Richmond enquirer. [volume], December 23, 1828, Image 2

About Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867

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Mr. Benton believed that there was a fault in
legislation, of which there wei*o many examples
There was too much legislation. He would illus
trate hi- observation l>y a fandliar instance,
tiroes he raid, might he (and frequently
weti'l worked so much that the amount of pro
duce derived from the excess of labor would
be seriously dimioi.'hed. The price of punting had
been regulated not long lince, and without wait
ing to ?<•« the effect, the Senate were called upon!
to go to woik upon it again.—lie would call the I
attention of the Senate to the resolution of May '
last. (Mr. 11. made some observations oti the i
joint resolution ol May last and proceeded )- 1
Those who have been he.e for some time past,
will he satisfied, on examination, that the price
of printing has been already reduced. \Yc pay
less now than we did formerly.
IV e formerly paid lor four page* where we now
on’y p ay for one. This amount*. Sir, to a saving of
three-fourths. 'The new regulation is certainly
much the cheapest. (Here Mr. U. read the rc
e ilulioti, dhccimg the manner of tlie public print- i
mg.) In son.*' instances,sanl Mr. B. there was a
caving of thice-fourths, in others, of oue-half. 1
do not know whether the printing is two high or
too low at present; but 1 am confident that a great
expense has been saved, owing to the manner in
which the printing has been executed. We should
wait, Sir, to sec the practical effects of the present
plan; and the public would certainly be bcncfiUed
by a proper exercise of discretion upon the subject.
As to the proposition which has been submitted, it
may be observed that under the most favorable
circumstances, it must he expected that the con
tractor would realize a very considerable profit—
and let the contract be what it may, experienced
printers would avuil themselves of every opportu
nity to make the bu-incss profitable. In most
eases the work would not he done according to the
manner agreed upon, and in this way countenance
would be given to speculation and fraud, t'ndrr
the same law, where vve .formerly paid for four
page*?, we now pay only for one page. The
gentleman from Rhode Island spoke o! the amount
21,000 dollars, paid tor the businessof the iu t ses
sion.—The gentleman was mistaken. It will lii
found that tiie heaviest items did not appertain to
the business of that session. The printing em
braced the Journals, Jefferson's Manual,theTrca
suary Itvports and State Documents. The Senator
wjll mislead the public mind, and induce a belief,
that the price paid has been r.xti avagant. While
<>n his feet, Mr. 11. said, he would make a remark,
and enquire the Senator, whether he would he
w illing to pi ace the public printing in the hands of
a printer who would take it upon the lowest term*?
He would ask the Senator, whether lie would he
willing to put up the confidential business of the
S nate to the lovvc9l bidder? When we consider,
•aid Mr. LI. that the printer is the depository of the
s i ret o! the Senate, of treaties and negotiation?
xvi-h foreign nation?, and that it is of importance
that such «ecrets should be kept inviolable when
so required, wo must be com meed ot the proj rie
*y of making a judicious selection, in order that
the confidence reposed may not be. abused.—
Mr. B. made some oilier remarks in opposition to
the amendment offered, and concluded by saying,
he hoped the resolution of the gentleman from
Tennessee would pass without amendment.
Mr Knight said that the two gentlemen who
had spoken last, evidently did net understand his
proposition It seemed to him as if gentlemen
were, afraid to trust themselves; afraid that if pro
I'O-als were made, they should vote for some one
unworthy, because the lowest bidder. Now, it
was not iiis object to hind the Senate to elect the
l o west bidder; his only object i\ is information, an I
when that is obtained, said he, wc can, with a full
understanding ot the subject, elect the person who
will do the work most to advantage of the public.
I he proposals will he made by the most consider
able printeis in the country, and every gentleman
liero Mill know-the characters of the persons ;.p
plying. One word, said he, as to the manner ot
voting. It was not his proposition as gentlemen
imagined, to vote immediately upon opening the
piopqsuls; a reasonable time Mas to be allowed lor
enquiry and consideration.
'1 ne question was then taken on the amendment
proposed by :>Ii Knight, am! decided in the nega
tive.
Mr. Chambers then observed, he vnf free to
confess that he never had been of opinion that
the resolution pa-sed in Idly, was a proper subject
ol legislation. I lie Constitution expressly says,
that both Houses shall elert their own otficers.
The quc.-tioti then was, is the printer an officer cf
tire Senate? He is not an officer of the Govern
ment; he is exclusively called upon to act as an
ofticer of the S-mute. Now, Sir, salt) he, if this be
liie iHCt, it is apparent that the Senate alone,
without the sanction of the other House, can e
lect it*- own ollicer. If wc are granted this pow
er by the Constitution, any legislation on the sub
ject is an act of supcreiogation. It might be
said, that under the joint-resolution each House is
to elect its oivn officers; yet, an act of legislation
cannot give that authority. If the Constitution
. does not give Hie authority to elect a printer, all
the legislati< n in the world cannot give it. He
entirely concurred with the gentleman from Ten
nessee, that a majority should dcteimine the e
Jection—but he was hilly ol opinion, that the Sen
ate should act by itself, widiom the intervention
of the other House. With this view, he sub
nutted an am'tidmcnt, staking out the whole ol
the resolution except tin; introduc'ory words, and
repealing the w hole of the resolution of 1HJ3.
JUr. iviton saw, tn.it although Ins propositi on
was a simple one, gentlemen senned (o him to he
groping in/hc dark. According to their rule Con
gress had been going wiong from the commence
ment of the government to this time, and we
should repeal the laws by which we elect our
Secretary, Sergeant-at-arms, and all other officers.
As far back as hi? knowledge extended, each
House had unlonmly elected its ow n pi inters; but
the argument of gentlemen seemed to be, that
inasmuch as they were offices.s of the govern
ment, the 1’iesident alone had the power to ap
point them.
Mr. Chambers rejoined, that the gentleman did
not seem to understand him. He had said, that
tho Constitution gives the Senate the power to
choose its own officer*; and added, that when the
Senate made such choice, it was in virtue of au
thority derived from the Constitution, and not in
virtue of authority derived from any law we can
make. He asked the gentleman, if the printer
was an officer of the Senate 01 not? If he w»«,
why go to the other House aud ask them to con
cur with us in supporting him?
