The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-09-23
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

After presentation OF Petitions,
The Speaker presented the resolutions Of meeting
OF citizens, in the Northern Liberties Of fhiladePha
returning their thanks to Congress- for hAvng excluded
spirtuous liquors from sale or exhibition IN the CapNo
Laid on the table at
The House resumed the consideration Of the resolu
ton OF Mr. WISE, for the appointment Of Select
Commee oy ballot TO finvesuigate the causes Of the
delays, and failures, and expenditures Of the Florida
War
Mr.. BELL. said, he was surprised that this subject
had not attracted more attention than il has Every
one seemed willing lf the veil from the mysteries
Of the transactions Of the government in relation to that
war; and expose the secret causes Of our futures and
disasters but there difficulty as to the mode Of e
fecting this object II all gentlemen here acted on
the noble sentiments Of the gentleman from Georgia
(Mr. GLAscocK,) there would be no difficulty That
gentleman dsavowed and repadlstcd the idea OF apary
Committee Of Investigation. The investigation was
demanded by the country and not BY party and the
Chair ought, for that reason, be relieved from this
delicate duty, because by usage, he was Obliged
organize the committee on party grounds, to make
packed committee. As an opposition man, he would
not, il the selection Of the committee was given to hm
(Mr Belly make il opposition party committee he
would select Of both parties, IN reference to Their
habits Of investigation, and their standing bei0 the
country. He for making the experiment OF com
mtee appointed by ballot; II it proved abortye there
was an end Of it, 1t anomaly in the history oil
modern times, and in the 18th century, that war
should be waged for four campaigns, costing twenty
millions of dollars, without single authentic commune
cation from the Government in relation to Its origin
and progress
One cause Of these failures and disasters was he be-
leved the mbccie condition Of onr standing army lie
stated the fact, that, in General Clnchs conflict with
the Indians when his first lieutenant Of artillery FELL
sergeant was the only officer belonging to the whole
command 10 take his place Some other facts he stated
10 show that the forces employed in Florida scan
tiy Differed and that its effect was very disastrous
Mr. WISE made an explanation in regard to the re-
ports in the morning papers, Of the remarks made
him Yesterday He did not say Gen Campbell locked
the door OF the lower room, but that he walked towards
it, and threatened to lock it. &C. and the threat upon
that Committee was as effectual as the deed
Mr. GHOLSON was obliged 10 the gentleman for
his disclosures and they presented facts which formed
conclusive objection 10 the appointment OF any more
select committees II the threat Of three Of minority
Of committee to govern the majority OF SIX ano
alter the character and facts Of their report then "ho
confidence be placed in the report OF any com
mteel If the minority had no confidence IN the ma
jory, then why should the majority repose so mNcn
confidence in the minority He knew one who was
opposed to this investigation; hot the gentleman was
to get all HE light on the subject from stock wmcn
will require neither shutting menacing to represent
the gcntleman's views He had heard Of this committee
the last year, and had hoped it was untrue lie
was in favor Of referring the inquiry 10 the Standing
Committee on Military Affairs.
Mr. CAMPBELL, Of South Carolina, IN some re-
marks which he made the subject of the resolution
took occasion 10 say that he felt free to observe ~ re
ton to the gentleman Gen Campbell whose name
had been with these unpleasant "reminiscences
that he left this city without hostile feeling aaas
any single member Of the committee Of investigation
which he a member; and that for the lnhlohH "
that committee, portion Of il, he felt the sro"s'''
sentiments Of regard. "a,
Mr. WISE rose TO speak, bot Mr.. Cambreeng ca'fu
for the orders Of the day Mr. Wise appealed TO INC
House to permit him TO say few words Mr. .s".
breleng said he should be compelled TO call ior 'he M
aud nays II was necessary, in cons'dora tion o. ""
state OF the Treasury, that the measure respecting Wv
\ Dcposi,es, should be decided on. $50,
| The House, by large majority agreed 10 take y
| the orders
/ posrpovEMEsr or pErosiTEs
| The House again went into Committee OF the "no'
on the state Of the Union, (Mr HAYNES, OF Georgia"
| the Chair Vi .,;lo,.lJe
Mr. SHEPPARD, Of N. c., spoke at eonsdefSO'
1 length against tho bill. ,. ado
Mr. SIBLEY, Of N Y, followed on the same , sH' II
| Messrs. CuSHMAN, OF ~ II aud ioi'oh
| Ga spoke a, length in support Of the oll. ,,.s,
| Mr. SMITH, OF Mi moved that the commute "a an
and after some hesstion, the committee rose TIM
moiioa. and by yeas and nays, "heh were ca''eO ~
| Mr. CAMBREI.ENG,
| The House adjourned,