of
fineness and solidity, which renders it peculiar
ly lit for small castings used in machinery. It
must be mixed with our own iron for certain
kinds of work—we have no substitute for it, and
the duty is only so much laid on the manufactu
rer ; so that this is, in truth, a strife between
manufacturer and manufacturer, and not a ques
tion whether the general interests of manufac
tures are to he promoted. The present duty is
sufficiently heavy; and the fact that Scotch pig
iron continues to be irrsporrtd under that duty,
shews that the article is needed. For aspccics
of iron analogous to this, the manufacturers ol
Massachusetts send all the way to New Jersey,
and bring the raw ore 400 miles by water and 40
by land. It is not correct that England prohi.
bits the importation of the raw material. She
lays on it a tax of no more than 14 shillings and
8 pence steriing a ton, and great quantiles are
still imported into that country from Sweden and
Ilussia, although the application of coal to
smelting the ore, had led to a vast production of
English iron. This duty is not needed by the
makers ofpig iron; they are already growing
rich, while the manufacturers of bar and bloom
iron are growing poore—the duty will go to in
crease the profits of those already thriving, and
to add the burdenof those who arc about to sink;
as the makers of pig iron have already a duty
which gives tiicm the market, all the duty now
added will only be so much added to the price
paid by the consumer. The argument used b}
the friends of the bill, iu favor of admitting
South America and Smyrna wool will apply e
qually to admitting Scottish grey pig iron, Doth
are articles which cannot be raised iu this coun
try, and yet areesssntial to very valuablebrau
clies ef its manufactures; and every argument
i against the one, goes equally against the other.
The New Jcrsy pig iron is no substitute—hea
ven defend the merchants who have had one
consignment of it, from ever receiving another—
especially if they have the Scotch pig at the
same time for sale. If you prevent the importa
tion of the Scotch metal in pigs, you will only
have it imported in a manufactured form, which
would be worse, on the principles of those who
would lay this duty. Surely, if the manufac
turers of Massachusetts can afford to go 400
miles for the raw ore from N'ew Jersey, and make
it into pig iron at their own furnaces, the manu
facturers of New Jersey cannot need the duly
now proposed, who have the ore at their door.—
The foreign pig iron is used in our foundries ol
cannon.
It was rejoined, that the qualify of the Scotish
pig iron did not depend on any tiling- peculiar in
the ore, but ui the manner of preparing it; anp
that the iron of this country c ould he so mixed
as to be made cither into what is called grey iron
or while, at the will of the iron-master, (and de
tails of the process were given.) There was a
difference between rook ore and bog ore: the
latter was of finer texture, shrank in cooling,
and made a firm and brittle inetal, fit for machi
nery: the former swelled in cooling, was of a
coarser and tougher texture and was fit for bar
iron—one is called red-shear, the other, cold
shear.
The argument that this article was needed
because it was imported, if urged against a far
ther duty, applied equally to every farther duty,
and superseded not oidy the whole bill, but all
revisions of the tariff at any future time. Im
proving too much, it proved nothing. Its im
portation interfered, to the whole extent, with
our own native products and home industry.
Admitting the duty in England, on pig iron im
ported there, to be only I4s. 8d., when com
pared with the price of the article in England,
it was, if not absolutely prohibitory, at least very
nearly so. The quantity of iron that swelled the
amount imported into England, from Russia
and Sweden, were chiefly bar iron. The
foreign pig iron cannot be needful in making
cannon. During the warwegot none ofit. The
metal, both of the cannon and men employed
in that contest, was genuine American. So far
is it from being necessary for cannon, that even
gun-lucks and musket-barrels arc made of our
own iron.
Many statistical details were given in the
oour.o of the debate. The policy cf Engl «od
was discussed, and quoted ns an example, sepe
pccinlly in the present bill, the whole protecting
policy of which was insisted on as being borrow
ed from Gnat Britain.
Much occasional pleasantry arose, and agree
ably relieved the dryness of the debate. Mr.
'1 od compared himself to the man represented in
the title-page of the Almanac,stuck through on
every side, and in every part of his body; and, in
reply to an intimation that, as C hairman of the
Committee he ought to have been acquainted
with certain tacts of a statistical and geoagra
phient kind, with which he did not seem familiar,
replied, that to fight an enemy, and beat them
too, it was not needful to know all the names of
his captains ami eolouels, and ofthe rank and file
that made up his armv.
The question being put on Mr. Tod’s amend
ment, lay ing a duty on pig iron, it was decided
in t tic negative. Ayes 79, Noes 111.
On motion of Mi. Tod, the duty of 25 per
cent, ad valorem, k,on printing ty pcs,”wasstrick
011 out.
11- further proposed a duty of JO percent, ad
valorem “on oil-cloth carpeting, and od-rloth
of every description,” but, on an intimation from
Mr. Cainbreleng, that a specific duty would 1m
p re ter red by the manufacturers, agreed to with
draw his motion for the present.
The Committee then rose—and
The House adjourned.
t font our II ashing ton Corresjumdctll.
STEAM-BOAT CAUSE.
There was a report in circulation this morn
ing, that the Chief Justice would take his seat
upon the bench to-day, and deliver the opinion
ofthe court in the steam-boat case. But he did
not make his appearance, it is rumored that
the decision will be adverse to the state of Neiv
York wi toto, annulling all the acts ofthe legis
lature, granting exclusive privileges of naviga
tion by steam. Ifthis be so, it will deeply affect
♦he interests of the North Jiivcr Steam-Boat
Company, who it is believed has a capital em
ployed of something like sir hundred thousand
dollars. At any rate, about that sum has been
employed since the experiments in navigation
by steam were commenced, a considerable part
of which was sunk in bringing the invention to
perfection, and reducing it to practice. The re
venue of the slate will also he etfectcd by the
decision, if it be su^i asreport represents it, as
the tax on steamboats will he abolished. But l
will not anticipate thedecision, which will doubt
less be given in a few days.
