Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-01-19

[, two Gun boats full 81 men were sent TO
board him, which they eTcelcd, 100 Tri-
rciiians being on beard of his boat, he
found he must either fall into their hands
or blow himself up; he chose the latter
and with his own hands put the match to
the powder which instantly dashed to
pieces the boats, and every person in them.
Absut 100 shells fell into the town and
castle, At this instant there was the great
est CONSERVATION every where and with
200 men believe the castle might have
been taken"
Among the brave fellows who thus end
ed their dsys, and laid veil founded
claim to glory, were captain Somers, Of
Jersey, lieutenant Wadsworth, OF Massa-
chusetts, midshipman Israel. os Aiary land,
whose names have been stated before, but
whichare now given with greater precision
TO prevent mistakes.
The vessrI blown up was q !ugger, OF
but little value, taken from the enemy.
RECESSION.--sn Monday, agreea-
bly, to notice, Mr.. Stanford called up the
resolutions for recexsion of the district
of Columbia, with the exception of tie
City OF Washington. Mr. stanford
first took the hcor, aud in speech Of about
haitian hours duration, supported the con-
stitulionality and expediency OF recess.
on. The arguments on the constitutional
point varied but little from those usually
urged. He considered the measure tc be
expedlcnt, from the relief 1t would give
congress from the consumption OF much
time and expense, and by promoting the
happiness OF the people by giving Them
legislators of their own choice more CON-
pr,cnt to govern them than congress. Mr..
5 declared himself hostile to removal OF
the sea, government, and gave it as his
opinion that there was moi the least con-
neeiion between it and recession.
He was followed by Mr.. Dennis, who
IN speech OF considerable detail, dcnisd
The constitutional power Of congress TO re-
cede the district without the consen, ofthe
whole people of America, and that of the
people OF the district. Having, by yari
ous arguments enforcsd this opinion, he
examined he eSprdirncy of the measure.
lie contended that, although the people
OF tiis distriSl we're not specially repre-
cd on the floor of congress, yet from their
vicinity to the Legislature, they were vir,u-
ally better represented than any other
section ofthe union. II was true that they
dad not enjoy. political rights according to
the lhaory of writer's on government, but
they in TACT possessed good government;
tor that deserved the name where the go-
verfors had no interest 20 opprcss the 90
verncd. The people, he said, from the
time OF the cession, had relied on the nus
tice OF congress- 20 maintain them in the en-
Joyment OK the advantages resulting from
an act, which they had hailed with greater
JOY than they had brforc manifested on a.
ny event that had occurred IN the annals
oil. their country. The people in every
part CT The district, he SAID, had declared
their hostility to recession; and should
recession take cfeet. without the CITY
OF ashing,on, he ventured to say her
prospects we're sunk forever.
MIR. Smile rose in reply. He discIairn.
ed any intention hostile to Washington re-
msihins ths ses; of government, and de-
MED that tue recession would have any i'm
fu=nce upon it. Having elucidatcd the
consiiiniioDaIify of the measure, he exhi-
ai.ed IN strong coIors the degraded 81
'uaiion Of the people OF the dis,ria. ard
the dangers which might hereafter arise
rom continuance oft.
Mr.. Early, in speech ofmucf, energy.
asserted tie Fight of congress to recede
the district as web rs the expediency of
the measure. Whatever might be the =.
pinIons ofthe people oflhe district; con-
gress notwithstanding possessed the abso
lutte right of controlling them. Congress
we're their masters, and he people their
subjects. The privileges they posse ssed
were not held OF right, out by eurtesy.
Such state of political debasement he
could not but depIore; nor could he avoid
contemplating with alarm the hazard 10
which the liberties Of the nation would be
exposed, should an enterpIising Presidents
at sorae future crisis, make use Of thsS
militia OF the district over which he had
iuil control, to continue himself 10 Office
by intimidAting the Legislature, whose con
s,iiuiionai duty it was to decide contested
elections.
Mr.. Eppes, in speech OF much srpu
rcen. and lire, advocated the resolutions.
Hasing discussed the constitutional noi,,.
ne took view Of the effects of a ss;on
on the people OF the district. Painting IN
lively colors the blessings Of eoual ,;e,3,s