The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-12-20

planatious and disayowals now made, should
all go forth, and that the House and the
country should decide upon the conduct of
the member from Massachusetts.
Mr.. Fletcher explained that he said he
never saw the report of bis speech ill he
saw it in the Boston papers. He had not
revised it.
Mr.. Atherton remarked, in reply to the
member from Boston, that during the late
session that gentleman had been acquain-
ted with all the transactions Of the commit
tee, and had never made any complaint Of
their proceedings, or the slightes. allusion
to any supposed unfairness. Nothing could,
therefore, exceed his surprise when he saw
the gentleman's accusations in his reported
speech. They had been circulated wherey-
er they could produce effect They had
been circulated in his, Mr.. Atherton's, own
district with a view to injure his character
and effect his election. If the gentleman
had any cause Of complaint against the
committee, he should have FIRST remonslra-
ted with them instead of attaching their
character when they were not present to
reply.
Mr.. Aiherton then commented on various
expressions in .fr. Fletcher's reported
speech, which h. said were untrue, and in
particular, on the declaration that without
doubt the resolution concerning the mex
pediency of National Bank So came from
the Executive in the Same form in which it
was passed" The gentleman knew that
the very first time the subject came up a
discussion arose on the form of the resou-
lion the chairman did not introduce it
but drew it up in the gentleman's presence,
and the subjec: was twice postponed at his
desire. He remarked that the explanations
which had been given by the gentleman
had only made the matter worse.
Mr.. Jones remarked with much severity
on the conduct of Mr.. Fletcher, in allow
ing such slander on the Committee of
Ways and Means to 90 forth under his
name uncontradicted, unless 1t was in fact
authorized by him. He said that during
the late session the kindest feelings had ap.
penred TO subsIst between all the members
Of the committee, and his astonishment at
seeing the attack was therefore extreme.
He was now convinced that the mask of
friendship was assumed the better to col
Iect materials to be welded by malgniiy.
In concluding, he would observe that, as
in The case of all ISLANDERS, numbers who
had read the charges would never see the
contradiction. All he could do under such
circumstances was, 10 declare the utter
falshy of the imputations, and to say that
they had not the least foundation in fact.
Mr.. Fletcher was then discharged by
the House, at his request, from any further
duty as member of the Committee of
Ways and Means.
The House was occupied on Friday, al
most exclusively, in debate on referring
the Presidents Message to the appropriate
committees--but little progress was made,
as Mr.. Wise thought proper to make a long
speech on the occasion; which of course
led to replies.
A bill has passed both Houses authorisng
the President to cause public vessels to
cruise off the coast for the relief of vessels
in distress.
The Senate, on Thursday, and the House
on Friday, adjourned over till Monday.