FEB. 26, 1830.] Ardent Spirits in the Navy. [H. of R. is ex House. If this be so, why was the printing of an extra drunkenness prevailed in a great extent in the navy, number of copies of the report deemed expedient? Ten tremely incorrect. The case is not so. He was not an thousand copies, surely, were not necessary for the House advocate of drinking ardent spirits in any form; but he merely. Was not this printing ordered on the motion of was opposed to the interference of the Legislature on this a gentleman from Pennsylvania, [Mr. BUCHANAN] who subject; he was opposed to the proposition to commute urged as a reason for it that erroneous impressions existed the wages of seamen, if they will not drink their rations in many parts of the country in relation to the subject em- of ardent spirits. This is a matter he would leave to their braced in the report; and that the people ought to be put own discretion; for, in attempting to devise measures nein possession of a document by which these supposed mis-cessary to effect this object, we must consult the habits conceptions and erroneous impressions could be correct- and dispositions of the people for whom these measures ed? Now, sir, I do not admit that these impressions are are intended. All men are the best judges of their own erroneous; that the feeling and excitement which exist, in concerns: sometimes we commit mistakes; but if we are regard to this subject, are without cause. I say nothing wrong in judging for ourselves, we may be wrong in judgnow on that point; but if it be so, and this report will ing for others. The seamen and marines of the United tend to remove errors and allay feeling, and an extra States' navy can judge as well for themselves as the Legisnumber of copies of it has been ordered to be printed to lature. These regulations may be adapted to the army, effect this object, surely the laws referred to in the reso- who are always supplied with good fresh water, and have lution of my friend from Ohio [Mr. VINTON] ought to ac- no necessity for the vulgar, democratic whiskey; but it company the report; for they, among other things, have was different with respect to the navy. He had no obtended to produce the state of feeling and of public senti- jection to stopping the use of ardent spirits in the army, ment, in some parts of the country, to which allusion has as it would, in his opinion, prevent desertions. Mr. H. been made. And if it be important that the report be ex- said, the officers, seamen, and marines of the navy would, tensively circulated, for the purposes suggested, is it not if left to themselves, follow the example set to them by as important that the laws which are connected with the the country. subject of that report should have an equally extended Mr. REED said, if it was right for this House to legiscirculation? Ought they not both to go forth together to late with respect to the navy, and to prescribe rules for it, the people of this country? I submit, therefore, whether it is certainly equally right to legislate on this subject. it be entirely consistent to vote for the printing of a large Dealing out spirits in the navy in small quantities tends to number of the report, for the reasons which were urged in disqualify men for their duty, and is a direct way to make support of it, and to vote against printing an equal number them drunkards. Mr. B. referred to the temperance soof the laws to accompany it, which are supposed to have cieties which had been introduced into the debate, and an important connexion with the subject of that report. said they contributed much to the improvement of the Mr. H. said, he would make another suggestion. Would state of our society; manifestly so, to the great joy of all it not be as well for the State of Georgia, of which the ho- sober men. He had no hesitation in saying he attributed norable gentleman is so able a representative; indeed, this improvement to the temperance societies established should she not desire that these laws should accompany in the country. He had no doubt that the adoption of this the report, if, as is claimed; they afford no pretext for the resolution would have good effects on the navy. It has representations which have been made in various memo- been stated by the chairman of the Committee on Milirials presented to us, on the subject of the Indians within tary Affairs, [Mr. DRAYTON] that it has produced benefiher limits? The Tonorable member is surely not unwil- cial effects in the army. Why [he asked] would it not be ling that the people should judge for themselves; and, if attended with similar effects in the navy? Mr. R. hoped these laws are of a nature which ought not to occasion the resolution would be adopted. any fears lest the rights of the Indians should be invaded, is Mr. RICHARDSON said, he should be unfaithful to the he unwilling that the people should be possessed of them? principles by which he professed to be governed in this