FEBRUARY, 1806.

District of Columbia-British Aggressions.

of South Carolina. Your committee conceive that they have no right to enter into the feelings of either of the parties, or to pronounce upon the justice of the condition made by North Carolina on the one part, or its rejection by Georgia on the other, and have therefore confined their attention to that part of the memorial which calls upon Congress to define and mark out the thirty-fifth degree of latitude the line which North Carolina admits to bound her State-upon the south and north of which Georgia can have no claim of ter

ritory. Your committee, after giving to this point the most deliberate consideration, are of opinion that the United States are bound, in good faith, to use their friendly offices with the State of North Carolina for obtaining an amicable adjustment of the limits of the territory, which they have transferred to Georgia, in all parts where such limits may be disputed.

Your committee, therefore, beg leave to offer the following resolution:

Resolved, That the President of the United States be authorized to appoint a commissioner, to meet such commissioners as may be appointed by the States of North Carolina and Georgia, for the purpose of ascertaining and running the line which divides the territory transferred by the United States to Georgia, from North Carolina.

The report was read, and referred to a Committee of the Whole House on Friday next.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Mr. SMILIE submitted the following resolutions: "Resolved, That it is expedient for Congress to recede to the State of Maryland the jurisdiction of that part of the Territory of Columbia which was ceded to the United States by the said State of Maryland, by an act passed the nineteenth day of December, in the

H. or R.

On considering the resolutions, the House divided-ayes 43, noes 36.

Mr. SMILIE moved a reference of them to a Committee of the Whole on the first day of March. Mr. LEWIS moved their postponement indefinitely.

Mr. LYON hoped an immediate decision would be had upon them.

Mr. SLOAN hoped some time would be allowed previous to their decision.

The House determined to refer them to a Committee of the Whole-ayes 56.

Mr. CONRAD moved their being made the order for the first Monday in August; which motion was disagreed to-ayes 44, noes 56.

Then on the first Monday of May. Lostayes 39.

Mr. NICHOLSON moved Monday next. He said there was much important business relative to the territory before the House, and if the propositions of retrocession were permitted to remain unacted on, they would supersede all attention to the other objects.

Mr. SMILIE acquiescing in making the resolutions the order for Monday next, the House so determined without division.

BRITISH AGGRESSIONS.

Mr. SLOAN.-Mr. Speaker: I trust I am correct, first, in saying that the Representatives of the people, in Congress assembled, are the only tribunal to whom they can look for redress of national grievances and protection in their national rights; and secondly, that every member, as a component to in

one thousand seven hundred and ninety-one, entitled part of the National Legislature, has a right

An act concerning the Territory of Columbia and the City of Washington: provided the said State of Maryland shall consent and agree thereto.

"Resolved, That it is expedient for Congress to recede to the State of Virginia the jurisdiction of that part of the Territory of Columbia which was ceded to the United States by the said State of Virginia, by an act passed the third day of December, in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine, entitled An act for the cession of ten miles square, or any lesser quantity of territory, within this State, to the United States, in Congress assembled, for the permanent seat of the General Government:' provided the said State of Virginia shall consent and agree thereto."

Mr. SMILIE stated he had two objects in view in offering these resolutions. The first was, that Congress might be divested of that multiplicity of business which arose from the situation of the territory, which would increase with the growth of population and the progress of society. The other reason was still more important. He wished to see the people of the District restored to their political rights, the deprivation of which was to him a matter of great regret, and which could not be remedied until there was a decided change in their situation. Alluding to the apprehension of the inhabitants that this measure was connected with a removal of the seat of Government, he declared that this was not his object; he, on the contrary, believed the measure would be highly beneficial to the City of Washington.

troduce resolutions in such form as he may think best calculated to redress existing grievances, or secure them from future insult and injury.

Notwithstanding several resolutions have been laid on the table respecting the impressment of our seamen by the commanders of British armed vessels, and their depredations on our commerce, I have seen none which I consider fully adequate to the purpose proposed, or couched in that firm and decisive language that I conceive the nature of the case requires. Under this impression, I beg leave to offer a resolution; and, previous thereto, ask the indulgence of the House to offer a few

reasons.

Are not the people calling on us from almost every part of the Union? Previous to my leaving home to attend this session, I expected the impressment of our seamen by British armed vessels, and their depredations on our commerce, would have been taken up; but, to my astonishment, more than ten weeks have elapsed, and we are only preparing to discuss this important subject. Is this giving immediate attention to the sufferings of our constituents? But what astonishes me still more is, that by conversation I have had with some members, they appear yet unprepared to do anything decisive.

One member, (Mr. NICHOLSON,) who offered a resolution two days past, objected to a former resolution offered by a gentleman from Pennsylvania, (Mr. GREGG,) from an apprehension that it would

injure our revenue $5,000,000. (Here Mr. NICHOLSON explained, stating that he had only said that it would affect it to that amount.] Another member, from Massachusetts, (Mr. CROWNINSHIELD.) well acquainted with mercantile business, supposed it would not injure it more than $1.000.000.

our rev

But I hope, Mr. Speaker, that however pleasing it may be to see our debt din diminishing and enue inc easing, the fear of diminution of revenue will never deter the Congress of the United States from supporting their national rights. I hope we shall not shrink from a temporary evil, to procure a great and permanent benefit.

