Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-03-31

doII.rs-.ftbis latter involving the question
whether the Missouri expedition shall De 81
m;,ed 10 the Council Bluffs, Or authorised by
appropriation. to be extended to the Manoan
Villages, as originally contemplated by the
Executlve.}
The FIRST amendment being read
Mr. Sanford rose and explained in detail
the reasons which induced the committee 10
recommend an augmentation OF the aPpro-
nria,ions enumerated above which aug
mentation was grounded, generally, on me
expedieDcy of keeping up the military es.'
Enlistment on its present iooting-'he ell.
feet Of the reduced appropriations passed
by the House Of Representatives, peins 70
diminish the army to about 3ooo men--the
expediency OF, prosecuting the military eA'
nedition up the Missouri. as high as the NJ an
dan Villages, to effect the aycwed OBJECTS OF
the government. to secure TO the country no
lust portion of the Indian fur trade, OF cut
! ting of The intercourse, the pernicious IN
Auence, and the profit OF the British traders
/ and companies from the extensive tribes
within our limits to the north west, by the
establishment Of the military posts contem'
Mated by the executive at certain points
ON the north western waters, particularly up
the Missouri, &c.-the inexpediency OF re-
linouisbing that trade. at least without an
equivalent. and the propriety OF exercising
rights. and enjoying advantages, which no.
body disputes all which Mr.. S. went much
into detail, by arguments, by reference 10
/ documents on the subject, aida recurrence
10 the history of our country, and the policy
and object of England and her fur compa-
MES. TO explain and INDEPENDENTLY in
reference to that branch OF the subject con-
nected with our Indian relations.
The first amendment, increasing the s2-
preparation for clothing was stated. when, IN
answer TO an enquiry by Mr.. Wilson--Mr.
Trimbe and Mr.. Dana. respectively, ex-
planned the propriety of the increase. on the
ground, among other reasons, that it was
rendered proper by the necessity Of having
always six months supply on hand, for fur
nishing with certainty distant posts, &c.
Mr., Morrill, admitted the propriety hav-
ing well appointed and well supplied ar
my but spoke in favor OF economy and RI
gid examination Of the appropriations, TO
ascertain where retrenchment could be eff.
fected without de,rment 10 the public SER
vice.
Mr. Dana replied at some length, 10 sbew
that there was 10 extravaganza in this ap.
preparation at least; but, on the contrary, il
was required by considerations of true eco.
uomy, &c.
Mr.. Wilson expressed himself satisfied
with The explanations given Oh this question.
Mr.. Burril made few remarks to show,
from the probable strength ofthe army, that
the appropriation made by the other House
would be sufficient for the object, without
any increase.
Mr.. Macon read one ar two documents to
shew that the arms would probably be redu.
ced by the effect of desertion, which had a.
mounted, in the last year, 10 more than 1900,
the number contemplated to be recruited.
Mr.. Otis opposed the reduction of the ar
my in this incidental way, by diminishing
appropriations and argued that certain "a
mount of force was authorised by Congress
that the estimates Of the executive officers
were grounded thereon, and it was proper to
be guided in some degree by them, and rely
somewhat on their responsibility. &c.
After some further discussion between
Messrs. Dana. Burrill, Eaton, and Trimble,
the amendment was agreed to.
The second amendment, to increase the
appropriation for the Quarter Masters De.
partment (ior the use Of the Missouri expe-
dition) from four hundred and fifty to -fve
hundred thousand dollars, was next taken UP.
Mr.. Macon spoke in favor OF the policy of
limiting the Missouri expedition to the Coun-
ell Bluffs, which it had reached-and' against
the extension Of our acquisitions of territory
at present further into tho Indian country, as
they now extended far enough for the popu-
Acknowledging that carrying these expe-
ditions among the Indians is likely 20 pro-
duce Indian wars-that if carried further up
the Missouri, they must be extended in other
d;rections-that these could not destroy the
influence of priyate traders Oye, the Indians