Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-12-12

S1st Decemoer, it was not because he was
absolutely against that day, but because
his mind was not made up with respect to
the most proper day at which to limit the
suspension. He had heard nothing since to
satisfy his mind on this head. He hoped,
! therefore, that the blank would not be fill
ed until the third reading of the BILL
Mr.J Clay remarked that when he Sc
conded the motion o. the gentleman from
Virginia (Mr ]. Randolph it was with a
perfect knowledge that il would be compc-
tent to tn house to fill the blank on the third
= reading Of the bill. But he would ask, whe-
: thcr there would NOT exist a difficulty i'll
fixing this period of suspension at any day
short of the commencement of the next ses-
sion OF congress9 And if there were, whe-
: Sicr there would not arise i necessity of
placing somewhere a dispensing power
: He hoped, from all he could collect, that
all differences between the two govern
ments would before that day be removed.
We'll, suppose a treaty, in all respects per-
fectly satisfactory, should be concluded, and
the prohibitory act only suspended until the
30th ofJune, without any power existing to
dispense with it. The bin must again GO
into effect, notwithst anding ali the causes
which gave rise TO il have ceased. He be-
1icved it was not competent to amend a
bill on its third reading, unless by una1i-
NOUS consent. For thi. reason he wished
= that the blank might then be sillca with the
SOIL ofJune, and an amendment introduced
authorship q further suspension, in case
our differences shall be adjusted. II this
course were adopted, he believed every
gentleman wonld be satisfied
Mr.. SmiHe moved to postpone the further
consideration OF the bin to Monday.
Mr.. !. Randolhh hoped that if the consi-
Iteration Of the bill were postponed, it would
not be till Monday. He considered the bill
OF some Importance to two classes of per-
sons, to the merchants, and still more so to
the southern planters. IL was considered by
those who understood it's operation, as of
material Importance to the cotton planters
He supposed between this day and to-mor-
row, every gentleman would be able to make
up his mind whether it would be expedient
TO suspend the prohibitory law for three, SIX
or nine months. The. period appeared to
him comparatively an unimpcrtant questi-
on; whereas that Of the bill Coming sonn
into operation was of great importance to
the planters. If passed, it would have
considerable effect ON orders abroad and
projects mt home. IL postponcment took
place, he hoped the house would adjourn till
Tomorrow, and its consideration be then
resumed. As the other house were gene
rally more tardy in their proceedings, it
could scarcely be expected to get into ope-
ration in less Khan eight or ten days, and
that period would be taken from the period
Of Suspension, shortas it might be.
The motion TO postpone the bill to Mon
day was disagreed to--kycs 90.
Mr.. SBHtie then moved postDonement
I'LL tomorrow, which was carried-Ayes
GO.
In the course of the debate Mr.. r. Mel
soi remarked, as an inducement to tie
prompt passage OF the bill, that he was in
formed that Mr. Merry, the late British
minister, about to sail fer England, was
waiting TO learn the fate it.
The Speaker laid before the house let
ter from the secretary of the. treasury,
transmitting report made in obedience to
the act to establish the treasury department.,
which was referred to the committee of
Ways and Means.
Adjourned.