Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1804-12-01

nad never been offered to him, and rs he
had doubts himself whether he was emit
tied to The char, he called the committee
toge,he', and they confirmed his doubts,
by deciding that he had not. lie would
have ii understood that he did not decline, 1
and further he would never shrink from u ,
duty he was called upon to periorm or as !
pire TO 4 situation 10 which he was not re-
gularly called.
MIR. Elmer admitted the Parliamentary
rule laid down by (Mr. Dana) to be right
but he thought the speaker merely no
minated Il chairman to the committee Of
the whole under the pleasure OF the house,
who generally by their silence gave
tacit Consent which coHstilutedt the appoint
ment.
Mr.. Holland intended to vote agains.
the amendment, and then against the re-
solution, with view of adopting differ
ent principle, viz. that the standing COM
mittess =: chosen by ballot, and after be-
ing met, they should choose their own
chairmau.
Mr.. Elliott hoped The amendment would
obtain, if ii were only 70 prevent the mo-
ton threatened b. Mr.. Holland, Blu, he
doubted if he amendment WAS altogether
so definite as might be wished, the words
senior member might be applied as we'll
to genIleman's age as TO his standing
on the list of the committee.
Dr.. Leib would prefer the amendment
TO The resolution as il stood. if for no o.
,hcr, yet for this one consideralion-Tflc
committee for example, consists OF seven
81 H. !,
six remaining members are then to vote
for another chairman. Suppose they d.
vide three and threc--there is no decision,
and they are then placed on the spot we
now stand, aud the question is left exactly
as we found it.
Mr. K. Griswold explained that the
words in like manner, alluded 10 the semi
GRITTY or order in which the members
names stood on the list of appointment.
Mr.. Elliott had not adverted to the
words ia Ike manner when he was up, he
therefore Withdrew his opposition.
Mr.. Sloan conceived there would be
consistency in another mode of appoints
ment. The people appointed the house
at Representatives, the house appointed
the speaker, and the speaker or house
may appoint their committees why then
not let the committees appoint their own
chairman?
Mr.. Gregg, after explaining what had
heretofore been the Practice, not ced the
Inconvenience appointing The chairman
of committee chosen by ballot-and for
the sake OF regularity, would vote for the
amendmen
The question on the amendment being
taken, was los,, forty five only voting for
it, and fit;y-six against it
On the question 10 ea zee TO the resolnti
on, the house divided-Fifty in the atfir
NATIVE. and fifty six in the negative: OF
course II also va, lost.
Mr.. Holland offc ed his motion that all
committees shall choose their owl chair
man, and il shall be incumbent upon all
persons so chosen 10 perform the duties
OF that function unless excused by the
house. This motion laws che day on the
table as mater OF course.
Mr. Nicholson reported bill on the
subject Of preserving peace in The ports
and hsrhors OF the United States anu in
The waters under their jurisdiction it was
read second time, ordered to be printed
and referred TO committee of The whole for
tomorrow.
On motion Of Mr.. ]. Randolph the re.
port OF the subject of exemp,ing college
and university books went before com
mttec of the whole and was agreed to.
Mr. Varnum from that committee report
ed the same TO the house, and the house
proceeding TO consider the report.
On The motion of Mr.. r. Cnswoid Sc
conded by Mr.. j. Randolph the farther
consideration was made the order of the
day for Monday.
a message from the Senate informing,
that they had passed the bin for making
farther appropriation for Carrying The Bii
tish treaty in,o effect.
Gen Moore presented petition oflieu.
tenant WIN. Love Of the Sd >. Carolina
regim Mt, praying TO be allow the com
mutation of has half pay, as had been al
lowed TO other officers Of equal rauk--he
lounhshis claim upon right and prays con-
gress TO consider the same.
Friday, Nove8i6er %.
Mr.. Richards, from the Committee of