dience to that voice he had made a sacrifice no other man would have made; though the only reward he has received for his services has been the approbation of his country, yet, nevertheless, licentious presses had lately teemed with infa mous and scandalous abuse of him. Is this, he asked, consonant to the feelings of the House, and shall they not attempt to counteract its effects in the only Constitutional manner? Shall they not declare their own and their constituents' confidence undiminished in that officer of the Government? He has told the Legislature that he wishes to co-operate, to preserve unimpaired the blessings we enjoy. Does the House believe this? then is it wrong to express their confidence? He, believed, he said, that the efforts made to destroy the character of this first of men, instead of producing the mischief intended, would effect the contrary; and he also expressed his belief that the tide of his popularity at the present moment flowed with unusual strength. [DECEMBER, 1795. he declared it would distress him beyond any circumstance that had occurred to him during his public life, especially at this period, and under the present circumstances of affairs. He should consider the prevalence of this motion as tantamount to a declaration, that the House and their constituents did not feel their confidence in the PRESIDENT unimpaired. Mr. LIVINGSTON lamented the situation which the drafted Address reduced the House to; but he could not give his assent to it as it stood; he should vote for striking out the word "undiminished," if a question on it should be urged. He did not conceive himself called to a seat in the House to express opinions, much less the opinions of others, but to make laws. He felt so much the delicacy of the situation which the wording of the Address had placed the House in, that he wished the dilemma of a vote might be avoided. The gentleman last up also lamented the situation, and justly observed, that striking the word out was tantamount to a declaration that the confidence, reposed in the PRESIDENT was diminished. But he begged to remind him that it was the framers of the Address, and he was one of them, that involved the House in this disagreeable situation. It has been intimated, he observed, that sanctioning the vote of confidence contemplated in the clause of the Address under consideration, would implicate an approbation of a late measure of the Executive, and would preclude the possibility of a free opinion when that measure might He declared himself so young in the parliamentcome under the consideration of the House. He ary proceedings, as not exactly to know how to declared, upon his honor, that he had no intention avoid a question on the present motion. He dethat the vote now contemplated should have that clared he was not prepared to say what the opineffect. He did not conceive, that the vote of un-ion of his constituents concerning the PResident diminished confidence, which he now pressed, involved an approbation of all the measures of the Executive; it did not exclude the idea of fallibility; for what man is infallible? It only implied, according to his conception, an approbation of the general tenor of the conduct of the Executive. When the House express their confidence in a public officer, they cannot mean that they believe him infallible, but only that his character, grounded on his general conduct, receives their approbation. If, when the Chief Magistrate is attacked in the manner the PRESIDENT has been attacked, he is left to be overwhelmed with unmerited abuse; what man with talents to be useful, a reputation to be injured, or feelings to be wounded-what man will hazard all to serve an ungrateful country? It will render the station of Chief Magistrate sought only by mercenaries. If confidence is denied to the Executive, it will only create vacancies in the high offices of Government to be filled by those harpies who prey upon the vitals of the State. Another consideration, he said, should have an influence on this occasion. The fame of the Chief Magistrate's character has filled the whole world; the Americans are particularly distinguished as a people for their uniform attachment towards him. If, at this time of day, they indirectly declare their want of confidence in that man, they will justify the malignant predictions which have been uttered against our system of Government. These considerations, he said, had weighed on his mind. If the motion for striking out prevailed, was. The confidence of many of them he knew He moved, if in order, that the Committee WEDNESDAY, December 16. ADDRESS TO THE PRESIDENT. Mr. MADISON, from the committee to whom had been recommitted the draft of the Address in answer to the PRESIDENT'S Speech, brought in a report. The clause now added consisted of a modification of the clause objected to yesterday. On motion, the House went into a Committee of the Whole, Mr. MUHLENBERG in the Chair. The amendment was unanimously agreed to. Mr. GILES then moved an amendment in the third line of the last paragraph. It was thus: for “the several interesting subjects which you recommended to our consideration will receive every degree of it," read of attention. The Committee then rose, and the House agreed to the report. It was then moved and agreed to, that the SPEAKER, attended by the House, do present the Address, as amended, to the PRESIDENT, and that a committee should be appointed to wait on the PRESIDENT, to know where and when he will be ready to receive the Address of the House. DECEMBER, 1795.] Survey of Southern Coast-Snuff Manufacture-Magnus