The Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1822-1822, 1822-04-25

Messrs Rankin, Valworth, Moore. OF
Alab. Mercer, and Rhea, in opposition
to it.
MIR. Cook expressed himself satisfied
with the explanation that had been Civ
en- by the gentleman from Mississippi,
MIR. Rankin,) and hoped the bill would
be adopted in its present shape
The motion for recommitment was
negatived; and the bill was finally passed
and returned to the Senate.
ORDERS OF THE DAY.
The house then resolved itself into a
committee of tbs whole on the state OF
the Union, Mr.. Condict in the chair,)
on the bill making further approprla-
lions for the support of the military
Establishment OF the United states.
for the year 1922.
The question required upon striking
out the appropriation for the erection
of Fort Calhoun, on the Chesapeake.
The debate was opened by Mr.. Bas-
sett in opposition to the motion. He
viewed the facts connected with the pro
gress of the work, and replied to the
observations made yesterday by the
gentleman from Kentucky, Mr.. Trim
ble.) He thought we were not de-
parting from the economy OF Jefferson,
but on this subject were following with
unequal steps the policy that states
man had recommended. He dwelt up.
ON the calamities that might ensue tothe
country in the result of an unsuccessful
naval conflict with an enemy, If we had
not Notifications to shelter retreat, or
TO afford protection to our cities, and
expatiated at length upon the peculiar
importance and expediency Of the fort
IN question.
Mr. Golden made few remarks on
ahe subject, which could not be heard
by the reporter.
Mr.. Baldwin did not rise to make any
remarks on the subject Of the specific
appropriation now proposed, but only
so reply TO observations of the gentle.
man from Kentucky, Mr.. Harding yes
terday, and he explained fully end at
length the circumstances in relation to
the alledged excess of expenditures o.
YER the appropriations of the last year.
After few queries by MIR. Mallary,
and an explanation by Mr.. Basset,
Mr.. Sterling of New York, took the
floor, and adverted to the charge made
yesterday upon the secretary of war, OF
sranscendiug the appropriations of the
last year; and upon the first clerk, OF
participating in the contracts or the
works at the Rip Raps, and of injuring
the public interest thereby. Mr.. S.
went into a particular examination of
the subject, and referred to documents,
by which be contended it was fully
shewn. that, instead Of transcending
the appropriation, THE Secretary of war
had kept within it by more than fifteen
thousand dollars And In respect to the
chief clerk, DIR, S. remarked. that the
gentleman, (Mr. Cocke,) who made the
statement, was appointedin 1919, chair
man of committee to investigate the
subject, and had shrunk from the task
of reporting upon it. Mr.. S. contended
that the contract was fairly made; that
the government tested the expense by
experiments; that the owners OF the
ouarries were notified and consulted
that there were five bidders for the con
tract. that the lowest terms we're &C.
cepted; and that the contractor AFTER
wards refused to extend the contract on
similar terms.
MIR. Cooke replied, and stated the res
son that the committee, to which the
gentleman from New York, (Mr. sterl
INC had alluded, had not reported,
was owing to no indisposition OF his,
but to the fact that the other gentle
men appointed upon it bad not been able
10 attend to the subject; and that the rea-
son for not reporting had long since been
communicated to the House. Mr.. G, also
replied 70 the observations OF toe gentle
man from Pennsylvania, (Mr. Baldwin,
Dir. Hardin disclaimed having made any
charge or accusation on any department,
but contenied that the Statements he had
made were correct, and that the gentleman
from New York. Mr.. Sterling,) had mis-
conceived the propositions ne had adj
vanced. :,
Mr.. McDufie replied at length to the
remarks made Yesterday by the gentle
man from Kentucky, (Mr. Hardin aud
took wide range of remark, animadvert-
inc upon the report of the Retrenchment
committee. $50 called ) which, he conten>
ded. was altogether incorrect, and de
Tending the character and policy of the
present administration in aspeechot near
ly an hour :,
Mr.. Hardin replied, an ertenso, to the
r.