Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-05-22

SWAmpS In the VICINITY.
MIR. j. S. Barbour advocated the postpone
ment of the BILL in order to afford time to ascer-
tain the wishes of the people of the District upon
the subject; it being well known that considera.
Bile diversity opinion prevailed In relation to it.
The question was then taken upon the post :
ponement Of the bill till the first Monday in De.
cember next-Yeas II, Nays 100.
The motion was, therefore, negatived.
Mr.. .Alerander then moved an amendment to
the bill. as follows:
ssProvded. that this act shall not be construed
to extend to slaves"
The amendment was adopted by vote Of ayes
81 to noes II.
in order that, in its present shape, it might not be
called up again, either at this or any future ses-
sion of Congress. Upon this question he desired
the yeas and nays-Yeas SO, Nays III.
The proposition to lay the bill upon the table
was. therefore rejected.
The bill was then ordered to be engrossed for
third reading tomorrow.
The House then, on motion of Mr.. PoWers,
went into Committee of the Whole on the state
of the Union Mr.. Daniel in the Chair, and took
up the following bill:
{. A bill making appropriations for the compile
trict of Columbia"
The first blank in the bill, being for the sup
port of the Penitentiary generally, was filled with
the sum of $50, $50. The second, respecting
the amount to be drawn from the Treasury at
one time, with $4,000. 1t was proposed to fill
the third with $500, being the compensation to
each of the Commissioners appointed to superin-
tend the prison.
MR. PoVsrs explained the object Of these ap-
preparations.
Mr.. Miller objected to the latter appropria-
ton, and referred 70 the practice which prevails
in Pennsylvania and New York. where those en-
trusted with the supervision of the Penitentaries
acted gratuitousiy. He saw no reason why the
United States should pay persons for the per-
formance of duties. of which they, in common
with their fellow citizens of the District, reaped
the advantages.
MIR. Po,oers explained the practice in New
ty, the Inspectors or Superntendents were paid,
but that in the county which he had the honor to
represent, (Auburn) they were not.
Mr.. Sen,mes thought that it would be most for
the advantage of the District to pay those officers
literally, and to exact corresponding vigilance
and attention to their duties from them. He re-
ferred to the course pursued in this respect, in
relation to the Penitentiary in the State of Mary
land.
Mr.. Doddridge moved to amend the motion,
by filling up the blank with 5000, which, he
thought considering that the time likely to be
occupied in the discharge of the necessary duties
of the State, would not exceed one day per week,
was a sufficie compensation.
Mr.. Miller again spoke upon the subject.
Mr.. Reed thought That the compensation should
be small which would tend to ensure the appoint
ment of respectable and efficient officers.
The proposition to Eli the blank with $500,
was then uegatived without division.
MIR. .Sen,nles moved to insert $500 in the blank.
Mr. Sutherland referred to the fact that, in
Philadeiph where there were 5 or 600 prisoners,
the Inspectors, of whom he had been one for
eight or ten years, and his colleague, Mr.. Miller
another, received nothing; and he could see no
reason why in city like this, the Office should
be made one of emolument to the individuals fill
ling it. 1t was matter of hty from every con-
slderation of beneyolence and humanity, and
should appear only in the light ola post Of honor.
Mr. Dorsey supported the motion.
The proposition to fill the blank with $500
was then rejected.
Mr.. Davenport then proposed $3.50 which was
likewise negatived.
The motion of Mr.. Doddridge, to insert 5000
was also negatived.
Mr.. TAILOR said that he should move to ex-
punge the clause altogether. If there could not be
found FIVE OF ST.: gentlemen in the District of Co.
lumba, who would act in such a capacity from
humane and charitable motives, 1t would be deSi-
rable to import new sprout.
A motion by Mr.. Washington, to reconsider
the vote on the proposition to fill the blank with
5000 was negatived.
Mr.. Mercer spoke of the expense of persons re-
siding in Alexandria coming to attend to srch
duties in Washington.
Mr.. Miller said such expenses were not very
heavy. They could come from Alexandria at pre-,
sent for lal cents; and, perhaps when the canal
of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr Mercer
was completed the price would be reduced to 6!
| cents.
Mr.. Dodarifgs then proposed $3.50.
Mr.. Reed, Mr.. Sutherland, Mr.. &erigere and
Mr.. Pearce severalv spoke upon the subject;
and MIR. Dodirilge withdrew his proposition.
On motion of Mr.. Semmss, this section Of the
bill was then stricken out.
An amendment was then proposed by Mr..