In hearing the conversation of some members out of doors. and observing the delay that has taken place in the House, this query is extorted from me: Where is the spirit that actuated the noble patriots of Seventy-six, at the risk of life, to oppose the unjust aggressions of Great Britain? Has it fled from our land, or is it only sleeping? I hope the latter; and that it may speedily awake, refreshed and invigorated by its long nap.

But, perhaps, some may conclude that I wish to involve the United States in war. God forbid! I want to prevent war with those horrid engines made to destroy the human species. I want to prevent it by doing to all nations as we would they should do unto us. Are we so doing whilst we permit one of the belligerent Powers to impress and keep on board her vessels of war three thousand of our seamen, to assist in fighting her battles with other belligerent Powers in amity and peace with us? I want the United States to treat Great Britain as they would treat an individual, who, in his dealings, had evidently been unjust; break off all intercourse until reparation is made for past injuries, and security given that they shall not be repeated in future. This line of conduct, I conceive, instead of producing war, would be the most certain means of securing a permanent and lasting peace. In the present state of Europe, can Great Britain do without our trade? Certainly she cannot. It is probable that Bonaparte has, ere this time, prohibited her trade with a consid erable part of Europe. Thus circumstancedtrembling for her very existence-if we make a firm, determined demand for reparation of dam ages, my opinion is that she dare not, that she cannot, or will not refuse.

I will not detain the House, at this time, with a more detailed investigation of the subject; but, knowing it to be the desire of many of our constituents, and hoping that, upon a full examination, it will be the determination of this House to adopt

FEBRUARY, 1806.

under the flag, and owned by citizens of the said United States, where some have been a long time unjustly detained, and others condemned, contrary to justice and the law of nations: For remedy whereof,

Resolved, That in case the Government of Great

Britain shall neglect, or refuse, for months, to restore all American seamen, impressed and detained as aforesaid, and also discharge all American vessels, detained contrary to the law of nations, making compensation for the loss sustained by such detention, and also, for those condemned as prizes; all trade and intercourse shall thenceforth cease, and be prohibited between these United States and Great Britain and its

dependencies, until equitable arrangements shall be

made between the two Governments that shall insure a return or compensation for the property unjustly seized and condemned; and also, the restoration of American seamen to liberty and their country. Provided also, that upon such arrangements being made, the President of the United States shall have power, by proclamation, to open trade and commerce, upon the principle of such equitable arrangements between the said United States and Great Britain and her dependencies.

This resolution was immediately considered, and committed to a Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union.

PORT OF PHILADELPHIA.

On the motion of Mr. J. CLAY, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the bill declaring the consent of Congress to an act of the State of Pennsylvania entitled "An act to empower the Board of Wardens for the port of Philadelphia to collect a certain duty on tonnage, for the purposes therein mentioned."

[This bill authorizes the imposition of four cents a ton on all vessels clearing out of the port of Philadelphia, for any foreign port, to be expended in building piers in, and otherwise improving the navigation of the Delaware.]

On this bill, a debate of considerable length arose; Messrs. J. CLAY, FINDLEY, LEIB, and MARION supporting. and Messrs. J. C. SMITH, CROWNINSHIELD, QUINCY, and ELY opposing it.

It was opposed on two grounds-on the ground of unconstitutionality and inexpediency. On the former ground, it was contended that the imposition of the proposed duty was inhibited by that provision of the Constitution which prescribes that, "no preference shall be given by any regula'tion of commerce, or revenue, to the ports of one 'State over those of another;" that the object of the bill was, to lay a special tax for the exclusive benefit of the port of Philadelphia-which would be giving a preference to that port over the other

firm and decisive measures for the purpose of ob- ports in the United States; that instead of doing taining redress for injuries sustained, and to pre- this, in case the navigation of the Delaware revent the like in future, I offer the following resolu-quired improvement, which was feasible, the bet

tion, hoping the House will commit it to a Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union:

Whereas the commanders of British armed vessels have impressed many American seamen, and compelled them to bear arms on board said vessels, and assist in fighting their battles with nations in amity and peace with the United States; and, also, brought into British ports for adjudication, many merchant vessels sailing |

ter way would be, to draw a sum for this purpose from the general Treasury. It was, however, contended that it was inexpedient to make any provision whatever for this purpose, as it was extremely doubtful whether the object contemplated was practicable, and as the navigation of the Delaware was much better than that of many other streams on which other ports were situated, which,

The Committee then rose, and the House order-investigation, he begged leave to offer the followed the bill to be engrossed for a third reading to- ing resolution:

