alone, was the product of the United States. He referred to an official paper to show the cost of these materials in a ship of the line: Iron $23,000-The North Carolina 74 Hemp - $61,000-The Columbus 74 Copper Wood Lead - $57,000—The Columbus 74 - $70,000-The Columbus 74 $2,500-The North Carolina 74 He pointed out the enormous disproportion of cost between the foreign and the domestic material; and calculated the loss to American citizens, and the gain to the serfs and boors of Europe, in building the nine ships of the line and the twelve frigates, lately authorized by an act of Congress for the gradual increase of the Navy. But the loss, great as it is, he said, did not stop here. When these nine seventy-fours and twelve frigates are finished, another set will be commenced, and the work will go on, until the Republic, like the Mother Empire, shall boast her "thousand ships of war." Mr. LLOYD, of Massachusetts, said he did not rise to oppose the resolution, as he was perfectly willing to vote for any information on the subject; but he wished to suggest an amendment. He remarked upon the national character which the Navy already possessed-he repelled the idea, which had frequently been expressed, that the Navy was peculiarly an Eastern or sectional interest. He adverted to an act which had been recently brought forward, and which had passed the Senate, for the building an additional number of sloops of war; a class of vessels which was not absolutely necessary, in the deep waters of the North, but which was peculiarly adapted for the protection of the mouth of the great rivers of the West, and the products of the Western States, which were constantly descending those rivers. Mr. L. proposed to amend the resolution, so as to extend the inquiry to the relative advantages of using, for the Navy, the domestic or the foreign material mentioned in the resolution. Mr. BENTON assented to the remarks made by the Senator from Massachusetts, and agreed to the proposed modification of his resolution. Mr. SMITH made a few remarks, in order to show that foreign materials were not now used in the construction of our public vessels to the extent apprehended by the honorable member from Missouri. The question on agreeing to the resolution was then put, and carried in the affirmative. WEDNESDAY, May 19. On motion of Mr. TALBOT, the bill from the House of Representatives "to improve the navigation of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers," was taken up for consideration, in Committee of the Whole, Mr. BARBOUR in the chair. Messrs. BROWN and JOHNSON, of Kentucky, explained the objects of this bill, and its importance to the Western States. [SENATE. Mr. JOHNSON, of Kentucky, spoke as follows: Mr. President, it is much to be regretted that want of time will prevent that full discussion of the merits of the bill under consideration, which the importance of the measure demands. The House of Representatives have carefully investigated the subject; and, after the most dispassionate deliberation, with a full knowledge of the fact before them, have passed the bill appropriating seventy-five thousand dollars for removing certain obstructions from the channels of the Ohio and Mississippi. It is an experiment to render more secure the navigation of these great rivers of the West, destined by nature to bear to the Atlantic States, and to the rest of the world, the rich treasures which are every day disclosing themselves, of that extensive country. This decision of the popular branch of the National Legislature, in favor of an object of such magnitude, whether considered in relation to the interest of the West, or of the whole nation, is entitled to high consideration from the Senate; and, in its wisdom and magnanimity, to give it their cordial sanction, we repose a degree of confidence bordering upon certainty. If, however, we should be found mistaken in this expectation, if such opposition should appear against an appropriation so reasonable, and in which one-half of the States in the Union have a direct, and all a deep interest, as to force us into a discussion of the merits of the bill, we have the fullest confidence that the investigation must result in an entire conviction of the utility of the measure. It should be borne in mind that the survey has been made by order of the Government. The commissioners, who had no other interest than what is common to every American, have made a faithful report, which is now before us; and it gives us a knowledge of the true cause, and of all the causes, which render our navigation dangerous. It is the opinion of the most scientific and experienced engineers, that these causes may be removed at an expense quite inconsiderable, compared with