Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-12-07
CONGRESS-.
HOUSE OF REpREsE11TA7TTES


Mr.. Newton offered the following resolu-
tim for consideration, viz
RESOLVED, That the committee of COM
merce and Manufactures DC instructed to en-
quire whether any, and if any, what restric-
tons on the expectation of provisions and
OF all articles necessary for naval equipment.
IN vessel OF foreign nations at amity with the
United States may be at this time expedi-
ent; and that the committee have leave to
report by DILL or otherwise.
Mr.. n. said il was well known that there
was not day passed over our heads but A
merican vessels were departing for Spanish
and Portuguese ports, Unrestricted as to the
expectations of provisions and naval stores.
1t was also well known that the nation with
whom we are at war had in our vicinity
possessions requiring the use of these arti-
Giles. 1t was as well known. that although
we were at war with Great Britain, she had
agents in this country, who, under the Span
i,h and Portuguese flag, had it in their pow
err To supply those possessions with such ar
ticles in this country IS they stood in need of.
1t was with a view to cutting off the supplies
daily sent from this country to Halifax,
Newfoundland, Bermuda. SIC. that he had
proposed the enquiry. Tho House had al
ready decided, contrary To his wish, that
there should be no EMBARGO that the ex-
portatjor of provisions should not entirely
cease in vessels of foreign nations at amity
with us but, as in duty bound, lie acquies-
ced in its decision--The resolution he had
offered had not for its object tn prevent The
expectation to any country other than that
Of the enemy but his wish was &C. REQUIRE
a bond from these vessels before they de-
parted from the United States, that their
carg'i should be landed in friendly port
that they shouldn't, directly on leaving port,
seer for ST. Johns, or Halifax, or Bermuda,
or any other British port. This was the
Jew he had in proposing the motion, and he
hoped the House would accept it.
Mr.. Gold said the resolution was illy adj
apted to the object, as avowcd, which APP
feared to be to guard against improper dos
nations, and not against expectation. In
rs present form it was calculated 70 excite
much speculation and alarm. lie hoped il
would be 50 modified as TO adapt the phra-
seology 70 The avowed intention.
Mr. Batset conourred in opinion with Mr..
Geld and moved to modify the resolution so
rs 10 read as fellows:
PesoiUed. That the committee of Com
merce and Manufactures be instructed to
enquire into the expediency of requiring
bonds on tue expectation of provisions and
all articles necessary for naval equipment
IN vessels Of foreign nations 1t amuy with
the United States and that the Committee
have leave to report by bill or otherwise.
Mr.. Newton was not disposed to contend
for the form, If the substance was retained.
and the efore consented to the modiicati N
proposed.
Mr.. Macon expressed his regret that the
resolution had not been more broad and COM
prehensive. re had no fear of creating a.
larm IN the public mind, OF exciting specn-
latiop, bee use. he said, the People would
understand that nothing but an enquiry was
proposed which involved no decSsiun Of the
question Of sxpsdisnoF.