The amendment proposes the printing of such of the House, and in all other places, if he gave not his voice in laws of the other States of the Union within whose limits support of the resolutions under consideration. The exIndian tribes exist, as extend or relate to the jurisdiction isting law [said Mr. R.] provides that each seaman and of such States over those tribes. I interpose no objection marine shall be supplied daily with rations of ardent spito this amendment, if they are appended to the report; rits. However temperate their habits, or disinclined by their though there seems to be a peculiar propriety in printing taste or carly education to the use of ardent spirits, the those referred to in the original resolution, as the Indian law holds out to them a strong inducement to become intribes within those States are those to which our attention temperate. It is too well known to be doubted, that the has been particularly called, in the message of the Presi- constant use of the quantity of spirits allowed by the law, dent, and which the report of the Committee on Indian must necessarily form a strong propensity to excess. The Affairs embraces. I hope, therefore, the honorable mem- best judges of this matter agree that the use of ardent ber from Georgia will consent to modify his amendment, spirits gives neither vigor to the body, nor courage, nor so as to provide for the annexation of the laws named in it any other valuable property to the mind. It is said that to the report; and let them all go forth to the people at men are not compelled to the use of spirits. But, sir, it one and the same time, and in one and the same document? is provided for them by law, and by law measured out to On motion of Mr. HOFFMAN, the resolution and them. If they reject it, they sustain so much loss. They amendment were laid on the table.-Yeas, 94-nays, 42. are not permitted to substitute for it articles of real use or The House then went again into Committee of the Whole on the Judiciary bill, when Mr. SPENCER concluded the remarks which he commenced on a former day against the bill, and in favor of his amendment. The committee then rosc. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1830. Mr. HOFFMAN said, the supposition of gentlemen, that necessity. Thus intemperance is virtually imposed on them by public authority. And what do the resolutions propose? They do not propose to deny to any the use of ardent spirits; but they propose to the seamen and marines an inducement to abstain from the use of them. They offer to them the option of having, instead of their rations in spirits, articles that may conduce to their comfort; or double the amount of their rations, to procure bread for their wives and children, or to provide for the seasons of sickness and old age. Sir, [said Mr. R.] I thank the gentleman [Mr. CONDICT] who offered these resolutions. They do him honor as a friend to his country. H. of R.] Ardent Spirits in the Navy. [FEB. 26, 1830. I thank the gentleman from South Carolina [Mr. believed and felt. We have it, too, from the highest in DRAYTON] for the able remarks he made yesterday in sup-authority-from the honorable Secretary, and the officers port of them. They furnish lessons friendly to public in the naval service. A very intelligent lieutenant of the virtue. The existing law cannot be defended. With navy recently informed me that a great proportion, I think one hand it holds out to those engaged in the public ser- he said eight-tenths, of the whipping on board of our navice a constant and strong inducement to intemperance; tional ships was made necessary by intemperance. He and, on the other hand, the penalties of disgrace and death said it was a monstrous evil; and who would doubt it, ifit for crimes to which intemperance leads. Intemperance caused nothing else but the brutal and debasing practice is the great instigator of crimes. Its name is "Legion," of whipping. and its work destruction. The gentleman from Kentucky, Mr. E. said, he was astonished that some gentlemen in [Hon. Mr. WICKLIFFE] yesterday said, that the efforts this House looked upon this subject with so much indifmade "by temperance societies," and what passed in this ference, if not contempt. As legislators, as men, we have House to check the vice of intemperance, would justify a responsible duty here to perform. We hold in our hands some future historian in describing this as a nation of the destiny of thousands, and the well-being of multitudes drunkards. Do attempts to prevent a vice prove its entire more. Sir, we legalize drunkenness in our navy. By prevalence? [said Mr. R.] That gentleman has been zeal- law, we provide that all, both midshipmen and sailors, shall ously engaged this session in the work of retrenchment. have their half a pint per day, under all circumstances, in But it is a fair inference, to say that such efforts prove that fair weather as well as foul. An enlistment is ordinarily this