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

Mr.. WRIGHT said that the gentleman
from Virginia having been called to order
and it having been decided by the Speaker
that he was out of order, from which decisi-
on he having appealed, the question to be
decided by the Speaker is, was Mr.. Ran
dolph out of order? In order sir, to cor
rect understanding of the subject by the
House, 1t will be proper to revise his re-
! marks, as well as the circumstances under
| which they were ushered into the House.
Sir, every gentleman has right to be heard
on subject fairly before the House, after
| the House has determined to consider it.
But by a positive rule of the House, declared
! by the Speaker, no question can be received
until it is made and seconded, and if re-
1 CURED reduced to %ritng--nor after it is re-
ceived can any any question be debated I'M
| til the House agree To consider it. There
fore the requiring the question 90 BE made
4 and seconded and committed Ia writing, Is
perfectly matter of right, aud the attempt
to argue the question thus made and Sc
conded and committed to writing, before the
House had agreed to consider it, was in di-
! rect violation Of the rule, and therefore out
of order Bot, sir, had it have been fairly
before noticed, had the House agreed 70
that this gentleman's remarks were them
II
nounced as legislating under French mfg
! enees Yes sir, we have.
Mr.. HANDoLPH called the gentleman to
| order He said he had spoken hypotheti-
caliy; he had said, if war did take place, it
would be confirmation strong as proof from
| molly writ of an undue French bias.
| The SPEAKER said, that the question Of
order submitted, involved a matter of fact,
| that IS. whether the gentleman from Virg-
MIA (Mr. X did Or did not use the words
ascribed to him by the gentleman from Ma
ryland (Mr W. conveying an inputation
of French influence which mot having been
in the chair) he could not decide. He could
not decide. He could only say, that if the
| gentleman did use such words, they were
highly improper; if he did not, the gentle
man from Maryland (Mr W.) was out of
| order in attributing them to him.
MIR. WRIGHT quoted the words used by
Mr. Randolph, to which he contended his
observation applicable. Sir, said he, could
these remarks of the gentleman be in order
protest against them; they are unfoundcd
as to myself, andi nave no doubt as to eve
ry member of this House. The black cata-
logue OF wrongs sustained by the outrages
ofG. Britain arc Sch, that no man, not devo-
ted to that nati,o, can, i'll my judgment, be
at loss for just cause of war, and such as
no independent nation ought to submit to-
Mr.. RANDOLPH again called the gentle
man to order, because discussing question
which the Speaker had declared should not
be debated.
| The SPEAKER said, he did not perceive
the direct application of the gentleman's re-
marks, but he appeared to be speaking in
explanation of the expressions, for using
which he had before been called To order.
Mr. WRiGHT continued. Sir, said he,
do not admire the doctrine of recrimina-
ton, nor will l charge that honorable gen
tleman with being under British influence !;
although we see the British deceased spies
within this Hall to hear this understood de-
bate
1 Mr.. RANDOLPH said, the gentleman was
again out of order.
The SPEAKER. gentleman from
Maryland will please TO take his seat If
the Chair understood him correctly, he is
certainly out of order. IF he meant to say,
that there was an understanding between a
member Of this House and foreign agent
out of it, in relation to proceedings to take
place in the House, ne was undoubtedly out
of order
Mr.. WRIGHT disclaimed having so
meant to state; he meant to say, that from
the attendance of these persons on the gen
tieman's arguments, it might be fairly INFER
red, that they were appraised of his intenti-
on to bring this subject before the House
But he hoped the privileges of these spies
would, in few days, be arrested. Howe
yer, he should always be prepared to sub
NIT his conduct to the good sense and pa
triotism of the American people; without a
fear Gifts being asCribed TO French or any o.
Their improper influence.
The question was then taken, to wit &C. /.
the decision of the Speaker correctf" ant
determined in the Affirmative
FofThis decision, 81
Against it, ~
Mr.. RANDOLPH. Then, sir; am com
PEELED to submit my motion in writing, anC
under that compnlsiOn offer it.
The SPEAKER. There is no compulsioI
in tho case because the gentleman may o
may not offer it, at his option.
The motion was then read from the chat
in the following words:
RESOLVED, That under existing circum
stances, it is inexpedient to resort to wa
against G.. Britain"
Mr.. RANDOLPH resumed-having ask
ed and obtained tie assent Of the Chair t.
. his proceeding in the debate Oh the questi
on
When Mr.. NELSON enquired. fit wer,
in order, after a resolution was presented
to the House, TO debate it before the Hous
had agreed to consider it.
The SPEAKER said, he had not before adj
verified to the imperative terms of the ruiz
which required previous question of con
I sideration, and which rule, on further re
! flecton, he was of opinion applied 70 thi
| case.
Mr.. RANDOLPH appealed from this de
cision Of the Chair. lie called the attenti
i n 4. -. A. -.