Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-06-22

ed BY an unauthorized act Of a Spanish Off
GER, or by an act Of the Spanish government
itself. Doubts were also entertained as to
what course should be pursued. In this
state Of the public mind, Congress found It
necessary to give their opinion, and ex-
pressed not only confidence in the wisdom
Of the executive, but declared that they be-
lieved the act to have been unauthorized on
the part Of Spain. This expression Of the
sense Of the house seemed atthis time real
ly to be demanded by the situation Of the
nation. Is this the case with the question
now before US! cannot see tin that light.
This precedent, therefore, with the other,
is not sufficient to convince me OF the pro-
priety of voting for this resolution and a.
amendment, or even of discussing it. But
it seems, sir, with the rules OF this house
and the common law practice in it, there IS
something which cornpels us to go into this
discussion. Nolens volens, we must be dri-
ven into it .fas ant nsfas it must be dis
cussed.
What objection ismade to indefinite post
ponement The gentleman does not OBJ
iect to his own resolution, but objects to the
amendment. Now, sir, ifthere be any pro-
priety in any part of the business, con-
ceive the amendment necessary to define
the meaning, and convey more distinctly
the sense OF the original resolution. For
with all the little powers of discrimination
which I'possess, have not been able to
make distinction between the system pur-
sued by the present and late President in
relation to this particular subject. And,
speaking, as shall, on the three objections
made to the amendment shall not be guild
ed by any impressions made on nae from
having participated in the discussion OF last
winter. | shall speak from impressions made
on my mind Uncommon with the people Of
the district have the honor to represent,
and l believe ! might say upon the minds of
the majority Of the people OF the q. S. The
gentleman who introduced this resolution
has told us that he cannot vote for the a
mendment because he cannot consent to at
tach the healthy body of the present admi-
nistration to the lfrless corps of the late adj
ministration that we should not bring it
up 70 view that its evil deeds should be
buried with it, and its good deeds alone be
inscribed on its monument. If, sir, its mo-
nument is to be inscribed land the sentiments
of the gentleman from Virginia prevail, |
would say, as was said On another occasion
Let not the monument be inscribed till
other days and other men can do justice 10
It's merits. Another comparison the gentle
tleman made-He said he was willing TO vote
for the original resolution and opposed TO
the amendment, the introduction Of which
he said, reminded him Of a certain descrip-
ton of persons in Virginia who having
pair of horses one bad and the other good,
praised the poor animal in proportion to his
deficiency. The gentleman told us too the
other day, among many instructions which
he gave US, and the young members particu-
larly, whom he called youthful spyltes, that
we might object to the proposition, because
precedent tor it was derived from federal
mes. Sir, never have and hope never
shall object to any thing on account of its
name. The gentleman told us too that the
error in reasoning did not lie in the infer
ences SO much as in the premises. Apply
this remark to the present case-If, sir, the
present administration be the good horse,
and needs no commentator, why introduce
this resolution lam not capable Of under
standing this, sir.
This resolution met an objection on ac-
count OF its being an abstract proposition;
and as such, not deserving the attention of
this house in Legislative capacity. The an
swer given was, that it was common prac-
tice of the house at the close of every ses-
sion to thank the Speaker. This practice is
but mere expression ofcourtesy, confined
to the officers of this house and not extend