Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1824-06-01

not quorum OF uemuoTs P'oe0""
Mr.. A. Smyth expressed hope that
the mover would consent to Withdraw
the resolution.
Mr.. Williams said, he could not con-
slider the measure proposed as at all ne
eesssry. Every gentleman, he bsliev-
ed, was entirely satisfied with the pre-
sent committee, and prepared to place
every proper confidence in their pro. !
ceedines--apd he wished division OF
the House on this motion to lay the re-
solution on the table.
Mr.. Poinsett observed, that there was
evidently not quorum of memo ers
present: and from the best Information
he could obtain, he was induced to be.
lieve, that SO many had last evening ano
this morning avsilsd themselves OF the
various conveyances which were de-
parting in all directions, that there was
not quorum left in the c'ty--snd he
hoped the gentleman from New YORK
would not persist in his motion.
Mr. Cook then observed, that the re.
marks of the gentleman from Virginia,
Yesterday Mr.. A. Smyth) required OF
the committee of Investigation to ask
what had now been moved by the gen.
tleman from New York. He did not
think the measure was at all required
by the parties concerned. The exami-
patton Of their case might be safely lott
to the present committee without any
augmentation: and he thought it would
be best. under all circu mstances. that
the committee should agree to withdraw
the motion.
Mr.. Ellis spoke few words to the
same effect.
Mr.. Taylor then observed. that it
would probably be the best course TO
Law the resolution on the table by unan-
imous consent, in the nope, that, 10 The
course OF an hour quorum might be
obtained.
Mr.. Poinsett observed, that he had,
from the first, been opposed to direct.
ing the comittee TO sit in the recess, but
the House had determined otherwise,
ard he now thought that it was wholly
unnecessary that other members be ad-
ded. So far from being increased with.
IN an hour, he believed the number OF
attending members would be lessened.
Mr.. Livingston rose and said. that he
had that instant come into the House,
and that paper had been put into his
hands, containing letter signed by an
honorable member Of this House, who
was also q member Of the committee
appointed on the Address of Ninisn
Edwards, which letter contained state
ment that he thought it incumbent on
him, as q member Of that committee, to
notice. 1t ID there said, shat, it was at
his (Mr. Rsndolph's) instance, and not
without considerable resistance. on tho
part Of q majority of the committee,
that tho Secretary had the opportunity
given him to file his answer to the sc-
cusation Of Mr.. Edwards Mr.. BIZ
vingston said he was bound to declare
that there was not on his part the
slightest opposition, nor did any other
member of the committee express any,
or shew the least disiDc liDation to com.
municate tho accusation to Mr.. Craw.
ford. or to give him an opportunity OF
answering it; that, on the contrary, 1t
was one of the first measures proposed,
after the papers were printed, that the
motion was made, as appeared by the
minutes of the committee, bya MEM
Der from New York, to communicate
the papers, that Mr.. Randolph. amend
meat was adopted by him, and it was
unanimously agreed to, as amended
Mr.. Livingston said, that the statement
could only have arisen from a very
srea, misspprehension of the proceed.
ipgs of the committee: but that it con.
veyed so serious charge on their char.
acter and impartislity, that he appealed
to the recollection Of all the members
now present. to declare whether The
statement he had made was not correct.
Mr.. Macarthur said, that he distinct
ly recollected the proceedings of the
committee on the 2Sth-,hat it was up.
on the motion of Mr.. Taylor, the order
was made, to transmit to Mr.. Crawford
a copy of Mr.. Ewards's address. and
the accompanying papers, together with
the resolution creating the committee.
which was acauiesced in by all the mem
bsrs then present. Mr.. Floyd, perhaps,
suggested the propriety Of frst examin
ing the communications and documents,
but did not urge the suggestion. Upon
Mr.. Randolph's arrival the proceedings
of the committee were read to him,
when he remarked that he hoped the
committee would not be delayed In its
investigation for the Secretary's ans
wsr--that he was for progressing with
tina in estiyation. but ytas willing that