The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1817-12-17

embracing the following references Of yari.
Gus parts ofthe Message
Resoiued, That so much Of the Message
OF the President Of the United States, ss, re-
lates 10 ,he subject Of Foreign Affairs, and 10
osJr commercial intercourse With British Col
onisl Ports, be referred to o select committee.
I That so much as relates 10 military sfairs;
SO much as relate, 10 an improvement in the
organization and discipline ofthe militia so
much as relates TO naval affairs; 90 much as
relates to the improvement Of the Indian
tribes in the arts of civilized life 30 much
as relates 10 roads, canals and semiuAries Of
learning 80 much as relates 10 the Illicit In,
PRODUCTION OF slaves from Amelia Island into
the United States so much 80 relates TO the
public buildings, and to the ercci!on OF new
edi6ccs for The acco ommodsiiou Of she Hesds
of Departments and tbe Auoun General;
SO much as relates TO the surviving officers
and soldiers Of the Rcvoluiions'y srmy--be
sevsrslly referred TO select mu,ittees, with
leave to report by bill or otherwise.
That so much as relates 10 manufactures,
be referred 20 the committee Of 'ccmapcree
and Ibsnufsctures; 30 much a. rsjstss to the
sabject Of revenue and repeal oG,sbs j0te,-
nal taxes, be referred to the consniiee Of
Ways and Siesns so much as relates 10 pur-
ehssss Of lands from the Indian tribes, TO the
committee on public lands.
The frsi resolution having been read for
consideration, Mr.. Clay (the Speaker moved
10 amend the same by adding TO The end
thereof The following words
"And that the said committee be instruct
ed TO enquire whether any, sDd, il any, what
provisions Of law are necessary 10 ensure, TO
the American colonies of Spain, just obser-
vance Of the duties Incident lothe neutral re-
lation in which the United States s,spd, in
the existing war between then, and Spain.
MI. Clay said, that his presenting. at 40
early period OF The session ,hiY ablcci TO
the consoles faiioo Of the House was iO -conso.
quenoe OF certain proceedings which hc had
seen represented in the public prints as hsv-
iog taken place before certain OF our Courts
Of Jusiice. Two or three cases bearing Oh
this subject had CONC TO hi. knowledge.
which he wished TO state IA the House. The
arsr bad occurred at PhNOdcphil, bcforeshe
Circuit Court OF tho United Siatcs held 10
that city. The circum.turees OF the case
for which however be did not pretend a.
vouch, having received them through the
channel already indicated, we're these il they
were incorrectly stated, nc was happy that
gentlemen had taken his seat this mo'1ine
from that city, who would be able 20 correct
him tina, nine or teo BRUSH Gisbandsd 9th.
GERS had formed in Europe toe resolution to
mite themselves with the Spanish patriots io
the contest existing between them and Spain;
that To carry INTO effect this intention, They
haa sailed from Europe, aud in their traos,t
TO Sou,h.America had touchcd Of he port OF
Phiisdslphia, that, during their residence in
Philadelphia, wearing perhaps the arms and
habiiimeots OF military men, making no dis
guise of their intention TO participate 10 the
struggle, they took passage in a vessel bound
to somc port in South America; /; that, u
knowledge Of this fact having come 10 the
cars OF the public authorities, or perhaps At
the instiga,ion Of sono sgen, Of the Spanish
government, a. prosecution was co1sme need
against these officers, who, from an inability
to proco'e bail, were confined in prison. III
said Mr.. c., the circumstance attending this
transaction Be correctly stated, il becomes an
imperious duty to institute. the enquiry con-
templatcd by tho amendment whiehI have
proposed. That thi. was an extraordinary
case was demoustrattd by the fact Of the gen.
esal sensation which II had excited on the
subject, in the place where it had occurred.
Filled as that respectable aud populous city
is with men differing |, dely on ,polluosl top.
ice and entertaining various vicws Of public
ahairs, but ono sentiment, Mr.. &. said, pre-
vailed on this subject, which was favorable to
the pcrsons thus arrsigned. With regard TO
the conduct of the court on this occasion, he
would cay nothing The respcc, which willis,
ho had sest on this floor, he should always
hsvo to every department Of the government
Tho respect he entertained tor the honora.
bio Judge who had presided, fo,bade him
pronouncing the decision Of that cou,t to
have been unwarnnlcd by lsw. Bur no felt
himseif pefec,ly sustained in saying, that ii
the proceeding was warranted by the exil.ipg
lsv. Il -sss-shs imvcrious du,y OF Conetess
to alter the law In this respect. For, what,
he asked van the neutral obligation which
ono nation owed TO another engaged In Vas
The essenec OF il 10 ,his--tha, the belligsr-
sut means Of the ne utrsi shall not bs empty.
ed 10 tho war in favor OF ci,hesof tho pasiies.
That 10 the whole Of tho obligation Of third
psrty In war between two othcrs-m cer-