Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-01-19

strict regard to justice, which is observ-
ed in settlements between individuals 10
private life.-It would be gratifying to
me, and it appears to be just, that the
subject should be now examined, in both
respects, with view TO decision here
after. No bill would, it is presumed,
be presented for my signature, which
would operate either for or against me,
and | would certainly sanction none in
my favor. While here, can furnish
testimony, applicable to any case, in
both views, which a full investigation
may require, and the committee to
whom the subject may be referred, by
reporting facts now, with q view to a
decision after my retirement, will allow
time for further information, and the
consideration Of all matters relating
thereto. Settlements with a person in
this trust, which could not be made with
the accounting officers of the govern
ment, should always be made by Con-
gress, and before the public. The
cause of the delay in presenting these
claims, will be explained to the commit
tee to whom the subject may be refer
red. 1t will, presume, be made appar-
emf, that it was inevitable, that, from the
peculiar circumstances attending each
case, Congress alone could decide on it
and that, from considerations of de licacy,
it would have been highly improper for
me to have sought it from Congress, at
an earlier period than that which is now
proposed, the expiration of my term in
this high trust.
Other considerations appear to me to
operate with great force, in favor ofthe
measure which | now propose. A citi-
zen, who has long served his country,
In IFS highest trusts, has right, if he
has served with fidelity, to enjoy undis-
turbed tranquility and peace in his re-
tirement. This he cannot expectto do,
unless his conduct, in all pecuniary con-
Germs, shall be placed, by severe scruti-
ny, on basis not to be shaken. This
therefore forms strong motive with me
tor the inquiry which | now invite. The
public may also derive considerable ad-
vantage from the precedent, in the future
movement of the government. 1t be-
ing known that such scrutiny was made,
In my case, ii may form a new and strong
barrier against the abuse of the public
confidence in future.
JAMES MONROE.
Wdsh'ngt0p, Jan, 5, 1926.
The message was read and ordered
to lie on the table.
FRIDAY, JAN. 7.
Mr.. Cook, of Illinois, presented the
following resolution:
Resolved, Tha, the Committee on the
Judiciary be instructed to inquire into
the expediency of establishing one or
more National Penitentiaries for the
confinement and punishment of persons
convicted of offences against the laws OF
the United States, to be located at such
place or places as shall be most conve.
nient to the different sections of the U.
Mon.
MONDAY, JAN. 10.
A Message was received from the
President declining to comply with the
request of the House for information rel
alive to complaints against Naval Off.
GERS in the Pacific, till Com. Stewart
shall have had his trial.
/ TUESDAY, JAN. IL.
Mr.. Ingham moved to refer the me-.
sage Of the President, received or
Thursday last, to a select committee ;
which was then decided in the afirma-
tive without division, and a committee
of seven members ordered to be ap.
pointed accordingly.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. IL.
Mr.. McLane, from the Committee Of
Ways and Means, made report, accom-
panied by bill authorizing the Score.
tary of the Treasury to borrow sum
not exceeding twelve millions of dollars
OF to exchange stock of four and one.
half per cent. for a certain stock, bear.
ing an interest of six per cent" which
was twice read and committed.
On motion of Mr. Call, of Indiana, il
was resolved that a select committee be
instructed 10 inquire into the expedien-
cy of aiding the State of Indiana in open
inr canal communication between the
waters of Lake Erie and the Wabash
river.