Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-06-25

the WnOiS o. ms speech, keeping OCt OF Utlnu
the motion with which it terminated, will, l
apprehend, find it extremely difficult TO con-
lecture that such was or qvhat was to be the
concluding motion. Now il is made the Gu-
" OF the presiding officer 10y the usagcs of
all deliberate bodies, and moreover by ex-
press rules* of the House of Representa-
tives) to keep the member, addressing the
chair, TO the point How, that officer be-
Ing ignorant OF the motion intended to be of
fered, Was that duty to be performed? How
was the House itself to apply the argu-
mcnts? In point of fact, was entirely un-
certain (others have assured me they were)
as to what motion would be submitted, and
even after it WAS reduced to writing, it was
believed not 70 be the one originally contem-
plated by the mover. ] think then am JUS
| tiled in saying that there is nothing unreal
sonable in the requisition, OIL the part of a
| body addressed to illustrate, enforce and
, establish given proposition, that the mover
of it shall specify it. that it shall be seconded,
| and to prevent misconception of its precise
import, that it shall be reduced to writing
| and distinctly announced from the chair.
before he advances into boundless field OF
| argument. Indeed understand from the
address, as well as from what transpired N
| the occasion, that the real source of COM
l'plaint is not i'll such a requisition, but that
MIR. X. would nave been satisfied had he not
after compliance with it, by a subsequent
refusal of the House to consider his motion,
been prevented from continuing his arsu-
ment.
Various are the expedicnts resorted to by
deliberate bodies to conduct the business on
| which they are called upon to act. Among
the Instruments provided for regulating the
| time Of transaCting it are the motions for the
previous question, to postpone-to adjourn
| to lie upon the table--to consider. These,
| in some instances are differently used by diff
| ferent bodies. In England motion to pro
coed to the orders of the day puts by wha.-
| ever subject is under consideration, and the
rule is not used there to consider. In the
| House of Representatives we practise the
rule TO consider and do not :he motion to
proceed to the orders of the day. The Oh
| ject of all bodies on this subject, is the same
| so to arrange the subjects OF elaboration as
best to promote the public interest. Their
experience will, from time to time, suggest
the defects in pre-existing rules, and the ne
| cessity OF adopting new ones to new cXigen-
cies as they arise. This rule to consider
was novel one to me when came into the
House of Representatives. / found most OF
the old members clinging to it with great
tenacity, and subsequent observations has
satisfied me Of its wisdom, and removed
whatever doubts l entertained originally of
its propriety. IL has been indiscriD,inafelv
0ftfthird by the House TO members ofaH mar
firS. The right of one or two members to
compel body to consider proposition
which, on account of the time, its manner,
or its matter, they do not think proper to de-
liberatc upon, can only be maintained by
reversal of the rule that the plurality of
members is to govern, and would, as 10 thar
particular subject, make the mover and his
second superior to the whole body 1t may
indeed be alledged that unless such privi-
iege be recognized, great abuse may be
practsed-that the body may refuse to con.
slider the most imperious and momentous
subject of national interest. The obvious
reply is, that an indulgence of such priv
iege exposes the body TO great abuse by any
member who can obtain second and, in
the danger of opposite abuses. it is believed
there is greater safety on the side of greater
numbers. The responsibility of a Repre-
sentative body for what is not done exists no
less than for what is done. 1t is not, there
fore, probable that it viii refuse to consider.
and consequently to adopt, measure pre-
sented for its deliberation under circumstan-
ces unexceptionable as to time, form and
nature of the proposition
The abuse, however, of rule, in it's prac-
| teal operation, is best tested by an exam.
| nation of the cases to which it has been
applied. will content myself with that
| furnished by Mr.. Randoiph's own record.
An extraordinary session of Congress is
| convoked: various laws are passed with the
avowed purpose of war. During their pen
dency, both in their incipient and matured
| forms, the subject is diScussedat great length.
Every topic calculated to excite the passi-
ons. alarm the fears, or emil ghten the judg
ment, is exhausted. More than any other
member of the House, Gotten, own, with
admiration on my own part Of his talents,
however muchI disapproved his sentiments)
is Mr.. x. patiently and repeatedly heard to
deyelope his views on that solemn question.
The period at length arrives when, by every
previous indication, a declaration Of war
would seem to be absolutely inevitable. Of
that very committee from which it was e1t-
pected such declaration is to emanate, Mr..
II. is a member. 1t is admitted by himself,
on the Both May, that on the succeeding
Monday, it was believed it would be pre-
| Sented to the House. 1t is admitted by him:
self, that it was intended to be discussed with
| closed doors. Yet on that day (the 3Oth
OF Mayo what does he attempt Forestal
ling the friends Of the measure, with open
doors, without disclosing his particular mo-
ton, lac engages in an argument which, after
consuming one hour, is now denominated
fragment only; and, when required by the
House, reluctantly submits the negative
proposition, that it isnot expedient at this
time, under existing circumstances, to go to
war with Great Britain Can be mistak-
When a motion is made and seconded,
IL ShuH be stuffed by the Speaker, or 6eing
in zvrifing, II shall be handed 10 fhe chair, and
read atoad by the CLERK, before debated."-
{" Uhe1 a,lu member il a5OUk TO sHe0E in de-