tò able bodied young men, to be engaged and carri- military services. An efficient militia is authorised | of general Scott, major general T. Cadwallader, of ed there at the public expense, who would constitute and contemplated by the constitution, and required Pennsylvania, adjutant general Sumner, of Massaa force always ready on the spot to defend New Or- by the spirit and safety of the government. The chusetts, adjutant general Daniel, of North Carolina, leans. The other was to class the inilitia according present organization of our militia is universally re-lieutenant colonels Eustis, Z. Taylor and E. Cutler, to the year of their birth, and make all those from garded as less efficient than it ought to be made; and and major Nourse, of the United States army, took twenty to twenty-five, liable to be trained and called no organization can be better calculated to give to it the same view of the classification as I have done, into service at a moment's warning. This would its due force than a classification which will assign and exempted the young men up to the age of 21, have given us a force of three hundred thousand the foremost place in the defence of the country to "because it was thought unnecessary, in time of young men, prepared by proper training for service that portion of its citizens, whose activity and anima- peace, for government to interfere with the ordinary in any part of the United States; while those who hadtion best enable them to rally to its standard." control of parents, guardians and masters over mipassed through that period would remain at home, In conformity with these views, and in compliance nors"-and gave it as their opinion that a well regufiable to be used in their own or adjacent states.- with a resolution of the house of representatives, re-lated, armed and instructed inilitia of 400,000 men These two measures would have completed what I questing the secretary of war to report a system for for the whole union, would be sufficient for all the deemed necessary for the entire security of our coun- the organization and discipline of the militia, best purposes stated in the constitution." They propos try. They would have given me on my retirement calculated, in his opinion, to promote the efficiency ed an adjutant general as necessary to the estafrom the government of the nation, the consolatory of that force when called into public service, a plan blishment of an efficient plan." They proposed "to reflections that having found when I was called to it, was submitted in 1817, by that officer which divided increase the term of service when the militia may not a single seaport town in a condition to repel a the militia into three classes. "Those between 18 be called out by the president from three to twelve levy of contribution by a single privateer or pirate, and 21 years of age to be called the minor class; months." They proposed "to enrol and organize I had left every harbor so prepared by works and those between 21 and 31 to be called the junior class; one brigade for every congressional district in the gun boats, as to be in a reasonable state of security and those over 31 and 45 years of age to be called the U. States-the minimum aggregate to be 410,374, against any probable attack; the territory of Orleans senior class of militia." and the maximum aggregate 595,270 men." Camps acquired and planted, with an internal force sufficient of instruction to be formed for the officers alone, who for its protection; and the whole territory of the U. are to receive pay during the period of encampment. States organizing by such a classification, of its male One hundred and four camps are recommended for force; as would give it the benefit of all its young ten days in a year, each to have an instructor from population for active service, and that of a middle the regular army, or from West Point, and the num and advanced age for stationary defence. But these ber of officers annually assembled and paid during measures will, I hope, be completed by my succes- The committee of the house to which this portion the period of encampment, after making liberal desor, who, to the purest principles of republican pa- of Mr. Madison's message and the plan of the secre- ductions for absence from sickness and other causes, triotism, adds a wisdom and foresight second to no tary of war were referred, and of which gen. Wm. is estimated at 16,658. The whole expense calcu man on earth." Henry Harrison was chairman, submitted an elabo-lated at $1 50 a day for each officer, at $1 25, and $1 00, varies from $318,123—-$276,258—to 134,343 for the ten days. The militia of the two first classes to be assembled at cantonments not more than twice a year, and that while so assembled, they shall be subsisted and equipped at the expense of the United States-one or more arsenals and depots were to be established in each state or territory. In 1810, Mr. Madison called the attention of con-rate report, accompanied by a bill, adopting the pringress to this subject. Speaking of the militia, he ciples recommended by the executive, and engrafted says, "It is for their consideration (congress) whe- upon it a system for the military instruction of all ther further provisions are not requisite for the other the youth in the United States at the public expense. contemplated objects of organization and discipline. The report sets forth, that "to instruct the present To give to this great mass of physical and inoral militia of the country to any useful extent would force the efficiency which it merits, and is capable require a larger portion of their time than they can of receiving, it is indispensable, that it should be possibly spare from the duty of providing for their instructed and practised in the rules by which they families, unless they are liberally paid-to pay them, are to be governed. Towards an accomplishment would absorb all the resources of the nation.' of this important work, I recommend, for the consideration of congress, the expediency of instituting a system, which shall, in the first instance, call into the field, at the public expense, and, for a time, certain portions of the coininissioned and non-commissioned officers. The instruction and discipline thus acquired would gradually diffuse, through the entire body of the militia, that practical knowledge and promptitude for active service, which are the great ends to be pursued." lations now in force." General Jackson, than whom no man in this country had better opportunities of observing and prac tically experiencing the deficiencies of the present systein, recommended in the most earnest manner an organization of the militia by classes. He says, in his message of December, 1835, "Occurrences to which we, as well as all other nations are liable, both in our internal and external relations, point to the "The alternative appears to be to direct the efforts necessity of an efficient organization of the militia. of the government to instruct such a portion of the mi- I am again induced, by the importance of the sublitia as their means will allow, and which would pro-ject, to bring it to your attention. To suppress doduce the most beneficial result upon the whole mass.' "mestic violence, and to repel foreign invasion, should The bill divided the militia into three classes, as these calamities overtake us, we must rely, in the proposed by the secretary of war; and gen. Harrison first instance, upon the great body of the community says, "the junior or middle class will be composed whose will has instituted, and whose power must of men who have small families, or those who have support the government. A large standing military none, who are in the full enjoyment of bodily strength force is not consonant to the spirit of our institutions, and activity, and whose minds are more easily excit- nor to the feelings of our countrymen; and the les In 1812, when on the eve of a war with Great Bri-ed to military andor and the love of glory, than those sons of former days, and those also of our own times, tain, Mr. Madison repeats the recommendation with of a more advanced period of life. Notwithstanding show the