Mr. haton lose, not to argue with the gentle
man, but to apologise Sor having misunderstood
him. Since the gentleman had asked of him the
question; ho would give it as his opinion,that the
printer was not an officer ef the .Senate, and has
not been so con-tdercd.
Mr. Chambers agreed with the gentleman, that
the printer stands in the same relation as the Sec
retary, Sfrgeant-at-Arms, or door keeper; yet on
enquiry of gentlemen older in the Senate than him
sell, he had ascertained, that these officers were
not elected in virtue of any law, but under au
thority vested in the Senate by the Constitution.
Mr. Tazewell said, if he understood the gentle
man from Maryland, fMr. Chambers,) the effect
of his amendment would be to do away the whole
of the resolution of IS 19. Nine-tenth? of that re
solution, said Mr. T. go to point out the manner in
which the public printing shall be executed.
(Here Mr. T read a p»rt of the resolution of 1919.,
It will be seer., Ssr, that this resolution describe*
particularly the manner of the public printing.
Surely the object x»t the gentleman must be to
do away the whole of it; not only that part of it
which relates to the appointment, or the election
€>f the Printer, butal?o that part of it which spe
cifir* the particular execution of his work. Per
mit me, Sir, to make this remark: This is a joint
resolution, and is it not proper that both Houses
shou’d act jointly upon the subject* Jfofh Houses
hare adopted a resolution in lonfonnity with the
authority expre«»ly given by the constitution.—
Hence 1 imagine the practice has prevailed for
that reason, i beg leave to disagree with mv
tViend from Tennessee. The printer is an officer
ol the Senate. He is appointed by virtue of the
authority given by the constitution.
The constitution expressly declares and dde
g.vci the power: but because the powers is giten
by the constitution, shall we not therefore legis
late upon the subject? Vet the gentleman from
Maryland Would advance that doctrine. The con
» ilufioo h»s declared what shall be (he tenure of
he office of ajudge, but is it not competent for the
Legislature to legislate upon that subject, and say,
oo, what that tenure shall bo in their act of le
s*i-»lation> V hence has the idea ever proceeded,
hat because the Constitution has explained a par
ticular grsuit of power, that power is to bo dispens
ed with? The power granted by the Constitution,
in regard to the appointment of officers belonging
to the Senate, c in only be exercised in the man
ner which has heretofore prevailed. 1 hope, Sir,
that the amendment offered by the gentleman will
not be adopted.
Mr. Chambers said, that when he submitted his
proposition, h? had distinctly stated that the ef
fect would be to leave the whole subject in the
hands ol tho Senate to be disposed of as they
thought proper. He believed that every gentle
man wi'h the exception of the Senator from Mis
souri, was willing that the subject should go to a
Committee; some, because they thought the pri
ces excessive, and others, because they wished
the manner, ol executing the work, and the pri
ces to be given to be more distinctly defined. With
these views, and believing that some measure of
the kind would meet the concurrence of all the
members, he had made his proposition. He could
not, however, accord with the Senator from Vir
ginia, that it was proper to legislate in the lan
Kiiage ofthe Constitution. Mr. C. then modified
hi3 resolution fo as to repeal only fo much ofthe
resolution ol lSID, as relates to the mode of eleet
ing a printer, and not to affect the prices aud man
ner of doing the work.
Mr. Noble said, all would have to acknowledge
their sins, and let \is, s.iij be, do it upon safe
grotiuds He was willing to refer the subject t.
the Judicialy rcin/nniiltic; i! tins course did not
meet tin* approbation of gentlemen, it might go
to the Committee on the contingent expenses of
the Senate. Itut 1 think, fcjir, said Mr. N.,wo
shall all have lo atone, and perhaps myeclf more
than tho rest. He moved to refer the subject to
the ( ommitten on the Judiciary. The motion was
derided in the nega'ive.
Mr. Noble then moved that it lie referred to
tho Committee on the contingent expenses of 'ho
Senate, and begged leave to say this, that he had
nothing in view but a fair decision of the question.
I he Judiciary Committee he thought was the one
to which the subject should properly be referred,
but as hi; had tailed in his motion to that effect, he
would move to refer it to the ComtniUe on the
Contingent expenses.
'I he motion was decided in tho negative.
Mr. Johnston, of Louisiana, observed, (ha* as to
the matter of principle, he was satisfied. The
Senate had certainly tho right to elect their offi
cers. 7 hey had a right to say whether the offi
cer should be elected by a majority or by a plu
rality of votes; and this might be done by a joiut
resolution. Vet if the benale. liave a right to e
lece; saiil Mr. .1., they have a right to elect, in their
own mode. Suppose the House should refuse to
act wi'h the Senate upon the subject; then, Sir,
the Senate must elect their own I'rinter. In such
case, the resolution could not be a joint one. Mr.
.1. F3id, if it was proper to repeal the former reso
lution, he would vote for it. He thought a ma
jority should govern in all case*.
The question was taken on Mr. Chambers’ mo
tion, and decided in the negative.
i he resolution was then adopted without amend
IUVUI.
'I he .S**r»'e then adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Mr. Gorham presented a memorial of tlie mer
chants ot Itoston, signed by Isaac AVinslow, chair
man. and AV m. 15. Smith, secretary, ot a meeting,
R.c. in which they say they view with concern the
efforts that arc making to effect an entire change in
the mode of collecting import duties : that the pre
sent system is imperfect, and that evils have re
sulted, they admit; and while they deprecate the
consequence that might follow the sudden over
throw of a long established system.they will clieer
Suiiy unite with the merchants ot other places, in
furnnhing such practical information as may be
urutu] to Congress in remedying existing evils, and
nuking such alterations as the present condition
ot the country require?. They then state, as their
deliberate opinion, that it would bo highly injuri
ous, if not impracticable, to establish the system of
cash payments ot duties : but that in no case should
the credit be so extended as to furnish a capital to
be applied to any other purpose.
