Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-01-29

might have been given, had the editor, oeen
seated in the gallery. The paragraph aliuaea
to, was certainly libel, not only on the gen
,leman himself, but upon the House; whom IL
accused Of refusing to assent to, or CONSIDER
certain resolution, from want OF respect ior
one of its own members. But this was not an
abuse Of the Rule in question, but an abuse Of
the press. A stenographer, as such, was an
swerable for nothing but faithful representa-,
ton of what passed in debate. If he happened
to be the editor Of paper, and chose to &C
COMPANY his report with remarks OF his own,
he had perfect right to do so; and, however
offensive those remarks might be IN other
points of view, they were no violation oil the
present Rule Of the House respecting the adj
mission Of stenographers. He was therefore
opposed to the amendment OF tine Rule now OIL
fered; but had thought 1t proper to make the
present remarks, on what he believed to be the
abuses Of the Rule, but which circumstances
perhaps, rendered unavoidable.
Mr. HAMILTON said, that he had voted
with great pleasure with his friend from Mary
land, Of whose warmth and generosity OF CHAR
acter no one could be more sensible than MIN
sell; for the considera ton OF his resolution, De-
cause, as an act of courtesy TO any gentleman
he would always acCortto him hearing on
any proposition which was not maniiesty ao-
surd on its face, and was brought forward IN a
respectful manner to the House; but he was
compelled to tell him that, radically opposed to
his motion, he should vote against it.
think, Sir, said Mr.. H., if had been pre-
viously SO fortunate as 10 have been favored by
the House with a consideration OF my resoiu'
tons on the Sedition Law, should nave SAITH
ed my friend of the impolicy of touching the
rules for the purpose which ne has aVoWed.-
For this, disguise it as we may, is fcmperlps
with the freedom of the Press; and before that
poin, is reached, we must stop. Let II be ad-
mitted that we, all Of US, may occasionally sui
fer from the strong and pungent thrusts OF this
subtle engine, we must bear this with what phi.
losophy we can, in order TO ensure blessings OF
incalculable value.
|, is known to US all, that there are different
species ofpapers-one kind vhat starves, and
another that feeds on the most thrifty nutrment.
Some are pampered to absolute distention, by
what distinguished member of Congress then
and high func,ionary now, Mr. CLAY,) called
Treasury Papa remark which he then apPli-
ed, as a reason why it was not to be Believed, 10
no less paper than the National lnteliigencer
which he presumed it was no scandal 10 call the
organ Of the Government. Well, Sir, IL this
Treasury Pap is such deleterious food that 1t
produces scandal, falsehood, and back.biting,
why what then? say let the papers that d.
gest this food, and are so influenced by 1t, he
on, for truth and cecency will ultimately pre-.
vail. And really, my friend, With as much rea
son, ought to quarrel with poor worm Tor
wallowing in his own slime, as to get into a
passion with those who, from such feeding, in
dulge in low and pi,ifnl scandals.
As il regards the manner in which the Stem
ographers perform their duty, he thought his
friend from Georgia, MIR. FoRstTH,) had not
done them justice. Here Mr.. Forsyth said he
had made no complaint, as those VINO were re-
ally Stenographers did their du,y; it was OF the
admission on the hoor OF those who were not
Stenographers, Of which he complained. Mr..
HAMILTON said that, from the difficulty in hear
ing the gentleman, he presumed he had misap-
pretended him; he would only add 10 what he
was about TO say, that, considering the emoar-
rassment under which those who are really
Stenographsrs labor, 1t was only remarkable
that they were even as successful as they were
in reporting the Debates
But, Sir, is there any necessity for US to touch
the rule? Are any other printers, excepting
those VINO report as otenoBrapherS, aamitteu!
Ifthere are, it is within your competency TO de-
termine this question; and to apply the rule
In other words, it is your duly TO exclude those
WHO are no, stenographrrs, but not for the rea
son offered BY the gentleman from Maryland
No, Sir; those whom you admit are entitled 10
remain here so long as they conduct themselves
with decency whilst Oh me floor; We have no.
thing to do with any structures they may think
proper TO make out of this house on any or all
Of US, through the great organ of the press. To
that extent our jurisdiction goeth not; and
think, when l discuss my resolutions on the
restoration Of the fines, under the Sed,ion
Law, will be able to convince my friend that,
in the very pitb and marrow of this thing, he
IS wrong.
Mr. WEEMS said, in answer to the honora-
BILE gentleman from South Carolina, he would
FIRST remark, that that gentleman had stated
correctly that ne voted for the consideration OF
his re solution lie would also offer his thanks
to that gentleman for the favorable opinion he
had expressed as entertained towards him MIR
WEEMs) personally, with an assurance OF his
full and entire reciprocity towards that gentle
man. But, Sir, said MIR. w, am as unwil-
ling as himself, or a. any Other member on This
floor, to infringe, in the slightest degree, the
liberty Of the press-thal ought TO be, as il is
considered, The palladium Of our liberties. He