danger, as well as the enormous expense great earnestness--and at the close of the war, he the classification, it is recommended that the officers of these permanent and extensive military organizasays, "I cannot press too much on the attention of and sergeants of the whole militia of the United tions. That just medium which avoids an inade Congress such a classification and organization of the States, be trained for one month in every year, at the quate preparation on one hand, and the danger and militia as will most effectually render it the safe-public expense. The estimate, upon the supposi expense of a large force on the other, is what our guard of a free state. If experience has shown in tion that the officers and sergeants receive full pay constituents have a right to expect from their gothe recent splendid achievements of the militia, the for one month, without rations or an allowance of vernment. This object can be attained only by the value of this resource for the public defence, it has maintenance of a small military force, and by such shown also the importance of that skill in the use of an organization of the physical strength of the coun arms, and of familiarity with the essential rules of try as may bring this power into operation whenever discipline, which cannot be expected from the reguits services are required. A classification of the population offers the most obvious means of effecting this organization. Such a division may be made as will be just to all, by transferring each, at a proper period of life, from one class to another, and by calling first for the services of that class, whether for instruction or action, which, from age, is qualified for the duty, and may be called to perform it with the least injury to themselves, or to the public.Should the danger ever become so imminent as to require additional force, the other classes, in succession, would be ready for the call. And if, in addition to this organization, voluntary associations were encouraged, and inducements held out for their for mation, our militia would be in a state of efficient service. Now, when we are at peace, is the proper time to adjust, and establish a practicable system. The object is certainly worth the experiment, and worth the expense. No one appreciating the bless ings of a republican government, can object to his share of the burden which such a plan may impose. Indeed, a moderate portion of the national funds could scarcely be better applied, than in carrying into effect and continuing such an arrangement, and in giving the necessary elementary instruction." "The armor and the attitude of defence afford the best security against those collisions which the ambition or interest, or some other passion of nations, not more justifiable, is liable to produce. In many countries, it is considered unsafe to put arms into the hands of the people, and to instruct them in the elements of military knowledge. That fear can have no place here, when it is recollected that the thirty dollars a month, or leaving them on full pay rations or forage, except to the sergeants for whom rations might be necessary, amounts to $1,738,500; and one made upon the supposition that the officers receive only half pay, and the sergeants full pay and rations, amounts to $1,578,000; a third estimate, In 1812, the legislature of Kentucky adopted reso-upon the supposition that all the officers receive lutions on this subject, and recommended to congress the classification of the militia by dividing it into three classes-the first to be composed of all capable of bearing arms from 15 to 21 years of age-the second between 21 and 27-the third between 27 and 45 years of age. The principal object of the first class would be, to acquire a knowledge of tactics In 1825, the then secretary of war, Mr. Barbour, and discipline; of the second, which might be deno-assembled a board composed of regular and militia minated the effective one, to be completely armed and equipped to march whenever required; of the third, to form a reserve, which need not be compelled to attend musters, unless when called upon to render actual service." On coming into office, Mr. Monroe called the unremitted attention of congress to the organization and discipline of the militia, and frequently repeated the recommendation. officers, to take into consideration the expediency of reorganizing the militia. Their report, and the numerous letters addressed to the secretary in a reply to a series of queries put by him to the governors of the several states, all recommend a select body of "The progress of all capable of bearing arms, militia to be trained for the defence of the country, through the several classes, promises a greater perin preference to the fruitless attempt then and now fection of discipline than can be effected under the making to discipline the whole mass. present plan; all would, in fact, have thus passed Mr. Barbour says, in his report to president through a school in which it would have been taught, Adams, in 1826, "Important changes in the present and perhaps more than a million of dollars be annu- system are indispensable to make the militia any way ally saved to the community in the labor of those equal to the standard assigned it by the wishes of the excused from uselessly attending musters. But the patriot," And again: "It would appear that keep. greatest advantage which would result from it would ing up a system of the militia so extensive as the Be the keeping an effective, disposable and compe- present, and burthensome, without any advantage to tent military force at all times ready for service, a large class of our citizens, was altogether unne without the danger and inconvenience resulting from cessary. a standing army." "A different organization, therefore, by which at The great solicitude felt by Mr. Madison for a least a million and a half of our most useful citizens more efficient organization of the army induced him would be relieved from the unprofitable pageantry again to call the attention of congress to the subject. of military parade for five or six days in the year, In his last message of December 3d, 1816, he says: constituting so injurious a draft on their industry, "As a subject of the highest importance to the na- must be one which cannot fail to be well received people are the sovereign power. Our government tional welfare, I must again earnestly recommend to by the American people; and when, too, it is be- was instituted, and is supported, by the ballot box, the consideration of congress a reorganization of the lieved that notwithstanding this relief, a superior not by the musket. Whatever changes await it, militia on a plan which will form it into classes ac-efficiency will be imparted to this natural arm of the still greater changes must be made in our social incording to the periods of life more or less adapted to national defence." The board of officers composed i stitutions, before our political system can yield to the militia." physical force. In every aspect, therefore, in which | been well formed from the course of events having chairman, appear to have been of the same opinion; I can view the subject, I am impressed with the relation to this matter; and in their annual commu- but we differ in the manner of remunerating the serimportance of a prompt and efficient organization of nications, commencing with the inaugural address vices of the militia-that committee proposing to of Washington, this subject has been almost con- pay the officers alone, while my plan contemplates And Mr. Cass, in his report of the same year, stantly pressed upon the attention of congress. For paying privates as well as officers; it having appeared used the following language. "The defective or- the purpose of showing its importance in the opinion to me, that the latter were equally entitled to be reganization of the militia is universally acknowledged. of those eminent citizens, I have caused their com- munerated for their services, as those who commandBut little practical utility results from the adminis- munications to be examined, and find that the subjected them. tration of