King. The same gentlemen, viz: Mr. MADISON, Mr. SEDGWICK, and Mr. SITGREAVES, who had been first appointed to draft the Address, were named for waiting on the PRESIDENT. SURVEY OF THE SOUTHERN COAST. Mr. HARPER moved that a committee should be appointed to report on the memorial presented to the House, last session, by Messrs. PARKER, HOPKINS, and MEERS. These gentlemen had been employed in making drafts of some part of the coast of the Southern States. The funds were not adequate to defraying the necessary expenses; and, as the undertaking was in reality of serious national concern, the memorialists entertained a hope that Congress would interfere, and grant them some aid towards completing the charts. This is a summary of the business, as laid before the House of Representatives a short time before the end of last session. The memo rial was now read over by the Clerk, and referred to a committee of five members. Mr. TRACY Submitted a resolution relative to the law for receiving subscriptions to the last loan of the Government of the United States, which law is now nearly expired. The resolu tion was laid on the table. Mr. GILES moved that a committee should be appointed to bring in a bill for establishing an uniform system of bankruptcy in the United States. This was agreed to. It was then asked of what number the committee should consist? Mr. HARPER hoped that three, the smallest number proposed, would be preferred, as it was constantly found that the more numerous a committee was, the less probability there would be of their going speedily through the business. Mr. GILES, Mr. HILLHOUSE, and Mr. DUVALL were named as the committee. Mr. HILLHOUSE moved a resolution that a committee be appointed to examine whether any and what alterations ought to be made in an act entitled, an act for laying a duty on carriages for conveying of persons. The resolution passed, and a committee of three members was named. Leave was asked to bring in a bill for allowing compensation to members and officers of both Houses of Congress, from the 3rd of March next. Mr. GOODHUE, Mr. NICHOLAS, and Mr. EARLE, were appointed. It was next moved for leave to bring in a bill for the relief of John R. Livingston. Mr. TRAcy stated, that the business was now before the Committee of Claims, and he thence conceived, that in this state of the business, it was improper to name a committee for bringing in of such a bill. On motion, a former report of the Committee of Claims was referred to a Committee of the Whole House, and made the order of the day for to-morrow. Mr. W. SMITH stated, that by order of the House, he had brought in a bill, last session, for opening a Land Office, but it was too late in the session to get the business gone through. He now gave notice that he would move for leave to bring in a bill for opening a Land Office. [H. OF R. maker in Boston. SNUFF MANUFACTURE. There was then presented and read by Mr. SEDGWICK, the petition of Francis Wright, snuffstrong terms, of the present excise law as to snuff He complained, in very manufactured in the United States, as in the highest degree unequal and oppressive to the manufacturer. the utmost facility in smuggling, while the duty He represented, that there was on foreign snuff imported was too small to prethe law altogether as a prohibition of working. vent an alarming competition. He considered The reader will observe, that by the first act passed in 1794, the duty was imposed in proportion to the quantity of snuff manufactured; many objections and complaints having been made against this mode of collecting the revenue, the duty was transferred to the mills, mortars, and hand-mills employed, which now, by the act of 1795, pay a certain stipulated sum, whether they work much or little, and this is the basis of the by exacting an arbitrary sum, the great manucomplaint made by Mr. Wright, who states that facturer and the lesser one are placed upon a level in regard to the quantum of excise, and of this eircumstance, Mr. Wright warmly complains. He concludes by earnestly soliciting that the new law may be repealed, and the old one restored in its place. The petition was, on motion, referred to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures. MAGNUS KING. Mr. TRACY moved that the report of the Committee of Claims of last House of Representatives, on the petition of Magnus King and others,. should be taken up for the purpose of permitting the petitioners to withdraw their petition. This was agreed to. The House then resumed the consideration of the report on the petition of Magnus King and others. Mr. GALLATIN wanted to hear the papers on this subject read before the petition should be rejected, that the House might know with certainty what they were doing. In reply, it was observed by Mr. TRACY, that the motion for granting leave to withdraw the petition was made at the desire of the parties themselves, who had been with Mr. TRACY this morning, and requested leave to withdraw their petition. He hoped that, after this explanation, no objection could be made. Leave was accordingly granted. On motion of Mr. W. SMITH, the resolution for opening a Land Office, was taken up and passed; and Mr. SMITH, Mr. HARTLEY, Mr. NiCHOLAS, Mr. KITCHELL, and Mr. GLEN, were appointed a committee to prepare and bring in a bill. A memorial was presented and read against the election of Mr. JOHN SWANWICK, present Representative of the city of Philadelphia in Con gress. Mr. SWANWICK observed that he had, some time ago, heard of the intention to bring forward this memorial. He felt himself extremely interested