The Ten Cause.—This morning the cause of
the United States against Thomas H. Smith of
New York was called up for argument; coun
sel for plaintiff, the Attorney-General, Mr.
Blake. ol'Boston, Mr. Iiigcrsoll, of Philadelphia;
for defeudant, Mr. Ogden, of New York, and
Mr. Webster, of Bostou. The nature of this
suit is briefly as follows ; Mr. Smith imported a
cargo of tea from China, which was entered at
the Custom-House as of an inferior quality, and
paying a less duty than it is alleged to have been
in reality. The amount involved, for which the
United States have prosecuted, is understood to
JO atiout giu.uttu. Un motion of Mr. Ogdon,
md after some interlocutory remarks between
the court and counsel, the cause was postjioned,
m the ground that material evidence in favour of
!hc defendant is daily expected from China._
The motion for postponement was strenuously
opposed by counsel for plaintiff, upon the princi
ple that the record was made up, that the causa
had long been before the court, aud that ample
time had been allowed to Mr. Smith for collect
ing all the evidence lie might wish to adduce.
Repartee.—In the Supreme Court this morn
ings while the Attorney Ceneral and Mr. Clay
were arguing a cause, the former spoke of a cer
tain statute, no matter what, of 179G, which wan
merged in another of 1797. Mr. Clay in reply
ing to this part of the argument, having forgot
ten the precise phraseology of Mr. Wirt, substi
tuted the word ahxorhrd for merged, and profess
ed not to understand this legislation by rtfjtorp
tioti ! Mr. Wirt disclaimed having such
language, Ilewassorryto spod the gentleman’s
wit, as he was so seldom witty. Mr. Clay per
ceived the Attorney Ceneral was a little disturb
ed, and probably feeling the hit himself, instant
ly retorted. He regretted to witness in that gen
tleman so much gravity ; foe he woul* rppcul to
the honourable Courl, that his friend was os sel
dom grace as himself was witty.
This piece of pleasantry and keen repartee be
tween two such antagonists was not a little a
musing to the crowd of spectators. It mar not
perhaps bear repeating, nor appear to good ad
vantage on paper, divested, of the circumstances
which gave it point; hut as Mathews used to
say 1)}’ way of chorus to one of his jokes, it made
a grad lavgh ul tfutime /—[.V. Y. Statesman.
DISTRESSING WRECK.
.Mr. Navarro, pilot of the Wrn. Bayard, in
forms, that on Snap, the bodies of three mm
were discovered o>> Sandy Ilook Beach, three,
miles south of the point. It appears, that they
belonged to an Egg Harbour stoop, from Rich
mond for .Vcw York, loaded with coal, which ves
sel was totally lost at Long Breach, in the gale
of Friday night, and ai! perished except the mute.
The Captain's body teas among those found, and
it was supposed his name was Kctchum.
[N. V. Merc. Ady.
NORTH-WEST COAST.
The Editor of the Paris Journal des Dehats, says,
“In reflecting on the tone of close friendship which
reigns towards Russia, and the President’s Message,
anil recalling to mind the real state of the facts, wo
are sure that the principle in question is not direct
ed against Russia. The Russian Establishments on
the nordi-westcrn roast already exist. The Presi
dent only speaks of future colonization. It is against
the English United Company, that is, the North
West and Hudson’s Day, that the American princi
ple is put forward ; perhaps, also, it is directed a
gttinst other Powers. The President evidently wish
es the United States to share the North-West Coast
with Russia and England, in contempt of the posi
tive grants of Spain.”’
Communicated for the Drnwcrntic Press.
Bv the latest advices from Mexico, we learn
that Don Jose Joaquin Herrera, .Secretary of
War, is appointed minister to the United States
and was soon to depart for Washington.
A project of the basis of a constitution for the
united provinces of the centre of America, was
presented to the national assembly of the Repub
lic of Guatimnla, on the 25th of October, 1823.
That Republic hidsfair to be one of the most solid
ami permanent of Spanish America on account
of its political, geographical, agricultural and
commercial situation, and having a president
named Don JInnuel Jose Arm, wl7o bids fair by
his patriotism and good conduct, tocomplctc the
trio of Independent America by annexing his
name to those of Washington and Bolivar.
MONTEZUMA.
Arrived in Mexico on the 10th Dec. 1823, Jose
Don Juande Dios Mayorga, minister p!rnij»o
tenliary from the republic of Guatiinala to the
repu blic of M ex ico.
FIVE DOLLARS REWARD.
RANAW AV from the subscriber on the 12th of
February, my negro man DICK, he is o f a
dark complexion, about forty five years of age, i>-e
feet, eight or nine inches high ; having a wife in Ga
rolir.e County, near the White Chimnu-s, I have< ve
ry reason to believe he has gor.e up thf-re. Dick t ms
the property of Mr. Thomas C. Stevens about tv o
years ago. I will give the above reward, and s.y
all reasonable ftxpcBrcs if delivered to me in Pi ti,
mond, or secured i.i aryjaii, so J get hitn again.
E’vijnet bp.iu .
* • V
• F<fb. *>.