Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-02-08


not, indeed, be presumed, that the mes
morialists should wish change in mari-
time law which would produce very lite
tie diminution in the dangers of our
commerce in conflict with any con-
siderable naval power, while it would
wrest from our hands what we have
hitherto considered as one of our princi-
pal means OF annoyance. 1t is the se-
curity of fair and harmless commerce
from all attack, which the memorialists
most desire. 1t is the introduction of q
system which shall con6ne the imme.
date injuries of war to those whose sex,
and age, and occupation, do not unfit
them for the struggle. If these are the
wishes of the memorialists, the commits
without hesitation.
The committee think that it will be
| right in the government of the United
States TO renew its attempt to obtain the
mitigation of barbarous code, whenever
there shall seem a probability OF its sue
cess. They do not doubt that it will do
SO. Its first efforts at negotiation were
characterized by an anxiety to limit the
evils of war; and if it seem to have de-
sisted from the prosecution of this de.
sign, the committee believe that this cir
cumstance must be attributed, not to a
change in the policy ofthe United States,
but to the perseverance in their former
policy of other nations.
The committee are not unaware that
the United States are better situated
than any other nation to profit by priya-
teering;" but they are far from oppos-
ing this calculation to a regulation
which, if the powers of the world would
adopt it, they too should consider as a
happy improvement in the laws of ma
tons"
1t is an improvement, however, which
cannot be made without the consent of
other states. The committee will not
flatter the memorialists by expressing the
opinion that such consent will probably
be given; but, as it can be obtained one
ly, if at all, through the Executive gov
eminent, to whose discretion the conduct
Of negotiations has been properly con.
lided by the constitution, they recon-
mend to the House the following reso-
luton -
RESOLVED, That the Committee OF
Foreign Relations be discharged from
the further consideration of the memo-
rails relating to the practice of priva.
teering, and that they be referred to the
Secretary Of State.
The report was read, and the resolu.
ton agreed to.
On motion of Mr.. Strong, of New
York, it was
Resolved, That committee be ape
pointed to inquire into the expediency of
providing by law for furnishing the ar
my, the navy, and the Indian department,
with articles of clothing, and other mer-
chandise, of domestic manufacture, exc
cept such articles only as cannot, with
economy, and in sufficient quantity be
manufactured in the United States.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 6.
Mr.. Walker, of N. c. moved the foi-
lowing resolution, which was agreed to
by small majority:
Resotped, That the Secretary of War
be directed to report to this house,
whether any, and, if any, what progress
has been made in the civilization of the
Indian tribes, and the sums of money, if
any, which have been expended on that
object, under the act of last session.
FRIDAY, JANUARY Z.
Onmotion of Mr.. Cooke, it was
ResolUed, That the Secretary of War
be directed to report to this house the
sums of money which have been actual
ly paid since the peace establishment,
to the General Officers and their staff,
who are attached to the Army OF the
United States, specifying particularly on
what account, to whom, and when, paid.
Mr.. Butler, of N. H. moved the fol.
lowing resolution
RESOLVED, That the committee on the
Public Lands be instructed to inquire in-
to the expediency of granting to each
state a tract of land, not exceeding one
hundred thousand acres, for the endow-
ment of an University in each state.
The House having agreed to consider
the resolution, M
Mr.. Butler remarked that this pro-
position was not new, that it was before
the House at the last session, when re-
port was made on it but not acted on.
1t was an inquiry of much Importance,
in many points of view, and he hoped
his resolution would be adopted.
On motion of Mr.. Edwards, Of Con.
Is