Obrázky stránek
PDF
ePub
[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

The individual votes on the succeeding ballots occasionally fluctuated without changing the general result. The House proceeded immediately to the second ballot, the result of which was the same, as well as that of the succeeding ballots, including the 8th, which being declared about 4 P. M., the House determined to suspend taking the next ballot for one hour; on which the members separated.

The reader will observe that this postponement of the ballot was a virtual adjournment of the House, and that it was pursued in preference to adjournment, to avoid violating the rule previously adopted not to adjourn until a President should be elected.

About 5 P. M. the 9th ballot was entered upon, and the same result with the former produced.

After going through a number of other ballots, terminating in the same issue, it was agreed to take each

ballot at the interval of an hour. In this manner the ballots were repeated until about 9 o'clock A. M., on Thursday-no separation of the members having taken place during the whole night.

H. OF R.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the Senate to inform them that THOMAS JEFFERSON has been duly elected PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, for the term of four years, commencing on the fourth day of March next; and that the Clerk of this House do go with the said message.

the tellers of Maryland. He rapidly progresses in recovery. His vote for Mr. Jefferson was important as it divided Maryland, and would, with the accession to Mr. Jefferson of one Federal vote from that State, have made him President.

At 12 o'clock on Friday (this day) the 29th ballot was taken, which produced the same result.

At 1 o'clock the 30th ballot was taken, the result the

same.

It was then determined that the next ballot should be taken to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

[From the National Intelligencer, of Feb. 16.]

On Saturday, the 14th instant, at 12 o'clock at noon, the House of Representatives went into the thirty-first balloting, the result of which was the same with the preceding ballots.

It was then determined that the next ballot should be at one o'clock.

On going into the thirty-second ballot, General Dickson, from North Carolina, declared, that it was high time to come to a final vote, and that he would henceforward vote for Mr. Jefferson.

The result of this ballot presented the same issue. result still the same. At two o'clock, the thirty-third ballot was taken; the

It was then determined that the next ballot should be taken on Monday at 12 o'clock.

On Friday, during one of the intervals of balloting, the Speaker informed the House that he had received a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, which he would, with the permission of the House, read.

A member expressed his opinion that to read the letter would be an infraction of the rule established by the House.

The Speaker declared that, in his opinion, the rule would not be violated, as the reading of the letter would be gone through before the hour assigned for the

next ballot arrived.

It was replied that, though it had been agreed to postpone taking the next ballot for an hour, yet it was clearly understood that, in the interval, the RepresentThe same invariable result followed each ballot, in-atives of the several States were consulting on the cluding the 27th, when, at 9 o'clock A. M., it was agreed to postpone the next ballot till 12 o'clock at noon; when the members separated.

At 12 o'clock the 28th ballot was taken-the result of which corresponded with the preceding ballots. After which further balloting was postponed till Friday at 11 o'clock.

On Thursday morning the Speaker stated that persons were in waiting to deliver messages from the President and the Senate, and he wished a decision of the House whether they could be received. On the suggestion of a member it was agreed, without formally putting the question, to receive the messages.

On Wednesday, Mr. Nicholson, who had been for several days very ill, appeared on the floor, and had a place assigned him in an anti-chamber adjacent to the room in which the House assembled, to which room, to enable him to vote, the ballot box was carried by Mr. Sumter sick.

+ Mr. Jones dead.

votes to be given.

The reading of the letter was overruled.

After the thirtieth ballot, on Friday, a motion was made and seconded by individual members, to postpone the next ballot to the 3d of March; the motion was rejected by the unanimous votes of all the States.

The Speaker then informed the House that, unless otherwise instructed, he should in future not consider a question before the House, unless moved by one State, and seconded by another.

The decision of the Chair was, on all hands, acquiesced in.

On Monday, the 16th instant, the thirty-fourth ballot was taken, the result the same as before.

The next ballot was postponed till to-morrow at 12 o'clock.

