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US Dec 500

PROCEEDINGS

OF

THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES,

AT THE SECOND SESSION OF THE FOURTH CONGRESS, BEGUN AT THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, DECEMBER 5, 1796.

MONDAY, December 5, 1796.

PRESENT:

JOHN ADAMS, Vice President of the United
States, and President of the Senate.
JOHN LANGDON and SAMUEL LIVERMORE, from
New Hampshire;

BENJAMIN GOODHUE, from Massachusetts;
WILLIAM BRADFORD, from Rhode Island;
JAMES HILLHOUSE and URIAH TRACY, from
Connecticut;

ELIJAH PAINE and ISAAC TICHENOR, from Vermont;

JOHN RUTHERFORD and RICHARD STOCKTON, from New Jersey ;

WILLIAM BINGHAM, from Pennsylvania;
HENRY LATIMER, from Delaware;
HUMPHREY MARSHALL, from Kentucky;
WILLIAM COCKE, from Tennessee;
JACOB READ, from South Carolina;
JAMES GUNN, from Georgia.

The number of Senators present not being sufficient to constitute a quorum, they adjourned to 11 o'clock to-morrow morning.

TUESDAY, December 6.

ALEXANDER MARTIN, from the State of North Carolina, and WILLIAM BLOUNT, from the State of Tennessee, severally attended.

The VICE PRESIDENT Communicated a letter from PIERCE BUTLER, notifying the resignation of his seat in the Senate, which was read.

The credentials of the after-named Senators were severally read:-Of BENJAMIN GOODHUE, appointed a Senator by the State of Massachusetts, in place of GEORGE CABOT, resigned; of ISAAC TICHENOR, appointed a Senator by the State of Vermont, in place of MOSES ROBINSON, resigned; of JAMES HILLHOUSE, appointed a Senator by the State of Connecticut, in place of OLIVER ELLSWORTH, whose seat is become vacant; of URIAH TRACY, appointed a Senator by the State of Connecticut, in place of JONATHAN TRUMBULL, resigned; of JOHN LAURANCE, appointed a Senator by the State of New York, in place of Rufus KING, whose seat is become vacant; of RICHARD 4th CoN.-50

STOCKTON, appointed a Senator by the State of New Jersey, in place of FREDERICK FRELINGHUYWILLIAM COCKE, appointed Senators by the State SEN, resigned; also, of WILLIAM BLOUNT and ing respectively administered to them, they took of Tennessee;-and, the oath required by law be

their seats in the Senate.

A message from the House of Representatives of Representatives is assembled, and ready to proinformed the Senate that a quorum of the House

ceed to business.

Ordered, That the Secretary wait on the PREthat a quorum of the Senate is assembled. ̧ SIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and acquaint him

Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives that a quorum of the Senate is assembled, and ready to proceed to business.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that they have appointed a committee as the Senate may appoint, to wait on joint committee, on their part, together with such the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and notify him that a quorum of the two Houses is assembled, and ready to receive any communications that he may be pleased to make to them.

Resolved, That the Senate concur in the above resolution, and that Messrs. READ and LIVERMORE be the joint committee on the part of the Senate.

Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives therewith.

Mr. READ reported, from the joint committee appointed for that purpose, that they had waited on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and had notified him that a quorum of the two Houses of Congress are assembled; and that the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES acquainted the committee that he would meet the two Houses in the Representatives' Chamber, at twelve o'clock to-morrow.

WEDNESDAY, December 7.

JOHN HENRY, from the State of Maryland, attended.

informed the Senate that they are now ready to A message from the House of Representatives

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meet the Senate in the Chamber of that House, to receive such communications as the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES shall be pleased to make to them.

[DECEMBER, 1796.

On motion, it was agreed to consider the report in paragraphs; and, after debate, a motion was made for recommitment, which passed in the negative; and, having agreed to amend the report, Whereupon, the Senate repaired to the Cham-the further consideration thereof was postponed. ber of the House of Representatives, for the purpose above expressed.

The Senate returued to their own Chamber, and a copy of the Speech of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, this day addressed to both Houses of Congress, was read. [For which, see the proceedings in the House of Representatives of December 7, post.]

