The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-01-09

4 . . .
they could bring their produce or manufac
ture into thiscountyy, and take away specie
in return, While by the, general embargo our
produce was rotting in stores, and could
not be exported that the prohibition of the
expectation was no doubt implied bv the law
laying the embargo, though it would be well
1t should be here expressed, as this law was
intended to give the other more effcctnal
operation. In reply to the assertion of the
impra cticability of enforcing a law prohibit
ing the expectation of specie, it was contend
ed that although foreign powers had prohibit
Ell the expectation, it had been under a penal
ty merely of perhaps 10 or Is per cent on the
amount, while the present law contemplated
not only the forfeiture of vessel and cargo
concerned in the infraction of the law, but
besides imposed personal penalty for every
offence of the kind; that the case of other
nations therefore did not apply to this; that
the prohibition could as easily be carried into
effect on specie as on goods the revenue Of
hcers being faithful and seeing the laws
strictly enforced that it would be the duty
of the Secretary of the Treasury to put an
inspector on board every foreign vessel in
port, and to retain him on board till such YES
sci sailed, ito prevent the law from being in
iringed: that the small space occupied by
specie would not afford so great an opportuni-
y
timely away, for although there was by the
general laws of the United States, a heavy
duty on the importation of watches and level
icry (Which occupied as little compass at
least as specie) there were very few, if any
instances of their being Struggled into the
country.
The question being taken on Mr. Macon's
motion TOR striking out the prohibition on eX-
porting specie, was negatived-Ayes 81.
Mr. Munford offered the following as a
proviso tobe addedto the 9th and last secti-
on (Which extends the time for obtaining.
drawbacks y
And that the term now allowed by law for
the payment of all bonds on goods, wares and
merchandise imported into the United States
shallbe and the same is hereby extended for
and during the term of six months beyond the
time specified on said bonds.
Considerable objection being made to this
by several gentlemen on the ground of its be-
ing too extensive and the difficulty of fixing
a precise period for the extension ofthe time
when these bonds should become due, and al
SO from the great injury which the revenue
would sustain from such measure.
The above amendment was so modified, as
toextend the payment of the bonds beyond
and during the continuance of the act laying
an embargo.
This motion was negatived, ayes IS.
The bill having been gone through the
committee rose and reported it to the House.
a message was received from the PIesi-
sident of the United States, on Indian affairs,
and referred othe committee on military &
naval establishments.
THURSDAY, Dec. 81.
Mr.. Thames moved that the resolution
moved by Mr.. Randolph should lie on the ia
bic.
/ But motion made to consider, was agreed
to-
MIR. RamdoLfh said as it appeared by the
declaration of the gentleman from New-Or-
leans, that he did possess information, and
as the House had right to it, he wished the
Speaker or some other gentleman to inform
him OF the manner i'll which it might be OBJ
tanned.
No order was taken on this pont.l
Mr.. Taylor moved that the resolution be
committed to a committee of the whole, not
on to-day or tomorrow, but at distant dav,
that time might be afforded for considerati-
After debate, Mr.. Taylor withdrew his mo-
ton.
Mr.. Gardener moved. that it be referred
to select committee with power to send for
persons, papers, &c.
MIR. Marion, moved to strike out that part
OF this motion giving power to select COM
mittee to send for persons, papers, &c.
Mr.. Nelson made motion to adjourn.
which was negatiyed.
Mr., Smile moved topostpone further pro-
ceedings on this spbjectti till Monday: OH which
motion the yeas and nays being called for by
Mr.. Randolph, were 6S to DO.
On the foregoing motions a very lengthy
and somewhat desuItory debate ensued OF a
bout hours. The debate turned on MANY
incidental questions, amongst which, whether
Congress had constitutional right to request
the President to cause the proposed enquiry
10 be made TO this 1t was answered that
Congress had as much right to make this re-
quest as to request the President to Law be-
fore them public papers, either of which re-
guests he might refuse. 1t was also said,
that in making this request, the House could
not command more attention than was due to
arespectable individual.
1t was doubted whether Il member could
be called upon to give Information in his scat,
or at the bar of the House? In answer prece-
dents we're produced of cases in which mem
bers Of the House had been Intercepted at
the bar.
1t was also contended, that if delivered in
his place, the communication would be liable.
to commentary or reply by any gentleman
vho might think proper TO discuss it in the
same manner as any other speech.
1T was made question whether this in
formation could be more properly received
by q committee OF the whole or . select con,