Government is extravagant and corrupt in all its de- for three years. Now, sir, where are the men to be found, partments? The premises will justify no such inference who, after having this daily allowance dealt out to them for as he thinks may be drawn from them. Sir, I have no this period of time, do not become the victims of a vicious hesitation in declaring it as my opinion, and long and deep-appetite? It is almost impossible they should not. Some ly settled, that if there be one vice which, more than any few there may be, who have self-government and considerother, threatens the liberty and the prosperity of this ation enough to resist the beneficent provision of the law. country, it is the vice of intemperance. I therefore hope But hundreds comply where ten refuse. And such are that the resolutions will be adopted, and that they will re- the surrounding circumstances, that the young and inexceive the deliberate and solemn consideration of the ap- perienced cannot resist the influences upon them. We propriate committee. tempt them to taste the poison. We virtually compel Mr. BURGES said, he could demonstrate from princi- them to do it. There are among our midshipmen boys, ples, and would undertake to do it before any college of mere boys; and so, too, among our sailors. Think, sir, of physicians, that nothing could be swallowed so invigorat- arranging these boys daily with the veteran topers, to paring, strengthening, and healthy, as cold water. He did ticipate in the ruinous potation, and drink their half a pint not say this in jest; it was too solemn a matter to jest twenty-three gallons per year. Let us blush for our about. Nothing could be more injurious than giving him laws. Let us mourn over the desolation and death we his regular eleven o'clock or his four o'clock. At first the pa- scatter through the land. late of the boy of fourteen rejects the spirit, but in the mess And now, [said Mr. E.] he had to ask if nothing can be room he sees, by the example of those who think cold water done? Is all remedy so perfectly hopeless, that we will not sufficiently stimulating, that he cannot become a man un- not even inquire if something may not be done? The intil he can take his ration, Let him follow this until he is thirty telligent lieutenant, to whom [he said] he had already reyears of age, and unless his constitution is made of steel, ferred, told him that something could be done; something he will be, if not a drunkard, at least a confirmed tippler; like what is proposed in these resolutions; and Mr. E. and then, if his mind should be by some misfortune thrown said he would appeal to the good sense of gentlemen, if off its balance, he would resort to maddening potations. they did not believe much might be done. We certainly He thought if they succeeded in saving one soul from this can place before our seamen a temptation to temperance. perdition, they should do a deed making them worthy of This expedient has succeeded on land--it may on water. remembrance. When all seemed to be united in restoring Much [he said] had been done in some parts of this counthe country to the station in which it was some years ago, try; and, although the honorable chairman of the Naval he thought the House would be acting agreeably to the Committee [Mr. HOFFMAN] had, he thought, attempted to desires of their constituents if they united with the tem- ridicule the efforts of temperance societies, and properance societies. nounced a sort of eulogy upon that "democratic thing, Mr. ELLSWORTH said, he rose for the purpose of call-whiskey," as he repeated several times, for what purpose ing the attention of the House to certain communications [said Mr. E.] he could not understand. He would lift up laid on our tables, from the then Secretary of the Navy, his voice, in this public place, in favor of these benevolent intimately connected with the subject of this resolution; and efficient means of saving our fellow-men. Health, and, as he was now up, he would express his regret that reputation, riches, and life followed in their train. The any gentleman of this House wished to suppress the be- tears of parents and wives had been dried up, and their nevolent inquiry proposed to be instituted." Mr. E. said hearts made to overflow with expressions of gratitude and there had been no resolution before Congress, this session, joy to the authors of these benevolent movements. Beof greater magnitude and urgency. He hoped the House sides, sir, the experiment has been tried in naval service. would give it a most serious attention. It is one of vital Mr. E. appealed to France and England. The former [he importance to the navy and the country. He was per- said] used a cheap wine, and the latter beer, in their navies. suaded that opposition must spring from either a disbe- We find, sir, [he said] in a letter from the honorable Seclief of the fact, viz. the prevalence of intemperance, or retary of War, laid upon our tables