The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-05-03


lon. Agreed.
On motion of Mr.. Nelson, the House re-
solved itself into committee of the whole
Ayes So, on the bill for the relief of the s,-
perannuated officers and soldiers of the ar
my OF the U. S. Mr.. ,Currs in the chair.
Mr.. Bf66 moved that the committee rise
and ask leave to sit again for he did not
believe that three members of the committee
had considered the bill, or knew its provi-
sions.
| Mr.. Nelson objected to this motion. Our
soldiers at present, he said, were in worse
situation than those of any other nation In
most countries was provision of this kind :;
IN this country, however, to its disgrace
there was no such provision. Even now they
might see poor wretChes around the door, re-
duced to their crutChes from hard service
No man ofhumanity could see it unmoved
These men even now would do good garr-
son service. They would be capable of gi-
wing good instruction and useful information :;
they would form in fact so many military
schools. MIR. n. went into an examination
or this subject. There were also he said, at
present officers in the army of the U. S.
who by age were incapable of performing
tour OF duty. He cited instances of two
majors, one of whom lately died, who were
totally incapacitated from service, and being
both revolutionary soldiers, and guilty of no
misconduct, the Executive, altho' authorised
so to do, would never be so totally dead to feel
ing as to dismiss them from service. The
one now left was obliged to be drawn about
or carried in blanket from campto camp
while others younger or more active men
were kept back from service by his occupy
ing. the place.
Mr.. Bib felt as much commiseration for
this class of citizens, any one could do
1t was not to the principle which he object
ed but the House were not now prepared
to investigate the merits of any bill which
needed discussion to explain them, and it
was therefore he had made the motion At
the next session, he should be willing to
meet the gentleman on the subject.
The committee then rose, Ayes SO, repol'-
ted progress, and were refused leave to sit
again, IL to 81.
Mr.. j. Montgomery called for the consi-
corning courts martial.
Mr.. Lezvis moved to postpone the subject
indefinitely; for when there was but bare
quorum in the House, it was not proper to
act on the bill.
The motion was agreed to. Ayes 46.
The bill for making appropriations to sup
ply the deficit in the appropriation for pub
lie buildings, was returned from the Senate
with amendments.
lars to carry up the solid work in the interl-
or of the north wing being under consideration,
This amendment of the Senate was then
agreed to, 48 to %.
An amendment of IL 900 dollars for finish
ing the interior of the south wing, being I'M
der consideration,
The amendment of the Senate was agreed
to, 50 to d.
FIVE O'clock.
The House met; and postponed indefi-
tnitely a number of bills.
The bill from the Senate to authorize the
President under certain contingencies to
suspend the non-importation law having
been called up, and motion having been
made TO postpone it indefinitely.
Mr.. Nelson said he should never vote for.
the repeal or suspension of this law. He
hoped to see the time when it should become
a permanent regulation he would not yield
to any of the powers of Europe, and he wish
ed to be independent of them. There were
many things now imported from Europe,
which could as we'll be made in our own coun-
try. If they could be as well made, he con-
sidered it sound policy to give preference
to our own manufactures, and so far to pro-
hibit theirs as to effect preference of our
own. Whether in this principle | am right
or wrong, said he, / am certainly right in
this that at this late period of the session
it is impossible to discuss such question as
this; and therefore wish the motion to pre-
vail.
Mr.. Bur7veH said, he would add but a
single observation to those of the gentleman
just sat down. He was in favor of postpo-
ming the bill indefinitely, because he wished
it to be understood that we have right to
make all regulations we please respecting
our commerce, or trade, or aught else, with
out consulting the dispositions of any power
whatever. He wished it to be understood
here and elsewhere and therefore he was
in favor of postponement of this bill
| Mr.. Marion said he was one of those who
originally voted for the importation law,
and he had never repented his vote ; but he
voted for it under firm persuasion that it
would go into operation. 1t had been after
wards suspended because there was neeo-
citation pending and prospect of accommo-
dalton; but if it were the determination ne
yer to suffer it to go into operation, he had
much rather see it repealed. IF it were 10
be kept in suspension, hung up like rod in
terroreB1, it would merit ridiCule. What
cause could there be for suspendng it at pre-
sents Any negotiation pending He be-
| lieved not. If it were the understanding. of
majority that the bill should not go into o.
peration, he hoped they would propose re-
peal of it.
Mr.. Effes said, it appeared that the
question of suspension of the non-importati-
on act, was very different from that of a sus-
| 81, hoo e