{ i he memorial is long, and is remarkably well
written, and concludes with an expression of the
confidence of-the memorialists that due delibera
tion w ill be bestowed on the subject, and that such
alterations only will be made, as experience lias
shewn to be necessary; and that Congress will not
rashly destroy a system under which the com
merce of the country lias llouiished, and the nation
prospered.]
The memorial was referred to the Committee on
Commerce.
Memorials from merchants, traders, and others,
for the imposition ot duties on sales at auction,
were presented—
I5y Mr. Sergeant, from Philadelphia, and
13y Mr. Archer, Irom Petersburg, Va.
STRONG DRINK IN THE ARMY.
Chi motion cl Mr. Drayton, Chairman of the
Committee on Military Atfiirs, that committee was
discharged from the further consideration of a re
solution moved by Mr. Sprague, directing an en '<
tpiiry into the propiicty of not permitting strong I
liquors to be furnished soldiers of the army, unless ■
by way of medicine, when prescribed by a sur- !
geon. And the subject was laid on the tab} -. j
I KAUDS ON THE REVENUE.
Mr. Vcrplanck, horn the Committee of Way
and Means, and by direction of that Committee,!
introduced the following resolution, which was
read, and under the rule laid on the table till to
morrow:
Resolved, That the President of the United
States he requested to communicate to this House,
if it be r.ot in his judgment incompatible with
public interest, the information in relation to in
tended frauds upon the revenue, which ha9 ren
dered necessary the stationing additional troops on
the Niagara frontiers; and also any other evidence
in possession ot the Government which may make
the employment of a regular armed force necessa
ry lor the enforcement of the revenue laws.
On motion of Mr. Wickliffe, it was
Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary
be instructed to inquire into Hie expediency of
providing by law, that in any cause decided by
the Supreme Com t of the United States, in which
shall bo drawn in question the validity of any part
of (he Constitution of a State, or of an act pass
ed by the Legislature of a State, that a greater
number of Justices than a majority shall concur in
pronouncing such part of the said Constitution or
act to be invalid, and that without such concur
rence the part ol the Constitution or act of the Le
gislature (as tiic case may be) so drawn in ques
tion, shall not be deemed or holdcn invalid.
On motion of Mr. Isacks, it was
Resolved, That the Committee on the Public
Lands be instructed to inquire into the expediency
of extending the laws in regard to the issuing of
Warrants for Military Land bounties beyond the
period to which they are now limited.
On motion of Mr. Wright, of Ohio, it was
Resolved,That the Committee on Roads and Ca
nals be instructed to inquire into the expediency
of laying out, opening, and constructing a road
from the Eastern termination of the Rlaek Swamp
Road, by the way ».f Wooster, New Philadelphia,
and Steubenville, in Ohio, »0 the Cumberland
Road, at Washington, in Pennsylvania; and, al«o,
into (he expediency of aiding the construction ol
j said road, by grants of land,or otherwise.
On motion of Mr. Russell, it was
Resolved, 'I hat the Committee on the Judiciary
be instructed to inquire into the expediency of
I P*y*n«C *H witnesses summoned by the
j Authority ot the United Slates Court, in criminal
j prosecutions.
I following resoiution :
j Jicsolvcd, 1 bat the Committee of Ways and
. vans be instructed to inquire into the expedien
cy ol ie,crcasmg ihc annual appropriation for the
Units'."', '* "" * orHtication, of (lie
Mr. \ an re said, that there was no need for
! Congress lo urge on the Departments in proposing
rn«asur«s.for the defence of the country. It had
! father been found necessary to hold a tight rcim
i over those gentlemen, who aro always sufficiently
'ready in devising ways and means b> apply the
j resources ot the ronn'ry. There was not the least
| danger of the Departments not moving sufficient
| iy fia-d in advancing our fortification*. He trusted
j t ie resolution would not p,i««, but that the House
- wof.M at Daft « *•( if! it had estimates from the
Department, and wou'ul nut Huticip.ite the Execu
tive officers, by taking that part ol the public duty
into their own hands.
Mr. Ward made a few remarks in support of the
resolution. He had no doubt, that, if the House
would call on the Departments for information on
this subject, (he statements he had made would
be fully confirmed; and they would find, as he
had said, that, to furnish the fortifications already
ordered, with a due supply of ordinance, would
require according to the present rate of supply,
not less than half a century.
I lie question being then put on agreeing to the
resolution moved by Mr. Ward, it was decided in
the negative.
Mr. Owen moved the following:
Hcsohed, Tl.a* the letter of the Secretary of
ar, transmitting u communication from the Chief
Engineer, on the subject of a communication be
tween the Hiwassc and Conasauga Rivers, (No.
lb.) be referred to the Committee on the Public
Lands; and that the 'aid Committee be instructed
to inquhe into the expediency of setting apart a
portion ol the public lands in the State of Alabama
to aid in executing such canal as may be deemed
expci.lout lor accomplishing the object of said re
port. * *
'1 his motion being read,
Mr. \ inton moved to amend it by directing the
Committee on Roads and Canals to make the inqui
ry* ,n*te,°'1 of the Committee on Public Lands—
I he House, however, refused to make the amend
ment: and the resolution, as proposed by Mr.
Owen, was then adopted.
[It is, however, true 'hot the -v re;-:-' ir.en
, •• liI in this resolution on the 12th instant,
, on motion ol Mr. M ir\in ot New York, referred
; lo the Committee on Hoad.i and Canals, and is,
j course, now before that Committee, as they
j have not, as yet, reported to the House upon it.l
; internal improvement.
‘ resolutions which were moved by Mr. Hall
t j osterday, in relation to the “(lowers of the Genc
; ml Government, on the subject of Internal 1m
provcn*ents,’ carnr up tor their second reading—
1 which having received,
J Mr. Hall moved their reference lo llie Coinmit
I t.ho "’hole on the State of the Union, to
. n otch is committed the bill for the preset vation
J ol the Cumberland Hoad—which motion was re
jected.
I Mr. .Bartlett then rrtovctl tlieif reference to the
on.ir.ittee on the Judiciary—which being also re
jected, *
They wore, on motion of Mr. Hunt, laid on the
. table.