All the accounts received from individuals at a distance, as well as the feelings of citizens on the spot,

[blocks in formation]

The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the bill making appropriations for the support of Government, for the year one thousand eight hundred and one; and after some time spent therein, the Committee rose, reported progress, and had leave to sit again.

concur in establishing the conviction that the present is among the most solemn eras which have existed in the annals of our country.

That confidence, which has hitherto reposed in tranquil security, on the wisdom and patriotism of Congress, stands appalled at dangers which threaten the peace of society, and the existence of the Constitution.

Placed in the midst of such circumstances, with the solicitudes of millions centering on the deliberations of their Representatives, it becomes the sacred duty of the press to make that people, whose rights are involved, the depositary of the earliest and most correct information.

For four days, the Republican and Federal parties have remained immoveable in their original vote for President.

The Republicans possess eight States, with half the delegation of two other States.

The Federalists possess six States with half the delegation of two States.

The Federal party apparently, for some time, entertained hopes of gaining over some Republican votes. But they are now convinced that the hope is abortive. What will be the result?

The answer to this interesting question will be made with the utmost coolness and integrity. Though it will in a degree involve opinions as to future measures, yet it is confidently believed that these opinions are entitled to the most unlimited confidence.

1. The Representatives of the eight States that vote for Mr. Jefferson will remain immutable in their adherence to the public will.

2. It is said that the six States that vote for Mr. Burr will not yield.

But it is believed that they will yield. The unanimous and firm decision of the people throughout the United States in favor of Mr. Jefferson will be irresistible. In Maryland, there is scarcely a dissenting voice, and among the first who have avowed a preference for Mr. Jefferson, are Federalists of the largest wealth and most respectable talents.

3. Some of the Representatives of those States that vote for Mr. Burr have declared a determination, in case neither he nor Mr. Jefferson shall be elected, to make by law a President pro tempore.

The determination was avowed; but it is believed that it is not now seriously entertained. So hostile would the voice of America appear to be to this measure, that it is doubtful whether any man would propose it, and more doubtful whether any man would accept the station, if offered to him.

During that period of deep suspense which may be yet to come, it behooves the people of the United States to manifest that spirit of dignified and commanding fortitude, that, while it stands prepared for any crisis, is resolved not to commit the cause in which it is embarked, by any act of indiscretion. It is right that public opinion should express itself. Let it then be expressed with respectful firmness from one end of the Union to the other. Let the Representatives of the people know the will of the people, and they will obey it.

FEBRUARY, 1801.

Resolved, That the Clerk of this House cause to be printed one thousand copies of the act passed this session, entitled "An act to provide for the more convenient organization of the Courts of the United States," for the use of the members of both Houses of Congress.

That the people may know how the votes of their Representatives have been given, we present a state

ment:

New Hampshire-4 for Burr, viz: Mr. Foster, Mr. Sheafe, Mr. Tenney, and Mr. Freeman.

Massachusetts-11 for Burr, viz: Mr. S. Lee, Mr. Otis, Mr. N. Read, Mr. Shepard, Mr. Thatcher, Mr. Wadsworth, Mr. L. Williams, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Mattoon, Mr. J. Reed, Mr. Sedgwick.

Three for Jefferson, viz: Mr. Bishop, Mr. Varnum, Mr. Lincoln.

Rhode Island-2 for Burr, viz: Mr. Champlin, and Mr. J. Brown.

Connecticut-7 for Burr, viz: Mr. C. Goodrich, Mr. E. Goodrich, Mr. Griswold, Mr. Dana, Mr. J. Davenport, Mr. Edmond, Mr. J. C. Smith.

Vermont-1 for Jefferson, viz: Mr. Lyon.
One for Burr, viz: Mr. Morris.

New York-6 for Mr. Jefferson, viz: Mr. Bailey, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Elmendorf, Mr. Van Cortlandt, Mr. J. Smith.

Four for Mr. Burr, viz: Mr. Bird, Mr. Glen, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Platt.

New Jersey-3 for Jefferson, viz: Mr. Kitchell, Mr. Condit, Mr. Lynn.

