Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-03-11
c O n G II e S S.
HOUSE OF. REPRESENTATIVES,.
FRIDAY, FEs. 28.

FRIDAY FEB. 90.
ON motion of Nj. Dawson the Eouse
resolved itself into committee of the
whole on tie state of the union.
The resolutions ol select Committee
relative to the Fertilization OF ports and
barbors were read.
The firs, resolution appropriates one
lrafrdred and fifty thousand dollars 10 this
purpose.
Nj Dawson advocated The adoption Of
this resolution.
Mr. Ciiulon thought the proposed sum
Insufficient for The purposes comernplat-
ed, and particularly as 1t applied 10 pro-
tectipg the harbor OF New Yotk. He
thought the posture OF our affairs de-
fnanded vigorous and liberal measures.
MIR Smile moved pos ponement OF
the further consideration OF the report.
he was of opinion that if The u. States
submitted TO the insults and injuries heap
ed uion them, there was no necessity for
mourning The proposed expense. But
should he government manifest a becom,
ing spiri. OF resistance, he would be will
hug TO resort &c any measures ct defence
called for by our situation. He, fer this
reason, thought it expedient, in the FIRST
Instance, 10 decide the course CT mea-
sures intended to be pursued.
Mr. Cock spoke agains. the motion OF
os,ppnemenI-which was likewise OPP
posed by
Mr. Dawson, who expressed great sur
Prize st the course pursued by gentlemen
on this subject. Whenever il had been
called up il had been followed by mo-
Gon to deter ii, Notwithstanding the crit,
cal state Of cur affairs. He was of OPT
rion that the subject ought Immediately
so be aGsd upon, and that the interest
aud dignity OF the nation were not TO be
pro,ectcd by mere defamation.
The question fpos,poaement was then
taken and lost.
=. Mr. Cook moved TO insert 800 900 dol
lars IN he room of 10000 dollars.
Mr. Eariy moved to strike Out so .oco
doliars.
M Ridwell opposed this last motion.
Jie was wiling o make this limited, APP
croprisuon, as the present object was the
repair CT existing Notifications. Did the
question lurn upon making new iorlilica-
TONS, il would require very different
confederation.
2'he motion to strike cut 10000 dol.
ler, was los:.
Mr.. Macon then spoke against the re-
solution. He believed that 1t went to in
uoduce a system of defence which the
fa,loD could not bear. he SAID the re-
bot embraced three modes OF defence !;
by ships oi the line, by gun-bos.s, and by
laud batteries. TO the seventy lours he
was decidedly opposed; with regard 10
pun boats he cared very iIte about them
add ne vas opposed .o'thc proposed ap-
preparation for ioriiGcations on land.
Mr. Dawson advocated the resolution.
MIR Cook spoke IL favor of the resolu-
length, in favor of appropriating a larger
sum than that contained in the resolution,
and in favor OF energetic measures and
nava, establishment.
Mr. Early opposed the resolution.
EIr Dswson replied.
Mr. Vaynum spoke in favor OF it.
Mr Clinton moved that the committee
should rise, 10 allow further time for ex
awning the subject.
Mr.. Elmer opposed, and Mr. Macon
supported this nation, which was carri-
ca
> Mr. Dawson gave notice that he would
again call up ,ae subject on Thursday
next.
The resolution, reported by acle6t
committee, 10 prohibit The importation oi
slave into the territories oflhe y. States,
vas agreed 10, and committee appoint
Cd to BRING in a bill.