the said Samuel Chase presided-the said Samuel Chase, disregarding the duties of his office, did descend from the dignity of a judge and stoop to the level of an informer, by refusing to discharge the grand jury, although entreated by several of the said jury so to do; and after the said grand jury had regularly declared, through their foreman, that they had found no bills of indictment, nor had any presentments to make, by observing to the said grand jury, that he, the said Samuel Chase, understood "that a highly seditious temper had manifested itself in the State of Delaware, among a certain class of people, particularly in Newcastle county, and more especially in the town of Wilmington, where lived a most seditious printer, unrestrained by any principle of virtue, and regardless of social order-that the name of this printer was"-but checking himself, as if sensible of the indecorum which he was committing, added, that it might be assuming too much to mention the name of this person, but it becomes your duty, gentlemen, to inquire diligently into this matter;" and that with intention to procure the prosecution of the printer in question, the said Samuel Chase did, moreover, authoritatively enjoin on the District Attorney of the United States the necessity of procuring a file of the papers to which he alluded, (and which were understood to be those published under the title of "Mirror of the Times and General Advertiser,") and by a strict examination of them to find some passage which might furnish the ground-work of a prosecution against the printer of the said paper; thereby degrading his high judicial functions, and tending to impair the public confidence in, and respect for, the tribunals of justice, so essential to the general welfare. MARCH, 1804. time hereafter any farther articles, or other accusation or impeachment against the said Samuel Chase, and also of replying to his answers which he shall make unto the said articles, or any of them, and offering proof to all and every the aforesaid articles, and to all and every other article, impeachment, or accusation, which shall be exhibited by them, as the case shall require, do demand that the said Samuel Chase may be put to answer the said crimes and misdemeanors, and that such proceedings, examinations, trials, and judg ments, may be thereupon had and given, as are agreeable to law and justice. Ordered, That the said report be printed for the use of the members of both Houses; and that the Clerk of this House be directed to transmit to each of the members of the two Houses of Congress, a copy of the said report, as soon as the same shall be printed. Ordered, That there be a call of the House tomorrow morning at eleven o'clock. The House adjourned until four o'clock, post meridian. Four o'clock, p. m. A message from the Senate informed the House that the Senate have passed a resolution, that the resolution of the two Houses authorizing the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives to adjourn their respective Houses on this day, be rescinded; and that the said President and Speaker of the House of Rep resentatives be authorized to close the present session, by adjourning their respective Houses on Tuesday, the 27th of this month; to which they desire the concurrence of this House. The Senate adhere to their amendment, disagreed to by this House to the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to the act, entitled 'An act providing for a Naval Peace Establishment, and for other purposes." of the Senate to rescind the resolution of both The House proceeded to consider the resolution Houses, of the thirteenth instant, for an adjournment of the two Houses of Congress, on this day; and authorizing the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, to close the present session, by adjourning their respective Houses on Tuesday the 27th of the present month: Whereupon, ART. 7. And whereas mutual respeet and confidence between the Government of the United States and those of the individual States, and between the people and those Governments, respectively, are highly conducive to that public harmony, without which there can be no public happiness, yet the said Samuel Chase, disregarding the duties and dignity of his judicial character, did, at a circuit court, for the district of Maryland, held at Baltimore, in the month of May, one thousand eight hundred and three, pervert his official right and duty to address the grand jury then and there assembled, on the matters coming within the province of the said jury, for the purpose of delivering to the said grand jury an intemperate and inflammatory political harangue, with intent to excite the fears and resentment of the said grand jury, and of the good people of Maryland, against their State government and constitution-a conduct highly censurable in any, but peculiarly indecent and unbecoming in a judge of the Supreme Court of the United States; and, moreover, that the said Samuel Chase, then and there, under YEAS-Willis Alston, jun., Isaac Anderson, John pretence of exercising his judicial right to address the Archer, George Michael Bedinger, Walter Bowie, Josaid grand jury, as aforesaid, did, in a manner, highly seph Bryan, George W. Campbell, John Campbell, unwarrantable, endeavor to excite the odium of the Thomas Claiborne, Joseph Clay, Matthew Clay, Richsaid grand jury, and of the good people of Maryland, ard Cutts, John Dawson, William Dickson, Peter Earagainst the Government of the United States, by de-ly, William Findley, James Gillespie, William Helms, livering opinions, which, even if the judicial authority David Holmes, Walter Jones, Nehemiah Knight, Jowere competent to their expression, on a suitable occa-seph Lewis, jr., Matthew Lyon, William McCreery, sion and in a proper manner, were at that time, and as delivered by him, highly indecent, extra judicial, and tending to prostrate the high judicial character with which he was invested to the low purpose of an electioneering partisan. And the House of Representatives, by protestation, saving to themselves the liberty of exhibiting at any Resolved, That this House doth agree to the said resolution of the Senate.