Two for Burr, viz: Mr. F. Davenport, Mr. Imlay. Pennsylvania-9 for Mr. Jefferson, viz: Mr. Gallatin, Mr. Gregg, Mr. Hanna, Mr. Leib, Mr. Smilie, Mr. Muhlenberg, Mr. Heister, Mr. Stewart, Mr. R. Brown. Four for Burr, viz: Mr. Waln, Mr. Kittera, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Woods.

Delaware-1 for Mr. Burr, viz: Mr. Bayard. Maryland-4 for Mr. Jefferson, viz: Mr. S. Smith, Mr. Dent, Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Christie.

Four for Mr. Burr, viz: Mr. J. C. Thomas, Mr. Craik, Mr. Dennis, and Mr. Baer.

Virginia-14 invariably for Mr. Jefferson, viz: Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Clay, Mr. Čabell, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Eggleston, Mr. Goode, Mr. Gray, Mr. Holmes, Mr. Jackson, Mr. New, Mr. Randolph, Mr. A. Trigg, Mr. J. Trigg, Mr. Tazewell.

Five for Mr. Burr on same ballots, (two of whom on the first ballot voted for Mr. Jefferson,) viz: Mr. Evans, Mr. H. Lee, Mr. Page, Mr. Parker, Mr. Powell.

North Carolina-6 invariably for Mr. Jefferson, viz: Mr. Alston, Mr. Macon, Mr. Stanford, Mr. Stone, Mr. R. Williams, Mr. Spaight.

Four for Burr on some ballots, (3 of whom on the first ballot voted for Mr. Jefferson,) viz: Mr. Henderson, Mr. Hill, Mr. Dickson, Mr. Grove.

South Carolina-Mr. Sumter being sick has not attended, but will attend, at every hazard, the moment his vote can be of any avail. The individual votes of the Representatives of this State are not accurately known, but it is generally believed that Mr. Huger votes for Mr. Jefferson; and Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Pinck ney, and Mr Harper, vote for Mr. Burr. Mr. Nott's vote is doubtful. He has gone home.

Georgia-1 for Jefferson, viz: Mr. Taliaferro-Mr. Jones, who is dead, would have voted the same way. Kentucky-2 for Mr. Jefferson, viz: Mr. Davis and

Mr. Fowler

FEBRUARY, 1801.

Election of President.

H. OF R.

The SPEAKER laid before the House a letter from SAMUEL DEXTER, acting as Secretary of War, enclosing a report made in pursuance of a resolution of the House of the second instant; which was read, and ordered to lie on the table.

The SPEAKER laid before the House a letter Mr. Oris, from the committee appointed, prefrom Winthrop Sargent, Governor of the Missis-sented a bill extending the privilege of franking sippi Territory, enclosing a petition from sundry to JOHN ADAMS, now President of the United inhabitants of the said Territory, praying that States; which was twice read, and ordered to be Congress will suspend the operation of so much of engrossed, and read the third time to-morrow. the act, entitled "An act supplemental to the act, entitled 'An act for an amicable settlement of limits with the State of Georgia, and authorizing the establishment of a Government in the Mississippi Territory," which establishes a second grade of territorial government in the said Territory; and that a law may be passed extending the same privileges to the said inhabitants as have been granted to the inhabitants of the Indiana Territory. Ordered, That the said petition do lie on the table.

On motion it was

WEDNESDAY, February 18.

An engrossed bill for extending the privilege of franking to John Adams, now President of the United States, was read the third time and passed.

Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the committee appointed, on the twenty-second ultimo, to inquire into the expediency of making further provision to prevent the concealing or harboring of slaves escaping from one State to another, and to and from the Territories of the United States.

