Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1822-03-05
February s.

further information from the Treasury
Department OH the subject of the ex-
animation Of the western land Offices, sc.
Mr.. REID moved to erase from the re-
solve the marks of quotation and under
scoring OF the words as far as the Sc
cretary can ascertain the same" which
he considered as implying censure, and
as disrespectfu to the distinguished head
of that Department.
Mr.. Cook assented to the proposition,
but in the course of the conversation,
which grew into debate on this subject.
there was some sharp shooting, on both
sides. The debate was not anticipated,
and full notes of it were not taken.-
What follows is brief outline only.
Mr.. BALDWIN was not disposed to re-
ject a proposition merely calling for in
formation, yet as the underscoring had
passed into the journals of the house in
Italics, it seemed to imply something
not expressed, which he thought was a
practice the house was not prepared to
sanction. If a charge was intended, it
was better to speak out: but he would
Just observe, that the most the resolution
contemplates could not be considered a
crime. BY accepting an executive Of
lice a member does not incur crIminaii-
ty, even though he should yacate his
seat. f
Mr.. RICH moved to amend the reso-
luton by striking out the word REPORT,
and insert in lieu thereof the word in
form: and also 10 strike out all that
specific part of the resolution which re-
lates to an individual appointed to inspect
the land Offices.
Mr.. EDWARDS, Of Conn. was opposed
to the amendment submitted by the GEN
tleman frol:. Vermont, (Mr. Rich.) He
thought that was the most materiaI part
of the resolution. He did not perhaps
understand the subject, but, from what
he could learn from the Secrctary's re-
port as communicated, it appeared that
there had been disbursements which the
Secretary could not at present ascertain.
Mr.. L. then adverted to the law that re-
quired that, for all moneys which SO out
of the Treasury, the Secretary shall issue
his warrant, the Comptroller countersign
it, the Register register it, and the Trea-
surer give his check for it. He pre-
sumed that in this case all the forms of
law had been observed, and that the Sc
cretary of the Treasury had acted cor
rcctly, but he wished to obtain further
information ON the subject.
Mr.. BUTLER was opposed to the
amendment and in favor of the adoption
of the resolution. 1t was the duty of the
house to look to the execution of the
laws. He thought the information here
tofore furnished by the Secretary of the
Treasury was imperfect, and he wished
to know distinctly whether a member Of
the other branch Of the legislature had re-
ceivcd, or was to receive compensation
for his services, or whether they were
gratuitous acts of bencyolencc to the
public.
Mr.. SIXTH, Of Md. stated, in reply to
the gentleman from Connecticut, (Mr.
Edwards,) that there was special APP
preparation to meet this and similar ex-
penses. Mr.. E. said his objections re-
ferred only to the manner Of the disburse-
ment. Mr.. S. expressed strongly the
Improperly of understanding resolutions
tina. were offered for adoption by the
house.
Mr.. COOK explained, and said that the
resolution was not UNDERSIGNED for the
purpose of implying censure; but the
Secretary of the Treasury, in his report,
had withheld all information, because he
could not give full Information. His,
(Mr. C's. object, therefore, was by the
understanding to draw the Secretary's at
tention to that particular part Of the sub
ject, that he might communicate what
ever information, more or less, was in
his possession respecting it; and such a
course did not, in his opinion, imply
either censure or disrespect.
Mr.. NELSON, of Md. was not opposed
to calls for Information, when they were
expressed with decorum, or when the in
formation was wanted. But, in this case,
the Secretary had already communicated
all the Information he possessed. TWAS
impossible Tor him the other day 10 state
how much money had been paid, because
it was received on letters of credit, Of
which the returns had not yet been made.
Nor have they now and, of course, no
further Information can be given. The
Secretary admits that money has been
paid-and this admission was sufficient,
if there was any objection TO the princi-
pie ofthe expenditure.
Mr.. GILMER commended, that if there
had been violation Of the law, in relation
to the employment of Senator in the