Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1812-01-03

Mr.. BurueU enquired how TINS OIL "ouiu
operate with respect to vessels trading 10 the
w. Indies, where it frequently happened that
provisions could not be carried except by sPe-
cial permits
Mr.. Neocton said the ports OF the West
Indies were opened and shut at the pleasure
of their government; and when opened they
were free to all the citizens OF the United
States
Mr. BurweH contended that it was impossi
BILE to frame general law on this sloJect
which would answer the desired purpose
This bill would open door TO the most extern
sive perjury, and would leave the most lucra-
tive trade to be monopolzed by those who
disregarded the obligations OF an oath. the
only proper way to accomplish the object now
contemplated, would be, to bring in a bill to
prohibit this trade with France in direct
terms which might tend to counteract the po-
icy pursued by her government
Mr.. Newtoa re Piled that the objections res
pecting perjury was equally applicable to all
the revenue laws of the u States of which it
was in the power of rogues always to take ad-
vantage.
December %.
The house took up the unfinished bust
ness Of Saturday, (rules and orders tor the
government of the house.
The subject under discussion when the
house adjourned on that day, was an amend
ment offered by Mr.. Nelson, to aproposed
rule of the house reported by the committee,
which empowers any FIVE members TO call
for the PREVIOUS QUESTIONS whenever they
think proper, by which all further debate on
the MAIN ouEsTIoN would be prohibited
the amendment provides that when the pre-
vious question is demanded any member
who has not spoken shall have right to
speak once on the main question.
Tits generally difficult to understand the
rules and orders by which the proceedings
of the house are regulated, and il is still
more difficult to explain their operation sa.
tisfactorily. Questions Of order have al.
most unitorml, heretofore produced uuin-
teresting and desultory debate, not unat
tended with confusion !
Mr. Qaincey supported the amendment
on the ground that every me mber had con
stitusional right to deliver his opinions, of
which right no majority had constitutional
power 70 drprive him.
Mr.. Nelson took The same ground, de-
Claripg that the freedom If debate might be
abridged. Net to allow every member to
speak once. was incompatible with the con-
stltution aud the hrst principles of civil Ii.
bertv, and that the majority had as much
constitutional right TO turn the minority out
of doors or to to,bid their voting, as to de-
pfive them of the RICH! OF speaking at least
once.
Mr.. Gold supported the amendment.
Mr.. Aston, Mr.. Smile and Mr.. Basset
opposed il on the ground that the response
bihty rested with the majority, and without
the right of closing debate, the minority
might prevent, at least for a long time, the
passage of the most necessary law.
December %.
Mr.. Poindextcr offered the following re
solution, which was ordered to lie on the
table: Resolved, That the president be re.
ques,ed to inform this house whether any
negotiations are now pendng between the
United States and Spain or any other 70.
reIgn power respecting the claim of the Uni.
sed States to that tract of country taken pos.
session of in virtue of the proclamation OF
November 1910, WEST Florida i and al
so whether he possesses any information
which in his opinion requires that the legis.
latlve powers of Congress should be sus.
pended with a view to future negotiation.
Mr.. Jennings offered the following reso
luton: Resolved, That the president be
requested to lay before this house any adj
ditional information, verbal or otherwise
which he may have received relative and
important TO she public situationof the In
diana territory, which it may not be impro
per to communicate. Ordered to lie on the
sable.
NETWORK, Dece mber "a.
BY THE PACIFIC.