A petition of sundry inhabitants of the States Resolved, That the President of the United of Delaware and Maryland was presented to the States be requested to cause the proper officer to House and read, praying that more efficient measlay before this House a particular detail of the ex-ures may be adopted by Congress, for the recovery penditure of the moneys appropriated by the acts of slaves escaping from their masters, and taking of the fourth of May and sixth of July, one thou- refuge in any of the neighboring States. sand seven hundred and ninety-eight, and of the tenth of May, one thousand eight hundred, for the purpose of purchasing cannon and arms, or fabricating the same, and the purchasing, leasing, and establishing, of foundries and armories; showing the quantity of cannon and arms purchased or manufactured; the foundries and armories established, and what lands have been purchased for the pur- Mr. SAMUEL SMITH, from the committee, prepose of erecting foundries, together with their re-sented a bill for erecting light-houses on New Point spective quantities and situations; also, a list of Comfort, and on Smith's Point, in the State of the warrants drawn on those appropriations, speci- Virginia, and on Faulkner's Island, on Long Island fying in whose favor each warrant was drawn, and Sound, in the State of Connecticut; which was for what purpose. read twice and committed to a Committee of the whole House to-morrow.

Tennessee-1 for Mr. Jefferson, viz: Mr. Claiborne. On Saturday last a memorial was presented to John Chew Thomas, representative in Congress for this District, from a respectable number of his constituents, recommending him to vote for Thomas Jefferson, and declaring that at least two-thirds of his constituents

were in favor of the election of Mr. Jefferson.

The memorial was signed by the most respectable Federal gentlemen of the City of Washington.

-

[From the National Intelligencer, of Feb. 18.] On Tuesday at 12 o'clock the 35th ballot was taken; the result the same with that of the preceding ballots. At 1 o'clock the 36th ballot was taken which issued in the election of Thomas Jefferson.

On this ballot there were,

Ten States for Mr. Jefferson, viz: Vermont, New
York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia,
North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Four States for Mr. Burr, viz: Rhode Island, New
Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
Two States voted by blank ballots, viz: Delaware and
South Carolina.

In the instance of Vermont, Mr. Morris withdrew.

In that of South Carolina, Mr. Huger, who is understood previously uniformly to have voted for Mr. Jefferson, also withdrew, from a spirit of accommodation, which enabled South Carolina, to give a blank

vote.

And in the instance of Maryland, four votes were for Jefferson and four blank.

[blocks in formation]

to-morrow.

A message from the Senate informed the House that the Senate have passed a bill, entitled "An act to establish the district of Bristol, and to annex the towns of Kittery and Berwick to the district of Portsmouth;" to which they desire the concurrence of this House. The said bill was read twice and referred to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures.

Mr. THATCHER, from the committee appointed, on the twenty-sixth of November last, to inquire whether any, and what, amendments are necessary to be made in the acts establishing a post office and post roads within the United States, presented a bill further to alter and establish certain post roads; which was read twice and committed to a Committee of the whole House on Friday next.

H. OF R.

Samuel Harrison Smith.

Ordered, That Mr. SAMUEL SMITH be appoint

FEBRUARY, 1801.

SAMUEL HARRISON SMITH.

ed on the committee to whom was referred so Mr. DAVIS-Mr. Speaker, I have risen with an much of the President's Speech as respects sea-intention of bringing before the House a subject sonable and systematic arrangements proportion- on which I think it is our duty to act; and as the ed to our national resources, for a Navy adapted subject, to a certain extent, relates to the Speaker, to defensive purposes, in the room of Mr. NOTT, I shall endeavor to conduct myself towards him who has obtained leave of absence. as the nature of the case will admit, in doing jusin such a manner as to injure his feelings as little tice to the rights of a citizen. But, while I profess a respect for you as the Speaker of this House, a fear of wounding your feelings shall not prevent

third time to-morrow.

The House went into a Committee of the Whole on the bill for the relief of Nathaniel Holmes; which was reported to the House without amendment, and ordered to be engrossed and read the The House, then went into a Committee of theme from doing what I conceive to be my duty as Whole on the bill to amend an act, entitled "Ansary, that the power of a Speaker of this House a public servant. I think it important and necesact to regulate the collection of duties on imports over a citizen of America should be precisely known and tonnage ;" and, after some time spent therein, and understood. That the Speaker should know the Committee rose, reported progress and had how far he ought to go, and the citizen know where leave to sit again. he ought to stop.

