Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1816-03-23

NoSaAA IN SflCUiil
'orm to the people; They did not acceptthe A.
lcle, said Mr.. Dit is, therefore decided by
he people, that the congress may correctly in
crease the compensation of its members, during
the time for which they are elected. &c.
Mr. Mason said, in reply to- one of M.
Dana's observations, that he wished to put
ptfthe operation ofthis bill to the fifth day of
March next when at least a part of the
Senate, and the whole of the House of Re-
representatives., would have returned to the
people, and would not, without re-electi-
on, derive any benefit from the bill, &c.
As for those of the Senate, who will remain
in office beyond the 4th of March next,
he suggested Il that those who chose, might
avoid voting on the question, under the
rule which authorizes any member of the
Senate to be excused from voting on a cues
ton in which he is personally interested,
&c
Mr.. Roberts rose to defend his vote from the
arguments of those opposed to the bill. He was
duly sensible he hoped, of the situation in which,
members of this house stood in relation to pub.
lic opinion but he knew not on this subject
what public opinion was This question was
presented 30 him fordecision without that light
There had been a feeling generally prevalent as
tar as his information extended, that the present
compensation of the members was not sufficient
IL had been his conviction that it was better not
to agita'e this question at the present time; but
the proposition had originated in The other house
which was at ~leastas responsible to public opin-
ion as this anG believing it not objectionable
in principle, he felt it his duty to vote for it.
Fit were an unpopular act, he SAID, its weight
would fall on the shoulders of those who voted
fpr tit might occasion their removal from the
PUBLIC councils, by which it might be promoted
1t SO, he was willing to make the sacrifice. The
proposed amount of compensation was perhaps
too large with the IDEAS on this subject arising
from his humble situation in life, had he had the
direction of this question, he should not perhaps
liked 1t so high but, he considered the two
houses, on this question, like jury much Ovid
ed on the subject before them, but obliged to
decide on something. On the ground of abstract
right, however without regard to the house of
Representatives, he considered it expedlent to
pass the bill Itmight be improved perhaps in
detail, but the principle he C nsidered as correct
Whatever appealed to the honorable feelings of.
the member of Congress, could not fail in ercit
ing them to a more earnest discharge of their
duty than a rule of Compensation which slvs
them for each day they attend the public SER
vice. As to the idea of the extravaganza of the
proposed compensation, he denied the fairness
of the view in which il had been presented, as
well as the correctness Of the compensation as
w liz iCiS hl Va TIC sSSolOllS. bul not only the
mere time of attendance in this house ought 10
De taken into view, but the interference # the
duties of the station with their domestic occupa.
tons and arrangements. Mr.. II. SAID he should
contradict the character his habits and mode of
life had given him, if he were to become al ad.
vocale for extravaganza but on the other hand,
he did not, nor did the people, desire 10 see
members living here in a state of privatlon and
suffering his views of his subject should be
disapproved by the people, he was wiling to re.
tire from their, service &c.
The question was taken on postponement and
negativsd.
Mr.. Mason of Va. thsr moved to recommit
thebhi with a view to amend lt-Negatived. ayes
nine.
The question was then taken on the passage
of the bill, and decided as follows:
YEAS-Messrs. Barry, Blbb, Brown, Campbel |
Condict, Daggett, Dana, Gaillard, Harper, Hor-
sey, Howell, Hunter, Lacock, Morrow, Roberts.
Ia bot, Tat, Thompson, Turner, Wells, Will
ams-2I
NAYs-Messrs Chace, King, Macon, Mason,
Of N. ii. Mason of Va. Ruggles, Sanford, Tay-
Tor. Tichenor, Varnum, Wlson.-1l.
Tn question being then on the title of the bill
10 cH nge The mode Of compensation ofthe mem
bers. &c
Mr. Harnum suggested that the title of the
Dill would be advanlageously amended, by max
ing tia bill 10 double he Compensation &c.
Mr.. Dana SAID, if the gentleman desired to
move the amendment, that il was a legal opinion |
that the title OF an act need not necessarily cor.
with It's contents.
No amendment beng moved to the title twas
agreed 10.
The bill respecting the late officers & crew of the
sloop OF war Wasp, was taken up. [This bill
proposes 10 allow twelve months pay TO the re.
latIves OF the officers and crew of the lost sloop
war, and also authorizes the distribution of
nifty thousand dollars among the same, as a re-
ward Tor the capture of the British sloops of war
REINDEER and Avon.l The bill was amended,
aud ordered to be read a third time.
The bill for the relief CO Gustavus LOOMS was
considered and ordered 10 the third reading.
several bills were postponed, and the Senate !
adjourned. Z
PnrDAr, March Is.
Mr.. Roberts presented the memorial of Ferdl.
nahdo Fairfax, praying tile renewal and extens on
OF CERTAIN patents granted TO William Thorn,on
for inventions in and applicable to steam nayiga-
ton which was referred to the committee TO
Wnom was referred the petition, &c. of Harriet
Fulton.
Mr. WTison laid on the table a motion to refer
the late reports OF he secretary of war ON The
state ofthe army, to the military committee. with
Instructions to enquire INTO tn exped, ency OF au-
by law eniistmen s to 6l and keep com.
pie c the ranks of the army. The motions is
not yet acted ON.
The bill to limit the right of appeal from the
Circuit Court of the United States for the Dis
trict OF Columbia, was then taken up, and was
ordered TO be engrossed for a third reading.
The bill for the relief Of Gustavus LOOMS.
read a third time and passed.
THE BANK.
The bin to incorporate the subscribers to the
Bank of the U. s. was received from the II. Of
II. and read.