Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1809-02-01
CON G. R E S S.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
DEBATE ON EXTRA SESSION.
CONTINUED.
THuRspAY. Yanuara Isl.


in suspense, state which he himself did
not like. He had expected that when we
met here the embargo would have been re-
pealed. He wanted to know whether the
embargo was to remain on till September !!
He would not, however gloomy the pros
pect, forego the hope that congress would
relieve the people from the burden which
they could not bear. Any man might see
what would be the effect of this law. Con-
gress would meet in May, and would con-
tinue the measure little, and little lon
ger, and eventually rise without removing
It. He wished once again to restore the
smiles of content, to this once happy land
and to do it without an extra session.
Mr.. QUINCY. Mr.. Speaker, if the
bill under consideration had no other aspect
on the fates of this country, than its terms
indicate, I should have continued silent. -
IF the question upon it involved no Other.
consequences than those of personal incon-
venience .tous and OF expence to Che public,
I would not now ask the indulgence OF the
house. But deem this bill to be mate
rally component part of that system OF con-
mercial restriction under which the best
hopes of this nation are oppressed. con-
slider this measure as intended 70 induce
this people still longer to endure patiently
the embargo, and all the evils which 1t
brings in its train, by exciting and fostering
in them delusive expectations. a great
crisis is, to all human appearance, advanc-
ing upon our country. Gentlemen may at
tempt to conceal it from the nation, perhaps
from themselves, but every step they take
has an influence uponythat crisis, and small
as they may deem the decision on this bill,
in it's effects twill be among The most I'M
portant of any of the acts OF TINS ses-
sion.
Itis very painful to me, Mr.. Speaker, to
be compelled to place my opposition to this
bill, on ground resulting from the conduct
of the administration OF this nation. say,
sir, this is very painful to me, because |
have no personal animosity to any lndividu
al of that administration. Nor, if | know
myself, am I induced to this opposition
from any party motive. But, sir, acting in
public capacity, and reasoning concerning
events as they occur, with reference to the
high duties of my station, shall not, when
I arrive in my conception, shrink from any
proper responsibility, in spreading that con-
clusion before this house and nation. One
thing / hope and certainly shall deserve
from the friends of administration. The
acknowledgment that | shall aim no insldl-
Gus blow. 1t shall be made openly and dis
tinctly. in the daylight. Be it strong or
be it weak, / invite those friends to parry
it. If they are successful, | shall rejoice in
it not less than they.
This is the position in relation to the
conduct of administration which take, and
on which I rest my opposition to this
bill; that this house 10lsen it passed the en-
barge lazo zvas under a deception touching the
motives of the administrator, IN recommend
ine that medsure-that it has been, IN atlobt-
ing that measure, Instrumental IN decet0ins'
this people as to the motives 1vhich induced
that lav !; that # it passes this Bill, it aoiA
again act under deception touching those
motives, and again be Instrumental, 1usuari-
III and atr,uOiLingly, as Ibehepe, IN deceiDing
this pe2tie, IN relation 20 them. think [
have stated my ground of opposition SO
clearly as to admit of no misconceptions
Aud invite gentlemen to meet me candidly
upon it. When speak of deception, |
beg gentlemen not to misunderstood me.
viii be as just to the administration as
mean to be true and fearless in the perform
ance of my duty to this people. BY this
term do not mean any moral obliquity,
and direc. falsehood or palpable misrepre-
sentation. But intend by it political decep-
ton. That species of cunning, not un-
common among politicians, which lord Ba-
con calls left HANDED zo;sdom." This is
exhibited, when ostensible and popular mo-
tiyes are presented - Inducements TO a