to have the facts stated in it examined with the utmost celerity, and should move that the memorial may be immediately referred, for this purpose, to the Committee of Elections. The memorial was referred accordingly. PRESIDENT'S SPEECH. The House then went into a Committee upon the resolutions proposed by Mr. W. SMITH, Some days ago. On the article which mentions the farther provision which ought to be made for the security of the frontiers, and for protecting the Indians from the disorderly inhabitants of the frontiers, Mr. BLOUNT observed that the expressions used on this subject by Mr. HARPER, and by a member from Connecticut, had given very great offence to the frontier people. He said this from having lately been in that country, where he learned the circumstance. He was glad to hear that the gentlemen in question did not wish to use the same words again. He was for striking out the offensive implication in the clause. Mr. FINDLEY and Mr. NICHOLAS Concurred in this opinion, which was agreed to. Mr. TRACY said that he was ready to vote for the resolution thus curtailed, if gentlemen would declare it as being understood, that the Indians were to be protected against the frontier people. He did not think that we were to protect them against the Spaniards, who never, to his knowledge, had attempted to disturb them. It was not certainly against the other Indians. If, then, it was not against the frontier people, the resolution had no meaning. Mr. MILLEDGE stated the impropriety and imprudence of offending the frontier people, many of whom, if not the best, were among the best people in the United States. Mr. HEATH stated, as a notorious fact, known to every person in the United States, that there are lawless persons on the frontiers, who have committed very great enormities against the In [DECEMBER, 1795. dians. He did not wish to irritate. There may be many very good people upon the frontier; he was satisfied that there were many very bad ones. The resolution was agreed to as amended. The next resolution was for making provision to supply the Indians in time of peace, and on such principles as might tend to promote mutual tranquility. Mr. VENABLE thought, that instead of taking up this resolution, it would be better to take up the law of last year, and see if it wants amendment. Mr. DEARBORN moved that a special committee should be appointed to inquire if any alteration was necessary in the act, passed last year, for establishing trading houses with the Indians. Mr. SWIFT said that no law had been passed, so that there could be no alteration of it. There was only an appropriation of fifty thousand dol-. lars for the establishing of Indian trading houses. Mr. PARKER stated that this was the fact. He had given a great deal of attention, last year, to this business. No law had passed. Mr. SMITH said, in the last session there was only provision made of a fund for trading with the Indians. The matter was finally referred to a special committee, to bring in a bill. The next resolution taken up was, that inquiry ought to be made whether farther means should be provided to reinforce the existing operations for the discharge of the Public Debt. Mr. GALLATIN gave in a long amendment. Its object was to appoint a committee to superintend the general operations of finance. No subject, Mr. G. said, more required a system, and great advantages would be derived from it. The motion was seconded by Mr. FINDLEY. Mr. W. SMITH did not object to the amendment in itself, but as embracing a quite distinct object from the original resolution, he apprehended that, in the shape of an amendment, it would be out of place. The resolution was withdrawn. The resolution suggested by Mr. SWANWICK, as to an inquiry into the state of the American Navy, &c., was likewise agreed to. The Committee then rose, and the Chairman reported that they had gone into consideration of the state of the Union, and come to sundry resolutions, which were again read over by the Clerk. The first resolution, for inquiring into the state of the Military Establishment, passed, and a committee of five members was appointed to report. The resolution regarding the Militia of the United States was likewise agreed to, and a committee of fourteen members named. The resolution for the protection of the Indians gave occasion for a few words as to the mode of wording the clause. A committee of three members was proposed for preparing and reporting a bill. Mr. BLOUNT thought this number too small. He would wish for a much larger one, consisting of at least seven. He thought that some of the members from the frontier should be in it, as they could give considerable information on the sub ject, and because, if not named in the committee, it could not be so certain that they would give their assistance. The motion for seven members was seconded by Mr. NICHOLAS. On a division of the House, the numbers on each side were thirty-eight, and the casting voice of the SPEAKER was for the larger number. It was proposed by Mr. W. SMITH, that Mr. WHITE, delegate from the Territory Southwest of the Ohio, should be added to the committee, as his local knowledge, and peculiar opportunities of information, pointed him out as an extremely proper member of it. The motion was agreed to. Mr. BLOUNT having observed that he himself could cast considerable light on the state of the frontiers, from a recent journey through that part of the Union, he was named by the SPEAKER as one of the committee of seven. He requested to be excused, as he was already on the Committee of Elections, which would engross much of