Mr. GOODWYN. one of the members from Virginia, presented to the House certain resolutions of the inhabitants of the town of Petersburg, in the said State, expressive of their opinion of the present I agreeably to the first section of the act, entitled "An

act regulating the grants of land, and providing for the disposal of the lands of the United States south of the State of Tennessee :"

Whether it be expedient to repeal so much of the first section of the said act, as precludes persons under the age of twenty-one years, and not heads of families, from the benefits of the provisions of the section afore

said:

Whether it be expedient to make provision, by law, for reimbursing pre-emption claimants, in such sums as they may have paid to the United States, in the event

of their being evicted of the lands for which such sums

may have been paid, by a judicial decision in favor of

any grant not derived from the United States:

FEBRUARY, 1806.

not having the means of the common payment; they wished to live together, and to cultivate the vine for their principal support, for their prosperity, and for the good of the community, in introducing its culture into this country.

Mr. ELY observed that the bill appeared to give a preference in the sale of the public lands; that the bill was presented from the Senate without the documents or testimony which might justify this preference; he therefore moved that it should be committed to the Committee on Public Lands. the best land at only two dollars per acre, and it Mr. GREGG.-They obtain a whole township of Whether it be expedient to invest the Commissioners is proposed to extend to them an unusual indulwest of Pearl river with such extensive equitable juris-gence in the time of payment. He would not diction, as may enable them to guard, on the one hand, agree to it. against the admission of claims, which may be support- Mr. FINDLEY spoke in favor of the bill. ed by a literal construction of legal provisions, though Mr. CONRAD. The indulgence of time for payfounded in fraud; and to confirm, on the other hand, ment is not unprecedented. He showed an act those which may not be thus supported, though founded granting twelve years for payment where land upon principles of equity and justice: And, also, was purchased for the same purpose, and that act does not bind the purchasers to plant the vine, whereas this does. It were better to make a present of the land than not have the settlement among us of such persons. If not thus sold, it is more than probable that the land will lie waste and unsold more than the six years.

Whether any, and, if any, what, further amendment ought to be made to the act aforementioned; and that they have leave to report by bill, or otherwise.

The resolution was agreed to.

Mr. OLIN.-If we can be justified in a sale of this kind, why oblige foreigners instead of our own countrymen? We have citizens enough of our own who would be glad to purchase on such terms.

Mr. G. W. CAMPBELL observed that a law had been passed the last session authorizing the President to cause the lands in the Territory of Orleans to be surveyed. The object of this act was to prepare the lands for sale and settlement. Believing that a settlement of that territory would greatly contribute to its security and prosperity, his wish was to bring the subject directly before the House. Mr. SLOAN.-Though I drink no wine myself, Whatever doubts may be entertained of the pro- I have no wish to prevent others, for I think it priety of encouraging the settlement of Upper may often be serviceable. I consider the indulLouisiana, he believed no difference of opinion ex-gence as to the time of payment in the light of an isted as to the expediency of fostering the settle- encouragement or bounty, that may prove useful ment of the Territory of Orleans by citizens of to us as well as the applicants. the United States; which end would be best effected by opening land offices for the sale of lands therein.

Mr. CAMPBELL concluded by moving the following resolution:

Resolved, That —

offices be established for the sale of the lands belonging to the United States within the Territory of Orleans.

Referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

SOCIETY OF HARMONY.

Mr. SMILIE. I cannot say with the gentleman from New Jersey that I drink no wine, for I certainly do when I can get it. I do not consider it as a valid objection that the petitioners are foreigners. I am myself an European, who have fled from oppression in the country where I was born. How great a part of Pennsylvania is settled by such characters!

Mr. MCCREERY.-The applicants are men of piety and industry. Let us give them a good chance, for our own sakes as well as theirs, to introduce the culture of the grape here.

Mr. FINDLEY.-If this indulgence be not given, the land will lie waste. We wish to populate the territory. Their settlement will enhance the value of the public lands around them.

The House went into a Committee of the Whole on the bill received from the Senate, the object of which is to authorize the location of a quantity of land in the Indiana Territory by George Rapp and his associates, they paying two dollars therefor, and giving them a credit, without the payment Mr. ELY.-I am sorry my motion has occaof interest, for six years, when they are to pay one-sioned so much debate. I was ignorant of the fourth of the purchase money, and the residue in six annual payments, on condition that, agreeably to prescribed terms, the vine shall be cultivated.

circumstances relating to this society, and to the character of it; my object was information, net an intention to defeat the bill. We deviate from the usual mode, which is to have the report of a committee in cases of this sort.

Mr. MCCREERY stated that George Rapp and his associates, amounting to about 3,000 persons, were natives of the Electorate of Wirtemburg; Mr. GREGG. This bill very improperly authorthat they were Lutherans, who had fled from op-izes a deviation from the established practice of pression in that country; that they were mostly selling public lands-it is a change of principle. cultivators of the vine, and wished an extension I do not wish to see so great a body of foreigners of the usual time for paying for public lands, they settled together; we shall have a little Wirtem