-Yeas 49, nays 44, as follows: Andrew Moore, Nicholas R. Moore, Jeremiah Morrow, MARCH, 1804. Proceedings. H. OF R. The House proceeded to consider the amend Thompson, Philip Van Cortlandt, Peleg Wadsworth, and providing for the disposal of the public lands Marmaduke Williams, and Joseph Winston. south of the State of Tennessee," with several NAYS-Simeon Baldwin, David Bard, Silas Betton, amendments; to which they desire the concurWilliam Blackledge, Adam Boyd, Robert Brown, Wil-rence of this House: also, the bill, entitled "An liam Chamberlin, Martin Chittenden, Clifton Claggett, act supplementary to the act, entitled 'An act John Clopton, Frederick Conrad, Jacob Crowninshield, concerning the City of Washington," with an Manasseh Cutler, Samuel W. Dana, John Daven- amendment; to which they desire the the conport, Thomas Dwight, James Elliot, Ebenezer Elmer, currence of this House. Gaylord Griswold, Roger Griswold, John A. Hanna, Josiah Hasbrouck, William Hoge, David Hough, William Kennedy, Michael Leib, Henry W. Livingston,ments proposed by the Senate to the bill, entitled Andrew McCord, David Meriwether, Nahum Mitchell, "An act for imposing more specific duties on the Gideon Olin, Thomas Plater, John Rhea of Pennsylva- importation of certain articles, and also for levynia, Jacob Richards, James Sloan, John Cotton Smith, ing and collecting light-money on foreign ships Richard Stanford, William Stedman, John Stewart, or vessels:" Whereupon, Samuel Tenney, Samuel Thatcher, Killian K. Van Rensselaer, Joseph B. Varnum, and Lemuel Williams. The House proceeded to reconsider the amendment disagreed to by this House, and adhered to by the Senate, to the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to the act, entitled 'An act providing for a Naval Peace Establishment, and for other purposes: Whereupon, Resolved, That this House doth recede from their disagreement to the said amendment. TUESDAY, March 27. Resolved, That this House doth agree to the said amendments. Mr. JOSEPH LEWIS, jr., from the managers appointed the 26th instant, on the part of this House, to attend a conference with the Senate on the subject-matter of the amendment depending between the two Houses to the bill, entitled An act concerning the Public Buildings at the City of Washington," made a report thereon; which was read, and ordered to lie on the table. The House proceeded to consider the amendment proposed by the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act for the appointment of an additional Resolved, That the Clerk of this House be al-Judge for the Mississippi Territory, and for other lowed, out of the contingent fund of the House, the sum of three hundred dollars, for extra services during the present session. purposes:" Whereupon, Resolved, That this House doth agree to the said amendment. Resolved, That the Clerk of this House be au- The House proceeded to consider the amendthorized and directed to pay, out of the moneys ments proposed by the Senate to the bill, entitled appropriated to defray the contingent expenses of "An act authorizing the appointment of Commisthe House, to the principal and engrossing clerks sioners to explore the routes most eligible for openin the office of the Clerk of the House, respecting certain public roads:" Whereupon, ively, two hundred dollars each, for their extra services during the present session; also, to the Sergeant-at-Arms, to the Doorkeeper, and Assistant Doorkeeper, two hundred dollars each, in addition to their present allowance; and also, fifty dollars to Alexander Claxton, out of the contingent fund of the House. Resolved, That the Clerk of this House be authorized and directed to pay, out of the moneys appropriated to defray the contingent charges of this House, to the Chaplain of this House, one hundred and fifty dollars, in addition to his present allowance. Resolved, That the farther consideration of the said bill and amendments be postponed until the first Monday in December next. The House proceeded to consider the amendments proposed by the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act regulating the grants of land, and providing for the disposal of the public lands south of the State of Tennessee:" Whereupon, Resolved, That this House doth agree to the said amendments. The House proceeded to consider the amendment proposed by the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to the act, entitled 'An act concerning the City of Washington:" Whereupon, Resolved. That this House doth agree to the said amendment. ployed by the Doorkeeper to attend the committee rooms and Clerk's office. the sum of fifty dollars, in addition to his present allowance. A message from the Senate informed the House that the Senate have passed the bill, entitled "An act for imposing more specific duties on the importation of certain articles, and also for levying and collecting light-money on foreign ships or Resolved, That the Clerk of this House be auvessels" to which they desire the concurrence of thorized and directed to pay, out of the contingent this House: the bill, entitled "An act for the ap-fund of the House, to John Phillips, a laborer empointment of an additional Judge of the Mississippi Territory, and for other purposes," with an amendment; to which they desire the concurrence of this House: the bill, entitled "An act authorizing the appointment of commissioners to explore the routes most eligible for opening certain public roads." with several amendments; to which they desire the concurrence of this House: the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to the The said bill was read twice, and committed to act, entitled, 'An act regulating the grants of land, la Committee of the Whole immediately. A message from the Senate informed the House that the Senate have passed a bill, entitled "An act to provide for a more extensive distribution of the laws of the United States; to which they desire the concurrence of this House. Ordered, That the said bill, with the amendment, be now read the third time. The bill, as amended, was accordingly read the third time, and passed. MARCH, 1804. Half past four o'clock, p. m. Resolved, That the Clerk of this House do pay to William, the wood-carrier, thirty-five dollars, out of the money appropriated for the contingent expenses of this House. Mr. JOHN RANDOLPH, from the committee appointed on the part of this House, jointly with the committee appointed on the part of the Senate, to Resolved. That Mr. JOHN