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

Moore, of Md. Moore of 5. G. Be5inger,
Stanford, Stanton, aid Tallmadge.
FRIDAY, DEC. S.
The Sneaker laid before the House a
communication from Mr.. Latrobe, survey
or Of the pubic buildings, representing that
several members of the House had intina-
ty of the plaistcring of the ceiling of the
Representative chamber, ard expressing
h opinion OF its perfect security.
Ordered to lie on the table.
MIR. Effes presented a petition from
Benjamin Sad CT, which was referred to
the committee of claims.
: MIR. hagruder presented petition from
William Hearn, which was referred 20 a
seiect committee.
Mr.. Sloan presented apctition from sun
dry citizens of New-Iersey praying for a
new post route, which was referred to the
post Office committee.
+ Mr.. Garnen asked to be excused from
serving on the committee Of ways * means,
as there were other members of longer
standing, and better acquainted with sub
jccts of finance. w ~
MIR. Garnett having been excused, Mr..
I Randohh was appointed in his place.
Mr. Brosun presented the petition of
committee OF claims.
Mr.. Yan Cortland. presented the pctiti-.
on from-Monday, which was referred
TO the committee W claims.
Mr.. thomas presented the petition OF
Joseph McCrekan, which was referred to
the committee OF claims.
MIR Chandler presented a petition from
sunoIry inhabitants of Maine, praying for
new post route, which was referred to
the post Office committee.
On motion of Mr.. j. RaEdoLfh, the house
resolved itself into a committee OF che
whole on the bill to suspend the operation
OF an act, entitutled Gan act to prohibit
the Importation of certain goods, wares and
merchandise" and 70 remit the penalties
incurred under the sane.
Mr.. TENNEY in the chair.
The bill is as follows:
BE il enacted by the Senate and HOUSE.
of Representatives of the Unitad States of
America in Congress assembled, That the
operation OF the act, passed On the 18th
day OF April last, entitutled san act 10
prohibit the importation CT certain goods,
wares and merchandise" he, and the same
hereby is suspended until the day
of next
And be it further enacted, That all pc
nalties, fines and foriei;ures, which may
have been incurred by virtue of the proyi-
sions of the aforesaid act, be, ard the same
hereby arc respectively RENTED. fins
act shall take effect from and after the pas
sing thereof
The .frSt section Of the bill having been
read
Mr.. J. Pandolh said there were two pc
RODS mentioned in tile select committee,
who reported the bill, as proper to fill the
ta,,Ir =, a. 4
first day Of Jure; the ether, some time
within the next session of Congress, say the
3lst day of December. il would be recoI-
lccted that in the Message Of the Pres-
dent the suspension of the act, ensitut.ed,
" An act to prohibit the importation of GER
tain goods, wares and merchandise, % is re-
commended on two motives; the first a
motive OF Cancellation towards Great-Bri-
tam the second, from rcglrd TO our own
conven encc. IL was supposed in the Sc
lect committee that Il the act should be sus.
pended for n very short period, it would
answer neither Of these purposes that the
news of the expiration of the suspending
law reaching Great-Britain about the time
the passage Of the law was known, il would
as to al the purposes OF Cancellation be un-
satisfactory and at the same time that
the merchants would not be able TO send
their orders abroad in time to receive re-
turns before the act should again be suspen-
ded in IFS operation and effect. Under this
view OF the subject, the major part of the
committee at the ins,isation of two gentle
men representing commercial towns, were
of opinion that the suspension should extend
into the next session. They were likewise
OF this opinion on other gounds. If the act
should be suspended to period between
this and the ensuing session, it might so
happen as to take effect after our ,liifercn-
ces with Great Brit in should be accom-
modatcd. They were Of this opinion from
another consideration. IL unfortunately,
and contrary tn tho present prospect, the
negotiation should fail, and an open rup-
tdre cnsue between the two nations, the
committee were not of opinion rhat the sus-
pension ef the prohibitoIy net for few
months would be Of material importance
on the interests Of either party but that
measures OF a STRONGER chara- would he.