the present system; and if this great ele- has been presented to the legislature and the nation My plan recommends the division of the whole ment of national defence is worth preservation and no less than thirty-one times, in their official recom- territory of the United States into military districts; improvement, it is time the whole subject should be mendations. I indulge the hope that the present an arrangement, which will be acknowledged by examined, and that a plan suited to the exigencies state of public affairs may lead to a re-examination every person acquainted with the subject, to be exof the country, should be adopted. I am unwilling of the system, and to such changes as may render it tremely useful to the service in time of peace, and to believe, that there are such inherent difficulties permanently useful." absolutely necessary in war. in this subject as to render it impracticable or even My plan exempts the very young men from mili. It proposes a succession in the military compavery difficult to organize this great force, so pecu- tia duty, and, in this respect, coincides with that nies selected for training, so that one-fourth part liarly adapted to our condition and institutions in proposed by general Scott, and recommended by might every year impart to the body of the people such a manner as to render it active and efficient Mr. Barbour-not only because I agree with them, a portion of the discipline and skill acquired during in those junctures when the country may be cal-that such distribution of service is an improper and the period of service, and one-fourth be received for led on to exert its power. I presuine few would unnecessary interference with parents and guar- training fresh from the people; thus keeping up in be found to advocate the maintenance of a stand-dians, and has an immoral tendency, but from the the trained bands the popular principle. It contemning military force adequate to all the purposes hardships it imposes, and the diffiulty it creates of pletes the previous legislation of the states, before of peace and war. When, therefore, those exigen-bringing together even a small body of men in its provisions are to be carried into effect, except in cies arise, from which no nation can expect exeinp-sparsely settled districts. It includes all free white cases where citizens might volunteer their services. tion, and which call for an extension of our physical men, from the age of from 20 to 37, separating froin means, we must resort to an increase of the army, the mass of the militia 200,000 men-one-half of the out by the president, to the rules and articles of war, In proposing to subject the militia when called or to the embodying of the militia. It is obvious, number to be liable to be called out for training, and I have done no more than leave the law as it now from the extent of the country, that we can never the other half to be liable to military duty as a re- stands. Such a provision has been found necessary keep at all the exposed points such permanent force, serve, if their services should be needed-the mili- to ensure proper subordination in the field, by all as circumstances may occasionally require. The tia mustered for training, to be assembled in the officers who have commanded militia, and by none natural, and, in fact, the necessary dependence must neighborhood of deports of arms to be established of them was this necessity felt and more frequently be upon the militia; and if it be unorganized, we for the purpose, each battalion within its own state, acknowledged than by general Washington and geshall be found without the means to repel a foreign and as nearly as practicable in the centre of its disneral Jackson. enemy, or to repress internal disturbances, should trict. It recommends the battalion formation, as these evils occur." "The basis of an efficient or confessedly the best adapted for instruction. It conganization of the militia must be a selection for in- templates arming the militia thus selected, with struction and service of that part of the population arms, to be furnished and kept constantly in good best qualified for these duties. Age and physicial order by the government-leaving in force the 1st capacity present the proper considerations for such section of the law of 1792, both because no preced a selection. The principle is stated, with his usual ing plan proposed its repeal, and because the act force by Mr. Jefferson, in his message to congress which provides for the distribution of arms among the several states in proportion to the number of their "Had the general principles" so frequently "re-militia, enables them to relieve their citizens in a commended been practically adopted, and a corres- very great degree, from the burden of furnishing ponding system established, with the necessary de- their own arms and equipments. That section of the tails, first for instruction, and then for active service, it cannot be doubted that the course of events which "That every citizen so enrolled and notified, shall, of December, 1805." ble benefits." old law is in these words: for debt or for the payment of taxes." This sec- the spirit of frankness in which they are made, and I have endeavored to answer your enquiries in believe the repeated and urgent recommendations made to congress by Mr. Van Buren's predecessors, and the plans for the more perfect organization of the militia proposed by former secretaries of war, by committees of congress, and by experienced officers of the army and militia of the U. States, that the proposition under consideration, so far from being new in principle, corresponds in its most esWashington, Jeferson, Madison, Monroe and Jacksential provisions with those recommended by son, and is certainly not less liberal and democratic. Those illustrious men and enlightened pa'riots, exPressly state, that they regard the more perfect organization of the militia by training a given number of them with superior care, as affording the only means of avoiding the necessity of keeping on foot a standing army. marked the commencement of the late war would within six months thereafter, provide himself with a have been avoided, and immense expenditure of good musket or firelock, a sufficient bayonet and blood and treasure saved to the nation. The warn-belt, two apare flints, and a knapsack, a pouch with ing voice, which was not heeded then, may perhaps a box therein, to contain not less than 24 cartridges be heard now, and, if it is, it may produce incalcula- suited to the bore of his musket or firelock, each cartridge to contain a proper quantity of powder and "A mere organization would avail but little, un-ball; or with a good rifle, knapsack, shot pouch and They all inculcate the propriety of relieving the less inducements were held out for proper instruc-powder horn, 20 bails suited to the bore of his rifle, great mass of the militia from the enormous burtions and equipment, and I consider, therefore, some a quarter of a pound of powder; and shall appear then of frequent mustering, and recommend the provision for elementary instruction and for such so armed, accoutred and provided, when called out to classification of it so as to confine the duty of trainequipment as may be necessary to excite a proper exercise or into service-except, that when called ing to defend the country, to a select body of men emulation, indispensable to any improvement of our out on company days to exercise only, he may ap. varying only as to the number, from three to four militia system-indispensable, I may add, to its very pear without a knapsack. That the commissioned hundred thousand men. I do not pretend to say, existence. An arrangement for these objects would officers shall, severally, be arined with a sword or that the system I have presented to congress is the embrace the first class only. It would, to be sure, hanger, and espontoon; and that from and after five best that can be devised; but I hope my friends are involve expense; for an adequate compensation must years from the passing of this act, all muskets for now convinced that it is not without precedent in be allowed to the