Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-12-28
HOUSE oFREFRESE.NTA7TYEs.
December 81.

Mr. Sevhcrt presented the petition of Ste
phen Kingston, praying such part OF the
cargo of en- American vessel, brought in by
a p-ivateer, of which he is the owner, as is
epemy's property, may be delivered to him
Referred.
On motion of Mr.. Bas,ett, the petition of
]. A. Chevallie, attorney ct Madame Beau
marchais. which has been frequently refer
red heretofore, was again referred to the
committee Of Claims.
Mr. Dawson presented the petition of
VIM. Gamble, stating that he has invented
q machine for the protection of ports and
harhors, which he conceives to promise
great utility; and praying an enquiry BY
Congress into its merits. Referred to the
Naval committee.
Mr.. BaSSett reported bill, relating to
captures and "a bill regulating pensions to
persons on board OF private armed vesrsls
which we're read twice and committed.
Mr.. Cheyes, from the committee cfWays
and Means. to whom was referred the bill
from tie SeB&tc, directing the Secretary of
the Treasury to remit certain fines, penal
ties and fJ.tetnres, reported the same with
ameadnents, the principal one of which is
to strike out the words " and ,he deheadea-
eies thereof" so az TO exclude from the ope-
ration OF the bill the cases OF goods brought
TO n committee of the whole.
Nh. Cheyes also introduced the following
report:
The committee Of Ways and Means, to
whom were referred so much Of the petit
ton of owners and agents of sundry pr:-
va,e armed vessels fitted out of the port of
New York, as prays a redocticn of the
duties on prize goods, and the petitions of
sundry owners of private armed vessels
fitted ont of the port of Boston, and of sun
dry owners of like vessels fitted out of the
port of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virgil
MIA, also praying reduction of the duties
on prize goods, =.
REPORT:
That letter from John Ferguson and
John l.. Laurarce, agents for the petitioners
fro ~ New York, and letter from the Sec'y
OF the Treasury, both addressed to the
Chairman of the Committee, and which ac-
company this Report, contain all the facts
and views which viii probably be found
matcr,i IN the examination and con-
sideration e .his subject; and that this
committee having matnrely considered them,
are OF opinion, chat reduction of the du-
ties on prize goods, without embracing, at
the same time. all importstions made in the
prosecution of the ordinary comserce Of the
country, cannot, consistently with souud no
icy and rational legislation, te made, ard
that a general reduction would diminish
revenue, where it does not distress the con
sumer, and would not produce any ma
terlal increase Of gain 10 The Csptors The
committee therefore recommend the follow
ing resolve:
Resolved, That it is expedient to grant
the prayer of the petitioners.
The report was referred to committee
OF the whole House.
The Speaker laid before the House a
communication from the Governor of New
Hampshire, enclosing the ratification by the
Legislature of that state of the proposed a
mendmert 10 the constitution, disfranchisine |
such citizens Of the u. States as accept II |
ties Of nobility, &c. froEi any foreign power. |
NAVAL ESTABLISHMENT.
On motion of Mr.. Basset, the House re- |
solved itself into committee Of the whole, |
MIR. Macon in the chair, ON the bill TO in |
crease the Navy of the u. States
The motion for amendment Of the biz, |
pending when the House last had the sub !
under consideration was lost.
a motion was made by Mr.. Harper to re-
consider The motion for striking out the Sc
venty-fours. lie made this motion because |
he was friend to an increase of the navy,
eiN W'u'N az &C W Uuilu hCNCnty-IDurS, II |
he could not OBTAIN other descriptions Of
vessels.
The motion to reconsider the vote was a.
greed to, 81 to 81.
Mr.. Bacon spoke against this motion
Though IN favor q an increase of the navy,
he was opposed to seventy tours.
Mr.. Basset spoke in reply, at considera-
bic length.
Mr.. Gholson spoke generally in favor of
an increase of the navy, and in favor Of the
bill from the Senate.
Mr.. Stow followed in support Of seventy
sDurg,