The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-01-18


blher man, to take from committees what
belongs to them. have taken my stand
upon this subject, and my friend from
Pennsylvania will understand That it is not
to oppose him that object TO his motion,
but to maintain n consistency in my own
couisc of legislation. Heretofore select
committees were no, ordered as n matter ct
course, never without good cause aud not
always when, in the opinion of mauy geL-
tlencn, there has been good cause. Such
has been the temper of the House in regard
10 them, and such has been the teDnciy
with which those who composed the stand
ing committees of the House clung to what
belonged to them. regret to say, that at
this session, there have been already ap-
pointed more select committees than had
ever before known during whole session :
of the House.
| will for a moment examine the elec.
which will be produced by, and the consc-
qucnees which will follow, the too frequent
appointment of these select committees.
One member wants a subject referred 10 IA
select committee, which is proper for the
considc alton cf one of tho standing COM
mittecs Of the House, because he, AS tho
chairman of that committee, can have it un-
der his special care, will be able to presen,
/ it to the House in fair light, nnt! more
speedily; for It's action thereon. Well, sir,
this, ia the estimation of some gentlemen.
may be all well enough; but, nre they pre-
pared to say that one member shall have,
by conce ssion aud the indulgence of the
House, what shall be denied to another!
If not, sir, then where, aud in what situa-
ton do we find oursevesl Every thing
which any member has in charge must 60,
or certainly may go, to Il select comnittee.
Your Standing committees may be oustet
of their jurisdiction, and might as well be
abolished at one time as at another.
There is witha!l II little right, and little
! justice, involved in this consideration. Is
it right, nd is it just, that an interest
should be committed to those who are
known, in advance, to be Ia favor Of il!
think not as you nsy not, in such II case
have that full investigation, and that fair
and impartial representation, which may 6e
had Of one Of the standing committee oflhe
House.
For an illustration Of my views I will
(sa,d MIR. r rccur to what has taken place
at this session, not to arraign the presiding
, officer Of the house, who has, know, done
no more than conform to usage and the
course of those who have preceded him, but
To show the consequences of an order for
select committee. An honorable member
from Kentucky, (Mr. Hawes,) with an
svowed hostility and opposition to the mill
tary school at West Point, honest unJ sim
cere, have no doubt, in his convictions Of
the inutility Of that institution, submits
n proposition and inquiry which involve,
or may involve, the further continuance Of
that institution, and prays for select COM
mittcc. Such committee is ordered, con-
ssting of nine members, aud it is found
TINT Of the nine, seven are friendly to the
proposition submitted by the honorable gen-
tleman from Kentucky, and unfriendly TO
the institution, and but two are the friends
Of the same.
complain not of this, as the select COM
mt,cc was ordered, because IL was organ
lied according to the usagcs of the House,
existing in the organization Of such com
mit,ees; but do, Mr.. Speaker, derive from
il an argument, and hope the House will
see the full force Of il, against the too IRE
auent appointment Of select committees.
have often Witnessed spirit which well
became tbeu., evinccd by these who nre the
heads of standing committees IN this House,
tn claim all tln, belonged to them. ] hope
I shall see further manifestations OF this
smrit. We made at the commencement OF
the session very good beginning. An
II noroble member from Alabama Mr.
Lewisl moved a reference TO select com
rnit,ee of a snbect. which the veteran chair
man ..f the Committee Of Claims clearly
showed belonged to- that Committee aud
nv a very large vote Of the House, the select
committee was denied, and the subject was
referred to the standing committee, of which
the honorable gentleman from ONO mr.
Whntlescy) is chairman. why was 'his
done 7 There was grnernl disposition on
the pnrt of the House, ] have no douo', "
crafty the gentleman from Alabama put
/, could not be done. without violation OF
oar own rules. and encroaching upon the
ripbis of standing committee OF tie
House. >,
But what, Mr. Speaker, are We called
upon to do by these gentlemen memor,a'is's
,wen,y-e;ch, in number, comprising, hope.
not ali the virtue aud intelligence, purity oi
purpose, and integrity Of character yet re-,
naming in the State Of Pennsylvania !
Tley complain 9TH Increasing issues Of
borE noptr money By incorporated eompd-
mics in the different States; they r'sh Con-
cr,ss to inquire into the erpedienty Of pro-
Dosiug an amendment to the constitution
r,striefing the Incorporation Of banks 6y the
, ssrerai totes; they say thar me noNs Q,
, the Bank Of the United States wn'e" edo
, been rtfwnci 10 the bank for redempt'on'
, and redeemed, had been reissued SINCE the
, fourth of March last, when tie charter OF me