the advantages which would ensue. For the accomplishment of this object, we appeal to the magnanimity of the Government. It is but what justice demands. We only ask for a small proportion of that protection to our commerce which we have never refused to other parts of the United States. Missouri River. Mr. BENTON moved to amend the bill, by inserting the following words: "and of the Missouri River, in the State of Missouri." This amendment was agreed to. The bill was then reported to the Senate, as amended. Messrs. NOBLE and TALBOT opposed the amendment agreed to in Committee of the Whole: and Mr. BENTON spoke in favor of it. The amendment was not concurred in. Mr. LowRIE proposed an amendment, not affecting the principle of the bill, which was adopted. The question was then put, upon passing the bill to a third reading; and determined in the affirmative, by yeas and nays, as follows: YEAS.—Messrs. Barton, Benton, Brown, D'Wolf, Dickerson, Eaton, Findlay, Holmes of Mississippi, Jackson, Johnson of Kentucky, H. Johnson, J. S. Johnston, Kelly, Lanman, Lloyd of Massachusetts, Lowrie, McIlvaine, Noble, Parrott, Ruggles, Smith, Talbot, Taylor of Indiana, Thomas, and Williams-25. NAYS.-Messrs. Barbour, Bell, Branch, Chandler, Clayton, Edwards, Elliott, Gaillard, Hayne, Holmes of Maine, King of Alabama, King of New York, Macon, Mills, Palmer, Seymour, Taylor of Virginia, Van Buren, Van Dyke, and Ware-20 So the bill passed to a third reading. FRIDAY, May 21. Vice President pro tem. The VICE PRESIDENT not being present, the Senate was called to order by the Secretary. On motion of Mr. HOLMES, of Maine, the Senate proceeded to ballot for a President tempore. The whole number of votes given in was 35; necessary to a choice 18. pro The honorable JOHN GAILLARD had 23 votes, and was declared to have been elected President pro tempore. Mr. GAILLARD immediately took the chair, and expressed to the Senate, in a very neat and appropriate speech, his sense of the high honor conferred upon him. Western Boundary of Arkansas Territory. On motion of Mr. BENTON, the Senate, as in Committee of the Whole, proceeded to consider the bill "to fix the western boundary line of the Territory of Arkansas." The report of the committee in relation to this subject was read. Mr. BENTON explained the objects of the bill. Mr. HOLMES, of Mississippi, offered a new section as an amendment, which was agreed to. The bill was then reported to the Senate, as amended, and passed to be engrossed, and read a third time. The bill which originated in Senate, "to fix the Western boundary line of the Territory of Arkansas," was read the third time. On motion of Mr. LOWRIE, it was committed, after some discussion, to the Committee on Indian Affairs. SATURDAY, May 22. Farrow and Harris. The bill introduced, on leave, by Mr. BARBOUR, and reported by the Committee on Claims, "for the relief of Nimrod Farrow and Richard Harris," was taken up for consideration, as in Committee of the Whole. These petitioners claim remuneration for the loss and embarrassment sustained by them in consequence of the determination of the Govern [MAY, 1824. | ment not to build the fort on Dauphin Island, for the erection of which a contract had been made with them. This claim had been referred to a commissioner to ascertain the damage done to the petitioners, by the failure, on the part of bill proposes that, when the commissioner Government, to perfect the contract; and the shall have reported the amount due them, that the money shall be paid, upon the approbation of the Secretary of War, without a further act of Congress on the subject; and that they shall be relieved from the operation of the judgments obtained against them, for the moneys advanced them by the Government, until the commissioner shall have rendered his opinion on the subject. Mr. RUGGLES, in behalf of the Committee on Claims, stated the facts connected with the case. Messrs. BARBOUR, LOWRIE, J. S. JOHNSTON of Louisiana, KELLY, H. JOHNSON of Louisiana, and TAYLOR of Virginia, spoke in favor of the passage of the bill. Mr. CHANDLER proposed an amendment to strike out a part of the bill; which was not agreed to. Mr. KING, of Alabama, opposed the bill on the grounds that the petitioners had not made such progress in their work as to authorize the belief that it would have been completed within the stipulated time, had not the Government suspended the work; that the petitioners had transferred their contract to a third person; and that the ultimate decision of the amount to be allowed these petitioners, if any thing were to be allowed, ought not to be committed to any individuals, however high their standing might be, but that it ought to be decided upon by Congress. These objections