RANDOLPH and Mr. wait on the President of the United States and SAMUEL L. MITCHILL be appointed a committee, notify him of the proposed recess of Congress, reon the part of this House, jointly with such comported that the committee had performed that mittee as may be appointed on the part of the service; and that the President signified to them Senate, to wait on the President of the United he had no farther communication to make during States, and notify him of the proposed recess of the present session. Congress. Resolved, That the Clerk of this House be authorized and directed to pay, out of the contingent fund of the House, to Job Pearce and William Ewing, employed by the Doorkeeper during the present session, the sum of forty-nine dollars each, in addition to their present allowance. Ordered, That the call of the House, directed to be at eleven o'clock in the morning, on this day, be postponed until half-past four o'clock, post meridian. Adjourned until half-past four, P. M. Ordered, That a message be sent to the Senate to inform them that this House, having completed the business before them, are now about to adjourn until the first Monday in November next; and that the Clerk of this House do go with the said message. A message from the Senate informed the House that the Senate, having completed the Legislative business before them, are now ready to adjourn. Whereupon the SPEAKER adjourned the House until the first Monday in November next. PUBLIC ACTS OF CONGRESS; PASSED AT THE FIRST SESSION OF THE EIGHTH CONGRESS, BEGUN AND HELD AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 17, 1803. AN ACT to enable the President of the United States to take possession of the territories ceded by France to the United States, by the treaty concluded at Paris on the thirtieth of April last, and for the temporary government thereof. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, authorized to take possession of, and occupy the territories ceded by France to the United States, by the treaty concluded at Paris on the thirtieth day of April last, between the two nations, and that he may for that purpose, and in order to maintain in the said territories the authority of the United States, employ any part of the army of navy of the United States, and of the force authorized by an act passed the third day of March last, entitled "An act directing a detachment from the militia of the United States, and for erecting certain arsenals," which he may deem necessary; and so much of the sum appropriated by the said act as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated for the purpose of carying this act into effect; to be applied under the direction of the President of the United States. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That until the expiration of the present session of Congress, unless provision for the temporary government of the said territories be sooner made by Congress, all the military, civil, and judicial powers exercised by the officers of the existing government of the same, shall be vested in such person and persons, and shall be exercised in such manner, as the President of the United States shall direct, for maintaining and protecting the inhabitants of Louisiana in the free enjoyment of their liberty, property, and religion. NATHL. MACON, Speaker of the House of Representatives. JOHN BROWN, President of the Senate, pro tempore. Approved, October 31, 1803. An Act authorizing the creation of a stock to the amount of eleven millions two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, for the purpose of carrying into effect the convention of the thirtieth of April, one thousand eight hundred and three, between the United States of America and the French Republic, and making provision for the payment of the same. between the United States of America and the French Republic, the Secretary of the Treasury be, and he is hereby, authorized to cause to be constituted certificates of stock, signed by the Register of the Treasury, in favor of the French Republic, or of its assignees, for the sum of eleven nillions two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, bearing an interest of six per centum per annum, from the time when possession of Louisiana shall have been obtained, in conformity with the treaty of the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and three, between the United States of America and the French Republic, and in other respects conformable with the tenor of the convention aforesaid; and the President of the United States is authorized to cause the said certificates of stock to be delivered to the Government of France, or to such person or persons as shall be authorized to receive them, in three months, at most, after the exchange of ratifications of the treaty aforesaid, and after Louisiana shall be taken possession of in the name of the Government of the United States; and credit or credits to the proprietors thereof shall thereupon be entered and given on the books of the Treasury in like manner as for the present funded debt; which said credits or stock shall thereafter be transferable only on the books of the Treasury of the United States, by the proprietor or proprietors of such stock, his, her, or their attorney; and the faith of the United States is hereby pledged for the payment of the interest, and for the reimbursement of the principal of said stock, in conformity with the provisions of the said convention: Provided, however, That the Secretary of the Treas ury may, with the approbation of the President of the United States, consent to discharge the said stock in four equal annual instalments, and also shorten the periods fixed by the convention for its reimbursement: And provided, also, That every proprietor of the said stock may, until otherwise directed by law, on surrendering his certificate of such stock, receive another to the same amount, and bearing an interest of six per centum per annum, payable quarterly at the Treasury of the United States. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the annual interest accruing on the said stock, which may, in conformity with the convention aforesaid, be payable in Europe, shall be paid at the Be it enacted, &c., That, for the purpose of carry-rate of four shillings and six pence sterling for ing into effect the convention of the thirtieth day each dollar, if payable in London, and at the rate of April, one thousand eight hundred and three, of two guilders and one-half a guilder, current Acts of Congress. money of Holland, for each dollar, if payable in Amsterdam. SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That a sum equal to what will be necessary to pay the interest which may accrue on the said stock to the end of the present year, be, and the same is hereby appropriated for that purpose, to be paid out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That, from and after the end of the present year, (in addition to the annual sum of seven millions three hundred thousand dollars yearly appropriated to the Sink ing Fund, by virtue of the act, entitled "An act making provision for the redemption of the whole of the public debt of the United States,") a further annual sum of seven hundred thousand dollars, to be paid out of the duties on merchandise and tonnage, be, and the same hereby is, yearly appropriated to the said fund, making in the whole, an annual sum of eight millions of dollars, which shall be vested in the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund in the same manner, shall be applied by them for the same purposes, and shall be, and continue appropriated, until the whole of the present debt of the United States, inclusively of the stock created by virtue of this act, shall be reimbursed and redeemed, under the same limitations as have been provided by the first section of the abovementioned act, respecting the annual appropriation of seven millions three hundred thousand dollars made by the same. for the expenses attending the intercourse between the United States and foreign nations.") to be paid out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, be, and the same hereby is, appropriated, for the purpose of discharging the claims of citizens of the United States against the Government of France, the payment of which has been assumed by the Government of the United States, by virtue of a Convention made the thirtieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and three, between the United States of America and the French Republic, respecting the said claims. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of the Treasury shall cause to be paid, at the Treasury of the United States, in conformity to the Convention aforesaid, the amount of such claims, above mentioned, as, under the provisions of the said Convention, shall be awarded to the respective claimants: which payments shall be made on the orders of the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States for the time being, to the French Republic, in conformity with the Convention aforesaid, and the said Minister shall be charged on the Treasury books with the whole amount of such payments, until he shall have exhibited satisfactory proof, to the accounting officers of the Treasury, that his orders thus paid have been issued in conformity with the provisions of the said Convention. SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That the President of the United States be, and he hereby is, authorized to borrow, on the credit of the United States, to be applied to the purposes authorized by this act, a sum not exceeding one million seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, at a rate of interest not exceeding six per centum per annum, reimbursable out of the appropriation made by virtue of the first section of this act, at the pleasure of the United States, or at such period, not exceeding five years from the time of obtaining the loan, as may be stipulated by contract; and it shall be lawful for the Bank of the United States to lend the same. SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That the Secretary of the Treasury shall cause the said further sum of seven hundred thousand dollars to be paid to the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund, in the same manner as was directed by the abovementioned act respecting the annual appropriation of seven millions three hundred thousand dollars; and it shall be the duty of the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund to cause to be applied and paid out of the said fund, yearly, and every year, at the Treasury of the United States, such sum and sums as may be annually wanted to discharge the an nual interest and charges accruing on the stock SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That so much created by virtue of this act, and the several in- of the duties on merchandise and tonnage as may stalments, or parts of principal of the said stock, be necessary be, and the same hereby is, approas the same shall become due and may be dis-priated for the purpose of paying the interest charged, in conformity to the terms of the convention aforesaid, and of this act. Approved, November 10, 1803. An Act making provision for the payment of claims of citizens of the United States on the Government of France, the payment of which has been assumed by the United States, by virtue of the Convention of the thirtieth of April, one thousand eight hundred and three, between the United States and the French Republic. Be it enacted, &c., That a sum not exceeding three millions seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, (including a sum of two millions of dollars, appropriated by the act of the twenty-sixth day of February, one thousand eight hundred and three, entitled "An act making further provision which shall accrue on the said loan. SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That, for defraying the expense incident to the investigation of the claims above-mentioned, there be appropriated a sum not exceeding eighteen thousand five hundred and seventy-five dollars, to be paid out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated: Provided, That the compensation to be made to any of the Commissioners appointed, or to be appointed, in pursuance of the above-mentioned Convention, shall not exceed the rate of four thousand four hundred and fifty dollars per annum; that the compensation of their secretary shall not exceed the rate of two thousand two hundred and twenty-five dollors per annum; and that the compensation of the agent shall not exceed the rate of one thousand dollars per annum. Approved, November 10, 1803. |