Ordered, That Messrs. READ, TRACY, and BINGHAM, be a committee to report the draught of an Address to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, in answer to his Speech this day to both Houses of Congress.

It was further ordered, that the Speech of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, this day communicated to both Houses, be printed for the use of the Senate.

Resolved, That each Senator be supplied, during the present session, with copies of three such newspapers, printed in any of the States, as he may choose, provided that the same are furnished at the rate of the usual annual charge for such

papers.

THURSDAY, December 8.

JOHN LAURANCE, from the State of New York, attended, and, the oath required by law being administered to him, he took his seat in the Senate.

Ordered, That Messrs. STOCKTON, READ, and BINGHAM, be a committee to inquire whether any, and what, regulations are proper to be made, on the subject of the resignation of a Senator of the United States.

On motion to proceed to class the Senators from the State of Tennessee, as the Constitution provides, it was agreed to postpone the consideration thereof until to-morrow.

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SATURDAY, December 10.

ADDRESS TO THE PRESIDENT.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the

report of the committee in answer to the Address

of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES to both Houses of Congress; and, after further amendments, it was unanimously adopted, as follows:

We thank you, sir, for your faithful and detailed exposure of the existing situation of our country; and we sincerely join in sentiments of gratitude to an overruling Providence for the distinguished share of public prosperity and private happiness which the people of the United States so peculiarly enjoy.

We are fully sensible of the advantages that have resulted from the adoption of measures (which you have successfully carried into effect) to preserve peace, cultivate friendship, and promote civilization, amongst the Indian tribes on the Western frontiers; feelings of humanity, and the most solid political interests, equally encourage the continuance of this system.

We observe, with pleasure, that the delivery of the military posts, lately occupied by the British forces, within the territory of the United States, was made with cordiality and promptitude, as soon as circumstances would admit; and that the other provisions of our Treaties with Great Britain and Spain, that were objects of eventual arrangement, are about being carried into effect, with entire harmony and good faith.

The unfortunate but unavoidable difficulties that opposed a timely compliance with the terms of the Algerine Treaty, are much to be lamented; as they may occasion a temporary suspension of the advantages to be fect security from its predatory warfare; at the same derived from a solid peace with that Power, and a pertime, the lively impressions that affected the public mind on the redemption of our captive fellow-citizens,

afford the most laudable incentive to our exertions to remove the remaining obstacles.

We perfectly coincide with you in opinion, that the importance of our commerce demands a naval force for its protection against foreign insult and depredation, and our solicitude to attain that object will be always proportionate to its magnitude.

The necessity of accelerating the establishment of certain useful manufactures, by the intervention of the Legislative aid and protection, and the encouragement due to agriculture by the creation of Boards, (composed of intelligent individuals,) to patronise this primary pursuit of society, are subjects which will readily engage our most serious attention.

A National University may be converted to the most useful purposes; the science of legislation being so essentially dependant on the endowments of the mind, the public interests must receive effectual aid from the general diffusion of knowledge; and the United States will assume a more dignified station among the nations of the earth, by the successful cultivation of the higher

branches of literature.

A Military Academy may be likewise rendered equally important. To aid and direct the physical force of

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the nation, by cherishing a military spirit, enforcing a proper sense of discipline, and inculcating a scientific system of tactics, is consonant to the soundest maxims of public policy. Connected with, and supported by, such an establishment, a well regulated militia, constituting the natural defence of the country, would prove the most effectual, as well as economical, preservative

of peace.

We cannot but consider, with serious apprehensions, the inadequate compensations of the public officers, especially of those in the more important stations. It is not only a violation of the spirit of a public contract, but is an evil so extensive in its operation, and so destructive in its consequences, that we trust it will receive the most pointed Legislative attention.

We sincerely lament that, whilst the conduct of the United States has been uniormly impressed with the character of equity, moderation, and love of peace, in the maintenance of all their foreign relationships, our trade should be so harassed by the cruisers and agents of the Republic of France, throughout the extensive departments of the West Indies.