the other day, that, that all attempts to eradicate or restrain it were futile. As in his opinion, intemperance in the army cannot be reto the existence of intemperance, to a melancholy degree, strained, because the soldiers will obtain liquor from those in the navy, as well as in the army, no one could, he who plant themselves in the neighborhood of our military thought, doubt. He did not wish to speak to the dispa-posts and stations. He says, that the most successful exragement of the navy. He honored, he gloried in its fame periment in the army has been to impose no restraints upand gallant heroism; but as to the matter of fact, it is as on the soldiers, but let them have as much, and as often as certain as that we are in this hall of legislation. The they want, except so far as, by rules of their own making, loathsome objects we meet daily wandering in our streets, they impose restraints. Mr. E. said he was no believer in the tears and broken hearts of thousands in our land, of this doctrine. But, however difficult it might be to preparents, wives, and children, testified too strongly not to be vent soldiers from getting liquor from persons in the neigh FEB. 27, 1830.] Ardent Spirits in the Navy. [H. of R. These "American system gentle borhood on land, no such difficulty existed in the navy. ferociously virtuous. A ship at sea was a little territory by itself. The com- men," both by precept and example, adopt, in my opinion, mander could do as he pleased; and Mr. E. said he did a doctrine wholly at war with the provisions of the present not believe that there would be much difficulty in inducing proposition, and their former declarations. They have habits of temperance, if the Government would set se-been clamorous for the "Tariff," the encouragement of riously and perseveringly about it. "Domestic Industry," and an increase of the duties on the Mr. E. said, he had detained the House longer than he importation of articles manufactured abroad. One of the was aware of, and would resume his seat after reading an staples of the Western country is whiskey, into which, by extract or two from the letters of Doctors Heerman, Bar- distillation, the farmers convert their immense surplus ton, and Harris. At the last Congress, by a resolution of of corn, rye, fruit, &c. To have a market for this article, this House, the Secretary of the Navy was requested to we must have consumers; to prevent its consumption, no obtain the opinions, separately, of three medical officers legislative sanction can be adequate. Sir, I am no friend of the navy, whether it is necessary or expedient that dis- to intemperance, either on land or at sea; but I think it tilled spirits should constitute a part of the rations allowed infinitely better to abandon the votary of intemperance to to midshipmen, and also their opinion of the effect upon the his fate, than to abridge the natural liberties of man. morals and health of the individuals, and upon the charac-| I make the remark, and I make it seriously, that legister and discipline of the navy. In submitting these opinions,lation upon this subject is as useless as was the attempt of the Secretary says that he deems it unnecessary to add any King Canute, who, flattered by his courtiers, commandremarks of his own, in illustration and enforcement of the ed the "tide to recede," and was well nigh overwhelmed views therein expressed, further than that they are ear-in its waves, before he discovered his presumption and nestly concurred in. Mr. E. said, he wished he could folly. read the whole of those letters; but time would not admit [Mr. DRAYTON, of South Carolina, here rose, and of it. He would recommend them to the serious perusal said that he had heard the amendment read, and it appearof every one in this House. ed the object of the gentleman was merely to indulge his Mr. BUCHANAN said that he had but one remark to humor. The SPEAKER, nevertheless, decided that Mr. make, and that was, that the practice of this House had CHILTON was in order. Whereupon, he proceeded as of late wonderfully changed, and gentlemen discuss reso- follows.] lutions, proposing merely an inquiry, as if a bill on the subject, or the merits of the question, was before them. He presumed that there was no gentleman opposed to the inquiry which these resolutions proposed, and he hoped they would be permitted to pass without further debate. The debate was here arrested, the hour for considering resolutions having expired. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1830. The House resumed the consideration of the resolutions moved by Mr. CONDICT on the 25th instant; when A motion was made by Mr. CHILTON to amend the said resolutions, by striking out from the word "Resolved," in the first resolution, to the end of the last resolution, and inserting the following: Mr. Speaker: I must ask the gentleman's pardon for his polite interruption of me, while I was surely not interrupting him. I understood perfectly well what I had intended to say, and what it was in order for me to say; and if the gentleman will look more deeply into the question presented, and anticipate me with slower progress, he will perceive that I am in good earnest, and not playing with either the feelings or time of the House. But, sir, as I before remarked, while we are extending through so boundless a range the work of "Retrenchment," I should be gratified to despatch for its helpmate the fair nymph "Reform." Surely its way is lovely-its dimensions being small, and the company of a twin sister cannot be unacceptable. Whether this "reform" in the navy is to be charged under the head of "cleansing the Augean stable," or whether it properly falls under some other head, I will "That the Committee on Naval Affairs be instructed to not pretend to say. But I will say that the legislation is inquire whether the public interest and the cause of moral-as partial in its effects and character, as was that which I ity would be most effectually promoted, by emphatically witnessed in this House a few days since; when gentlemen, prohibiting the use of ardent, vinous, and other fermented who even denied me the yeas and nays upon a proposition liquors in the navy of the United States, by the officers to "retrench" their own wages, voted to discontinue the and seamen belonging thereto, or by permitting a continu- humble draughtsman of this House. I am determined in ation of the practice of issuing them as rations in said this case, as in that, to try the liberality of gentlemen, and service. to ascertain whether they are as willing to "retrench" "Resolved, further, That, in the event said committee their own allowances of intoxicating liquids, as they are shall be of opinion that it is expedient to continue the ra- to limit those of others. I venture to predict that in this, tion aforesaid, in the naval establishment, they be instruct- as in the instance alluded to, there will be opposition to ed to inquire into the expediency of providing some mode having the question taken by yeas and nays. It behoves for procuring the discontinuance of the use of ardent, me to show why my substitute should be adopted. It is vinous, and other fermented liquors in the various civil de- here attempted to bargain with men to become "virtuous." partments, and among the members of Congress, and I am reminded, sir, of a maxim which I learned at an others holding offices of either trust, honor, or profit, un-early age, and in which experience has confirmed me, to der the authority of the people of the United States." wit, that "virtue which required to be watched, is not Mr. CHILTON said that he was proud to hail the pre- worth watching." Vows to be temperate (where the resent day as a day of " Retrenchment and Reform;" and in-straints imposed by public sentiment by the endearing and deed so many evidences had been given of a disposition heart rending tears which often flow around the domesto accomplish each, that it would now amount almost to tic fireside-aided by the claims of helpless innocence)— moral treason to dispute the rapid and mystical progress are all insufficient. If the pride of character cannot avail, of either. So far as relates to "Retrenchment," upon a money cannot. mere guess, [said Mr. C.] I should suppose that not more than one hundred thousand dollars have been expended in arguing the question in its various ramifications, while not one solitary dollar, so far as I am advised, or can un derstand, has been saved to the Government. I am much surprised, sir, to discover gentlemen, as I humbly think, so vastly inconsistent, and yet so externally sensitive, and The question to agree to this amendment was decided in the negative. Mr. PEARCE then said, he was prepared to express his opinions on this subject; but as he presumed the House had heard enough on it, he moved that the resolutions lie on the table; which motion was negatived: yeas, 57-nays, 108. H. of R.] MONDAY, MARCH 1, 1830. Mr. BURGES presented a memorial from the yearly meeting of the Society of Friends in New England, and moved to have it referred to the same Committee of the Whole to which was referred the report of the Committee on Indian Affairs, and to have it printed. The question red, and as this cannot therefore receive the consideration was divided; and on the motion to print, a very animated debate arose. [Some remarks were made against the printing by two or three gentlemen, which our reporter did not catch; no debate being anticipated on petitions. When he came in, Mr. WHITTLESEY had the floor.] The previous question was called for by Mr. STERI- tee on Indian Affairs had reported, would it have been GERE; and, being demanded by a majority of the mem- printed? Would the House have ordered in the first instance bers present, the previous question was put and carried; and its publication? Certainly not. Such a course had been The main question was then