D.’i motion of Mr. Sprigg,
I he Communication Iroin the War Department,
at the last Session, relating to supplies furnished
the National Armory, at Harper's Kerry, was re
ferred to the Committee on Military Adairs.
On motion of Mr. Verplanck, ,
Tim report of the Secretary or the Navy, in tlic
j case of Henry Lrkfonl, was referred to the Cont
! mutecon Naval Adairs.
DRAWBACK ON SUGAR REFINED.
LI he hill granting an extension of drawback on
sugars refined within the United Stales, was read
I a third time, and the question being, shall this bill
j pas-, (lie debate was renewed, and (he bill warmly
j opposed by Messrs. Gurley and Brent, of Lottisia
I . r;/Stevtnson ol Pennsylvania, and Mr.
v> line ot Georgia, and advocated by Messrs. Cam
j breleng of Ne w V ork. Sergeant and Sutherland
ot 1 eiinsylvania, and Mallary of Vermont, when
. ie question being taken, it was decided in the af
tirmative, and the bill passed and ser^t to the Se
nate, whereupon,
f he House adjourned J
— ^
J iiumdav, December IS, Ib^8.
IN SENATE.
I fie President communicated a letter from the
Secretary of the Navy, transmitting an abstract
<d the expenditures ol the various appropriations
for the contingent expenses of lire Navy, from the
icoo. °cJ?ber’ 1*27, to the :ioth of September,
l.S-'-; \>hich was referred to the Committee on
Naval Affairs.
t 1 Presfcn,ed a memorial, signed by
r im • 00 mer< hant-*, tinders and other citizens
ol iiailiinore, remonstrating ngainst the evils at
tending upon the auction system, as at present
pursued, and praying for the imposition of a duty of
ten per cent, on all sales by auction, except iu ca
••C' of the sale of bankrupts’ effects, dead persons,
goods so.d for the benefit of underwriters, ship
ping, am. real estate; which was referred to the
Committee on finance.
Mr. Barnard presented a similar memorial, sign
ed by several hundreds of the citizens of Philadel
phia, which was relerred to the same Committee,
I and, on motion of Mr. B. both memorials were
ordered to be printed.
The bill for the sale of the Salt Mines in the
Mate of Missouri, belonging to the United States,
was considered in Committee of the Whole, and
alter an explanation of the object of the bill, by
Mr. Barton, was ordered to be engrossed for a
third reading.
[ The joint resolution on the subject of the public
planting was read a third time, passed, and sent to
the House of Representatives.
And the Senate adjourned to Monday.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Air. Phelps presented memorials from the cili
7.en j ol Halt lord and Wether fi Id, in Connecticut a
gainst the Sunday mails.
Mr. Barney presented a memorial from many
thousands of the citizens of Baltimore, for duties
on sales at auction.
[A tact which attaches peculiar interest to thU
memorial, is, that the first name appended toil i
that of the venerable Charles Carroll ol Carroll
ton, flic only survivor of the Signers of the De
claration ol Independence. It is his own sign,
manual, and exhibits scarcely any sign of age or
intn rnity, although lie is now ninety odd years old:
and it is confidently believed that it is the only pa
per in the shape ol a memorial or petiiion which
has been presented to Congress, bearing hi< own
signature, since the adoption of the present (arm
ol Government. ]
i iib resolution moved by Mr. Vcrplanrk, yes
ter.l.iy, by order of the Committee of Ways am!
Means, calling for information relative to fra mis on
Iho revenue on the Niagara Fionticr, and ty the
employment of ttoops to prevent tlie same, cam»
up fur consideration, and was adopted by the
House. J
Mr. Chilton moved tlie following:
Jlf solved, That the committee on Roads and
Canals be instructed to inqure into tlie expedien
dy of adopting tome system by which appropria
tions of public money for Internal Improvements
may, as nearly as practicable, be apportioned a
mong the several States and Territories belonging
to the American Union, in reference to boundary
population and internal condition ol said States or
J erritories.
Mr. Chilton raid Unit he r;a« so much opposed
to lenghty discussions, that he was almost deterred
Iron, offering the resolution. The object contem
plated by it was, however, so dear lohis heart, and
as he conceived, so important to his country, that
he could not forbear to present it.
Hie resolution was agreed to.
The following joint resolution from the Senate
came up for consideration:
Resolved, ere. That, within 30 days before the
adjournment ol every Congress, each House shall
proceed to vote for a Printer to execute its work
lor and during the succeeding Congress; an I the
person having a majority ol all the votes given,
•hall be considered duly elected; and that so much
ol the resolution, approved the 3d ol March, )m|<>
entitled a resolution directing the manner In which
he printing of Congress shall be executed, fixing
(he prices thereof, and providing for (he appoint
inent of a P'lhfcror piinfeis,” a, j, altered by (b.s
resolution be, and the same is hereby rescinded.”
Vi I , ’e r"',Ve,, U,at 'ho re,f>lution be referred
to tlio i otftiiit ift* on Account*
Mr W.cklifje thought this an extraordinary re
!mnnCe' 3,,< '",0 ,h® reasor' ol the ino
Mr. Untie replied, that similar resolutions had
always heretofore gone to that Committee. I
Mr. H right, of Ohio, thereupon moved the re-'
ference of the resolution to the Commifttee on tlie 1
Judiciary, and also its printing, together with that
resolution to which it referred.
'1 he motion prevailed.
ORDERS OK THE DAV.
™lotion 01 Mr- McDuffie, the committee took |
up the Appropriation bdl for the support of Oovcrn
ir.ent for t m first quarter of 182fi. The various
Manks of the lull having b.sen filled, the foinmit
tee rose an.l reported it to the House, and it was I
ordered to Lo engrobsed for a Uiud reading to
morrow. i
The House accordingly went into Committee of
the Mimic on the State of tho Uuion, Mr. McKean
of Pa. in tlio Chair, and took up the following re
solutions:
Hcsoired by the Senate and House of Jiepre• .
sent a lives oj the Untied States qf Jl meric a, in '
Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses
concurring, That the following amendments lo
the Con-motion of the United States l>c proposed
to the Legislatures ol the several States, which,
when ratified by three fourths thereof, shatl be a
part of the said Constitution:
I. After tl.e third day of March, one thousand
eight hundred and twenty-nine, no person, who
shall have been elected President ol the United
States, shall be again eligible to that office.
