Ordered, That the said memorial be referred to the committee last appointed; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House. Mr. William Smith, from the committee to whom were referred the amendments proposed by the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act providing for the sale of the lands of the United States in the territory Northwest of the river Ohio, and above the mouth of Kentucky river," made a report; which was read, and ordered to lie on the table. The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the motion of the seventh instant, to prevent the sale of prizes brought into the United States by vessels belonging to any foreign Prince or State; and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Bourne reported that the committee had, according to order, had the said motion under consideration, and come to a resolution thereupon; which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, where the same was twice read, and agreed to by the House, as followeth: Resolved, That it shall not be lawful to sell, within the United States, any vessel or goods captured from a Prince or State, or from the subjects or citizens of a Prince or State with which the United States are at peace, which vessel or goods shall have been captured by any other foreign Prince or State, or by the subjects or citizens of such Prince or State, unless such vessel and goods shall have been first carried into a port or place within the Territory of the Prince or State to which the captors belong; but such vessel and goods shall be carried out of the United States by those who shall have brought them in: And the sale of any vessel or goods, prohibited as aforesaid, shall be utterly void. Ordered, That a bill or bills be brought in, pursuant to said resolution, and that Mr. Samuel Smith, Mr. Gallatin, and Mr. Coit, do prepare and bring in the same. The House, according to the order of the day, again resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the report of the Committee of Ways and Means, of the eighteenth ultimo, relative to a further provision for foreign intercourse;" and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Bourne reported that the committee had, according to order, again had the said report under consideration, and come to several resolutions thereupon; which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, where the same were severally twice read, and agreed to by the House, as follow: 1. Resolved, That the sum of two hundred and sixty thousand dollars be appropriated in order to carry into effect any treaty already made, and enable the President to effect any treaty or treaties with any of the Barbary States. 2. Resolved, That dollars be appropriated for foreign intercourse, in addition to the sum of forty thousand dollars, annually appropriated for that purpose. 3. Resolved, That the sum of four thousand five hundred and thirty-nine dollars and six cents, be appropriated to reimburse the sums advanced by Captains Colvill and Burnham, for their ransom from captivity in Algiers. Ordered, That a bill or bills be brought in, to continue in force the act, entitled "An act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and foreign nations," and, also, pursuant to the resolutions aforesaid; and that Mr. William Smith, Mr. Gallatin, and Mr. Hillhouse, do prepare and bring in the same. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Otis, their Secretary : Mr. Speaker: The Senate have passed the bill, entitled "An act to repeal so much of an act, entitled An act to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States,' as directs that alternate sessions of the Circuit Court for the District of Pennsylvania, shall be holden at Yorktown, and for other purposes." And then he withdrew. Mr. Samuel Smith, from the committee appointed, presented, according to order, a bill to prevent the the sale of prizes brought into the United States by vessels belonging to any foreign Prince or State; which was received, and read the first time. On motion, The said bill was read the second time, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow. The several orders of the day were further postponed until to-morrow. WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1796. Memorials and petitions of sundry citizens and inhabitants of the several towns and districts of Sterling, Norwich, Westhampton, Easthampton, Chester, Leverett, Williamsburgh, Ashfield, Hawley, Conway, Hadley, Hatfield, Amherst, Pelham, Middleborough, Taunton, Whately, Dighton, Plainfield, Amesbury, Hubbardston, Charlton, Rowley, Leicester, Northborough, Northbridge, Chelmsford, Malden, Andover, Haverhill, Duxbury, Nantucket, Bolton, Lancaster, Berlin, Wells, New Bedford, and Baynham, in the State of Massachusetts, were presented to the House and read, respectively praying that such law or laws as may be necessary to carry into effect, with good faith, the late treaty made between the United States and Great Britain, may be enacted. Ordered, That the said memorials and petitions do lie on the table. The House proceeded to consider the report of the committee to whom were committed the amendments proposed by the Senate to the bill, entitled “ An act provid ing for the sale of the lands of the United States in the Territory Northwest of the river Ohio, and above the mouth of Kentucky river:" Whereupon, Resolved, That this House doth agree to all the said amendments, with amendments to the second, fifth, sixth, and eight sections of the said amendments. Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate therewith. The bill sent from the Senate, entitled "An act to authorize Ebenezer Zane to locate certain lands in the Territory of the United States Northwest of the river Ohio," together with the amendments agreed to yesterday, was read the third time: And, on the question that the same do pass, It was resolved in the affirmative, Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate therewith. Mr. New, from Joint Committee for Enrolled Bills, reported that the committee had examined two enrolled bills, to wit: one, entitled "An act allowing compensation for horses killed in battle, belonging to officers of the Army of the United States;" and another, entitled "An act to repeal so much of an act, entitled An act to establish the Judicial Courts, of the United States,' as directs that alternate sessions of the Circuit Court for the District of Pennsylvania, shall he holden at Yorktown, and for other purposes;" and had found the same to be truly enrolled: Whereupon, Mr. Speaker signed the said enrolled bills. Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate therewith. Mr. Tracey, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Anne Gibson, made a report; which was read, and ordered to lie on the table. Mr. Venable, from the Committee of Elections, to whom were referred the credentials of Richard Sprigg, junior, returned to serve in this House, as a member for the State of Maryland, in the room of Gabriel Duvall, who has resigned his seat, made a re port; which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, where the same was twice read, and agreed to by the House, as followeth : That it appears, by a letter from the said Gabriel Duvall, dated the twenty-seventh of March, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six, addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, that he resigned his seat in the House. "That it appears, from a certificate, signed by the Governor of Maryland, in Coun cil, and under the seal of the said State, that Richard Sprigg, junior, was duly elected to serve in the House of Representatives, in the room of Gabriel Duvall, who has resigned his seat. "Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that Richard Sprigg, junior, is entitled to a seat in the house, as one of the Representatives for the State of Maryland, in the room of Gabriel Duvall," Mr. Tracey, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Andrew Bearsticker, Nicholas Reib, Peter Reib, Valentine Haas, and others, made a report; which was read, and ordered to lie on the table. The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the bill to prevent the sale of prizes brought into the United States by vessels belonging to any foreign Prince or State; and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Bourne reported that the committee had, according to order, had the said bill under consideration, and made an amend ment thereto; which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, where the same was twice read, and agreed to by the House. Ordered, That the said bill, with the amendment, be engrossed, and read the third time to-morrow. Ordered, That Mr. Orr have leave to be absent from the service of this House for the remainder of the session. The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the report of the Committee of Ways and Means, of the twentythird of February last, on the provisions requisite for improving the internal revenues of the United States, and for more effectually securing a collection of the same; and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Bourne report ed that the committee had, according to order, had the said report under consideration, and made some progress therein. On motion, Ordered, That the Committee of the Whole House be discharged from the farther consideration of the first resolution contained in the said report. Resolved, That this House will, to-morrow, again resolve itself in to a Committee of House on the said report. The House proceeded to consider the report of the committee to whom was referred the motion of the twenty-seventh of January last, relative to an augmentation of the salary of the Accountant of the Department of War, which lay on the table: Whereupon, Resolved, That the duties of the said Accountant are extensive and laborious; and that his salary ought to be augmented to dollars per annum. Ordered, That a bill or bills be brought in pursuant to the said resolution, and that Mr. Nicholas, Mr. Earle, and Mr. Williams, do prepare and bring in the same. A message from the Senate, by Mr. Otis, their Secretary: Mr. Speaker: The Senate have agreed to the amendments proposed by this House to the bill sent from the Senate, entitled "An act to authorize Ebenezer Zane to locate certain lands in the territory of the United States Northwest of the river Ohio." And he withdrew. The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the bill relative to quarantine; and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Bourne reported that the committee had, according to order, had the said bill under consideration, and made several amendments thereto; which he delivered in at the Clerk's table. The House proceeded to consider the said amendments, and, debate arising thereon, An adjournment was called for: Whereupon, The several orders of the day were further postponed until to-morrow. And then the House adjourned until to-morrow morning eleven o'clock. THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1796. An engrossed billto prevent the sale of prizes brought into the United States, by vessels belonging to any foreign Prince or State, was read the third time. Resolved, That the said bill do pass, and that the title be, “An act to prevent the sale of prizes brought into the United States, by vessels belonging to any foreign Prince or State." Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do carry the said bill to the Senate, and desire their concurrence. Memorials from sundry citizens and inhabitants of the town of North Yarmouth, in the State of Massachusetts; of the town of Conajoharie, in the State of New York; and of the County of Princess Anne, in the State of Virginia, whose names are thereunto subscribed, were presented to the House and read, respectively praying that such law or laws as may be necessary for carrying into effect, with good faith, the treaty lately made between the United States and Great Britain, may be enacted. Also a memorial of sundry citizens and inhabitants of Talbot County, in the State of Maryland, signed by order and in behalf of the meeting, by their chairman, to the same effect. Ordered, That the said memorials and petitions do lie on the table. Mr. Griswold, from the committee to whom was recommitted the bill sent from the Senate, entitled "An act to amend an act, entitled 'An act to promote the progress of useful arts, and to repeal the acts heretofore made for that purpose," together with the report of a committee thereupon, made a report; which was read, and ordered to lie on the table. A petition of John Blanch was presented to the House and read, praying that Con gress will grant him their aid and patronage, in an improvement which he has invented in the construction of pumps and engines, by passing a law authorizing aliens to obtain patents for original inventions and discoveries, or improvements thereon, or by allowing the petitioner a stipulated sum; in which case he would immediately make his said invention public, for the general good. Ordered, That the said petition do lie on the table. The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, accompanying a statement of goods, wares, and merchandises, exported from the United States, from the first of October, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four, to the thirtieth of September, one thousand seven hundred and ninety five, inclusive; which were read, and ordered to lie on the table. Mr. New, from the Joint Committee for Enrolled Bills, reported that the committee did, yesterday, wait on the President of the United States, and present, for his approbation, the following enrolled bills, to wit: one entitled "An act declaring the consent of Congress to a certain act of the State of Maryland, and to continue an act declaring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the States of Maryland, Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, so far as the same respects the States of Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations ;" another entitled "An act allowing compensation for horses killed in battle, belonging to officers of the Army of the United States;" and another entitled "An act to repeal so much of an act, entitled 'An act to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States,' as directs that alternate sessions of the Circuit Court for the District of Pennsylvania, shall be holden at Yorktown, and other purposes." A message was received from the President of the United States, by Mr. Craik, his Secretary, notifying that the President did, this day, approve and sign the following acts, which originated in this House, to wit: one entitled “An act declaring the consent of Congress to a certain act of the State of Maryland, and to continue an act de claring the assent of Congress to certain acts of the States of Maryland, Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, so far as the same respects the States of Georgia, and Rhode Island and Providence Plantations ;" another entitled "An act allowing compensation for horses killed in battle, belonging to officers in the Army of the United States ;" and another, entitled "An act to repeal so much of an act, entitled 'An act to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States," as directs that alter nate sessions of the Circuit Court for the District of Pennsylvania, shall be holden at Yorktown, and for other purposes." Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate therewith. Mr. New, from the Joint Committee for Enrolled Bills, reported that the committee had examined an enrolled bill, entitled "An act to authorize Ebenezer Zane to locate certain lands in the territory of the United States Northwest of the River Ohio," and had found the same to be truly enrolled: Whereupon, Mr. Speaker signed the said enrolled bill. Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate therewith. Mr. Speaker: The Senate have disagreed to the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of Samuel Brown." The Senate also disagree to the first, and agree to all the other amendments proposed by this House, to the amendments of the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act providing for the sale of the lands of the United States in the Territory Northwest of the River Ohio, and above the mouth of Kentucky River." They desire a conference with this House on the subject-matter of the amendment disagreed to, and have appointed managers at the same on their part. And then he withdrew. The House proceeded to reconsider their first amendment disagreed to by the Senate, to the amendments of the Senate to the bill last mentioned: Whereupon, Resolved, That this House doth recede from their said amendment. Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do acquaint the Senate therewith. The House resumed the consideration of the amendments reported yesterday, from the Committee of the Whole House, to the bill relative to quarantine; and the said amendments being severally twice read at the Clerk's table, were, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the House. The bill was then further amended at the Clerk's table, and, together with the amendments, ordered to be engrossed, and read the third time to-morrow. The House, according to the order of the day, again resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the report of the Committee of Ways and Means of the twenty-third of February last, on the provisions requisite for improving the internal revenues of the United States, and for more effectually securing the collection of the same; and after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Bourne reported that the committee had, according to order, had the said report under consideration, and come to several resolutions thereupon; which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, where the same were severally twice read, amended, and agreed to by the House, as follow : Resolved, That the officers of the Revenue ought to be authorized, by law, to require of the city distillers, and the refiners of sugar, the verification, on oath, of their book, once a quarter; and that it ought to be made the constant duty of such distillers and refiners to exhibit their books, if required. Resolved, That the time ought to be limited, within which the exporter or spirits dis tilled within the United States, shall be entitled to a drawback. Resolved, That it would be expedient to modify the act imposing duties on licenses to retailers of liquors, so as that the said retailers should pay in proportion to the amount of sales, so far as to divide them into four classes. Resolved, That it would be expedient, after demand made of any tax (except on goods imported) and a neglect or refusal to pay, to authorize a collection thereof, by distress. Resolved, That provision ought to be made for allowing drawbacks upon spirits exported (via Mississippi) in vessels of less than thirty tons. Ordered, That a bill or bills be brought in pursuant to the said resolutions; and that the Committee of Ways and Means do prepare and bring in the same. Mr. William Smith, from the committee to whom was recommitted the bill regulating the grants of land appropriated for military services, and for the Society of the United Brethren for propagating the Gospel among the Heathen, reported an amendatory bill; which was received, and read the first time. On motion, The said bill was read the second time, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Saturday next. Mr. William Smith, from the same committee, to whom were referred the petitions of sundry persons, claiming pre-emption rights on the ground of an alleged settlement and improvement, made a report; which was read, and ordered to be committed to the Committee of the Whole House last appointed. Mr. William Smith, from the committee appointed, presented, according to order, a bill for satisfying the claim of the executors of the late Baron Steuben; which was received, and read the first time. On motion, The said bill was read the second time, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Saturday next. Mr. Nicholas, from the committee appointed, presented, according to order, a bill altering the compensation of the Accountant of the War Department; which was received, and read the first time. On motion, The said bill was read the second time, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow. Mr. William Smith, from the committee appointed, presented, according to order, a bill making further provision for the expenses attending the intercourse of the United States with Foreign Nations, and to continue in force the act, entitled “An act providing the means of intercourse between the United States and Foreign Nations ;" which was received, and read the first time. On motion, The said bill was read the second time, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next. Mr. Thatcher, from the committee appointed, presented, according to order, a bili in addition to an act, entitled "An act to establish the post office and post roads within the United States;" which was received, and read the first time. On motion, The said bill was read the second time, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next. Mr. Coit, from the committee to whom was referred the petition of sundry inhabitants of the Counties of St. Clair and Randolph, in the Territory of the United States Northwest of the River Ohio, made a report; which was read, and ordered to lie on the table. The several orders of the day were further postponed until to-morrow. FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1796. An engrossed bill relative to quarantine, was read the third time. Resolved, That the said bill do pass, and that the title be, "An act relative to quarantine. Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do carry the said bill to the Senate, and desire their concurrence. Memorials and petitions of sundry citizens and inhabitants of the towns and districts of Stockbridge, Goshen, Bradford, Monson, Worthington, Northampton, Cumington, Middlefield, Brumfield, Sunderland, Pittsfield, Boxford, Arundell, Windsor, Richmond, Lee, Becket, Alford, Barrington, Lanesborough, Patridgefield, and Uxbridge, in the State of Massachusetts, whose names are thereunto subscribed, were presented to the VOL. II-70 |