put, viz. Will the House unusual. Such a course would not have been taken with agree to the resolutions as moved by Mr. CONDICT? this memorial. It would have been referred at once to And passed in the affirmative. the committee for their examination, for their consideration, and for them to have reported upon. This has been the course which similar memorials have taken during our present session. And it is the uniform course of proceeding in legislative assemblies. Why, then, I would ask, will you order this single memorial, at this time, to be printed? The only reason which I have heard offered in favor of such a course is, that in as much as the committee have reported on the memorials which have been referof the committee, there would be a propriety and fitness in causing it to be printed for the use of the members of this House, who must soon be called upon to act on the subject matter of this memorial. And this of itself would be, in my opinion, a sufficient reason, if the memorial now before us contained any new views, or any different Mr. WHITTLESEY said, the objections urged by the considerations from those which have already been congentleman from Georgia, against printing the memorial, sidered. And I was, sir, much gratified when the gentlewere, that the expense would be onerous on the treasury; man from Georgia called for the reading of this paper. I that the report of the Committee on Indian Affairs had gave particular attention to it. I was anxious to ascertain been made, and therefore that the publication of the whether the memorialists had set forth any new views of memorial was unnecessary for the action of the committee this all-absorbing subject-whether they had urged any or of the House, and that the memorial might reflect on reasons different from those which had been inserted in the committee. Mr. W. said, in relation to the expense other memorials which had already received the attention of printing the memorial, he was an advocate for economy; of the committee, and upon which they had already actand if he considered the publication to be unnecessary or ed; and the views the committee entertained in relation to unusual, or if it could be demonstrated that the treasury them, were clearly and distinctly embraced in the report was not able to bear the expense, he would go with the which they had already presented, and which the House gentleman in the vote he was about to give; but he said he had already ordered to be printed, and which report much admired, in casting his eye over the House to see would soon be placed on our tables. But, sir, I take the who were opposed to the printing of this short memorial, liberty to inform the House that, as far as the reading of they were of the number who had voted for printing ten this memorial proceeded, not a single new view was taken, thousand copies of the report on Indian Affairs, without not a new argument was set forth, not an additional reahearing it read, or knowing the contents of it, and who son was urged, which have not already claimed the dehad forced the question on the House by calling the pre- liberate attention of the committee. I ask, then, sir, why vious question. He said it was a subject of much astonish-order this single memorial at this time to be printed? If ment with him, that gentlemen should be so profuse in it had contained views, if it had been replete with conexpending the public money on one day, and so remark-siderations not embraced in those which have already been ably economical on another. He said he thought it a little presented, referred, and acted upon, I would most cheerremarkable that it should be objected by any gentleman fally agree to the printing of it. I am entirely disposed from the State of Georgia, that the committee had report- to give to the people all the information on this subject ed, and therefore that the printing was unnecessary. He which can be obtained. But I am wholly unable to dissaid he had, since the question was under discussion, ex- cover any good and sufficient reason why this single meamined the executive documents, and he there found that morial, at this particular time, should be printed. there were many memorials printing on the application I most freely admit, sir, that it has emanated from a of the gentlemen from Georgia and South Carolina, re- highly respectable society in New England. I know that monstrating against imposing any additional duties on im-society well. Some of this family reside in my own neighports. Has the gentleman forgot the presentation of borhood; and there is not a man on the floor of this House these memorials, and the order of the House to print them? who entertains a higher respect for the Society of Friends Would the gentleman have been contented, and would he than myself. My opposition to the printing of this mehave remained silent, if there had been an objection by morial does not arise from any disrespect to the memoany supporter