II. The election for President and Vice Prcs:
dent, by Hectors appointed by the several States,
shall be held in the third year ot the Presidential
term. If on couuting the votes, in the presence
of the Senate and House of Representatives, no
person have a majority of the whole number of
Electors appointed, that fact shall he published by
the President ot the Senate, and a second election
for President shall be held in the fourth year of
the Presidential term, as follows: The voters in
each State, qualified to vote in elections of the
j numerous branch of the State Legislature,
shall assemble, in the month of November, on
such days, and at such places, as the said Legis
lature shall appoint, and vote lor one of the persons
having tho two highest numbers of the votes given
'’V.Thu Electors lor President, and still living; the
officers conducting the elections shall meet in
each JMate, on such day, and at such place, as the
Legislature thereof shall appoint, ascertain the
number ot votes given therein lor each person,and
certify who has the greater number, which certi
ficates they shall sign, and transmit, scaled up, to
the Scat of Government of li.e United States, di
rected to the President of the Senate, w ho shall,
in the presence of the Senate and House of R.-prc
sontatives, open all the certificates, and the votes
of the States shall then be ascertained, each Stale
having one vote, which shall be counted for tlie
. person having the greater number of votes given
therein; and a majority of all the States shall be
necessary to a choice. Should no person have a
majority of the States, then, Iroin the persons last
voted tor,having the two highest numbers of States,
the House of Representatives shall, as heretofore,
choose immediately, by ballot, the President, the
Ki‘!>re5eutatioii Iron* each State having one vote.
III. Alter the third day of March, one thousand
eight hundred and twenty-nine, no Senator or Rep
resentative -hall,din ing the time for which he was
elected, be appointed to any office or employment
under tho authosity of the United States.
IV. \\ hen the House ot Representatives shall
chot^c a President, no person, who shall have
been a member of that 1 louse at the time of ma
king the choice, shall, during the continuance in
office of tho President so chosen, be appointed to
any office or employment under the authority ot
the United States.
Air. Smyth then rose and addressed tlic commit
tee in support of the Resolutions,in a speech which
occupied them until three o’clock; when the com
mittee rose and reported progress.
And the House adjourned.
Friday December 19, 182?.
T he Senate did not "dt to-day.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
rctiiion? against the transportations of the Mails
i on the Sabbath were presented—
, By Mr. Dwight, from citizens of Stockhridge,
in Massachusetts. By Mr. Bates, lioin citizens
or Northampton.in Massachusetts. By Mr. Tra
cej , fiom citizens of the County of Orange, in (lie
| State of Now \ ork. By Mr. Condict, from cit
(izens of die County of Morris in New Jersey.
i be Speaker presented a memorial of a very
large number of merchants, traders, and others, of
Hiclimond in V irgitiia, also lor taxing auction sales.
MK. COG DELL’S BUST OF MOULTRIE.
The Speaker presented fo the House a letter
addressed to him by John S. Cogdell, of Charles
ton S. C. accompanied by a bust ol Major Gen.
^ illiam Moultrie, which he oilers to the accep
tance of Congress.
This letter having been read—
Mr. Drayton addressed (he House as follows :
Mr. Speaker: As the letter just read to the
House, has been addressed to it by a gentleman
born and residing in the Congressional District
which 1 have the honor to represent, I trust that
it will not be deemed intrusive in me to oiler a few
remarks upon ils contents. The wiiter of it was
bred to the law, and has devoted to the cultivation
o! painting and sculpture, only portions of that
time which he could spare lrom his professional
labors. His patriotic and moral Icelings led him
to admire the character ol those who were promi
nent tor their intellect,their virtue, their valor and
the>r public, service—his genius and bis lastc to
preserve their resemblances, after the orginals
should have mingled with their parent dust. A
inong the subjects chosen by him for the exercise
o bis lalenis, was the bust of hufellow-citizen,
Major Gen. Moultiie, who had drawn a sword in
(he battles of the Revolution, which remained un- i
she..til *d lint:! our libcities weic conqueic..; who
enjoyed the rare celebrity of gathering laure ls up
on the ocean and the I uid: who defeated a Brili-h
squadion before our independence bail been pro
claimed, ami afterwards vanquished a detachment
of British regulars in the open plain, with an inferior
number of C militia. Upon various occasions, in
his native Slate, he exhibited a heroic intrepidity
in the field, and a firmness in council, which never
quailed in the darkest gloom of the revolutionary
sh aggie. In private life, he was remarked for the
simplicity of his manners, the frankness of his tern
per, the generosity ol his disposition, and pre-emi
nently for the charily with which he was always
ready to excuse he erro-s and to palliate the fraillies
of others. The foirn and featuies of one so justly
distinguished well deserves preservation. How
lar Mr. Cogdell has succeed in his effort-, it is not
for me to decide, who pretend to no connoisseur
ship in sculpture and in painting; but, by an artist
no less renowned than Washington Alston, the
skill and taste disp.aycd in (he execution ol this
bust, have been warmly praised. It may there
fore be said, under the sanction of a great name,
tliat the lineaments of the gallant and patriotic’
Moultrie have been delineated, with a masterly
hand, by his fellow-citizen, who has thus not only
afforded an additional instance of.the genius of our
country in an art which has iininoializcd a Phidi
as and a Praxiteles; hut who has evinced the cor
rectness of his judgment in selecting for hissub
j ct a personage so worthy of the grateful remem
brance of prostcrity.
MILITIA TACTICS.
Mr- Thompson, from the Committee on the Mi
litia, repotted a hill, requiring and providing for
the publication and distribution ot a certain num
ber of copies of an abdract of Infantry Tactics
including Exercises and Manoeuvres of Light In
fantry and Riflemen, and lor other purposes; which
was twice read and committed.
The resolution moved yesterday by Mr. Mercer
and laid on the table, calling for a copy of the .*e’
port of the survey of the continuation ol the Cum
berland Road from Cumberland to the City of
Washington, came up for consideration, was read
and adopted.
