Alexandria daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1803-1808, 1803-11-07
CONGRESS
OF THE
UNITED STD TES.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
MosDAr, October "a.
IMPORTANT DEBATE
On Mr. K. Griszugld s resolution far. calling
on the president far tse eOitsncss title
to the pr0viace Of L2lsisla'aa.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.
MONDAY, October "a.
IMPORTANT DEBATE
(coNcLUDED.1

|
Mr.. I Randolph. When s,le gentleman
first introduced this resolution thought it.
rather disorderiy, but as it was noticed
from the chair, | did nos interfere. As on
this, as well as on other occasions nave
seen rules adopted, Of getting rid OF such
motion as that which is now before the
House. cannotreeoncile the gentleman's
theory with his practice He says the trea-
ty may be properly ratified, but not proper
" made. (NIr Griswold here rose to ex-
plain. Isaid, continued Mr.. G. e the
Treasy was constitutionaliy made and rati-
fed, we are bound to carry it into execute
on (NIr. Randolph went on ~ cannot
stillunderstand the gentleman. | grant we
are bound to carry this treaty into effect,
and it is the duty of this committee to en-
quire what provisions are necessary to be
made, and whether we are to take posses
sion by civilians, or by soldiers. The gem
tleman says there are dubious points, and
where were there not dubious points in
business OF the magnitude of Louisiana
The gentleman has discovered new posi-
ton. If there are these dubious points,
does it not lie in this committee to invest1-
gate them? fla difficulty arises it may be-
come subject of future Investigations
The gentleman, while he acknowledges a
moral duty, may refuse his sanction-he
might have refused his sanction to the trea-
ty of '93 and he may refuse it now. With
regard to the stipulations on the part OF
France, his Catholic Majesty agrees to cede
six months after the ratification Of the trea-
tv on the part of the United States. BY
the arguments Of the gentleman, we must
senda Venire to Italy, to enquire whether
France has performed her part Of the trea-
ty, and an issue must be made up thereon.
/ am glad to find no more of that hostile
spirit which once prevailed in this house.
By no treaty are the boundaries OF Louis
ana defined, andthough it has often been
attempted it has never been done. t VIII
belong to Spain, hereafter to settle the
boundaries with the United States, as IN a
similar case with Great-Britain. When
we have decided whether we shall take
possession Of this territory or not, it will be
the time for the gentleman to make these
enquiries. Another ingenious gentleman,
Mr.. Goddard, says, that though the ibsii
dixGt of the First Consult is now law to
Spain, yet, he asks, how long may it CONT
nue. SO? This was the very reason why G.
Britain so long withheld from treating with
the Republic of France. There is no con-
6dence to be placed in them, they may make
war again, said the British ministers. So
Spain may take possession again when she
is strong. This is the gentieman's argu-
ment. We may now take possession
then Spain, in her turn, takes possession
from US. lido Northumberland such argu-
ments. The President has sent us his
message, and this IS all that is at present
necessary. If gentlemen can shew dis
sent on the part of Spain, then twill be time
enough to enter with an armed force.
hope the committee will Immediately pro-
coed to carry the treaty into effect, and |
shall vote to that effect.
DIR. Mitchell here offered to withdraw his
motion.
Mr.. Goddard. AsI had no right to demand
/ had no reason 10 expeat a compliment from the
gentleman from Virginia Mr.. Randolph Bit
although the gentleman is not willing TO allow, To
the remarks which had the honor IS submit TO
the house, when was fFss upon this question,
the creds OF ingenuity, yet as he has seen fl 20
bestow 30 small attention to them, trust the
house will indulge me few moments, while
reply-The. gentleman has been pleased to en-.
qure after the hostile spirit, which aauated me
and my political friends on a former OCCASION
when this subject WAS under consideration. To
what does this gentleman allude !? Was there
ever, sir proposition before this house to &C
ouire Louisiana by force Is it in the recollec-
sian of any gentleman that this country was
deemed 50 important TO the Z. States that any
members of this house proposed to go to war to