Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-12-10
MERCHANTS BONDS.


Our readers will find it to their advan-
Gage to peruse with attention the documents
accompanying ne Report of the committee
OF Ways and Means of the House of Repre-
sentatives, relative to the exaction OF the
tnlhlment of the merchants bonds under the
non importation law, which are concluded
In the Argus of to-day. These docu
ments will be often referred to in the most
important discussion that is likely to take
place in Congress during the present ses-
sion.
1t has already been stated under the con-
gressionai head i'll this paper, and it appears
by the Report itself, that a majority of the
committee are in fay or of referring the whole
question to the Secretary Of the Treasury,
who has a general dispensing power alrea-
dy vested in him that will reach the case.
Mr. Cheves, the chairman of the committee
OF Ways and Means has apprized the House
OF Representatives. that he is OPPOSED TO the
Report and he will, it is probable, in TIE
sequel, explain the ground OF his opposition.
by the documents before us, it is obvious
that the reference of the subject to the Sc
cretary OF the Treasury, is the result of an
understanding between the committee and
that othcer, upon opinions to which he stands
pledged in his correspondence with them.
We should have been better pleased with
Mr.. Cheves, if he had so expressed himself
as to enable us to comprehend the git of his
objections TO the Report. He may, in the
course OF his Inv estigationS, as chairman of
the committee, have acquired sufficient
knowledge upon the various points which
the question involves, to lead his mind to
different conclusion; and it may happen
that his arguments hereafter may win us o.
ver'to his side, for he is a scrutinizing, in
telligent man. But rs the subject presents
itself 10 us at present, we cannot refrain
from declaring that we consider Mr.. Gala
tin as the most suitable, and we will say the
most capable person, to decide upon the APP
plications of the merchants.
Without the least desire to disparage any
individual, as 10 talent, we assert, because
we believe, that no member or members of
Congress- can maintain any thing like pre-
tension to rank along side of the Secretary
of the Treasury in the investigation Of such
topics. We are the more ready to speak
thus decidedly, because we have heretofore
spoken with freedom of that gentleman, and
therefore are not likely to be now accused of
improper partially. Ills information touch
ing circumstances in the English market,
and the peculiar qualities of his mind, wei
hi him for enquiries Of this patnre; and his
acquaintance with commercial practices at
home, and the forms which prevail in the
CoiiGCtioh OF the &c venue, VIII enable MN 10
do justice at once to the importers and 70
!, the government. 1t is due to Mr.. Gallatin
on this occasion to cause the public particu-
larly to remark, that from the very com
mencemcnt he hasacted with singular de
licacy and respect towards congress, for
bearing, IS it appears, to exercise an ex-
isting authority to proceed in the case,
without tie special indication of the senti-
Incnts of the legislature.
This GelIcacy and respect, combined with
the frank avowal of his opinion, before n
congressional decision, furnish pledge that
he will not abuse trust Of such immense
magnitude and importance.
Mr.. Gallatin thinks, It will be seen, that
be one half ofthe forfeitures which would
herwise fall to the share of the collectors
ght To BE- RENTED. This, we presume,
Win be regarded BY tie importers, as too
reat reservation in favor OF the officers
af the customs. But if We reflect, that III 4
Fscason requiring uncommon cxertion and
vigilance, the collectors reap less profits
than at a period Of peace that the taking
y from them one half Of rhat ~ which they
are, at least, eguita6Ly entitled, IS, in a con
siderable degree, dveSting them Of vested
right; and that it is the duty Of govern
nent TO promote, in times like these, the ef-
yective performance Of the tIsks Of the re-
venue officers; it usr. 1en,uernled that the
Secretary Of tl,a Sn.ue b.
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