persons required to be embodied arming the militia, as herein required, shall be of our annals, "tyrannical and oppressive in its details at these schools of instructions for a few days in the bores sufficient for balls of the eighteenth part of a and without a parallel in the history of free govern year; and it would probably be found expedient to pound. And every citizen so enrolled and providments;" but on the contrary, that in seeking to lescontinue the present plan of voluntary corps withing himself with arms, and ammunition and accou-sen the burthens of the people and at the same time some changes, and to require them also to meet for trements required as aforesaid, shall hold the same to render the militia more efficient, I have done no improvement. It is vain to expect, that the whole exempt from all suits, distresses, executions or sales more than imitate the example of the best and adult male population of the country can or will greatest men who have ruled the destinies of this furnish themselves with the articles required by law; country. If I have erred, so did they. If I thought or that their collection, for any number of days they it expedient, when the country was threatened with can afford to devote to this object, and under the war to prepare to meet it, they urged their fellow usual circumstances of such assemblages, can pro-day. citizens to do so in time of peace. If I considered duce any beneficial effect to themselves or their coun- The constitution guarantees equally to the people the present militia system defective and likely to try. Already, in a number of states, the system has of the United States the right of trial by jury and lead to defeat and disgrace at the commencement of sunk under the weight of public opinion, and the the right to keep and bear arms; and lest the people hostilities and rendering the creation of a large practical question now is, whether we shall remain, should neglect to exercise these inestimable privi-standing ariny necessary during their continuance, in fact, defenceless, or resort to a large standing mileges, on which their liberties as individuals and as and therefore recommended that a select body of litary force in time of peace-that just dread of all a nation, in a great measure depend, the law has citizens should be better trained, armed and equipfree governments; or adopt an efficient plan, which from the commencement of the government provid-ped than the rest, in order that they might be prewill prepare for the public defence the greatest force, ed that they shall do their duty to themselves, and pared at all times to repel invasion or repress insurat the least cost, and without danger. to their country in these essential particulars. The rection; so did Washington, Jefferson, Madison, "The blessings we have inherited cannot be pre-general government aids the states to arin their citi- Monroe and Jackson; and I am well satisfied, that served without exertion nor without expense. It zens, but its constant policy has been, that every endeavoring to carry out their views and followwere idle to sit still and flatter ourselves with the freeman in America should be armed and equipped ing their example, I have been guided by the beahope that war is never to overtake us, and it would in order that he may at all times be prepared to de- con light of liberty. be worse to delay all efficient organization of our phy-fend his country and his liberty. I have now presented you with my motives for sical means till the time for its active employment My plan proposes to train the officers and men to submitting this proposition at this particular junearrives. Nearly fifty years have elapsed, since the gether; whereas, my predecessors appear to be of ture, and as briefly as practicable, a sketch of the adoption of the present constitution. During all opinion that it is sufficient to have camps of instruc- several plans which have been submitted to conthat time no essential changes have been made in tion for officers. I have considered this questiongress since the foundation of our government; and our military system, and it has gradually declined in anxiously, and am convinced that the men who are after reviewing the whole subject as you request, utility and efficiency, and in public confidence, and to stand shoulder to shoulder in the hour of battle, aided by the lights derived from the objections of its there is reason to fear its entire abandonment, un should be trained together in time of peace; and opponents, I am satisfied that the organization proless it undergo important modifications. In this equally satisfied that those who are to defend the posed, so far from being tyrannical and oppressive in long interval, the value of the system seems to have forts and fight the great guns, must be assembled its details, would prove less onerous than that now been appreciated by all the presidents of the United in the casemates and on the ramparts, and taught in existence. It is true, the objections of its oppoStates, as well as those who from the habits of their to load those guns quickly and fire them accurately. nents have not afforded me much aid in considering lives could best estimate its value by their personal The committee of the house of representatives of the subject, for they apply almost exclusively, as observations, as by those whose opinions may have the 14th congress, of which general Harrison was before remarked, to the existing system. They im 298 pute to ine all that may appear defective in the present organization under the militia law of 1792, and in order that this glaring attempt to deceive the people may be fully understood, I respectfully suggest that the act itself may be published. That a man who like Mr. Van Buren, has throughout his whole political career, placed his sole reliance upon the virtue, intelligence and independence of the people, should seek to enroll a select body of militia under the pretext of defending the country, when threatened with war, in order to organize a body of voters to favor his reelection, is too improbable to require refutation: and I may be permitted to say for myself, that every act of a long life spent in the public service, and devoted to the cause of freedom, forbids the con clusion that I would insult my fellow citizens by supposing them capable of being made the tools of any man however exalted in station or character. I have the honor to be, dear sir, very sincerely, your J. R. POINSETT. obedient servant, Thomas Ritchie, esq. secretary to the central democratic committee of Virginia, Richmond, Va. TWENTY-SIXTH CONGRESS-1st SESSION. July 1. The chair communicated to the senate a message from the president of the United States, in compliance with a resolution of the 12th of March last, calling for information in relation to the military and naval preparations of the British author ties on the northern frontier of the United States. It was referred to the committee on military affairs, and ordered to be printed. SENATE. Mr. Ruggles introduced a resolution calling on the president for a copy of the survey made by the Briush commissioners in relation to the northeastern boundary, provided the communication of the same would not be deemed incompatible with the public service. Mr. Buchanan would state that only one copy of the report had been received, and that was an act of courtesy, as the report had not been adopted by The report in question the British government. was to go before the parliament. This document had been sent by the president to the committee on foreign relations, and he directed that when it had been used it might be sent to that committee in the house, atter which it was to be returned. Under these circumstances, he hoped the senator would not press his resolution. Objection having been made, the resolution lies over. Mr. Lumpkin said he desired to call up the resolution submitted by him two months ago fixing on the time for the adjournment of congress. The majority of the senate, when he introduced the resolution, differed with him as to the propriety of the measure, but now he felt it his imperious duty to bring it before