Whilst we are confident that no cause of complaint exists that could authorize an interruption of our tranquility or disengage that Republic from the bonds of amity, cemented by the faith of Treaties, we cannot but express our deepest regrets that official communications have been made to you, indicating a more serious disturbance of our commerce. Although we cherish the expectation that a sense of justice, and a consideration | of our mutual interests, will moderate their councils, we are not unmindful of the situation in which events may place us, nor unprepared to adopt that system of conduct, which, compatible with the dignity of a respectable nation, necessity may compel us to pursue.

We cordially acquiesce in the reflection, that the United States, under the operation of the Federal Government, have experienced a most rapid aggrandizement and prosperity, as well political as commercial.

Whilst contemplating the causes that produce this auspicious result, we must acknowledge the excellence of the constitutional system, and the wisdom of the Legislative provisions; but we should be deficient in gratitude and justice, did we not attribute a great portion of these advantages to the virtue, firmness, and talents, of your Administration-which have been conspicuously displayed in the most trying times, and on the most critical occasions. It is, therefore, with the sincerest regret that we now receive an official notifica

tion of your intentions to retire from the public employments of your country.

When we review the various scenes of your public life, so long and so successfully devoted to the most arduous services, civil and military, as well during the struggles of the American Revolution, as the convulsive periods of a recent date; we cannot look forward to your retirement without our warmest affections and most anxious regards accompanying you, and without mingling with our fellow-citizens at large in the sincerest wishes for your personal happiness that sensibility

and attachment can express.

[SENATE.

Ordered, That the committee who prepared the Address, wait on the PRESIdent of the UNITED STATES, and desire him to acquaint the Senate at what time and place it will be most convenient for him that it should be presented.

they had waited on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITMr. READ reported, from the committee, that ED STATES, and that he would receive the Address of the Senate on Monday next at 12 o'clock, at his own house. Whereupon,

Resolved, That the Senate will, on Monday next, at 12 o'clock, wait on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES accordingly.

The VICE PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a letter from Samuel Meredith, Treasurer of the United States, with his specie account for the quarters ending the 30th June and 30th of September, tures in the War Department for the quarters 1796; also, his accounts of receipts and expendiending at the same time; which were read, and

ordered to lie on the table.

The Senate proceeded to class the Senators from the State of Tennessee, in conformity to the resolution of the 14th of May, 1789, and as the Constitution requires.

Whereupon, numbers one, two, and three, were, by the Secretary, rolled up and put into the ballot box, when Mr. BLOUNT drew number two, and is accordingly of the class whose seats will become vacated on the 3d of March, 1799. Mr. COCKE drew number one, and is accordingly of the class whose seats will become vacated on the 3d of March, 1797.

MONDAY, December 12.

THEODORE FOSTER, from the State of Rhode Island; JOHN BROWN, from the State of Kentucky; and HENRY TAZEWELL, from the State of Virginia, severally attended.

ADDRESS TO THE PRESIDENT.

Agreeably to the resolution of the 10th instant, the Senate waited on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and the VICE PRESIDENT, in their name, presented the Address then agreed to.

To which the PRESIDENT made the following reply:

in your Address a concurrence in sentiment with me GENTLEMEN: It affords me great satisfaction to find on the various topics which I presented for your information and deliberation; and that the latter will receive from you an attention proportioned to their respective importance.

and military, and your kind wishes for my personal hapFor the notice you take of my public services, civil piness, I beg you to accept my cordial thanks. Those services, and greater, had I possessed ability to render them, were due to the unanimous calls of my country, and its approbation is my abundant reward.

The most effectual consolation that can offer for the loss we are about to sustain, arises from the animating reflection that the influence of your example will extend to your successors, and the United States thus continue to enjoy an able, upright, and energetic Adminis-saw virtuous and enlightened men, among whom I re

tration.

JOHN ADAMS,

Vice President of the United States, and President of the Senate.

When contemplating the period of my retirement, I

lied on the discernment and patriotism of my fellowcitizens to make the proper choice of a successor; men who would require no influential example to insure to

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G. WASHINGTON.

