The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-01-14

Il aDled officers and soldiers which motion
being agreed to, the House resolved itsel
into committee of the whole upon it, Mr.
falmadYe i'll the chair when MIR. Dawson
spoke rs follows:
Mr.. Chairman, the pressure of business.
relative to our foreign affairs, and my infrm
state OF health, have delayed an indulgence
OF my wishes in bringing, forward this sub
!ect at an earlier period, and indeed now
ind it impossible to do it that justice which
i. merits
In presenting to you this bill, have O.
| Oeyed the unanimous vote of the committee
to whom the subject was referred and the
dictates of my own judgment, while have
gratitied the best wishes of my own heart.
1t Is subject about which, in common
trust, with ia;orty of this House, feel
warmly intercsted-it jsa subject which has
often been brought to the view ofthis House,
and the principle has always appeared to
me to merit the sanction of this House. A
much valued friend of mine, an honorable
gentleman who now sits on the bench in a
ncighbouring state, and who himself was
carried from the field covered with wounds
and honor, often called the attention Of
Congress to the sufferings of his fellow SOL
diers, now infirm, disabled and superannu-
ated by wounds received in our vo!utiona-
ry war. His voice was never raised in vain,
success, owing to a diversity of opinion as
to the details of the bill. 1he committee
have endeavoured to avoid that evil, by ex.
tending the provisions Of the bill to the cas-
OF every person who sustained injury in his
person, while in the actual service of his
country. This, sir, meets with my appro-
baton, though shall with pleasure acccde
to the views OF other gentlemen as TO amend
ments not fatal TO the bill, my first object
being to get this Institution established,
leaving it to ii ne and to experience to point
out and cure its detects.
Ever Since have had the honor Of seat
in this House, have voted in every claim
which appeared to be founded in justice, ana
have extended that principle with a libe-
raj hand towards those who rendered us
services, especially personal services, du-
ring the revolutionary war Their number
is now small indeed, and in my judgment, it
i'll becomes great, and l trust a grateful
nation, to suffer those who have fought her
battles, to go down in poverty and sorrow
to the grave. No, sir, we ought to afford
food and raiment to the infirn and superan-
nuated, and to pour balm into the disabled
defenders Of their country. Every principle
OF justice, gratitude and humanity call aloud
tor this And there is one consideration ara
sing from policy, which in my judgment,
strongly urges its adoption. We shall pro-
badly soon be involved in a war. On yes
terday we passed a bill for raising large
army. Pass this bill, and it viii have .
happy effect in filling your ranks-yes, wheu
1t is seen that our country is not migrate
ful-that she will make comfortable the de-
Ginning years of those who have spent their
better days in her service, it will be a strong
inducement with many to step forward and
enter into that service.
am far, very far, from thinking this bill
perfect. / am sensible that it has many de-
iects, and invite the friendly aid of all gen
tiemen, on every side of the committee, and
particularly of the select committee, to pom,
out and endeavor to curse these defects, ana
to establish a system which will do honor TO-
this House and to- this country.
Mr.. Rho moved to amend the bill, by
new section, providing q pension fer every
non commissioned officer and soldier, who,
by reason of having family, or for other good
cause, may not be able L DIN the corps Of
inva,ids, not exceeding half the pay of such
non comBissioned officer or soldier.''
ms amendment, after some debate, was
negatived, and the bill was reported with
or amendment, and ordered 20 lie upon the
table.
lNr. Dazo$on gave notice he would call i
up on Thursday.
A message was received from the Presi-
ueDl vi liie OnteQ CtateS, lilClOSlnp re-
port from the Director of the Mint for the
last year, i'll which it is stated that the supply
OF silver bullion had never before been more
abundant, than it had been for the greater
part of the year. Ordered to be printed.
The House went Into committee, Mr.
Desha i'll the chair, on the bill to empower
the Secretary of the Treasury to decide up
on the case of the Eliza-A Ann of Ncw-York
Which being gone through; was reported to
the House, and ordered to = third rea ling.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS.
On motion of Mr.. Ghoison, the House re-
solved itself into a committee, Mr.. Nelson
IN the chair, on report of the committee OF
Claims on the subject of excepting certain
claims from the act of limitations. The re-
port OF the committee being read, which
concluded with resolve that it is expedient
to open the act Of limitations for the claims
in question
mr.. GhoLson hoped the committee would
not agree to this report. Information had
been received from the treasury depart
mcnt, stating that in distinct and uneuui-
Claims (Which were all liquidated claims,
such as indents of interest, certificates, &c }
might be allowed by the government with
out danger of fraud or imposition and said
MIR. G.. if justice can be extended to this
description Of claimants, without danger
by should it be deferred? Only one soli-
.ary reason had been offercd--that the per
sons really entitled to these claims upon
| government might not get tho money. HC
boDCd tiiis W Ouid not be Sufficient to nrevent