The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-12-24

I esd, TeSptCtaDe
held by them and to be used by them for
beneltto be invested in stocks or otherwise according
TO their best discretion for her interests to be naenabe
during her lifetime to constitute perpetual fund for her
maintenance and subject be disposed of only by her
last will and testament These are the provisions OF the
contract
Mr. President do not propose to occupy the time OF
the Senate further than to remark that hold in my hand
an able report made by committee of the House OF
Representatives OF which distinguished member OF that
body (now more-the late Mr.. DRoMGooLE) was the
chairman, which the papers classified and desert
bed in such manner to convince every who APP
preciates the character of Mr. Madison for virtue and
wisdom of their great value and importance to this
try. Nothing, indeed could come from the pen OF Mr.
Madison that would not be precious relic in the eyes of
the people OF the United States No statesman more judi
cous, pure temperate than he, has ever APP
peared in the political annals OF this country These are
writings and memorials which will acquire additional
value BY the lapse of time. They OF that trifng
and ep6emeral character that will pass away or whose
1 value will be exhausted and forgotten in moment.
They are "for all time They the productions of a
man living at most important period in the history of
this country and man who himself OF the great
architectsthe principal archecsn erecting the mighty
structure of this republic
II is extent to be attributed to the influence of
his mighty work and most comprehensive mind that we
hold seats this day, and that this government exists
Everything said and everything done by such man
must be worthy to be read to be studied sir, and follow
ed example by us, and handed down to our chill
drennot merely the printed Volumes but the manuscript
in his writing to which we may point, and lay UP
forever in the repositories OF our public records.
| am of those who believe sir, that letter OF Mr..
Madisons in manuscript one hundred and fifty years
hence, will be worth more than whole volumes OF ord
nary printed works The cost will be nothing in COM
parisOn with their value
There other considerations applicable to this sub
ect that better understood than they be express
ed, by every member of this body shall say
in reference to them; but when consider the character
OF THESE works-ther importance to the people of the
United es,-when consider the character of the es-
mabe lady to be benefited and to receive the value
which we are to give Tor these papers, seems to me-
SIR, that we VIII perform at once a public duty ana
who yet remains the rect of who contributed so
largely to make this mighty country what is, hope
therefore, that the motion made against the reference will
be adopted and that the Senate will now at proceed
act finally upon this BILL Ii there be gentlemen las there
may be who opposed upon principle to the passage of
what they consider be their duty by voting against it
conscentously and honorably as know they will, if
they vote at all but that they will allow the friends OF
the to bring it to final vote, by permitting the
bill now to be put on its passage.
| Mr. NILES. hope the bill will have its usual refer
Mr. cRITTENDEN. Twill withdraw the motion for
the passage of the BILL if the senator from Connecticut
/ Mr.. NILES. have the floor, believe, sir. hope
this bill will be referred to the committee. think that
this is not subject to be acted upon without due consid
Grafton. This thing to be increasing upon us,
and II is difficult to say where it is to end. II this bill is
intended to authorize the purchase of valuable manu-
scripts connected with the history of this country GER
tanly requires consideration and, than almost any
other subject demands the action Of committee. We
do not know what these manuscripts are. We know
something certainly of the character OF Mr. Madison
we all have Just estimation Of that; but we know not
thew ae his hey
what they are We know nothing at all about them
And beg leave to remind the Senate that we have al
liable part OF the papers of Mr. Madison We purchased
Them sir, at an expense of thirty five thousand dollars
happened to be here at that time and supposed we had
purchased everything of any value connected with the
history of the Counryeveryhng that was at all neces
sary to be preserved But it appears that everything
valuable has been kept back and after make this
purchase what will still remain Where this course OF
proceeding is to end, it certainly difficult to foresee
h0f h cRTTESp T be would be proper for
would be very glad to occupya moment--not more-in
reading description OF these papers as contained in the
from Connecticut, il understand him Alright, said that
do not know what these papers are They are these
Volume LIST. The papers relating to the articles Of con
Madison to Jefferson Monroe, pendeon Randolph, Wash
ngton and Madison senior, up to the commencement o.
coniederacies and confederation.
Volume I'd The letters Of the above named and Others
publican view OF the policy of those administrations; notes
OF conversations and papers his confidential
ton of the enigma in GiIes's impeachment Of Hamilton
Volume Sd The letters foreign ministers and diplo,
naval commanders, Presidents and exPresidens Jefferson
and Monroe, and if necessary, to George Joy, Henry
j. @ Adams, W. G. Rives, We to the close OF either adj
minstraton to include the whole correspondence with
Jefferson and Monroe may be TO fill the vol
ume showing the policy of these administrations.
Volume 4th Letters and writings on constitutional sub
lects.
Volume 9th. Essays and letters political economy law
of nations, urdca historical, natural history, &c may
make this voumenay include also printed essays in
French political observations in i795 and examination OF
British doctrine, &c to be found with the
papers relating to Washington and, possibly this fund
and what may be taken from the miscellaneous mass may
make the 9Th and 9th Volumes and leave the miscela-
neous for the 7th.
Volume 9Th. Miscellaneous
This will give adequate idea OF the deep interest OF
these papers know perfectly well that it is the honest
conviction OF my friend from Connecticut which produces
to his own feelings. sense of duty alone impes him,
for which have the greatest possible respect; but
hope that upon consideration of this matter and this in
formation TO the character of the papers, the honora
BILE gentleman will be satisfied with such opposition as he
may feel constrained to make by his vote, and allow us
to act upon the bill.
Mr. NILES If it be the wish of the Senate 10 act
reference.
Mr. CRITTENDEN asked for the yeas and nays on
the passage of the bill
Mr. SEWER. hope the honorable senator will
postpone this bill for day two until look into If.
Mr.. CRITTENDEN. Certainly if the senator insists.
Mr. SEWER. move its postponement until Monday:
Mr. CRITTENDEN And let it be made the order OF
the day for that day
The further consideration Of the bill accordingly
postponed and it made the order OF the day for Mon
day next
ter of course
The PRESIDING OFFICER Certainly.
Mr. SEWER The senator from Kentucky referred
to report containing description OF the papers. wish
h,,a hat al A VIl bp