of the great protective system, against print-rialists. ing those memorials which were sent here by agricultu- But, sir, it does appear to me (perhaps I may be wrong) ral societies and by individuals. By looking at the dates that, at this time, after the report of the Committee on when these memorials were presented, [said Mr. W.] it Indian Affairs has been presented, should the House order would be found that they were ordered to be printed both the memorial just offered to be printed, containing no new before and after the Committee on Manufactures had views from those which have already been considered by made their report. The application, then, [said Mr. W.] that committee, it would seem to declare, as the sentiment was not without precedent. As to there being any thing in of this House, that the reasoning of the committee on this the memorial that would reflect on the committee, he said he subject had not been satisfactory, and that the House thought that extremely improbable, from the highly re- would now order this memorial to be printed, to impugn spectable source from whence it emanated; and he believed the report of the committee, and this even before that report when it was inspected, he thought it would be as temperate had received the deliberate consideration of the House. at least as the memorials to which he had referred. He Regarding it in this light, I cannot but consider the said he thought the objections entitled to but little weight, printing of the memorial at this time, and under these and expressed a hope that the printing would be ordered. circumstances, as in some measure reflecting on the doMr. HUBBARD, of New Hampshire, said, if this memo-ings of the committee. I must therefore oppose the prorial had been presented to the House before the Commit-position. MARCH 1, 1830.] Indian Affairs. [H. of R. Mr. THOMPSON, of Georgia, asked if there was not will say that the gentleman must be mistaken as to his mosome difference between the claims of the present admin tive. We have the charity to believe that he is mistaken. istration and those of the last. The President was elected The other objection which has been urged against the by a large majority; he was looked up to for a renovation, printing of this document, is more extraordinary still. It and such a one as should secure to the people their le- is not extraordinary that the House should shudder at ingitimate rights. The gentleman from Ohio [Mr. WHIT- curring an expense of five dollars in printing; but it was TLESEY] had said that the tariff memorials of South Caro- a little wonderful that a New England gentleman [Mr. lina and Georgia were printed at the expense of the HUBBARD] should get up in his place, and say the memorial Government, and the Southern gentlemen made no objec- should not be printed, lest it should reflect on the report tion to the expense. Had the gentleman forgotten that of the Committee on Indian Affairs; lest it should reflect memorials from the manufacturing districts were printed on a report which he had not read, and with the contents also The gentleman should remember that the system of which he was not acquainted! Who ever said he rethere forced upon us took money from the pockets of the flected upon that report? In the name of all that is merSouthern people without their consent, and put it into ciful, pure, or intelligent, who ever dreamed of such a the pockets of the people of the Northeast, without re-thing--who ever thought of it, who suggested it? No one. turning to the Southern people an equivalent. He remem-It has not been mentioned. Our object is to obtain conbered the mammoth petition upon that subject, which was trary views, opinions, and arguments, to read, collate, and rolled into the House from Boston. He had been told by compare them. Who ever before deemed that receiving a respectable gentleman from New England, that one, or a memorial was reflecting upon the report of a committee? that some of the signers of that memorial had just im- But perhaps the gentleman from New Hampshire [Mr. ported one million seven hundred thousand pounds ster- HUBBARD] meant a sort of logical reflection; as if, because ling worth of foreign goods. With respect to the printing the committee has published a report, if we subsequently of the present memorial, he repeated now what he said receive a paper containing different views, it indicates that before, that it was unnecessary to print it, for the vanity the House thinks the committee has not gone exactly right. of the authors, if nothing else, would induce them to pub- We are told by the gentleman from Georgia, [Mr. lish it. He thought the printing would be a useless ex- THOMPSON] as if to sanctify the opposition to this motion, pense of public treasure. If there was more information that the things done under the last administration are not upon this subject before the people, it would appear that to be looked to as precedents for what