the notice of the body. The resolution having been read fixing the time on the 1st of June, Mr. Lumpkin moved to strike out the 1st of June," and insert the 15th July, at 3 o'clock, P. M. Mr. Norvell, made a remark in relation to the subject being before the house of representatives, which body had either passed, or was in the act of passing, a resolution fixing on the 15th. Mr. Lumpkin was disposed to do what he conceived his own duty, without waiting for others.He expressed the belief that, if his resolution had passed when first introduced, all the business would have been done in the time prescribed. If they waited to pass this or that measure, the 1st of Augusti He would agree might find them still in session. to no modification. Mr. Hubbard rose to say that he did not know how far it might be in order to allude to what had been done in the other branch; but he had that very moment understood that the house had passed a resolution fixing on the 21st instant, and he thought it would be better, therefore, not to proceed. Mr. Lumpkm insisted on his own proposition. Mr. Buchanan thought it would be better to wait until the proposition was received from the other house; the senate could then take it at its word, and fix the time for the 21st. He had always sustained the proposition of the senator from Georgia, and he hoped that senator would acquiesce in the present suggestion. Mr. Lumpkin said, no doubt there would be as much business done by the 15th as by the 21st, il that day were fixed. to treat the senator's motion with disrespect, he On motion of Mr. Crittenden, the senate proceeded The original bill simply provided for the purchase duties he would endeavor to perform faithfully, and Mr. Williams moved that the committee on commerce be discharged from the further consideration of the senate resolution on the subject of establishing a navy yard at the west end of Ship island in Mississippi; and they were discharged acccordingly. The president pro tem. presented a communication from the secretary of state, with statements showing the number and designation of passengers arriving from foreign countries during the last year in the various collection districts of the United States. Laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Mr. Smith, of Indiana, proposed his substitute for the bill and amendment. The substitute provides for the annual application of the tolls received by The resolution offered by Mr. Ruggles, calling on the govornment to the purchase of the stock of individuals; for an examination of the channel of the the president of the United States, if not inconsist Ohio river at the falls, for the purpose of its im-ent with the public interest, for a copy of the report provement, if practicable; and for a survey of the and map presented to the British government by falls on the Indiana side of the liver, to ascertain their coinmissioners for surveying the disputed ter Mr. Buchanan, as he must be absent from the the expediency of constructing a canal on that side.ritory, coming up in its orderMr. S. explained, at length, his objection to the bill and amendment reported by a majority of the senate this morning, asked, as an act of courtesy, that over till Monday. He proceeded to remark that committee on roads and canals, and maintained the the senator from Maine would let the resolution lie three propositions contained in the substitute. Mr. Smith, of Connecticut, spoke at length in fa- this was a subject of great delicacy; that but one vor of the amendinent of the committee, and in op-copy of the report and map bad been sent to this position to Mr. Smith's amendment and the origina! country, and that in a confidential manner, and as bill, as improper, inexpedient and unconstitutional. a mere act of courtesy, as the report had not yet Mr. Crittenden having expressed his great prefer- been acted upon by the British government; that to ence for the original bill, as withdrawing at once a his certain knowledge important information bad great and improper burden from the commerce of been often withheld from this government, from the the west; and having signified his acceptance of the apprehension that it would be made public. Under no secret, Mr. B. thought it not proper to publish substitute of Mr. Smith, as the best that could pro. these circumstances, although the report was really bably now be obtained. Mr. Benton read a report from a member of the it. But for the present he wished merely that the Mr. Ruggles said it was not on his own account, engineer corps, (name unheard), which stated that, resolution should lie over till Monday. in the very dry season of 1838, he had taken measures to enlarge the channel over the falls 25 feet particularly, that he had submitted the call for this more in width, and 20 inches in depth, and express-nap and report. But the president of the United ing the opinion that the channel, without any inju- States had warmly recommended a survey of the ry, might be made navigable at all times, at least to disputed territory on the part of the United States. descending if not to ascending commerce, and the Tirat recommendation was ostensibly founded on it due to the senate that they should themselves see former, Mr. B. stated, was by far the greater por- the report and map in question; and Mr. R. thought the ground on which they were called upon to act in relation to this subject. tion of the whole. On motion of Mr. Wright, the subject was laid over till to-morrow. Mr. Allen said there was a manifest impropriety The senate, on motion of Mr. Wright, proceeded again to consider the bill to ensure the more faith-in adopting this resolution, especially as the action ful execution of the laws relating to the collection of the senate, even so far, on this map and report, of duties on imports. The question was on the would give them a sort of sanction which ought not amendment submitted by Mr. Huntington, which to be given them, while it was known that they had declared any witness incompetent who should have not been accepted by the British government, and Mr. A. therefore moved to lay the reany interest whatever in the cause, similar to the no intimation had been given that they would be solution finally on the table; but, on its being obinterest of the party in whose behalf he might be adhered to. called to testify. This question, or rather the question of any inno-served that Mr. Buchanan had left the senate, and vation on the common law, was further debated at might wish to say something further on the subject some length by Messrs. Huntington, Phelps, Grun on Monday, Mr. A. withdrew his motion, and the dy, Wright and Davis for the amendment, and by resolution was laid over till Monday. Messis. Strange, Calhoun and Preston against it. The senate adjourned without taking any ques. tion. July 2. The vice president announced his intention of being absent for the remainder af the session. The resolution from the house of representatives fixing the time of adjournment on the 21st instant was taken up and adopted. Mr. Williams, from the committee on military affairs, reported a bill to regulate the pay of the navy of the United States. The bill to regulate the pay and emoluments of pursers of the navy was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading. Messrs. The senate, on motion of Mr. Walker, took up the resolution formerly submitted by him for the appointment of a select committee to inquire into the expediency of choosing four reporters for the senate, equally from each of the two political par ties, to report, under oath, the proceedings and debates of the senate. The resolution was agreed to by ayes 17, noes not counted; and the president, by consent, was bers). authorised to appoint the committee, (of five mem The resolution (introduced by Mr. Norvell) for beginning of December coming up in its orderthe meeting of congress at an earlier day than the Mr. Norvell was understood to express doubt whether it was not now too late in the session to act upon the subject. The bill to ensure the more faithful execution of the laws relating to the collection of duties on imMr. Calhoun remarked