The joint resolution appropriating any apart
ment in the C apitol not othrrvvi.se occupied to the
use of (ho Columbian Institute, was read, and (he
question being on its engrossment for a third read
ing, a desultory debate arose, in which the reso
L-vt?»adwnted by Messrs.TAYLOR and
1 * nrul °PP<*»c«l by Messrs. McCOY . nd
VV KL.MS. A motion ol Mr. LUMPKIN to |av
it on the. table, with a view to obtain farther in
formation was negatived, and the resolution was
engrossed, read a third time, an 5 pas-od.
Mr Duncan gave notice that he should, on
Tuesday, the bib of January, move the house to ■
go into Committee of the whole on the state of
fho l>niofi, for the purpose of taking upfho till re- I
frrrP'l to that Committee to gra<!ti<itc the price of
public lands, and make donations to actual set-1
tiers.
I lie Speaker laid before the House a letter
from the Secretary of War, containing the infor
mation called for by the House on Iflth instant, in
relation to the proceedings had under the fourth
section of the act of 3,1 March, 1*26, for the re
liel ol Nimrod Farrow and Richard Harris. Read!1
and committed to the Committee of the whole on I
the bill for their further relief.
r
CONGRESS PRINTING.
Mr. Wright, of Ohio, introduced the following
resolution:
Resolved, That the Select Committee on Print
ing the J.awson Stereotype plates be instructed
to inquire, whether any change in the prices of pa
PeC» printing materials, and printing, has taken
place since the year 1319, rendering it expedi
ent to reduce the prices of the printing for Con
gress.
Mr. Wright accompanied the resolution with
some remarks, as to the various causes which had
operated to vary the expense of printing since the
rates were fixed in 1819, and expressed his con
vie thin that the House ought to bo pul in posses
sion ol tlie facts of the case.
The resolution was opposed hy Mr. Wickliffo,
suggesting that the subject of the prices of public
priming had been elaborately examined at the last
Session, by the Committee o’t Retrenchment, and
that the Chairman of that Committee* would short
ly submit a motion for the reference of that entire
subject to a Select Committee.
Mr. W. moved to lay the resolution on the ta
ble: but witliUi ew the motion at the request of
Mr. Wright, who denied that any other Commit
tee could be more appropriate lor the con-ideration
of this resolution, than the one named in it. He
remonstrated against refusing to submit the sub
ject to a Committee already raised bytlie House
tor the very pm pou* ol such an inquiry, in order
to wait for another Committee, not vet named, or
even moved for. lie adverted to various causes, by
w hich ttic pi ices of printing might be allcctod and
reduced.
Mr. W ieklifTe contended that he wa® as favora
blo to economy on the geueral subject, as the
gentleman fiom Ohio could be; but thought that
the saving ought not to he attempted by reducing
the price ol pi inting, but rather hy introducing a
change in the practice ot the House, in ordering
documents to be printed.
Mr.." • again moved to Ijy the resolution on the
table; but again consented to withdraw the mo
tion. When,
The Speaker announced the expiration of the
hour appropriated to petitions and resolutions.
Mr. \\ light contended that the rule required an
entire hour to he allowed tor resolution®—but the
Speaker decided otherwise.—Mr. \\ right appealed
—but subsequently withdrew the appeal.
APPROPRIATIONS FOR 1829.
The engro®sed bill making appropiiations for the
support of Government for the year 1829, were
read a third time, passed and sent to the Senate for
concurrence.
i he residue of the morning was occupied in
consideration of an unfavorable report of the Com
mittee of Claims in relation to certain horses lost
on the Western frontier during tlm war. The re
port was reversed by the House.
On the motion of Mr. Van Rensselaer, the
House decided, that when an wtjounimenj takes
place to day, it will adjourn to meet again uii Mon
I i.ay-next.
And then the House adjourned.
[Lj After the conclusion of Mr. Smyth’s re
marks,in the House ot Representatives, on Thurs
day, ou support of his proposed amendments to the
Constitution—
Mr. McDuffie observed, that it was obvious
that the subject of the resolution was of too much
, importance to be decided upon without full and
| deliberate discussion.
j epnemved jj inexpedient, during the pres
■ ent, winch was the short Session of Congress, to
take up the time, which would be required by the
routine of business, in a protracted di-cus-ion ot
this kind. J here were various reasons why, in
his judgment, the consideration of it ought to he
postponed The adoption of any proposed amend
ment to the Constitution required the assent of
the Legislatures of two-thirds of the States; and it
was well known to the mover that the present or
ganization ot many ot those Legislatures-was not
lavorable to the adoption ol this amendment. Af
ter the new Administration should have come
into office, this obstacle would probably be re
moved, as it was reasonable to conclude that the
complexion ol the State Legislatures would cor
respond, for the most part, with that of the Na
tional Legislature.
The Committee then rose.
CVisc of Gen. Lyman—This case was opened
on Tuesday, at Boston, by Solicitor Davis, lor the
Commonwealth. The defence was conducted by
iaukiin Dexter, Esq. The Commercial Gazette
says: —
Mr. \\ ebstcr's pamphlet on flic subject of the
Embargo was read in lull, and Mr. Webster him
self wa«* examined hy the conns.-1 on bofh siJe
—Other testimony was adduced,w hich w ill appear
hereafter, Mr. Hubbard, defendant’s counsel,
was occupied till a late hour in the evening in
commenting upon the whole ca c. The probable
issue of the trial is not yet known."
,, , „ _ [-V*. V. Com. jJJv.
^jnyor of Boston.—From the follow ing noU
P^'^cd in the Boston papers, it will be seen
that Mr Quincy declines being a candidate for
the Mayoralty or that city.
TO THE CITIZENS OF BOSTON.
After the result of the recent city election*,!
deem myself at liberty to decline,—which I now
do—being any longer a candidate for the office of
Mayor.
To the end that no future candidate may he de
prived ot votes, cast in my favor, I deem it pro
per to state, that no consideration will induce me
again to accept that office.
Very respect full}’,
I am your fellow.citizen,
JOSIAII QUINCY.