we shall do under in some of these intermeddling memorials Georgia has this. He seems to say that, because General Jackson was been wantonly aspersed, and that the claims of Georgia elected by such an overwhelming majority, the people are founded in justice, and nothing but sheer justice. are not to expect to have their memorials printed! I am Mr. BATES made a few remarks in reply, in which he willing to admit that the President was elected not only said the time spent in the discussion of this motion was by a plurality, but by a majority, and that he had every worth twenty times told more than the printing. How vote if the gentleman pleases, but even then I do not see did the gentleman from Georgia know that the vanity of through the reasoning of the gentleman. I do not know the Quakers would induce them to publish this document? what he would say, unless he means to be understood that, He apprehended the meeting and the memorialists were in these days of reform and retrenchment, the President influenced by very different motives. Mr. B. referred to will propose, and this House will save all the money that the course which had been pursued during the session by was lost under the last prodigal administration! the gentleman from Georgia. Hardly a memorial had been Mr. HUBBARD said, the member from Rhode Island presented upon this subject, but it must lie one day upon has observed "it was a little wonderful that a New Engthe table--one day for those gentlemen to inspect it, land gentleman should get up in his place, and say that before it was referred to the committee. But when the the memorial should not be printed, lest it should reflect committee made their report, no delay was allowed. They on the report of the Committee on Indian Affairs; lest it called for the printing, and there must be no delay--not a should reflect on a report which he had not read, and with moment. The reading of it also was denied; and the print- the contents of which he was not acquainted." Now, sir, ing of ten thousand copies was ordered, without our know-I am the member to whom the gentleman has so courteing any thing about the contents. But now, when a mè-ously alluded; and why and wherefore, he perhaps can morial came from the other side, and we asked for the tell, but I cannot. Sir, I am from New England; and I printing of it also, the gentlemen object to it. Oh! it is rejoice in that consideration. And when I shall misreprevery expensive! it is altogether useless! He hoped the me- sent the interests of my own State, or the interests of morial would be printed. New England, then let the gentleman express his astoMr. BURGES said, he was refreshed and invigorated nishment at my course. When that gentleman takes occawhen he found no arguments offered against the printing sion here to allege that I have not seen, examined, and but such as were offered. It would cost too much to print well considered the report of the Committee on Indian one and a half octavo pages for two hundred and sixteen Affairs; when he undertakes to say that I am not acquainted members to read, because, if the House did not print it, with the contents of that report; when he undertakes to the vanity of the New England Quakers would induce cast so severe a reflection upon my conduct, he states that them to publish it themselves! He did not wonder, after which he does not, and which he cannot, know. His this declaration, that the gentleman from Georgia had sup-attack upon me, sir, is not only unkind in its character, posed the New York memorial emanated "from an acciden- but wholly unmerited as relates to myself. What right tal assemblage in a grog shop." The gentleman seemed has the gentleman from Rhode Island to make such an to suppose that no one would be induced to write such a allegation against any member of this House? What right thing unless he wished it printed. He could inform the does he possess to cast so foul an imputation upon me, sir, gentleman that it was not an extraordinary thing for a man when I have hardly the honor of a passing acquaintance in New England to know how to write. It would not be with him? Such insinuations and such reflections, when wonderful if a laboring man, after his week's work was made on this floor against me, coming even from the gendone, should write as good English on a Saturday after-tleman from Rhode Island, will not pass unheeded. noon, as a committee of the House. When the gentleman member of the Committee on Indian Affairs, I should feel, objects to the printing on account of the expense, I be- sir, as though I richly merited all the abuse which that lieve that to be his real motive, not because I am bound by gentleman seems disposed to cast upon me, if I had concourtesy to believe it, but because I know the gentleman. sented that the result of their doings, that the report But the people will believe no such thing. The people which had found its way into this House, had been pre As a |