Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-02-27
Hyednesdau, Fsb. 1s.

Wednesday, Fe5. 10.
The house took up the slavebiu. It was
returned from the senate, with all the a.
mendments agreed to except the ninth.
The ninth amendment gives the power-of
taking slaves other than those that may be
hereafter imported, from enc place to ano-
Their, in vessels under so tons burthen.
Mr. Gregg moved for the house to recede
from their amendment.
Mr. Randolph said there was no power
granted by the constitution to prevent a
slave holder from taking his slave in any
vessel from one place to another-You
might as well prohibit the slave holder him
self from going from one place to another
If this amendment is not adhered TO, Mr..
K. said he would himself violate the law,
or purpose forsa judicial decision. MIR. r.
called for the ayes and noes.
Mr.. Marion spoke in favor of adhering
to the amendment.
Mr.. }. Clay urged the unconstitutionali-
ty and Inconvenience OF q contrary provi-
sion.
Mr.. Gregg. The object of the section
was TO prevent vessels less than so tons
burden from taking slaves from ships, and
conveying them TO shore the proYiso, or
amendment, says that nothing in this act
shall prevent n slave holder from convey
ing his slaves from one place to another,
who have not been imported contrary to
the provisions of this act.-The section can
probably be so modified as 20 be agreeable
both to the senate and house of representa-
tives. l therefore withdraw my motion to
recede.
The house insisted on the amendment.
* committee of con Gerence was appointed.
Mr.. Holmes, from the committee of claims,
reported bill authorizing the secretary of
state to settle the accounts OF general Eaton.
Read twice and referred to the committee
of the whole.
The resolution yesterday offered by Mr..
Broom was taken up,
Mr. Elliot spoke in favor Of the commit
ment OF the resolution to the committee of
the whole.
Mr.. Sloan. The gentleman who has lust
sat down, says that if the constitution must
fall, ne viii stand by the pillars and fall
with its sublime runs. | apprehend the
gentleman alluded, as he often does, to one Of
the aneients-He must have meant Samu.
son-Sampson was biind--the gentleman
begins tn doubt the correctness of the adj
mln'stration, preof that he is growing dim
at ieast.-S2mPson lost all his hair-tae
Sentieman's cannot be much grown.
Mr.. Sloan said the house ought to have
certainly as much prudence as the editors
OF public papers; they forbear discussing
any subject thai may be in suit-XVe oue,ht
not to act IN this business now as the com
mander IN chief viii probably have a LEGAL
investigation of his conduct. He CONSIDER.
cd the conduct of general Wilkinson as
highly laudable he would say to him. well
done good and faithful servant, YOU have
deserved well Of your country.
lie was opposed to the commitment.
Mr. Randolph. This is motion TO refer
why debate the merits Of the resolution
yet ii the object be discussion, it is of little
import how this object is produccd-Tc
could wish 1t had taken different course
on account Of the ShortneSs of the remain
ing part of the session. One objection TO
this resolution has been, the quarter whence
u came-if those who are now the highest
IN Office neglect their duty, can they blame
their adversaries for taking thc ground thew
may have bandOned-Whoever supports
the constitution and the rights of the people
shall have my support quo adj that measure.
Another objection is the time. Thccucs-
ton of parliamentary reform has been All
tateI these thirty years, yet the proper
time has not arr'iyed--No time can be i'm
proper.
Another objection is want of Information
Have you not the evidence Of the message
Of the president that the constitution has
been viOlated--Without dereliction of du-
ty, violation ofYour oaths, you cannot re-
"a TO AcJ.
1t is not intended, while we would secure
this invaluable privilege, that any bill
made in consequence Of this resolution,
shall have a retro5 eCtiye effect SUCH
was 4 provision in the bill to suspend tie
privileges Of this writ to throw the man
lc Of the law on the most daring vio-
alton Of the Constitution for gen. Wil-f
sinson might a weg have shot those persons
1t once, and plead The salus popuii-The |
constitution once violated, he, become unli- !
nited.
il is objected that the subject is now sub |
udiCe. is this reason for our not proyi- (
ing against future cases THE Romans |
ad no law TO punish paracide, till the crime \
vas committed.
Hints have been thrown out, TO try the !
ulsc, that the commander should be in
emniied- Bills Of indemnity are unknown
, our constitution. If the government in
cmniiy the violators Of tile constitution, the
me viii have come when our constitution
iallb on Its last crisis
il has been SAID that q case may where
would be mcrtorious 90 transeress the
such a doctrine deserves the
lost prompt and full reprobation.
It has been said that an army is an evil
Granted but if he wished to increase