that October and Novem ports was then taken up, the question still pending being on Mr. Huntington's ainendiment. Clay, Hubbard, Wright and Phelps spoke in favor ber were the two most important months of all the of the amendment; and Messrs. Calhoun and Strange against it, Mr. Wright having declined to press the question in the absence of Mr. Calhoun, who had been sent for from the chamber, the senate went into executive session, and then adjourned. therefore moved that the subject be laid on the tayear for southern planters to be at home. He ble, which was done without dissent. The following bills were considered in committee reading: of the whole, and ordered to be engrossed for a third The bill to establish and regulate the navy ra tion. July 3. The senate having been called to order The bill authorising the inhabitants of factional by the secretary, proceeded to vote for a president On the first ballot, the whole number of sopro tem. Arkansas, to enter one-half section of land for school votes were 29, of which the hon. Wm. R. King, re-township 10 south, of range 1 east, in the state of ceived 23, and 6 were scattering. purposes. The bill relative to the transportation of mails in steamboats. Mr. Grundy thought it was not proper to dictate to the house bow to perform its duties. This body was ready to adjourn at any time; but was with the other house? After mature deliberation, the 21st instant had been fixed on as the period that would best comport with the business before them, and it was to be presumed that they knew best.Mr. G. said, without having the slightest disposition Mr. King, having been conducted to the chair, briefly remarked, that if the order which had here. tofore prevailed in the senate should continue, his The following bills from the house of representatives were then taken up, and ordered to be read a third time: An act allowing further time to the trustees of Centre college to dispose of the land heretofore granted to the Deaf and Dumb asylum in the state of Kentucky. An act granting two townships of land for the use of the university in the territory of Iowa. An act granting a section of land for the use of schools in St. Clair county, Illinois. cision the senator from Alabama (Mr. Clay) took This appeal was discussed at considerable length senate, "to continue the corporate existence of certain banks in the District of Columbia for certain purposes," was received from the house, and, after having received the signature of the president pro tempore-the senate adjourned to Monday. July 6. The president pro tem. presented a memorial from the president, directors and stockholders of the Patriotic bank of Washington, asking an extension of its charter, and stating that it had not suspended specie payments. Referred to the com Mr. Clay, of Ala. remarking that he had become An act to annex a certain tract of land to the drew his motion. Coosa land district. The senate resumed the consideration of the bill to ensure the more faithful execution of the laws in the collection of duties on imports, the question still being on Mr. Huntington's amendment, declaring any witness incompetent who should have any interest in the cause similar to that of the party for whom he might testify. Mr. Henderson spoke at large in opposition to the amendment, and to the general principle on which it rested, of a departure from the coinmon law in respect to the competency of witnesses. Mr. Clay, of Ky. renewed the motion, essentially in the same words. The president again decided that the motion was out of order. Mr. Wright presented a memorial from the Marine Insurance companies of New York, remonstrating against the repeal of the pilot law of 1837. Mr. Williams, from the committee on naval affairs, asked to be discharged from the further consiFrom this decision Mr. Clay, of Ky. again took deration of the memorial of citizens of Pennsylvania an appeal. asking a revision of the laws regulating the sale and The appeal was further debated by Messrs. Clay-transfer of American vessels. ton, Clay, of Kentucky, Benton and Smith, of In. diana. The chief points in debate were, whether the senate had always the immediate power to change its own rules; whether a motion to change the rules The senate having early received from the house was a "resolution," in the technical language of the a message announcing that the senate bill to pro-rule to be suspended; and whether the extinction of long the corporate existence of the District banks the bank charters at midnight of to-day would inhad there been rejected, and having recently also volve, also, the extinction of all their powers and received the new bill from the house on this sub-liabilities. ject-Mr. Clay, of Alabaina, asked that, by consent, The decision of the president that it was not in Mr. Wright said if the object was merely to refer the bill to a committee, he would not object; but if it was to interfere with the bill on the collection of the revenue, he was against it. Mr. Clay, of Alabama, (on the suggestion of Mr. Clay, of Kentucky), now moved to lay the collec tion bill on the table. This bill was accordingly laid on the table, yeas 23, nays 11. banks in the District of Columbia was now taken The bill to extend the corporate existence of the up, read a first time, and ordered to a second reading. Mr. Clay, of Alabama, desired that it might now be read a second time. Mr. Wright. That will require unanimous consent. Mr. Clay, of Alabama, hoped no one would object. Mr. Allen objected. Mr. Clay, of Alabama, asked if the rule could not be suspended? YEAS-Messrs. Allen, Anderson, Benton, Calhoun, -24. The following is the select committee appointed by the chair in relation to the appointment of sworn reporters: Messrs. Walker, Lumpkin, Pierce, Smith, of Indiana, and Huntington. A resolution, submitted by Mr. Clay, of Alabama, declaring it competent, at any time, for a quorum of senators present to suspend, by a vote of two-thirds, any of the rules of the senate, being under consideration. It was opposed by Messrs. Walker, Calhoun and Benton, and advocated by Mr. Clay, of Alabama; after which the resolution was, on motion of Mr. Clay, of Alabama, laid over for the present. The bill from the house, to extend the corporate existence of the banks in the District of Columbia, which was read a first time on Friday last, and arrested in the further progress by the objection of Mr. Allen, having come up in its order, and having been read a second time, Mr. Wright moved to lay on the table. ton, Porter, Smith, of Indiana, Southard, White-8. Mr. Wright proposed (as a motion was not in or up their affairs. Mr. Allen still objected to the second reading of the bill, without which no amendment could be of fered. Mr. Walker suggested the expediency of letting the bill pass so far as to test the sense of the senate on the amendinent of Mr. Wright, and the bill could then be stopped on its third reading by any indivi Mr. Clay, of Kentucky, said there was one way, and that was, to suspend the rule (which he main-dual objector. tained was no more than a rule) which required one day's notice for a resolution to alter the rules; and he would submit it to the senator from Alabama whether he was not warranted in this case in resort. ing to that expedient. Mr. Clay, of Alabama, remarking that it was very singular if one individual member could thus wholly defeat an important measure, moved to suspend the rule in question. Mr. Allen was understood to ask if that motion was in order. The president decided that in his opinion it was not in order. He thought any rule could not be suspended without one day's notice. Mr. Clay, of Ky. demanded the yeas and nays on that question. Mr. Wright was willing it should be referred if it would be of any use. medy the extraordinary legislation of Friday last on Mr. Clay said the object and the use was to rethis subject. On motion of Mr Wright, the bill was then referred to the committee for the District of Columbia. The senate resumed the consideration of the bill to ensure the more faithful execution of the laws re lating to the collection of duties on imports. The question being