A message from the Senate informed the House that the Senate have resolved that a committee be appointed, to join such committee as may be appointed on the part of the House of Representatives, to consider whether any, and, if any, what, measures ought to be adopted for the further accommodation of the President of the United States, for the term commencing the fourth day of March next, to report by bill, bills, or otherwise; and that Mr. NICHOLAS, Mr. TRACY, and Mr. BALDWIN, be this committee.

this House, in a very recent instance, has exceeded Believing, therefore, as I do, that the Speaker of his power, and in so doing has deprived a citizen of the United States of his Constitutional right, by denying him the liberty of hearing the debates of this House, upon questions of great national concern, I have determined to bring the subject before the House with a view of obtaining the opinions of others on it. But, as almost all questions that come before this House assume the shape of party, The House proceeded to consider the said mes-party feelings and party prejudices: but this shall I do not expect this question to be exempt from sage of the Senate: Whereupon, not deter ready or willing to abandon their party feelings by me from trying it. If gentlemen are not own fault. The subject I allude to is contained a fair examination of a citizen's right, it is their in the following resolution, to wit.

Resolved, That this House do concur in the

same.

Ordered, That Mr. NICHOLAS. Mr. GALLATIN Mr. VARNUM, Mr. KITCHELL, and Mr. MACON, be the committee on the part of this House, for the purpose expressed in the message of the Senate. The House again resolved itself into a Com-ing the Sergeant-at-Arms to order and expel from the mittee of the Whole on the bill making appropriations for the support of Government, for the year one thousand eight hundred and one; and, after some time spent therein, the committee reported several amendments thereto; which were severally twice read, and agreed to by the House.

Ordered, That the said bill, with the amendments, be engrossed, and read the third time to

[blocks in formation]

Resolved, That the Speaker of this House, in directof the United States, usurped a power not given him by gallery of this House Samuel Harrison Smith, a citizen the rules of this House, and deprived the said Samuel Harrison Smith of his Constitutional right, as a citizen of the United States.

THURSDAY, February 19.

An engrossed bill making appropriations for the support of Government, for the year one thousand eight hundred and one, was read the third time and passed.

An engrossed bill making appropriations for the Military Establishment of the United States, for the year one thousand eight hundred and one, was read the third time and passed.

An engrossed bill to amend the act, entitled "An act to provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses, and the enumeration of slaves within the United States," and to repeal the act, entitled, "An act to enlarge the powers of the surveyors of the revenue," was read the third time and passed.

An engrossed bill for the relief of Nathaniel Holmes was read the third time and passed.

A message from the Senate informed the House that the Senate have passed the bill, entitled "An act for extending the privilege of franking to John Adams, now President of the United States," with

FEBRUARY, 1801.

Mississippi Territory-Sedition Act.

[blocks in formation]

Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire into the expediency of altering the times of holding the Courts of the United States, and to report by bill, or otherwise.

Ordered, That Mr. SILAS LEE, Mr. HILL, and Mr. ELIZUR GOODRICH, be appointed a committee, pursuant to the said resolution.

The House went into a Committee of the Whole on the bill to amend the act, entitled "An act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage ;" and, after some time spent therein, the Committee rose and reported two amendments

thereto.

Ordered, That the further consideration of the bill and amendments be postponed until to-morrow.

MISSISSIPPI TERRITORY.

Mr. CHAUNCEY GOODRICH, from the committee appointed, on the twenty-second of December last, to inquire into the official conduct of Winthrop Sargent, Governor of the Mississippi Territory, made a report; which was read as follows: The Committee to whom was referred the representation of the House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, report:

That the first object mentioned in this representation respects the failure of an election for a member of the House of Representatives for the county of Washington, in that Territory.

