Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1812-04-30
CONGRESS.
IN SENATE.
,Sot,lrdou. .Ah2il IS.

City OF Washington, WAS iS~si = .i l s'''S -
amended, and passed.
Mr.. Leib presented the petltlon OF Thomas
Kelly, of Philadelphia, merchant, stating that
he was owner OF brigantine called the Mete-1
or, captured by British crulzer on her re-
turn to the u. States, In July 1911 and He
galiy condemned, and praying reliet, sc.
Mr.. Smith of Md. reported bill supple
mentary to g the act entitled An act to es-s
tablish an Executive Department to be de-
nominated the Department of War; and the
bill was read and passed to second reading.
The Senate resumed the consideration OF
the resolution for recess OF Congress from
the 2oth inst. to the day OF next
MIR. Pope moved to fill the blank with the
4th MONDAY in June. The most distant day
would probably accommodate the greatest
number of members; and this day would De
sufficiently early to take measures necessary
on the expiration of the embargo
MIR. Bradley moved the ID Monday, the 9th
day Of June. This would afford little more
than FIVE weeks, which he thought would be
long enough.
Mr.. Leib proposed to fill the blank with
Monday the 18th day OF May; which would
afford recess of about 20 days.
The question having been put on Mar. Brad
ley's motion for the 9th June
Mr.. Anderson said he had supposed the
day fixed upon by the committee, VIZ the 18th
May, would have been the day. He did not
himself feel the necessity OF any adjournment;
but if it must take place, it ought either to be
for a short time or for so long time as equal
ly tc accommodate all. If it were 10 be i.r
short time. it would be merely Tor relaxation;
if for longer time, as was now proposed, nc
feared it would be considered as indicative OF
ain intention to pause In the course OF mea-
surcs they had commenced, and produce all
impression abroad among the people, which
was much to be deprecated.
Mr. Pope said he was in favor OF such
time being fixed on as should accommodate
the greatest numbe: of the members. AS 10
the effect Of an adjournment on the public
mind, he imagined that the difference between
a recess of 90 er Of 80 days would be very UNI
important.
Mr.. G. w Campbell said it seemed to him
something like bribing the members to OBJ
tain votes, to talk aboutilengt hening the time
so as to accommodate the greatest number
of members. He could not conceive ii con-
sistent with the honor OF the country that they
should decide the question OF adjournment on
the mere ground of personal convenience; ne
considered the only question to be whether
recess would have good or bad effect on the
public service. He had on former occasion
stated his objection to this step, that 1t would
produce an i'll effect on the public mind.
MANY misrepresentation have been already
made to induce the public to believe you are
not in earnest. An adjournment for any
length of time will seem like deserving our
posts, and will put the seal on this belief
Under this view he must vote against the adj
iournment; but the longer was the recess, the
worse would be the effect on the public
mind. He should therefore vote for the short
est day.
Mr.. Bradley said he could not see that the
proposed recess would be deserving their
posts at all. The nation knew that the go
yernment would not go to war without soidi-
ers and sitting here would certainly not re-
store peace. Congress had adopted many
war measures, the execution Of which they
had putinto the hands of the executive +; they
had also authorised loan CT eleven millions.
Aad whilst these measures were gong on,
could congress by staying here constantly,
add to the number OF men or expedite the
loan? If an enemy were to invade us, without
any government at all, they would be prompt
" resisted. But if we are going to war to re-
dress grievances, to revenge injuries receiv-
ed, we should chuse Our own time. If we
begin war before we have an army, it is bring
ing the nation to the last state of degradation,
not to consider at all the sufferings and losses
which would be in such case sustained. 1t
would be great error to attempt to put this
country by forced vote of congress into war
You cannot lead the country to war as the
butcher leads his flock to the slaug hter-house
This is government of opinion; the public
sentiment will not be driven but must be fol-
lowed. Congress have certainly done as much
e., 4ha ,,raeen+ &C they t,an 7 ,yisb IN GEO fhe