American watchman and Delaware advertiser., 1826-02-28
Nineteenth Congress-1st Session,
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 81.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
wAsHINGToN's BIRTH DAY.

4
Mr.. Cooke, OF Tennessee, said it was not his hab
it TO make motions Of adjournment. He did how
ever, rise for the purpose OF moving an adjournment
over TO morrow. Il was The birth day OF the Father
of his country, and it was with view to the cer
bration of this interesting anniversary. that lie mo-
we'd that when the House adjourn il adjourn 10
meet on Thursday
| The question was then put, and there appeared
ayes So, noes 40. There being quorum, the
members were requested to take their seats within
the bar and vote on the question.
MIR. Forsyth, Of Georgia, said he should be glad
to know for what reason The motion Of adjournmen,
was made.
Mr. Cooke replied, that re had already endeayo
read to assign the reason of his motion. To morrow
will be the anniversary of the birth day OF the Faith
er Of his country, TO whom We owe more than TO any
other human being. He for one, wished 10 contribute
his mite OF respect to the memory of that great man
This was his motive for making the motion to ad
ourn, which he hoped the House would sustain.
Mr.. Forsyth said, he should be sorry if it was
supposed any member Of that House entertalneda
deeper respect for the Father OF the country than
he did But he was Of opinion that the best mode
in which we could show our respect, would be by
the performance -four public duties. Such amods
would bs most agreeable to Washington himself, il
his split were to be consulted. We have been al
ready in session long time, and on review ol our
proceedings, it would be evident that our time has
been badly employed. We have adjourned ose
two days IN every week. and now, for the FIRST time
since the death Of Washington, we are asked to at'
iourn over the anniversary Of his birth day. lie be.
evrd it was tine first time Il had ever entered the
head OF any member Of an American Congress 70
respect the birth day OF any individual, however Y
ustriors he may have been. lie hoped the molloa
would not prevail.
MIR. Houston. CT Tennessee, said. with great res
pecs for the gentleman from Georgia, he was com
PEELED to differ from him on the present occasion
lhc example was one which was not likely to Dc
perncious II was intended as an preston oil res
pect and reverence 10 the Father of his country
and he would remind the House that Ike State Of
Virginia makes this day an exception from all DIN
er days, and transacts no public business The as
semby uniformly adlourns n honour Of this dsn
guished individual. In addition TO this motive, ne
would state another reason why we should adjourn
The masonic fraternity, Of which he was member
wish to celebrate this day 1t is their desire to aVa
themselves OF the use of this Hail. as the most SUIT
able place for their exercises. These considers
,ions would be sufficient to induce him to vote @
the motion land he did not think any gentleman
would object TO adjourn over and to permit the ma
sonic fraternity to occupy the Hall. If the motion
had originated in any selfish considerations, he woua
have voted against ii. The nation will participate
IN any feeling which the House may exhibit in re-
terence TO the distinguished individual and the oc
cason. He did moi think it was necessary to state
any additional reasons but as the gentleman from
Tennessee had not given all these, he had though!
1t might induce the House to accede to the motion,
if he suggested them. Whether the gentlemau,
would be gratifed by hi. doing SO, or not he coui
not tell. After having said thus much, he woup
leave the decision to the House, and would bow
contentedly TO it, be it what it may.
| Mir. Campbell, of Ohio, said he did noi rise