On account of the Governor's order not being received in season, the election was there held on the 15th and 16th days of August, whereas by law it was directed to have been held on the 15th day of July. In all other respects the election is represented to have been fair, and the member chosen, correct. The power of the Governor to issue a writ of election is doubted, and the interference of Congress solicited.

As the members of the House of Representatives of the Territory serve for two years, and unless special | provision be made, the inhabitants of Washington county will have no member in the House of Representatives the first session of the General Assembly, it appears to your committee expedient to authorize the Governor to order an election to be held in that county, for the choice of a representative.

The second object of this representation respects the time of holding the first session of the General Assembly of the district.

By law the General Assembly is to meet annually on the first Monday of December, unless by law they appoint a different day. The Governor has power, on extraordinary occasions, to convene the General Assembly.

H. OF R.

It was found impracticable to make the appointments of the Legislative Council seasonably for holding the first session of the General Assembly on the first Monday of December last; and it is represented that if an earlier time be not fixed than the first day of December next, as now established by law, the appointment of a delegate in Congress from the Territory cannot be made seasonably for the next Congress, and it is stated that the Governor will be indisposed to convene the General Assembly at an earlier day.

object in view, in the opinion of the committee, it would
The powers of the Governor being competent to the
be inexpedient for Congress to interfere on the grounds
suggested, of a presumption that those powers will not
be fairly and discreetly exercised in this instance.
The Committee therefore respectfully submit to the
consideration of the House the following resolution:

Resolved, That the Governor of the Mississippi Territory, be authorized to cause an election to be held in the county of Washington in that Territory, for the choice of a representative in the first General Assembly of the Territory.

Ordered to be committed to a Committee of the whole House on Monday next.

Mr. CHAUNCEY GOODRICH, from the same committee, to whom was referred, on the twenty-second of December last, the representation of the Legiswhich was read, and ordered to be committed to a lature of the Mississippi Territory, made a report; Committee of the whole House on Monday next. SEDITION ACT.

Mr. PLATT, from the Committee of Revisal and Unfinished Business, presented, according to order, a bill to repeal part of the act, entitled "An act in addition to the act, entitled 'An act for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States," and to continue in force the residue of the same; which was read the first time.

A motion was then made and seconded, and the question thereupon being taken, to wit:

"Shall this bill be rejected?" it passed in the negative-yeas 50, nays 49.-The SPEAKER declaring himself with the nays.

YEAS-Willis Alston, Theodorus Bailey, Phanuel Bishop, Robert Brown, Samuel J. Cabell, Gabriel Christie, Matthew Clay, William Charles Cole Claiborne, John Condit, Thomas T. Davis, John Dawson, George Dent, Joseph Eggleston, Lucas Elmendorf, Albert Gallatin, Edwin Gray, Andrew Gregg, John A. Hanna, Joseph Heister, David Holmes, Benjamin Huger, George Jackson, Aaron Kitchell, Michael Leib, Levi Lincoln, Matthew Lyon, James Lynn, Edward Livingston, Nathaniel Macon, Peter Muhlenberg, Anthony New, John Nicholas, Joseph H. Nicholson, Josiah Parker, John Randolph, John Smilie, John Smith, Samuel Smith, Richard Dobbs Spaight, Richard Stanford, David Stone, John Stewart, Benjamin Taliaferro, John Thompson, Abram Trigg, John Trigg, Littleton W. Tazewell, Philip Van Cortlandt, Joseph B. Varnum and Robert Williams.

NAYS-Theodore Sedgwick, (Speaker,) George Baer, Bailey Bartlett, John Bird, John Brown, Christopher G. Champlin, William Cooper, William Craik, Samuel W. Dana, John Davenport, Franklin Davenport, John Dennis, Joseph Dickson, William Edmond, Thomas Evans, Abiel Foster, Jonathan Freeman, Henry Glen, Chauncey Goodrich, Elizur Goodrich, Roger Griswold, William Barry Grove, Robert Goodloe Harper, Archi

« PředchozíPokračovat »