his attention, but assuring the House, at the same time, that he should, if his name was permitted to be withdrawn, give the committee every aid in his power. Leave was granted. On reading the resolution as to a committee for inquiring about the existing operations on the Public Debt, Mr. NICHOLAS moved to reject it. that the resolution by Mr. GALLATIN might be adopted in its room, as it comprehended the object of Mr. W. SMITH in its own. Mr. VENABLE Seconded the motion, on the same ground. Mr. HARPER approved the idea, but did not see the use of rejecting the resolution of Mr. SMITH. He would rather have that of Mr. GALLATIN added as an amendment. Mr. SwANWICK, was of the same opinion. Mr. GALLATIN himself, on further consideration, thought his resolution not sufficiently digested for acting upon. He desired a postponement until Monday next of the resolution before the House. Mr. SEDGWICK would readily have consented to this, if it had not been out of order. Mr. GALLATIN read a rule of the House to show that the motion was in order. The SPEAKER declared the same thing. The motion for postponement was then adopted. The following is a copy of the resolutions, as read at the Clerk's table: Resolved That it is the opinion of this committee that a committee be appointed to inquire whether any, and what, alterations ought to be made in the present Military Establishment of the United States. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that more effectual provision ought to be made for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia of the United States. [H. of R. principles as shall best conduce to the preservation of harmony between those nations and the United States. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that inquiry ought to be made whether further measures are necessary to reinforce the existing provision for the redemption of the Public Debt. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that an inquiry ought to be made, whether any, and what, further provisions are necessary for carrying the operations of the Mint more completely into effect. that a committee ought to be appointed to inquire into Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee the state of the Naval Equipment ordered by a former law of the United States; and to report whether any, and what, further provision is necessary to be made on that subject. The first, second, third, and fourth resolutions were severally read the second time, and on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the House. Mr. MACLAY, Mr. WADSWORTH, and Mr. GRISOrdered, That Mr. BALDWIN, Mr. BURGES, WOLD, be appointed a committee, pursuant to the first resolution. Ordered, That a bill or bills be brought in pursuant to the second resolution, and that Mr. GILES, Mr. GILMAN, Mr. DEARBORN, Mr. MALBONE, Mr. BUCK, Mr. TRACY, Mr. VAN CORTLANDT, Mr. THOMPSON, Mr. HEISTER, Mr. PATTEN, Mr. SAMMILLEDGE, do prepare and bring in the same. UEL SMITH, Mr. LOCKE, Mr. HAMPTON, and Mr. Ordered, That a bill or bills be brought in pursuant to the third resolution, and that Mr. HILLHOUSE, Mr. COOPER, Mr. FINDLEY, Mr. JACKSON, and Mr. WHITE, do prepare and bring in the same. Mr. FRANKLIN, Mr. HENDERSON, Mr. HARPER, Ordered, That a bill or bills be brought in pursuant to the fourth resolution, and that Mr. PARKER, Mr. SAMUEL LYMAN, and Mr. TATOм, do prepare and bring in the same. Ordered, That the consideration of the fifth resolution be postponed until Monday next. tions do lie on the table. Ordered, That the sixth and seventh resolu ADDRESS TO THE PRESIDENT. At twelve o'clock, the SPEAKER, attended by the House, waited upon the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and delivered to him the following Address, in answer to his Speech to both Houses at the opening of the session: SIR: As the Representatives of the people of the United States, we cannot but participate in the strongest sensibility to every blessing which they enjoy, and cheerfully join with you in profound gratitude to the Author of all Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings which he has conferred on our favored country. A final and formal termination of the distressing war which has ravaged our Northwestern Frontier, will be an event which must afford satisfaction proportioned to the Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee anxiety with which it has long been sought; and in the that effectual provision ought to be made for the secu-adjustment of the terms, we perceive the true policy of rity of the frontiers, and for the protection of the Indians from any injuries by any of the inhabitants of the United States. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that provision ought to be made for supplying the necessities of the Indian nations within our limits, on such making them satisfactory to the Indians as well as to the United States, as the best basis of a durable tranquility. The disposition of such of the Southern tribes as had also heretofore annoyed our frontier, is another prospect in our situation so important to the interest and happiness of the United States, that it is much to be la mented that any clouds should be thrown over it, more especially by excesses on the part of our own citizens. While our population is advancing with a celerity which exceeds the most sanguine calculations while every part of the United States displays indications of rapid and various improvement-while we are in the enjoyment of protection and security, by mild and wholesome laws, administered by Governments founded on the genuine principles of