Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-06-01

House, WHO WIS 9cO fUcfTOcr OIL the commits
tee appointed on the Address of Ninian Edwards,
which letter contained 4 statement, that he
thought il incumbent on him as member of
that committee, 10 notice. 1t is there said, that,
C il was III his, (Mr. Randolph's) instance, and
not withou. considerable resistance On the part
of 4 maj ority OF the COMMITTEE, that the Secrc-
tary had the opportunity given him TO file his
answer to the accusation of Mr.. Edwards -
MIR. Livingston said he was bound to declare
that there was not on his part the slightest oppo-
sition nor did any other member of the commit
tee express any, or slew the least Discrimination
To communicate the accusation 10 Mr.. Crawford
or to give linn an opportunity of answering it I;
that Oh the contrary, il was one of the first mea-
surcs proposed, after the papers were printed /;
that the motion was made as appeared by the
minutes Of the committee, by member from
New York., to communicate the papers, that Mr..
Raniolph's amendment was adopted by him,
and it was unanimously agreed TO, as amended.
MIR. Livingston said that the statement could
only have arisen from a very great misappre-
hcnsion ef the proceedings of the committee;
but that ii conveyed 50 serious charge on their
character and impartiality, that he appealed TO
the recollection of all the members now present,
10 declare whether the statement he had made
was not correct.
Mr.. Nc Arthur said, that he distinctly rccol-
lected the proceedings of the committee on the
23th April-that il was upon the motion of Mr..
Tayio the order was made, to transmit to Mr..
Crawford {; copy of Mr.. Edwards Address, and
the accompanying papers, together with the re
solution creating the committee, which was ac-
quicsced in by all the members then present.
Mr.. Floyd, perhaps, suggested the propricty of
first examining the communications and docu-
mcnts but did not urge the suggestion. Upon
Mr.. Randolpl's arrival the proceedings of the
committee were read to him when he remark
cd that he hoped the committee would not be
delayed in its investigation for the Secretary,s
niswer-tbat he was progressing with the in
vcstgation, but was willing that the Secretary
should be advised of it, and moved TO amend the
motion of Mr.. Taylor, as stated in the minutes
of the committee. That the modification pro-
posed by Mr.. r. was accepted by MIR. TAYLOR,
and unanimously adopted. That he was conf
dent, that the statement relative thereto, which
appeared in the Richmond Enquirer of the 25th
inst. over the signature of John Randolph Of
Roanoke, is not correct.
Mr.. Floyd said. that he had Iust come in
" did not know very well what it was the gentle
man had been saying. If, as he was told, it re-
lated TO the occurrence in the committee, he
could only state the impression which was made
on his memory, though he did not know that he
was correct, but believcdhe was. So far, however,
rs he was told what Mr.. Randolph had written
it seemed to him that there was evidently some
mistake lii the business. He presumed it must
relate to conversations, in the committee, ra-
thcr than TO the measure adopted by them. A
proposition was read by some member he be-
lcved the gentleman from New York, to this
effect; that the chairman be directed to trans
NIT a copy of Mr.. Edwards's Address to the Sc
cretary OF the Treasury, and request hls answer
This was conversed on and the latter part striciz-
en- out. Mr.. Randolph came in, and made the
motion to amend the proposition Of the gentle
man from New York. very similar to the first;
wi.ic;i proposition was then put to the commit
tee, and a vote taken, which seemed It be salts
factory to all, and was SO noted he believed, BY
ihe committee. This seemed to him to be
nearly the state of the facts, IL, he remembered
them.
Mr.. Webster said that he held in his hand the
original paper containing the resolution offered
by Mr.. Taylor. 1t had at first been proposed.
10 request an answer from Mr.. Crawford, but it
was suggested that there might be some obiec-
ton TO that form. This was afterwards ,nodi-
lied, so as TO say the committee would receive
any communication Mr.. G.. should think pro-
per TO make.
[licrc for the present the conversation drop
2ed
MIR. Taylor moved that the Clerk, on the or
der of the Chairman of the Committee, paw wit
nesses who may attend the Committee of inves-
tigation, the usual allowance per diem for their
attendance. Agreed to.
Mr.. Stewart offered the following:
g ReSoiced, That the members of the Com
rnittce appointed on the memorial OF Ninian Ed
wards be paid at the usual rate of COMPENSATION,
for the time they may remain in session, du-
ring the recess of Congress, out of the contn-
gent fund"
Mr.. Taylor observed, that, if the mover had
consulted lis wishes, he would not press the mo-
ton.
At the suggestion of .Ur Poinsett and there
being no quorum, Mr.. S. withdrew the resolu-
ton.
Mr. Taylor moved the following:
g That a committee be appointed on the part
OK this House Jointly with such committee as
may be appointed on the part of the Senate, to
wait on the President of the United States, and
notify him that, unless he may have other com
munications to make TO the two Houses of Con
gress, they are ready 10 adjourn y
After short time,
Mr.. Taylor, from the joint Committee, ap-
pointed TO wait on the President reported that
they had performed that duty, and that the Pre-
sident had informed them that he had no far
ther communication to make TO Congress.
OTdered, That a message be sent to the Sc.
nate to inform them that this House, having
completed the business before them, are ready
W oiosc inc present session Oh congress, by an
adjournment on their part, and that the Clerl,
GO with the said message.
Mr.. Taylor then rose, and said, that, in re-
ference to the letter of Mr.. Randolph, that had
appeared in the public prints this morning, lie
thought it proper to observe, in confederation
OF what had been said by the hon. gentleman
from Massachusetts, tn his recollection was
very distinct that the original motion made by
him in committee was stronger, and went far
thcr, than the order finally adopted. 1t not on
Iy required that Mr.. Crawford should be fur
nished with copy of Mr.. Edwards's memorial,
aud the accompanying papers, together with a