Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1839-03-07

hATHACr from The speech rms. Rumsey
DELIVERED ~ THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,,
Fee. .. 1889.
The House having sgreed TO consider
the following resolution. viz:
Resoired by the Senate snd House Of R,pr,. .rf,-
nres 81 hs United Stsies Of .imeriea in Congrs,, a,-
's"'t'sd, That the President be, and he is hereby
requested, 10 Presentio Jas. Rumsey, Jr. the SON
and only surviving child al James Run,sey. de-
ceased, suitable gold medal, commemorative If
ms ia'hefs services and high agency IN giving
" 'ne world The benefits Of the steamboat:
Mr. RUMSEY, OF Kentucky. rose and
said Mr.. Speaker. 1 would gladly avoid
saying any thing for il ever gives me ex-
IRENE pam to attempt 10 speak upon q
new theatre; and neglec,iDg, o. have.
from belief that this opportunity would
not occur, TO IT axe any adequate prepara-
tion. feel and know that 1 cannot. IN a
manner worthy Of your after ton, illus
'ra'e the history OF the invention of the
steamboat, and do justice TO the memo.
ry and claims OF JAMES RuMsEY.-
but Standing IN the relation 10 him which
l do-that Of nephew-it would be ex-
pec'ed that would not be wholly silent.
! wish j, distinctly understood that. ex.
cepi SO lar ssmy sensib,li,ies are involved.
have no interest in this matter, even IL
any thing more substantial were contem-
plated than is proposed by the resolution.
10 something, inconsiderabIe in any
event, | may have had title; but that. re.
mole. contingent, vslueless. as il was in
my eyes, IN pecupisry point Of view. /
nave Teiinquished ~ one more meritotious
than myself
Mr. Speaker. il was no: at my instance
or suggestion that this matter was present.
ed here. ] was aware that among MANY.
very msny respectable and intelligent
men. the claim of James Rumsey 10 orig.
insli'y in the actual spplic alton Of steam
10 navigation stood pre.eminen,. and I an.
prehenced that that eIsim might be weak.
ened by the adverse action Of this body,
OF whose inspiitude TO sdjudieaie in cases
Of this kind vas not ignorant. fote.
saw the difficulties that would environ add
embarrsss the subject That from the
lsp'e OF time, the loss ofpspefs. the desth
OF siinesses, much testimony, once easily
attsinable, was forever gone. I supposed.
also. that many might beiIeve--erroneou
~, bossver. F. think-ihst whatever success
the individuals on whose memorial thi,
resolution "a based might obtain. shaievsr
recognition Of the title other ancestor 10
the distinguished honor Of participating
10 the introduction Of The sesmboai ihev
might elicit, would detrsct from the rep1.
iaiien OF snother knew. too that gen.
clemens engagements and duties here
~eTe usually too gresi snd onerous 10
allow them opportunity 10 investigate q
matter Of this KIND. 10 Nbieh the feelings
Of lev citizens we're chiefly concerned.
Bot whether wisely OF unwisrly, Il il
here. and u Is tor the House 20 dispose
OF u N accordance With its views Of pro-
priety and justice.
] wish 10 premise that 7 have no inien.
ton 10 attempt 10 derogaie from the lust
fame Of Fulton. To him, in common
With hw warmes, admirers, I eheerfully
accord the good fortune snd the glory Of
vsnqUishiag incredibly. and broadly de-.
nominating the pFaetieabiliiy sad utility
Of siesn - IN agent IN navigation. d.
To FULTON have readily assigned the
honor Of hnallyoyercominga an uabelie wing
add sneering world. cod compelling IL TO
see snd seksowlsdgs the useful appliea.
ton Of this voadsrful sgsnt--stssm--to
The propuIssoa Of vessels. But, IL there
was ssosber AmsSiesa eitiSes vho, 81 .