rational liberty, a secure foundation will be laid for accelerating, maturing, and establishing the prosperity of our country, if by treaty and amicable negociation, all those causes of external discord which heretofore menaced our tranquility shall be extinguished, on terms compatible with our national rights and honor, with our Constitution and great com mercial interests. [DECEMBER, 1795. The report was read by the Clerk, which was that the seat of JAMES MORRIS is declared vacated; and it is recommended that the Governor of Pennsylvania should issue writs for a new election. Mr. SITGREAVES moved that the report of the Committee on Elections should be read a second time. This being done, the member stated that Mr. RICHARDS had gone back to the country under an idea of acquiescing in the report. Upon this ground he moved that the report should be approved of by the House. Mr. HEISTER stated that he had seen a letter to Mr. RICHARDS, informing him of sickness in his family, and that was the only cause of his immediate return to the country, as he had no design of submitting tacitly to the report. Among the various circumstancas in our internal situation, none can be viewed with more satisfaction and Mr. VENABLE entered into a detail of the cirexultation than that the late scene of disorder and in- cumstances attending this election. He recomsurrection has been completely restored to the enjoy-mended that the House should avoid precipitation. ment of order and repose. Such a triumph of reason He said that the committee, in their report, had and of law is worthy of the free Government under not completely decided the business. which it happened, and was justly to be hoped from the enlightened and patriotic spirit which pervades and actuates the people of the United States. In contemplating that spectacle of national happiness which our country exhibits, and of which you, sir, have been pleased to make an interesting summary, permit us to acknowledge and declare the very great share which your zealous and faithful services have contributed to it, and to express the affectionate attachment which we feel for your character. The several interesting subjects which you recommend to our consideration will receive every degree of attention which is due to them. And whilst we feel the obligation of temperance and mutual indulgence in all our discussions, we trust and pray that the result to the happiness and welfare of our country may correspond with the pure affection we bear to it. To the foregoing Address the PRESIDENT was pleased to make the following reply: GENTLEMEN: Coming as you do from all parts of the United States, I receive great satisfaction from the concurrence of your testimony in the justness of the interesting summary of our national happiness, which, as the result of my inquiries, I presented to your view. The sentiments we have mutually expressed of profound gratitude to the source of these numerous blessings the Author of all Good-are pledges of our obligations to unite our sincere and zealous endeavors, as the instruments of Divine Providence, to preserve and perpetuate them. Mr. KITTERA likewise entered into a minute discussion of the circumstances attending the election. Mr. SITGREAVES explained, that he had proposto the House to take up the report of the committee, under an impression that Mr. RICHARDs, by leaving town, was satisfied and willing to submit to it. He withdrew his motion. Mr. VENABLE was proceeding to the merits of the case, when he was reminded by the SPEAKER that there was no question before the House. Mr. GALLATIN then moved that the report should be re-committed to the select committee, for which he gave various reasons. Mr. SITGREAVES seconded the motion. Mr. HARPER was for the re-commitment. He had been adopted and acted upon by the commitobserved that the arguments of Mr. GALLATIN tee. The cause of this contested election appears to The report was, on motion, read a second time. have been chiefly the absence of a great number of electors in this district of Pennsylvanta, upon the Western expedition. They were authorized, by a particular law to that effect, to vote for a Representative in Congress, provided that the returns were made within a specified legal time. The votes returned within that time for the deceased Mr. MORRIS were 1,648, and those for Mr. RICHARDS 1,635. This gave to the former a majority of 13. Accept, gentlemen, my thanks for your declaration, that to my agency you ascribe the enjoyment of a great share of these benefits. So far as my services contri- Mr. SITGREAVES understood the complaint of bute to the happiness of my country, the acknowledg- Mr. RICHARDS to be, that the unsound votes obment of my fellow-citizens, and their affectionate attach-jected to were comprehended in the preceding ment, will ever prove an abundant reward. G. WASHINGTON. FRIDAY, December 18. CONTESTED ELECTION. Mr. VENABLE gave in a report from the Committee of Elections on the memorial of JOHN RICHARDS, respecting the contested election between him and JAMES MORRIS, now deceased. numbers, whereas Mr. SITGREAVES, himself a member from the same district, and who being on the spot at the time of the dispute, could speak with accuracy, knew that the fact was otherwise. Mr. SWIFT said, that as the gentleman who was last up spoke from personal knowledge, he supposed of course that his assertion was true; but Mr. RICHARDS himself had said to the committee that all the unsound votes had been returned after the time prescribed by law. Perhaps he had misunderstood himself, but Mr. SwIFT thought a re |