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[DECEMBER, 1796.

amount to two millions three hundred and seven thousand six hundred and sixty-one dollars and seventyone cents; for which there have been paid, in specie, one million six hundred and eighteen thousand nine hundred and thirty-six dollars and four cents, as will more particularly appear from the document marked A. That, subsequent to the said report of the 18th of December, 1795, and in pursuance of the act, entitled An act making further provision for the support of

66

The Senate returned to their own Chamber, Public Credit, and for the redemption of the Public and then adjourned.

TUESDAY, December 13.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that they have proceeded to the choice of a Chaplain to Congress, on their part, and the Reverend ASHBEL GREEN is duly elected. And that they have passed a bill, entitled "An act to amend the act, entitled' An act for the more general promulgation of the laws of the United States ;" in which they desire the concurrence of the Senate.

The last mentioned bill was read, and ordered to a second reading.

A motion was made that the sum of one hundred dollars each, be allowed to the principal and engrossing clerks in the office of the Secretary of the Senate, to be paid by the Secretary, out of the money appropriated for the contingent expenses of the Senate.

And it was agreed that the motion should be referred to Messrs. TRACY, LIVERMORE, and READ. to consider and report thereon to the Senate.

On motion, that a committee be appointed to take into consideration the compensations at present allowed to the officers of the Government. with a view (under existing circumstances) of making a more just and liberal provision for them, it was agreed that this motion should lie for consideration.

WEDNESDAY, December 14.

The bill, sent from the House of Representatives for concurrence, entitled "An act to amend the act, entitled An act for the more general promulgation of the laws of the United States;" was read the second time, and referred to Messrs. RUTHERFORD, TRACY, and BLOODWORTH, to consider and report thereon to the Senate.

THURSDAY, December 15.

The Senate assembled this day, but transacted no business.

FRIDAY, December 16.

The VICE PRESIDENT laid before the Senate the report of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund; which was read, as follows:

"The Commissioners of the Sinking Fund respectfully report to Congress

"That the purchases of the debt of the United States, as stated in their report of the 18th of December, 1795,

Debt,' the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund have caused the sum of five hundred and forty-four thousand and sixty-six dollars and fifty-four cents to be applied towards the redemption of the six per cent. stock, bearing interest, as will appear from the document marked B.

"That there is at this time in the hands of the Treasurer of the United States, as their agent, the sum of sixty-seven thousand and twenty-five dollars and sixtythree cents, arising from the dividends since the first of April last, on stock heretofore purchased and redeemed, and the sum of ten thousand two hundred and seventy-four dollars and thirty-eight cents, arising from payments into the Treasury on account of debts due to the United States prior to their present Constitution; which sums, with the dividends to be made at the close of the present year, and other funds appropriated by law, will be applied on the first day of January ensuing, to a further reimbursement of the six per cent. rections of the act in that case made and provided. stock, bearing a present interest, agreeably to the di

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In pursuance of the first section of the act, entitled An act making further provision for the support of Public Credit, and for the redemption of the Public Debt,' a loan of five hundred thousand dollars was authorized by a resolution of the Board, passed on the 28th day of December, 1795, and approved by the President of the United States; which has been obtained of the Bank of the United States.

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The measures adopted in pursuance of the act, entitled An act making provision for the payment of certain debts of the United States,' passed in the last session of Congress, being in a train for execution, and not completed, will be communicated in a future report. "JOHN ADAMS "On behalf of the Board.

"DECEMBER 16, 1796."

Mr. RUTHERFORD, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act to amend the act, entitled An act for the more general promulgation of the laws of the United States," reported that the bill pass without amendment; and the report was adopted. The bill was then read the third time by unanimous consent, and passed.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion made on the 13th instant, respecting the compensations of the officers of the Government; which, being amended,

Ordered, That Messrs. GOODHUue. Laurance, and LIVERMORE, be a committee to take into consideration the compensations at present allowed to the officers of the Government and members of the Legislature, with a view (under existing circumstances) of making a more just and liberal provision for them.

Ordered, That Messrs. TRACY, HENRY, and STOCKTON, be a committee to inquire what laws will expire before the next session of Congress, and report thereon to the Senate.

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