The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-09
TwENTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
IN SENATE


Mr. McKEAN presented the petition Of citizens
Of philadelphia, relative to the completion Of the
frigate Raritan: referred TO The Committee on Ma
val Affairs.
The CHAIR communicated. the following mes
sage from the President Of the United States on The
subject Of the war in Canada:
To he Senale aud
House cf Representatives ofas United States;
Recent experience ON the southern boundary, of
the United States, and the events now daily occur
ring on our northern frontier, have sbundantly
shown that the existing laws insufficient 10 guard
against hostile invasion, from the United States, Of
the territory Of friendly and neighborng nations.
The laws in force provide sufficient penalties for
the punishment of such offences alter they have
been committed and provided The parties can be
found but the Executive is powerless in many ca
SEES TO prevent the commission of them, even when
in possession OF ample evidence Of an intention
the part Of eyildisposed persons 10 violate laws.
Your attention Is called 10 this defect IN our legs-
lation II Is apparent that the Executive ought 10 be
clothed with adequate power efectually 10 restrain
all persons within jurisdiction from the commits
sion Of acts OF this character They tend TO disturb
the peace of the country and inevitably involve the
Government IN petplexing controversies with tor-
eign powers. recommend careful revision Of all
the laws now in force, and such additional enact
mcns may be necessary 10 vest in The Executive
full power 10 prevent injuries being inflicted upon
neighboring nations by the unauthorized and unlaw-
ful acs Of citizens fthe United States, or other per-
sons who may be within our jurisdiction, and sub
/ ject 10 our control
In illustration of these views and to show the ne
cessiiy of an early action on the part of Congress,
submit herewith copy OF letter received from the
/ Marshal Of the northern district of New York. who
had been drectedto repair to the frontier and take
all authorized measures TO The faithful execu
ton of existing laws.
NJ. VAN buren,.
Washington, January 5, 1888.
The message with theaceompanyi papers, hay-
/ ing been read By the Secretary
4 "A
the necessity Of some early action on this important
4 subject No spectacle could be more revolving 10
the feelings of free people, than war either among
themselves or with another country. The views Of
the Executive met his highest appreciation, bnt it
was the duty Of Congress to examine, and, 1.-THE
isting laws we're not adequate to prevent the alleg
cd interference OF our citiZcns, others should be
| forthwith enacted for The full accomplishment OF an
object so desirable Mr.. c. adverted in connection,
TO the vcxations and unsettled state OF our northern
/ boundary which state OF things tended to increase
The danger which now threatened us. He had wit
messed similar course Of policy on the part of our
citizens during recent occurrences Of similar char
| ac:er in another quarter on which subject, how
ever he had asver expressed his opinion nor should
he do so now.
/ Ii the people Of this country choose 10 renounce
their citizenship, it was perhaps allowable; but any
interference with rebellion in country with which
we were at peace, should meet the earliest attention
/ Of our Government We might as citizens freely,
and in any manner we thought proper, express our
! sympathies with either belligeren party, but in
case lend them aid or counlenance. lie did not
consider he had any right to express an opinion re-
latiye TO the course Of the Canadians They might
be right or they might be wrong, in the course they
were pursuing. II wfs the duty Of every citizen to
remain quiet even 10 express opinions, till such
expression had been made by the Government,
He hoped that TO whatever committee the subject
might be referred, they would examine with the
greatest care and strctest scrutiny the question
both sides. Examine whether or not the action OF
our citizens had not been limited 10 some disputed
yha thara pf war
plies, had been furnished and which, if proved
true, such conduct must be viewed by Government
as in the highest degree reprehensibe.
He would express no opinion nor make motion
the reference but should think that either the
Committee on the Judiciary or on Foreign Affairs
the most appropriate.
After some remarks by Messrs. Calhoun, Norvell,
Davis and Benton, in favor of the motion to com
| Foreign relation.
Mr.. MERRICK, the Senator elect from Mary
land, appeared, was qualified, and took his seat
PETITIONS PRESENTED,
BY Mr.. McKEAN, Of citizens of Philadelphia,
! praying for the completion of The Frgate Raritan;
/ the same subject;
Also of james Miller to BE- indemni fed for loss
| Plantation during the Florida war;
ton for expenses incurred in the public service;
| BY Mr.. romeo several Banks in the District
of Columbia for extension of charter
BY Mr.. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Of the city
thorities of Detroit praying for the passage OF bill
supplementary to the g Act 10 provide for the adj
ustment of titles TO land in the town of Detroit and
Territory of Michigan, and for other purposes;
i Also, memorial from sundry inhabitants of the
State of Michigan praying for an appropriation 10
improve the haIbor of Port Sheldon, al the mouth
Of Pigeon river, on Lake Michigan;
Also, petition from Francis Cicotte, of the county
of Wayne, State of Michigan, praying grant
| land.
Mr.. BENTON introduced bill for the relief O.
the heirs of General William Eaton read and or
dered 10 be printed
Also, a bill providing for the uniform payment for
horses lost in the United States military service;
ordered TO second reading.
MIR. YOUNG, from the Committee on Claims,
reported
4 Bill for the relief of Eli Horton;
| Bill for the relief Of Benjamin Morse
Bill for the relief Of Francis Gardner
| Bill for the relief OF John NJ Holland;
| Which sevcrally read and ordered to second
reading
/ Mr. HUBBARD, from the Committee on Claims
reported bill for the relief OF Jonathan Davis ordered
with the report, to be printed.
Mr.. WALL. from the Committee on Military Affairs,
reported bill explanatory OF an act establishing the pay
Of brovet officers; ordered to second reading.
| On motion Of Mr. NORVELL,
RcSoircd, That the Committee on the Post Office
and Post Roads inquire into the expedcncy Of estsb
fishing mail route from Macknac to the Saut Ste
Marie, in the State Of Michigan.
Mr.. LINN introduced bill for the relief Of c. Ma
raud aud others, read and referred the Committee
| Revolutionary Claims. ...
| Mr. WALL, from the Committee on Military Affairs,
reported bill accompanied by special report for tho
relcfof Mary A. Kirkpatrick, read and ordered to be
printed
On motion Of Mr. WALKER.
Resoped, That the Committee the Post Office
and Post Roads inquire into the expcdoncy Of extend
ing certain post routes in Mississippi
Also, from same committee, reporting adverse TO the