Boston, 1 GiU December, 1.828.
Col. Amory has al-o unequivocally declined
being a candidate, and says that it will be impossi
nie lor him to .serve, if chosen* [lb.
-w Tim,-I f I nr ill
foseijn.
FROM COLOMBIA.— By the pa< ket brig Me
dina Capt. Beckman, arrived yesterday from Car
£a.hnno,VW n S3V1 3 ,1,C °f,tl,e PaPl‘rj< of th t city,
to the 9ih ult. inclusive. Letter* from Carthagena
r^'ire ,e2,°hl,«“- ,T' *'Tlcompletely
restored m the Rcpubl.c of Colombia. Gucria and
1 adtlla have been hnng, for having been concern,
cd in the late conspiracy again*, Bo.ivar. A
Court Martial has condemned Gen. Santander to
death (ortho same crime, and the ken* nee has
been submitted to a Council 0f Ministry for appro
va - A letter dated Carthagena, 19:1, Nov. Jy£
I fear Santander will escape—Should he, I do
not see that thu country can bo expected to main
tain tranquillity.” 1 *
A frigate was fitting out at Carthagcr.a to crui/c
against (he Peruvians. h u c
The Carthagena (iazettr 0f rhe loth Oct. pub
Hshes the treaty of Pence between BoliviaPa„dj
Tim same paper of the 9th Nov. speak* of v re I
volution in Chili, in which the roi.els, after hav
mg defeated the military, submitted to the Senate
2 J h« J1!01?"* of a letter, dated Bogota,
2Sj!tl ' fro'” ,a,t evening’s American: —
government has got new* that two Co
lone.s, Or banjo, and Ililario Gonzales, arc going
about the low., ol Pasta to recni, a pany for an I
insurrection; and L ars are cnteilaincd that, if they
come to Pap,yah, where there are only seventeen
troops, they may succeed in getting possession of
n<X> muskets, and arming their troop*.”
[•V 1’. .1/. Courier.
LATEST FROM RIO DE JANEIRO.
I bo brig Pacific, Captain Conkling, in 48 days
lioin Kiode Janerio, arrived in Hampton Road*
1 buraday morning last. She sailed on th- 1st
Nov. Our correspondent* of the Norfolk Beacon
inform ua, of the authority of Captain Conklin*
lhai peace with Buenos Ayres had been proclaim’
d at Rio. but contrary to expectation, the cur
rency had not improved and bu*in*s* had become
worse. I he stock ol Flour on hand consisted of a
bout 17009 barrels. New Richmond Flour was
•oiling at 13 «oo> now Baltimore Flour wa,
inally 12f|«(H» fo I2J509 old cZidered no.
worth more than 11||009. f /*„/,. American.
COIX>MBIA AND PERL'
A report was cirri,tated in N-w York,that Peace
,ad bem >< >dc between C olombia end Peru
I he report came by way of Jamaica, where it i*
laid, accounts fr.„. Bogota to the 23d of October
md been received Our direct account* from the
I alter place arc only to the fltb October
RIQgRSOgp, PRO. 123.
SENATE OF THE U. STATED
I he Ohio Legislature hove elected Judge Bur
net a Senator ot the U. S. in place ofGeneral Har
rison—lor Burnet 5t> votes, J. \V. Campbell 5l>,
scattering 2, lie is a decided friend of the Ad
ministration—but all (hat the •« St. Clairsville His
torian (one of the same School) says of him, is,
that “ he has hern promoted to this high tuist, on
account of his acknowledged talents and integiity,
and Ins devoted attachment to the laws for the
protection ol Domestic Manulactuics and the svs
tern of Internal Improvements upon a liberal and
| extended «ealc.”
i From the “ Signs of the Times,” it is not diffi
cuit to see that .a system is about to be organize*!
lor check-making the next Administration bv
incans ol the Senate. It is there that the friends
ot the Coalition will attempt to raise the banner of
opposition. Mr. Clay will lie again in the field, if
he lias any hopes of surce *. it is said hi* friends
aie endeavouring to p; vu»i upon Maine, N. Jer
l sey and Delaware, to turn out Chandler, Dickerson
and Lidg ly; and put in Opposition men (ns they
may now be called.) They mean to rally first in
„ Snna e; and if they can make way there,
Air. Clay will come into the II. of Represents
tn-cs. Such is the on Jit at Washington, (he talk
ot the day.—The extent of this opjiositioii wilKlr
pend upon the course of Gen. Jackson.—-With
so vast a majority of the People and of their im
mediate Representatives in the other House, in his
favor,his administration will withstand every .shock
it it deserves the support of the nation. Should «t
lie conducted upon pure, liberal, wise and consti
tutional principles, it may look down all oppo-i
tion and the very entrenchment*, behind which
his opponents arc preparing to plant themselves
will he taken trom them and destroyed.
Those who arc not in the habit of reading the
public journals have no adequate idea of thcillibe
raluy which is manifested towards Gen. Jackfon.
One would have supposed, that after it was ascer
tained how ignorant his most intimate friends were
ot the fonna'ion ol his cabinet, he might have
escaped every charge of collusion and intrigue
wuh Ins supporters. Vet the fact is otherwise,
tsome ol his mo t de?peiatc enemies are anxious
to prepare the Senate for an opposition to his Cabi
net appointments, by instilling the mo*t unfounded
suspicions of the integrity of his conduct. Sii*pi
cions, we say—-mere naked, and unsupported sus
picions; for, they have not the shadow of evidence
to support them. A Middletown (Con.) Gazette
is charitable enough to “presume,” that “-the
whole matter of his Cabinet was settled, during
he winter of 1825. General Jackson, knowing
that his success depended upon the oxoriinn.
ntessrs. > nn Huron, lien (on, Livingston, and a
few other choice spi.its, probably said to them
Cen lcmcn, elect me President, and you mav
d.v idc the offices,n my Cabinet among yourselves.”
Accordingly, Mi. Van Horen selected the Pre
miorsh'p lb: himself!”—Into 8uch i,„c pres„mp.