were particularly replied to, and obviated by Messrs. J. S. JOHNSTON and BARBOUR. The bill was then reported to the Senate, without amendment. Mr. BELL moved to amend the bill, so as to provide that, on the decision of the commis sioner, one-half the amount of damages awarded should be paid to the petitioners. This motion was opposed by Mr. MILLS, and disagreed to by the Senate. The bill was then passed to be engrossed, and read the third time. MONDAY, May 24. Cherokee Civilization Government. Mr. BARTON presented the memorial of John Ross and others, the Delegates of the Cherokee nation, stating that, from their advanced state of civilization, they have found it necessary to establish a more regular system of government, for the protection of the property, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that they have accordingly established legislative and judiciary branches of government, upon a plan, simple MAY, 1824.] Expenses and Reforms in the Navy. and comprehensible to the Cherokees. To support their government, they found it necessary to impose taxes on merchants and pedlars, in their nation. The power to impose this tax, under the treaties subsisting between them and the United States, has been disputed; and the Attorney-General of the United States has given an opinion to the proper department against the right of the Cherokees to impose the tax; and, under that opinion, it has been intimated to the Delegates that a return of the taxes will be expected, and that they must refrain from the exercise of this power in fu ture. The Delegates, on behalf of the nation, appeal to Congress for relief against this decision, and present copies of the opinion of the Attorney-General, and of an opinion of Judge White, of Tennessee, given on application, some years since. The memorial and accompanying documents were referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. Expenses and Reforms in the Navy. Mr. LLOYD, of Massachusetts, submitted the following motions for consideration: [SENATE. and insure to the public service, in the said establishments, the highest degree of economy and efficiency. Western Boundary of Arkansas Territory. Mr. BENTON, from the Committee on Indian Affairs, to whom was referred the bill "to fix Arkansas, and for other purposes," reported the Western boundary line of the Territory of the same with an amendment. The bill was taken up for consideration in Committee of the amendment. The amendment was agreed to, Whole. Mr. B. explained the effect of the and the bill was reported to the Senate, and passed to be engrossed and read the third time. Last Day for sending Bills from one House to the other. This being the last day of the session on which, according to a joint rule of the two Houses, any bill can pass from one House to the other,* the following bills, which originated in Senate, and which had just passed to a third reading, were read a third time, by genof Representatives for concurrence, viz: The eral consent, and passed, and sent to the House bill "to fix the Western boundary line of the Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be di- Territory of Arkansas, and for other purrected to report to the Senate, at an early period of poses;" the bill "explanatory of an act, enthe ensuing session of Congress, such information as titled An act to provide for the extinguishmay be in the possession of the Department, or he ment of the debt due to the United States from may think proper to communicate, relative to the expediency of constructing, at one of the navy yards the purchasers of public lands;'" and the resoof the United States, a dry dock, of sufficient capa-lution "providing a place of deposit for the city for receiving, examining, and repairing, ships-Portrait of Columbus, and directing the distriof-the-line; and to report on the usefulness, econ-bution of certain copies of the Declaration of omy, and necessity, of a dry dock; the best location Independence." therefor, and the probable expense of constructing such dry dock, of the size aforesaid, in a solid and durable manner, and with the needful appendages for an advantageous use of the same. TUESDAY, May 25. Enrico Causici, the Artist. In pursuance of notice given yesterday, Mr. EATON asked leave to introduce a resolution, directing the Secretary of the Senate to pay from the contingent fund, to the artist, [Enrico Causici,] employed in constructing an allegorical ornament for a clock for the Senate, the further sum of $1,000, to enable him to proceed in the work. Leave was accordingly granted; the resolution was read, and passed to a second reading. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be directed to report to the Senate, at the commencement of the next session of Congress, a statement, showing the amount of travelling expenses, and other allowances, received by the officers of the Navy and of the marine corps, over the monthly pay and rations to which they are by law entitled, in each year, for the last three years; the emoluments which have been received in each year, for the same period, so far as the same can be ascertained, by the officers of the Navy and the marine corps, as well from the Government as from other sources, in consequence of Expenses and Reforms in the Navy. their official stations; the expense of courts-martial The resolutions submitted yesterday by Mr. in the Navy and marine corps, in each year, for the LOLYD, of Massachusetts, respecting the expedisame period, with the amount paid to Judge Advo-ency, the location, and the probable expense of cates and others, for their attendance and services, constructing a dry dock at one of the navy yards designating the places at which such courts-martial were ordered to be held, and the stations from which the officers composing the same were detailed to attend; the number of desertions from the marine corps, and the number of rank and file confined for imprisonment, as a punishment for desertion, or misconduct, for each year, during the same period; and, also, to report his opinion on such alterations, or further provisions of law, as he may consider it expedient to be made, in order to promote a more perfect discipline in the Navy and marine corps, to prevent the frequent recurrence of courts-martial, * To prevent the hasty passing of bills in the last days of the session, when so much business is done, often without a quorum, and frequently without the knowledge of members present, a joint rule of the two Houses had been adopted, by which no bill could be sent from one to the other on the three last days of the session, and none could be sent to the President on the last day-thereby giving to each House, and to the President, time for deliberation. It was a salutary rule, and would be of great value, if enforced; but, unfortunately, it is almost a matter of course to suspend it at the moment it is wantod. of the United States; and, also, relative to the pay, emoluments, and other allowances, of the officers of the Navy and Marine Corps, the expenses of courts-martial in that Department, the number of desertions, &c., and requiring of the Secretary of the Navy, "his opinion on such alterations, or further provisions of law, as he may consider it expedient to make, in order to promote a more perfect discipline in the Navy and Marine Corps, to prevent the frequent recurrence of courts-martial, and insure to the public service, in the said establishments, the highest degree of economy and efficiency," were again read for consideration. Mr. LLOYD made a few remarks explanatory of his object in the introduction of the resolutions, and they were agreed to by the Senate without division. Governor Tompkins' Accounts. [MAY, 1824. Canal in the Territory of Florida. The bill from the other House "to authorize the Territory of Florida to open a canal through the public lands, from the river St. John's to the bay of St. Augustine," was taken up for consideration in Committee of the Whole. Messrs. SMITH, LOWRIE, KING of Alabama, BROWN, and CHANDLER, made some remarks on the subject. Mr. LowRIE moved the indefinite postponement of the bill, which motion was carried. WEDNESDAY, May 26. Enrico Causici. The resolution introduced on leave, yesterday, by Mr. EATON, directing the Secretary of the Senate to pay, from the contingent fund, to The Senate proceeded to consider, as in Com- the artist employed in constructing an allegorimittee of the Whole, the bill, entitled "An act cal ornament for a clock for the Senate, the making an appropriation for the payment of further sum of $1,000, to enable him to prothe claims of Daniel D. Tompkins, late Gov-ceed in the work, was again read for consideraernor of the State of New York, against the United States;" and no amendment having been made, it was reported to the Senate; and, on the question, "Shall this bill pass to a third reading?" it was determined in the affirmative -yeas 24, nays 4, as follows: YEAS.-Messrs. Bell, Benton, Brown, Clayton, Dickerson, Edwards, Gaillard, Holmes of Maine, Holmes of Mississippi, Henry Johnson, Josiah S. Johnston, Kelly, King of Alabama, Lanman, Lowrie, Macon, Noble, Parrott, Ruggles Seymour, Smith, Thomas, Van Buren, and Van Dyke. NAYS.-Messrs. Barton, Chandler, Eaton, and Taylor of Virginia. Maison Rouge Grant. tion. Some remarks on the subject were submitted by Messrs. EATON, MACON, LANMAN, VAN DYKE, HOLMES of Maine, TAYLOR of Virginia, and SMITH; and the resolution was refused a third reading. After the consideration of Executive business, the Senate adjourned to 7 o'clock, P. M. Seven o'clock in the Evening. After the consideration of Executive business, the Senate adjourned to eight o'clock to morrow morning. THURSDAY, May 27. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a resolution for the appointment of a joint com mittee, to wait on the President of the United States, and inform him, that, unless he may have any further communication to make, they are ready to adjourn; in which they request the concurrence of the Senate. The bill from the House of Representatives "to authorize the legal representatives of the Marquis de Maison Rouge to commence an action in the courts of the United States, to try the validity of his title to lands, the claim to which is disputed by the United States," was taken up for consideration in Committee of the Whole. After a discussion of considerable length, in which Messrs. VAN DYKE, DICKERThe Senate proceeded to consider the said SON, H. JOHNSON of Louisiana, VAN BUREN, resolution, and concurred therein; and Messrs. J. S. JOHNSTON of Louisiana, KING of Alabama, SMITH and MACON were appointed the commit LOWRIE, and BROWN, took part, the bill was re-tee on the part of the Senate. fused a third reading, 14 in favor of, and 12 against it, as follows: YEAS.-Messrs. Benton, Holmes of Mississippi, Alabama, Lowrie, Noble, Ruggles, Seymour, Smith, Henry Johnson, Josiah S. Johnston, Kelly, King of Thomas, Van Buren, and Williams. NAYS.-Messrs. Barton, Bell, Brown, Chandler, Clayton, Dickerson, Eaton, Edwards, Gaillard, Holmes of Maine, Lanman, Lloyd of Massachusetts, Macon, Parrott, and Vandyke. So the bill was rejected. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House, hav ing finished the business before them, are about to adjourn. of Representatives that the Senate, having Ordered, That the Secretary inform the House finished the Legislative business before them, are about to adjourn. After the consideration of Executive business, the PRESIDENT adjourned the Senate sine die. * LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES. Maine.-William Burleigh, Joshua Cushman, Ebenezer Herrick, David Kidder, Enoch Lincoln, Stephen Longfellow, Jeremiah O'Brien. New Hampshire.-Ichabod Bartlett, Matthew Harvey, Arthur Livermore, Aaron Matson, William Plumer, Jr., Thomas Whipple, jr. Massachusetts.-Samuel C. Allen, John Bailey, Francis Rhode Island.-Job Durfee, Samuel Eddy. From Maine-William Burleigh, Joshua Cushman, Ebenezer Herrick, David Kidder, Enoch Lincoln, and Jeremiah O'Brien. From New Hampshire-Matthew Harvey, Arthur Livermore, Aaron Matson, William Plumer, jr., and Thomas Whipple, jr. Maryland.-William Hayward, jr., Joseph Kent, John Lee, Peter Little, Isaac McKim, George E. Mitchell, Raphael Neale, John S. Spence, Henry R. Warfield. Virginia.-Mark Alexander, William S. Archer, Philip P. Barbour, John S. Barbour, Burwell Bassett, John Floyd, Robert S. Garnett Joseph Johnson, Jabez Leftwich, William McCoy, Charles F. Mercer, Thomas Newton, John Randolph, William C. Rives, Arthur Smith, William Smith, Alexander Smyth, Andrew Stevenson, James Stephenson, George Tucker, John Taliafero, Jared Williams. North Carolina.-Henry Conner, John Culpeper, Weldon N. Edwards, Alfred M. Catlin, Thomas H. Hall, Charles Hooks, John Long, Willie P. Mangum, Romulus M. Saunders, Richard D. Spaight, Robert B. Vance, Lewis Williams. South Carolina.-Robert Campbell, John Carter, Joseph Gist, Andrew R. Govan, James Hamilton, jr., George Mc Vermont.-William C. Bradley, Daniel A. A. Buck, Duffie, Joel R. Poinsett, Starling Tucker, John Wilson. Samuel C. Crafts, Rollin C. Mallary, Henry Olin. New York.-John W. Cady, Churchill C. Cambreleng, New Jersey.-George Cassedy, Lewis Condict, Daniel Georgia.-Joel Abbot, George Cary, Alfred Cuthbert, John Forsyth, Edward F. Tattnall, Wiley Thompson. Kentucky.-Richard A. Buckner, Henry Clay, Robert P. Henry, Francis Johnson, John T. Johnson, Robert P. Letcher, Thomas Metcalfe, Thomas P. Moore, Philip Thompson, David Trimble, David White, Charles A. Wickliffe. Tennessee.-Adam R. Alexander, Robert Allen, John Blair, John Cocke, Samuel Houston, Jacob C. Isacks, James B. Reynolds, James T. Sandford, James Stande fer. Ohio.-Mordecai Bartley, Philemon Beecher, John W. Campbell, James W. Gazlay, Duncan McArthur, William McLean, John Patterson, Thomas R. Ross, John Sloane, Joseph Vance, Samuel F. Vinton, Elisha Whittlesey, William Wilson, John C. Wright. Louisiana.-William L. Brent, Henry H. Gurley, Edward Livingston. Mississippi.-Christopher Rankin. Indiana.-Jacob Call, Jonathan Jennings, John Test. Alabama.-John McKee, Gabriel Moore, Geo. W. Owen Michigan Territory.-Gabriel Richard, Delegate. |