on the amendment of the committee as amended by the substitute of Mr. Huntington, de claring any witness incompetent who should have any interest whatever in the cause similar to the interest of the party for whom he might be called to testify. Mr. Calhoun asked for the yeas and nays on this amendment, which were ordered, and being taken were yeas 30, nays 4. Mr. Wright moved again to take up the bill to en Mr. Walker cited a case which occured in 1836, A desultory conversation now took place, chiefly in which a similar decision of the chair had prevent-ties of the banks would irretrievably expire at midon the question whether all the powers and liabili ed for a time the progress of two or more important bills, near the close of the session, though the ob jection was subsequently withdrawn, and they were permitted to pass. The president read the rule requiring that each bill should receive three several readings, and on three dillerent days, unless by the unanimous consent of the senate. It was also, he said, the opinion of the chair that a motion to suspend a rule must lie over, though the contrary, he admitted, was not without precedent. Mr. Clay, of Kentucky, maintained that, by the constitution, each house had the power to make its own rules, and that none of these rules could at any time be beyond the power of the body. The president said that, in the present case, he had decided that it was so. Mr. Clay, of Kentucky, said, if the chair decided that it was not in the immediate power of the sehate to change any one of its rules, he now, though with great reluctance, appealed to the senate from that decision. night with their charters. a variety of amendments, (of too complicated a Mr. Huntington submitted severally and explaincharacter to be made readily intelligible), all of which went to render the bill more explicit, thorough and effectual. All of them were agreed to the receiver of imported goods liable, not only if he without dissent, except one of them, which made "knew," but if he had good reason to believe that the goods were illegally imported. To this there was one dissenting voice. Mr. Wright, from the committee, now offered se verally a number of additional amendinents, mostly tual, but so numerous and complicated that they designed to make the bill more explicit and effeccould not be made as readily intelligible in any other lution continuing the charters of the district banks Mr. Cly, of Kentucky, moved to add the latter Mr. Allen now moved to adjourn. Negatived as motion. The amendment of Mr. Hubbard was agreed to, and the resolution in this form was ordered to be engrossed. Mr. Clay remarked, in the way of moral reflection, that the senate had been in the morning charg ed with legislating too fast; and they had then spent Mr. C. subsequently wrote down his appeal, in the day, till six o'clock, on a point of order, and had, which Mr. Clay, of Ala. concurred, stating, in sub-in effect, ended with merely cutting off the latter stance, that the senator from Alabaina, (Mr. Clay), portion of the bill from the house. moved to suspend the rule which was thought to re- The resolution was read a third time and passed, quire a day's notice of any alteration in the rules, and returned to the house for concurrence. an also to suspend that further rule which required On motion of Mr. Clay, of Alabama, the senate the three readings of a bill on three different days, took a recess of an hour and a half. unless by unanimous consent; that the chair decid- Evening session. After the recess, the senate re. ed that this motion was not in order; and on this de-assembled at 8 o'clock. The bill, as amended in the Mr. Calhoun moved a final limit to the operation of the bill to June 30, 1842, when the gradual reduction of duties by the coinpromise bill will be consummated. This amendment was debated by Messrs. Culhoun, Clay, of Ky. Buchanan, Davis and Hunting ton, when the question on the amendment was taken and agreed to, yeas 18, nays 12. On motion of Mr. Wright, all the other amendments were agreed to, and the bill as amended was ordered to be printed. Mr. Calhoun immediately introduced a resolution calling on the secretary of the treasury for a copy of all the circulars issued since the adoption of the act of '32, known as the compromise act; which was adopted. The senate then went into executive session, and soon after adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Mr. Mark A. Cooper, of Georgia, moved to lay A letter from the commissioner of public build. both amendinents on the table; after some time, ings, communicating information in relation to the however, he withdrew the motion. superintendents and workmen employed on the The question was then put on Mr. Cushing's public buildings; which was referred to the comamendment, and it was negatived without a count.mittee on expenditures on the public buildings. The question then recurring on Mr. Cooper's The speaker also laid before the house the annuamer.dment, it was rejected by yeas and nays, as al report of the treasury department on commerce follows: yeas 87, nays 128. and navigation. Tuesday, June 30. Evening session. Before Mr. Graham resumed his remarks on the sub-treasury bill, Mr. Green, obtained the floor, and spoke in op-ly position to the bill. Mr. Graham then resumed and concluded his speech in opposition to the bill, and moved to recommit it to the committee of the whole on the state of the union, with instructions to report the substitute which had previously been proposed in committee by Mr. W. Cost Johnson, Mr. G. stated that he had made the motion at the request of Mr. Johnson. The substitute was read at the clerk's table. A great rush was then made for the floor, more than twenty members addressing "Mr. Speaker!” a The question being then on the title as original- Mr. Curtis moved that 5,000 extra copies, and Mr. Adums moved that 10,000 extra copies be pub lished. Mr. Petrikin objected. Mr. Rice Garland preferred 5,000 copies. In the interior of the country few copies were read. It would cost $5,000 at least to print 10,000. The senate had already ordered 5,000. Mr. Ramsey objected to the motion. Mr. Curtis moved to suspend the Mr. Naylor inquired of the chair whether he could not move a reconsideration of the last vote? The chair replied that such a motion would be in order, but could not be debated, the previous question having been ordered on amending the title of the bill, and its force not being expended until the title had been disposed of. Mr. Naylor withdrew the motion for reconside-vious question; which was seconded, put, and carration. ried. And the main question being on the motion rules to consider the motion, and moved the pre thereupon the house adjourned. admitted the bill not to be such, in all respects, as up in order, Mr. W. Cost Johnson went into a speech in support of the bill, in which, though he he could have desired, he urged the shortness of time now left, as the charters of the banks would expire on Friday next, and the ruin to the people of the District which must ensue if the banks should be suddenly destroyed. at the same moment. Mr. Hawes, of Kentucky, Maryland, inquired of the chair in relation to the of the banks in the District of Columbia, coming right to the floor. He then proceeded to address first obtained the eye of the speaker, and with it the house at considerable length in opposition to the bill. When Mr. Huwes resumed his seat, after concluding, the attempt to obtain the floor was more desperate and tumultuous than before. Mr. Vanderpoel succeeded, and prefaced, by a very short speech, a motion for the previous question. Mr. Parris and many other gentlenen loudly de manded a call of the house. Wednesday, July 1. Mr. W. Cost Johnson, of that the charter of the District banks would expire order of business. It was known to gentlemen on Friday next; he wished the house to take up the senate bill for the extension of their charters. The chair replied that, as this involved a change in the order of business, it could be done only by suspending the rules, or by general consent. After some desultory conversation, the house came to