Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1825-01-20

49, NAiIfA NAhF"
Mr.. II. said, that it was a sound rule
o~cpractice in that House, to refer claims
of a miscellaneous character to select
committee; and, in the present instance.
what did the President ask of US? That
all his pecuniary transactions with the
government, spread over a useful life
Of upwards of forty years public service
should he investigated, s. even upon the
strictest principles, ifhe should belound
a debtor, that be might discharge the
consequent obligation. and have the
evening of his life undisturbed even by
the breath 81 suspicion. That the Presi-
dent was not n mere volunteer in this
mater would be obvious, when it was
recoilected, at the last session, that
something had been intimated that at
least a portion Of his pecuniary trans
actions, with an agent of the public, re-
CURED explanation.
The gentleman from Delaware had
asked what this committee was to inyes-
tigate, as no specific claims had been
stated?. Mr.. II. said that he did not
pretend to know, from any source of
authority, what were the precise extent,
nature, and character Of the claims in
| question; but, if he had even less infor-
nation than he really had on the subject
ne would at least be disposed { o do the
Executive the justice to believe. that.
when he sent a message founded on
their alleged existence, that they not or
ly existed, but were entitled to the res
pect and attention of this House. He
had, however. no objection to state that
he had casually learnt that the claims in
question were, for services rendered by,
the President in a diplomatic character
abroad, and expenditures incurred in
such services; and that, whilst the claims
of other persons had been admitted,
precisely of the same character, the adj
justment Of his had been injurious
) withheld, Immediately after his return
from Europe. The cause of the delay
III the Department of State, during the
period of his retiremeatin Virginia those
who knew him could easily solve, BY his
babitual disregard for money, and from
the easy generosity which characters
zed his efforts in relation to all gains that
were personal to himself.
But really, said, Mr.. FL. he presumed
that the object of every gentleman was
the same, "a precise ascertainment of
the facts connected with these claims.
and with the accounts of the President
general, whilst this individual was al the
seat of Government. and would have it
in his power tc furnish both testimony
and explanation. The President did
not ask, but had expressly repudiated
the idea of any decision on the justice of
the claims during the term of his office.
All he wished of you was, that when ey-
idence could be collected without neon
venience, that you should take the pro-
per means of collecting it. Indeed, he
had all along, even when Secretary of
State, or whilst in public office, refrain
ed from pressing a settlement, from a
%ssrupuious deIicacy that was worthy of
the highest commentator. The simple
question then is, ought these claims TO he
referred TO the Committee of Claims,
constantly and oppressively burdened
with a superabundance of business, or
ought they not rather to be sent to a
Committee raised specially foi the pur-
pose, who could have time to investigate
them fully, notwithstanding there posi-
lily miscellaneous character, and report
the facts for an Interior and future deci-
sion ofthis House, when the distinguish
ed individual to whom they relate, should
be beyond the exercise of power and
p]atronagef This was all that he asked.
& as little as we could well accord to him.
Mr.. Ii. said, in concluding, he had but
one remark 10 make in reply TO the OBJ
servation OF the gentleman from New
Hampshire, shat select committees
were usually partial" He thought this
objection was practically obviated by The
power which the Speaker had, at least
in this case, to whom his selection of the
committee from the whole House. with
out the smallest limitation whatsoever.
except as to number. The iudicious
exercise of the power, by the person
whcnow filed tie chair,was guaranteed
by the intelligence, frmness, and inde-
pendence,w (which uniformly characterized
his conduct.
He, therefore, hoped that the gentle
men who had opposed it, would perceive
the r~easonabicness of making the refer
ence to a select committee and MOTTO the
Committee ofClaims, both on the grounds
OF precedent, right. and expediency, and
would afford to their venerable Chief
Magistrate the same privilege and facil-