The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1814-03-16

thsir opinion on the subject.
Mr.. Fisk said he did not know that the |
question could be acted on at the pre-
sent session, but that was one of the points
he wished 20 be epquired into. The ques- !
tion was of so much Importance that he |,
wished it to be examined in all its bearings
and. if could not be acted on at the
present session. that the public opinion on
IT might be concentrated before the next.
The agitation OF this question, he presumed,
would not create any difficulty in procur- |
ing the Loan, when it was recollected that |
every Legislature in the Union almost was
principally engaged during it's sessions in es
tablishiug new Banks. He thought the es-
Enlistment of great bank would rather
have a tendency to check the ex,ravagant
issue OF paper. and, if he might be allowed
the expression. to bring the community to
its senses. 1t had been said that though the
incorporation Of a National Bank was un-
constitutional. yet it mghs be established
in this district, where Congress possess ex-
elusive jurisdiction. He said he should be
alarmed by such constructions, if it were
to prevail, that Congress might within this
district do the most unconstitutional acts
Such bank was certainly not necessary
tor the use of people within this district
10 establish such bank with this view
would be as preposterous as l. would be TO
ouid hfsy sail ct the line, under pretence
OF protecting the city by sailing along the
canal which runs through it. There
was IN the district as much natural Capa
city to employ the one as the other
In regard tothe principle Of exclusive le-
gislation in the district. Congress had deci.
ded i not to exist in the extent now conten-
ded tor. when they acquiesced in the views
OF the President in putting his veto to the
bill tor incorporating church in the town
OF Alexandria. because of The unconstitu
tional connection of religion with the DO pers
OF he government. A very cursory view
ofthe bill now before the House would show
that it was net intended for the use of the
good people VT thin the district, because so
few OF the directors were located within il
Mr.. +. adverted to other Objectionable fea-
lures or ire bill by way of proving that if
National Benk was necessary, this bill was
not cs}cnletedtn answer the object, &c.
Mr.. Taylor of n. Y. made few observa.
tons on the prnpriety Of acting on this sub
Jet speedily. Though he had reported this
bill. 1t YVES not favorite project. He was
In favor tfrepcrting a bill with very digerent
provisions, but a majority had overruled
him. and decided that it was not constitu-
tional to establish a bank with branches.
&c.
Mr.. Aston IN. c. observed that gentle
men might obtain their object without re-
committing the bill. by moving a resolution.
and obs aiming vote thereon, that it was or
was not expedient 20 establish bank with
branches.
Thc question was taken on Mr.. Fisk's mo.
tIon, ami decided in the negative, ayes So.
The hou'e resumed the consideration of
the rerors OF the committee Of Elections ON
the contested election of Thomas X, Harris
a member from Tennessee and after
speech Of some length from Mr.. Kennedy of
N.C. on soTre constitutional points involved
in IT the question was taken on the report
and Mr.. Harris was confirmed in his seat
by large majority.
The bill for he relief of Mary Cheever
passed. through committee of the whole,
Mr.. Breckenridge in the chair. and, after
some debate, was ordered to be enerossed
for third reading.
Ing bill authorising the payment for pri-
yate property destroyed by the enemy
whilst in thu public service, passed through
. Committee Ct he whole, Mr.. Peasants n
the chalraEd, after much discussion and se-
Verai material amendments, was. on molten
or MIR, Fisk OF n. Y. ordered to lie On the
table.
And the House adjourned.
Friday, March II.
Mr.. Eppes reported bill authorizing the
Secretary OF State TO make an additional al
lowance, during the continuance, of the
war, TO masters of vessels bringing home
distressed American seamen.-Twice read
and committed.
On his own motion, Mr.. Troup &c Geo
was excused by the House from serving ON
the oommitte, to VII IN tie bill from the
Senate, concerning the Yszoo claims is re-
ferred.
The bill declaring the assent Of Congress
u an act of the Legislature of the State of
Tennessee. (Which act apportions the Direct
Tax IN different manner from that DIES
crbcd in the act laying the tax) passed
through Committee cf the whole, Mr..
Lewis OF Va. in the chair and was ordered
TO he engrossed for third reading,
On motion OF Mr.. Ward of Mass,
RESOLVED That the committee on the In
dietary be and they are hereby instructed to
enquire into the expedency Of INCREASING
the salary of the District Judge for the Dis.
triot Of Massachusetts, and that they have
leave to report by bill or otherwise.
The bill for the relief OF Stephen Girard
passed through committee of the whole
Mr.. Stanford Of N. G.. in the chair, s. was
ordered to be engrossed for third read.
ing.
And the House adjourned.
WAsEINGTOS, March n
Copg Of a ieitey from Liepf CREIGHTON, command
ing fbe Unf,ed Stairs brig Ratikesnafe. IN RE
Secretary e the Macy.
L. 8. Brig Rattesnair