Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1837-12-21

FIRsT REGULAR ssIoN.1
SENATE.

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the Senate had
only a short sitting, which was chiefly occu-
pied with the reception and reference of pc
titions, and introduction oc private bills.
HOUSE.
in the House, Mr.. Fletcher of Mass. oh
tanned leave to make statement in gard TO
a publication which had appeared in the
Globe on Tuesday night, and signed by Mes
srs. Cambrelcng, McKm, IIamer, Jones, ,A,h-
erton and Rhctt, (of the com. on Ways and
Means, of which Mr.. Fletcher is also mem
bcr) containing remarks upon a speech pur-
porting to have been delivered by him in Fa
nuel Hall, Boston and published in the Atlas.
Mr.. Fletcher said that the publication in the
newspaper in question, was not prepared, nor
revised nor seen by him until it appeared in
the newspapers. He therefore did not con-
slider himself responsible for it in any sense.
Mr.. Il, explained that at one Of the earliest
meetings of the committee of Ways and
Means at the last session,bills were introduc-
ed by the chairman Mr.. Cambrclcng) which
were known to have been drawn by tie Sec
retary of the Treasury, and come directly
from that department. This fact was admit
ted in the publication Of the Globe. lie (Mr
F.) considered such proceedings highly i'm
proper, and unconstitutional, and dangerous !;
it was no matter of secresy, and there was no
violation of tcourtesy in his speaking Of them.
lt had: been distinctly averred in debate by
gentleman in the House that the bills did o.
riginate with the Executive Department.
On the occasion referred to, at Fanuel
! Hall, he (Mr. F.) made similar statement /;
and what he there intended to charge, was
that the bills were Executive measures-not
coming from the President himself TO be sure
but cmanating from the Executive depart
ments-cnd that they constitute improper,
uniustifable and dangerous interference by
the Executive with the business Of the House
and Of Congress.
Mr.. Fletcher said that the burden Of the
comments contained in the card published in
the Globe, was founded OH particular express
sions attributed to him. lie had said nothing
that was not true and nothing that was not
in reality, sustained by the publication itself.
With regard to the resolution at the last ses-
sion concerning National Bank, Mr.. +. de-
clarcd that his recollection of the facts was
directly the opposite of the statement made
by majority of the committee. lie conclud-
cd by saying that he was always ready to dis
charge his duty but the course which the
majority Of the committee had pursued to-
wards him, personally prompted him TO ask
of the House to be discharged from acting
any longer on that committee.
II After some remarks from Mr.. Cambrclcug
Mr.. Atherton and Mr. Jones, rei,erating the
statement contained in their card, the ques-
,lon was put on granting Mr.. Flctcher's re-
quest; which was granted.
Il The House then resumed the consideration
of Mr.. Adams motion, TO refer all the peti.
tons demonstrating against the annexation
Of Texas to the Union.
Mr.. Adams made long and elaborate
speech in support Of this motion, in which he
contended strenuously against the reference
to the committee on foreign affairs, on the
ground that six Of the members of that COM
mittce were slave holdcrs-and had therefore
made up their minds on the question, which
was proposed to be submitted to them. Mr.
A. commented very freely upon the morali
ty of slavery and was called to order for il
by Mr. Legare. who appealed most earnestly
TO Mr. Adams to postpone any discussio. on
that subject for the present. Great excite
ment prevailed; and loud cries Of ego onp
were uttered from different parts Of the hall
especially from the Southern members.
Mr. Rh,tt said he hoped Mr.. A. would be
permitted to go on rs II was out Of the ques-
ton that southern gentlemen could now sub
nit TO the language used, without reply.
/ Mr.. Adams proceeded but having alluded
/ to Lovejoy and the Alton affair, with great
heat, the Speaker peremptoriy called him to
order. tGrcat exctcmeDt) After some ex-