Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1833-03-01

lars. The Government had, in the meanwhile,
received eight hundred thousand dollars for the
sale gwen to It.
Mr. w. also reminded the House, that in the
thirty years il had been located In the city, u
had expended but 1876, 600 dollars-the greater
part for iails and penitentiaries. As to the aP-
preparation for the Bridge, il was not to be
charged to the city as a donation. having been
granted for the accommodation OF the mall; ano
the Improvement of the Avenue had been manly
for the accommodation of the Departments and
Congress. The only donation to the city had
| been number of lots, which had originally cost
the Government 5000 dollars, and no more -
The Government property in the city was now
valued ut 1870. 600 dollars, exclusive oil ouh.
dings. All nations had some objects oil national
pr,de the Englshman, the Frenchman, boosted
of their respective capitals, and the oeautHu' e.
rectiuns which adorned them. But with US there
was little for this to rest on. Mr. w. concluded
an eloquent speech, BY adverting to the great
Importance of the loan to the prosperity OF the ci-
ty.
Mr. Whittlesev opposed the motion to strike
out the enac,ng clause. He regretted it had
come from D citizen Of one Of the New States. all
of whom had experienced much of the liberaty
of the Government. He adverted to the embar-
raised state OF. the public funds. the liberal ex-
penditures of the citizens, their heavy burdens,
and the reasonable nature of the request OF the
Corporation. 1t was but loan, aud at per
cent. interest--a rate thar the miser was content
with. The Western country had once been IN
debted to the amount of millions to the Govern
ment, from which the legislation OF Government
had relieved them. There was not session Tor
wears back the House had not granted more to
Alabama than was now asked as liam. IL the
District lay at the extremity OF the UnIun. IN.
stead of doubling about the constitutiona'lty 81
a loan, there would be no hesitation IN granting
donation.
Mr. Craig went into constitutional argument
to show that Congress had no power to lend mo-
new.
Mr. Whttlesey replied, and adverted to the
loans granted by Congress to the banks >of the
District, and he believed in some of the Eastern
cities ALSO If it was unconstitutional to loan,
let him make donation; this would relieve the
gentleman. Or he might give up the interest -
Large grants had been made for the education OF
Young men, in which Virginia had largely parti,
cpated. II gentlemen would amend the bill 50
as TO make donation of the money, Mr. W.
would gn for it.
Mr. Dearborn said the Government had loaned
millions To the Bank Of the United States, since
that institution had been Incorporated. Ii sur
Plus was in the Treasury. must 1t Law there un-
productive. IN constitutional scruples
Mr. JARVIS moved an amendment to get rid of
the constitutional difficulty, by granting, in
stead Of loaning. Tie wished the House not 10
be beguiled or deceived. MT dollar Of the
money would ever be seen again; nor did he wish
it. He would not vote il as a loan, but would
| as donation.
Mr. Mason, of Virginia, said it was verv un-
gracious to oppose such measures as this; but he
wished to know what had been done with the
million of dollars secured by Government on the
subsc iption Of the city.
Mr. Macon CON inued. and observed, that If tie
stock IN the Canal Company was worth any
thing, it ought to he transferred TO the Govern
mrnt. But he hoped the bill would either be
rejected ar modified
| MIR Mard,s replied to Mr. Whttlrsey, and
called on him TO show how Alabama had reoeiv-
ed such large donations from the Government.
Mr. Whlttlesey replied, and recalled his re-
collection to debts forgiven to Alabama TO the
amount of more than million of dollars. He
did not complain of this policy, or suppose 1t dis
graceful to Alabama Beside the remission Of
debt, large landed donations had been made to
her; and something was due to the District, as
we'll as to the New States and Territories.
Mr.. Mardis acknowledged the correctness Of
these sentiments, but said, If Government ha /
not pursued this policy, 1t would have lost most
Of the money. As to the donation for Muscle
Shoals, Alabama has less in'eres, ~ it than any
of her neighborins States. He protested against
the bill, as an extravagant and OBNOXIOUS mea
sure, aud asked the Yeas and Nays on his mo.
| ton.
Mr. Barbour complained Of the distrust and
jealousy which ALWAYS existed when any benrh-
cal object was proposed tor the prosperity OF this
District. He replied to Mr.. Craig's constitu-
| t,onal argument by adverting To the constant
practice ol Government in charging interest. aud
| imposing taxes for use of money in the hands of
| detauiteIs H. dmeit upon the absolute aud des-
pate power II Congress over the District, and
argued un the unl,mlted power 1T Congress to be-
neht 1t. He put the question to the House. as
CO partners with the District IN Canal property,
| whether they would let all that had been done IN
that work perish, by refusing aid at this crisis of