! l,OI}Sj unfounded assertions arc the most illiberal
of Jus opponents hurriedly ihei, ungovernable
resentments. Should Mr Van Uurenbe select
| ®d " Secretary of State, or the h ,<J 0f any other
I department, ol course, it is not his talents, his a !•
j dress, his qualifications, his political attainments.
I ,,!s distinction in the party which elevate, him to
, the office, hut it must be the effect of previous
managemewt and imrig,„! y t, let Gen. Jackson
I se,ert ,0,!l h,‘ may, mi, h is to he the chorus (hat
! wc«rc about to hear—But, for uuately, he is one
of the last men upon the face ol the ear h, who is
to be moved from ins purposes by this -pecies o;
clamour. He ,y,II select th best and ablest men.
whom he ran obtain—putting at defiance all the
mxsconstiuclions of all his enemies.
TITE CABINET.
arB ,"!1 of ’Peeula.ion, on the
ibcJrh ,*‘,nC aPI,0'"t'»‘,«"s. The cast of
O 19 eo»",*««*»y "hilling, according to
1 Jfl:nc,5 of ,he Projector. Mr. Tazewell, forox
amp't, has passed tlirougii various -hades of an
' P0’^!,,ient.-: H,has bee,, nominated in the papj's
i v Secretary of State-of tiic Treasury; of the
i.,aVyj and as Attorney General. But the fact ii.
! \fr-Jhinln U°nn0W T' nh°"lsu?'1 (’• liters,
iim„ f T 1,C,m°* Gpn J«cksonN most in
I III note friends disclaim all acquaintance with his
wishes; wiiilc h,s opponents seem lo pro ounce,
i * r^'edra, upon the composition of hi-- Cabinet.
! mu^n. ;1,ks0n * ‘ v!y lie* P,,in '••'fore him. lie
! virin .P |e ar°”,?,1 mon °f Ideh talents anl
' cmmvv i 'V V°k ,0,tl,e K,eal interests of the
mrny,T R,ory (jf hi” ow" Administration
- m, r , who are prepared, in head and in heart, to
iMvcu, wise,frugal and republican administra
r ~ r !r.en’ WUo arc a,,Ai0U3 10 promote the r
OH" ambitious pretensions. Hen. Jack-on will
never permit his Cabinet to become the ,h< Ttrc
llll' ,J,>IU"k~Ncv,,r did the situation rf
: b o Us I y ?qv,rc "i0,e pub *P"it. To enr.
I tdish tb! rlCr •,,onK succc^fuUy—and to accom
|( r . b,m9 which arc in ,he contemp’atiin
i and thiv ,pU ' *c ",en ",UJ‘ '*« disinterested.
I, in i , V| U; bc ,,fu" d- We must look to pr n
' a Smnt m n° '"»'t frown down every
successor it ,cn-Jackson iu the canvass for a
foment .°P»’one«»r“ are up n the watch to
o^ow AT T1*'0'"- TI,oy wi" «pnr« no effort
rr?» n,f i? a,,10n- UJ ~ r»ey will affect to
f „ ' y ?llC candidate against another—to produce
wtiiIp , „ • r *',cna,,ons among ourfricnds—
to rHni i J.,.C °f.Mr- Cl y »» “partizans is
strik K r’. ° ,"a,g,,al ’heir lorces, and to
■ rikealcn the lira, comes. The Message of the
parti} II tended for effect hereaftrr. <
Gen Cf,ik°.'V0U/t ,hcsr two suggestions4 1st. Timt
Lcn Jackson, (or rather their country) has a riglu
to s :iiV:CM 0f "J-his fritr'<>* "hom he may Lu
ifflcefnrfStBnre V,Me "ho hwa •’"* Inmiot
olfire fo, the promotion of the public good, ought
» «rn^t P° M c ,IS Plo,no,*°n- In a time of danger,
he is Lu \ TW\1' r, *Mir,° ;,ny P»l. lo Which
These J 0'1 by ,he p"blir *rvl^- And 2nd.
selvf!^ K 3rr no‘,nvi,t'il.should not suffarihem
‘ ~ >e roorlifiecl and soured by their cxclu
" . ‘ LycrtiJ °f In* friends must he dta.tppointcd,
*?, ,H not always possible for them to enter into
j .lC «onsnlerations which may induce General
/p'' *°x Ma.ive or P°*fpone their pretensions.—
. ‘.Mt ("H' Otly ' n il the public interest is suppo'
, t.O'iivtc 'hem into ofliee; and to di charge their
i.utiea as well as they ran in the station in which
they are plarcd, is what w ill best become them a!’.
" e suggest another consideration, whh'h it be
comes the friends of Gen. Jackson >o r-member.
Tiiry go ft. upon the princ iplc of Iltfurm—Oi s
important brand, of this Reform is the UeUtnc'.
m'ni of the public .xpences—Whercvcr unneers
s .ry offices exist, they ought to be lopped off-Si
necurcs are abhorrent to the very genius of th*.
I.. public—In th. same manner, if exorbitant sal
a.tesor p rqui-it. or compensations atfacl. to pub
In- offices, they ought to be cut down to the fa.’
standard of equivalent—Every proposition, for cn
qu.ting n.to the rate of romp .-nsafion, ought to b
respectfully rec .v, d. and if the orcasion admits if.
thee.fully prosecuted Aloises may he detect
ed »y investigation — and the corruptions of office
•nay he routed horn their darkest reecsscs. 1*
t ere ever was a party, who should brave and sec*
the fullest enquiry, it is the friends of A. Jack
tun ami of llrjorm.
A vTierpATiONs of the First Atoocmcntt--~
> arious speculations nro afloat about the manner
of Gen. Jackson’s reception, and the time of Ins
visitiag Washington. , Many mistakes, it is be
lieved, are indulged, and industriously circulated,
on this subject—Among these, is the following
ex'ract of a letter, written for the Charleston
Courier, by its correspondent, in Washington, i’f
cemlier H:
- There i«ranch speculation hereon the subj<'"£
of thf I. w Cabinet. Whether Mr. Van Huron or
Mr. Livingston shall ho'd the Slate Department,
public rumor his not yet derided. Mr. Living*
s'on is said to be at the Hermitage—U is very eft'