an Several questions were put to him by Messrs. understanding that, after the expiration of the The roll was thereupon called, when 221 mem- cleared: in consequence of which, Mr. Johnson did cluded, began to speak, Mr. Johnson yielded, and morning hour, the speaker's table should first be Care Johnson and Vanderpoel, when Mr. Adams, supposing Mr. Johnson to have conbers responded to their names. The doors of the not now press his application. Mr. Banks wished Mr. Adams made a short but efficient speech in sa. hall were closed, and the names of absentees were again called over. Excuses were then received. to offer a resolution fixing a day for the termina-vor of the bill, especially on the ground that it was Mr. Cave Johnson moved that all further proceed. tion of the present session of congress. Objec: from one of these banks that members of congress tion being made, Mr. Banks moved to suspend ings on the call be dispensed with. On this motion, the yeas and nays were demand; which, being of July as the day of adjournment; and on this mothe rules to offer a resolution fixing on the 20th must get their pay. Mr. Petrikin followed in a speech of much vehetaken, resulted as follows: yeas 141, nays 66. So tion he demanded the yeas and nays; which were mence against all banks, and the banks of the Disthe call was suspended, and the doors were again ordered; and, being taken, resulted as follows:trict in particular. He moved to amend the bill so opened. as to make the president and directors of each of The previous question was now seconded, and Yeas 140, nays 20. The rules having been sus said banks, jointly and severally, in their individual pended for this purpose, Mr. Banks modified his being put, as follows, viz: "shall the main question resolution by changing the day to Saturday, the capacity, liable for all notes issued, or debts conbe now put?" it was decided in the affirmative, by 18th, at 7 o'clock. Mr. Cushing objected to Satur: the day this act goes into effect; and also to extend tracted by said banks respectively, from and alter yeas and nays, as follows: yeas 123, nays 99. And the main question being on the passage of the bill,day or Monday, as in either case there was a great the jurisdiction of justices of the peace to all acdesecration of the Sabbath day, and proposed Friit was taken, and decided by yeas and nays, as follows: yeas 124, nays 107. So the bill was passed. day the 17th, or Tuesday the 21st. He would tions against said banks for any amount not ex[The yeas and nays on the passage of the bill move Friday the 17th, at 2 o'clock. Mr. Drom ceeding one hundred dollars. Mr. Vanderpoel spoke against the bill, insisting were precisely the same as the list published in goole wanted first to inquire of the chairman of the that congress owed to the country an example, carpage 287 of the Register on ordering it to a third committee of elections how soon it was probablerying out the principles on which they had just reading, with the exception that Mr. John Hastings voted in the affirmative, and Mr. McCarty and Mr. Reed voted in the negative.] The question then recurring on the title-Mr. Cooper, of Pennsylvania, moved to amend it by striking out the present title, and inserting in lieu thereof the following: "A bill to reduce the value of property, the products of the farmer, and the wages of the laborer; to destroy the indebted portion of the community, and to place the treasury of the nation in the hands of the president." Mr. Cushing oved to amend the amendment so Graves objected to any colloquies with the chair- next. passed the sub-treasury bill. tive speech, urging the example of the surroundMr. Briggs responded to him in an argumentaing states in renewing the charters of banks while abuse which had been heaped upon the gentlemen under suspension. He spoke with warmth of the who conducted these banks. Mr. M. A. Cooper, of Georgia, explained some remark he had thrown in while Mr. Briggs was speaking, and then opposed the bill on constitutional grounds, but concluded by moving to amend the amendment of Mr. Petrikin by adding as to read as teilows: "An act to enable the public withdrew his amendment. Mr. Briggs spoke to thereto a proviso that said banks shall not, here money to be drawn from the treasury without aption, Mr. Cushing went into a speech, in which, propriation made by law." In support of this moafter adverting to this as the last act of the drama, he discussed with much energy a constitutional ob jection to the bill. order. Mr. Campbell (chairman of the committee after, issue any notes of less denomination than June, none of less denomination than $50; and $10; and from the 1st of January next, none of less denomination than $20; and from the 1st of also a further proviso, that in case the said banks, or either of them, shall refuse or fail to pay their tion at law, at a notice of ten days, before any jusperson may have remedy by judgment and execu tice of the peace of said District. of a constitutional question could be in order on a Mr. Cuve Johnson inquired whether a discussion the 15th, it was carried, by yeas and nays, as fol. notes in specie, on demand of any person, such motion to amend the title of a bill? The speaker decided that it might, if it went to show that the title ought to be changed. Mr. Petrikin objected to this decision. The chair directed him to re duce his point of order to writing. Mr. Petrikin said he had no point of order to state. The speaker. Then the gentleman will take his seat. lows: yeas 105, nays 95. So the amendment was and animation in defence of the bill, and in reply cie, &c.) Here a very angry and desultory discussion arose Days, as follows, viz: yeas 88, nays 113. So the information. (Requiring the banks to pay spe between Messrs. Cushing, Pickens, (Mr. P. at the conclusion of his remarks, demanding the previous question), Crabb and Stanly, during which the hall was filled with a commotion such as had not been witnessed since the scenes at the commencement of the session. The speaker exerted his utmost endeavors to restore the order of the house, but did not succeed until the sergeant-at-arms had been ordered to clear the aisles by conducting members to their sea's, and they had been threatened with being addressed by name. Order having, at length, in some degree, been restored, the demand for the previous question was seconded by a majority of the house, put from the chair, and carried. And the main question being on Mr. Cushing's amendment to the amendment of Mr. Cooper, of Pennsylvania- The question recurred on Mr. Banks' resolution, fixing on Tuesday, the 21st, at 2 o'clock; which was adopted, without a count, and sent to the senate for concurrence. The house then proceeded to the order of the day. The speaker laid before the house the following communications, viz: A letter from the secretary of the treasury, transmitting information called for by the house on the 7th of February last in relation to the trade of the United States with China from the year 1821 to 1839; which was referred to the committee on foreign affairs. A letter from the secretary of the navy, transmitting information called for by the house upon the subject of chronometers and the expenses of officers employed in their transportation; which was referred to the committee on naval affairs. Mr. W. Cost Johnson then resumed his speech in defence of the bill, which he concluded by moving the previous question. On an earnest appeal from Mr. Steenrod, however, he withdrew the demand. Mr. Holmes, of South Carolina, then delivered an animated appeal against the ruinous conse. quences which must instantly follow to this District, should the bill be rejected. He avowed him. self the friend of credit, and said he had voted for the sub-treasury not to destroy, but to give it sta bility. Mr. Ryall, of New Jersey, made a short speech in most decided opposition to the bill; but if it must pass, he was for Mr. Petrikin's amendment. Mr. Underwood spoke for the bill, urging the distress which must ensue should it fail. Mr. U. in the close moved the previous question. Mr. Pe |trikin moved to lay the motion on the table. |