It is of the highest importance to our national character, and indispensable to the morality of our citizens, that all violations of our neutrality should be prevented. No door should be left open for the evasion of our laws; no opportunity afforded to any who may be disposed to take advantage of it, to compromit the interest or the honor of the nation. It is submitted, therefore, to the consideration of Congress, whether it may not be advisable to revise the laws, with a view to this desirable result. It is submitted, also, whether it may not be proper to designate, by law, the several ports or places along the coast, at which, only, foreign ships of war and privateers may be admitted. The difficulty of sustaining the regulations of our commerce, and of other important interests from abuse, without such designation, furnishes a strong motive for this measure. At the time of the negotiation for the renewal of the commercial convention, between the United States and Great Britain, a hope had been entertained that an article might have been agreed upon, mutually satisfactory to both countries, regulating, upon principles of justice and reciprocity, the commercial intercourse between the United States and the British possessions, as well in the West Indies, as upon the continent of North America. The Plenipotentiaries of the two Governments not having been able to come to an agreement on this important interest, those of the United States reserved for the consideration of this Government the proposals which had been presented to them, as the ultimate offer on the part of the British Government, and which they were not authorized to accept. On their transmission here, they were examined with due deliberation, the result of which was a new effort to meet the views of the British Government. The Minister of the United States was instructed to make a further proposal, which has not been accepted. It was, however, declined in an amicable manner. I recommend to the consideration of Congress, whether further prohibitory provisions in the laws relating to this intercourse may not be expedient. It is seen, with interest, that, although it has not been practicable, as yet, to agree in any arrangement of this important branch of their commerce, such is the disposition of the parties, that each will view any regulations which the other may make respecting it, in the most friendly light. SENATE. defraying the current expenses of the Government, including the interest and reimbursement of the public debt, payable to that period, amounting to $18,200,000, there remained in the Treasury, on that day, more than $2,500,000, which, with the sums receivable during the remainder of the year, will exceed the current demands upon the Treasury for the same period. The causes which have tended to diminish the public receipts, could not fail to have a corresponding effect upon the revenue which has accrued upon im. posts and tonnage during the three first quarters of the present year; it is, however, ascertained that the duties, which have been secured during that period, exceed $18,000,000, and those of the whole year will probably amount to $23,000,000. For the probable receipts of the next year, I refer you to the statements which will be transmitted from the Treasury, which will enable you to judge whether further provision be necessary. The great reduction in the price of the principal articles of domestic growth, which has occurred during the present year, and the consequent fall in the price of labor, apparently so favorable to the success of domestic manufactures, have not shielded them against other causes adverse to their prosperity. The pecuniary embarrassments which have so deeply affected the commercial interests of the nation, have been no less adverse to our manufacturing establishments in several sections of the Union. The great reduction of the currency, which the banks have been constrained to make, in order to continue specie payments, and the vitiated character of it where such reductions have not been attempted, instead of placing within the reach of these establishments the pecuniary aid necessary to avail themselves of the advantages resulting from the reduction in the prices of the raw materials, and of labor, have compelled the banks to withdraw from them a portion of the capital heretofore advanced to them. That aid, which has been refused by the banks, has not been obtained from other sources, owing to the loss of individual confidence, from the frequent failures which have recently occurred in some of our principal commercial cities. An additional cause for the depression of these establishments may probably be found in the pecuniary embarrassments which have recently affected those countries with which our commerce has been principally prosecuted. Their manufactures, for the want of a ready or profitable market at home, have been shipped by the manufacturers to the United States, and, in many instances, sold at a price below their current value at the place of manufacture. Although this practice may, from its nature, be considered temporary or contingent, it is not on that account less injurious in its effects. Uniformity in the demand and price of an article is highly desirable to the domestic manufacturer. By the 5th article of the convention, concluded on the 20th of October, 1818, it was stipulated that the difference which has arisen between the two Governments, with regard to the true intent and meaning of the 5th article of the Treaty of Ghent, in relation to the carrying away, by British officers, of slaves from the United States, after the exchange of the ratifications of the Treaty of Peace, should be referred to the decision of some friendly Sovereign or State, to be named for that purpose. The Minister of the United States has been instructed to name to the British Government a foreign Sovereign, the common friend to both parties, for the decision of this question. The answer of that It is deemed of great importance to give encourage. Government to the proposal, when received, will in- ment to our domestic manufacturers. In what mandicate the further measures to be pursued on the partner the evils which have been adverted to may be of the United States. Although the pecuniary embarrassments which affected various parts of the Union, during the latter part of the preceding year, have, during the present, been considerably augmented, and still continue to exist, the receipts into the Treasury, to the 30th of September last, have amounted to $19,000,000. After remedied, and how far it may be practicable, in other respects, to afford to them further encouragement, paying due regard to the other great interests of the nation, is submitted to the wisdom of Congress. The survey of the coast, for the establishment of fortifications, is now nearly completed, and considerable progress has been made in the collection of mate rials for the construction of fortifications in the Gulf of Mexico and in the Chesapeake Bay. The works on the Eastern bank of the Potomac, below Alexandria, and on the Pea Patch in the Delaware, are much advanced, and it is expected that the fortifications at the Narrows, in the harbor of New York, will be completed the present year. To derive all the advantages contemplated from these fortifications, it was necessary that they should be judiciously posted, and constructed with a view to permanence. The progress, hitherto, has therefore been slow; but, as the difficulties, in parts heretofore the least explored and known, are surmounted, it will in future be more rapid. As soon as the survey of the coast is completed, which it is expected will be done early in the next Spring, the engineers employed in it will proceed to examine, for like purposes, the northern and northwestern fron tiers. The troops, intended to occupy a station at the mouth of the St. Peter's, on the Mississippi, have established themselves there, and those who were ordered to the mouth of the Yellow Stone, on the Missouri, have ascended that river to the Council Bluff, where they will remain until the next Spring, when they will proceed to the place of their destination. have the satisfaction to state, that this measure has been executed in amity with the Indian tribes, and that it promises to produce, in regard to them, all the advantages which were contemplated by it. DECEMBER, 1819. Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to finance, be referred to the Committee of Finance. Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to manufactures, be referred to the Committee of Commerce and ManIufactures. Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to violations of our neutrality, be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Much progress has likewise been made in the conResolved, That so much of the Message of the Presstruction of ships-of-war, and in the collection of tim-ident of the United States as relates to the designaber and other materials for ship-building. It is not tion of particular ports for the admission of foreign doubted that our Navy will soon be augmented to the ships-of-war and privateers, be referred to the Comnumber, and placed, in all respects, on the footing mittee of Commerce and Manufactures. provided for by law. Resolved, That so much of the Message of the Pres intercourse between the United States and the British possessions in the West Indies and in North America, be referred to the Committee of Foreign Re The board, consisting of engineers and naval off-ident of the United States as relates to commercial cers, have not yet made their final report, of sites for two naval depots, as instructed, according to the resolutions of March 18th, and April 20th, 1818, but they have examined the coast therein designated, and their report is expected in the next month. lations. Mr. WILSON obtained leave to bring in a bill authorizing the transmission of certain documents free of postage, and the bill was twice read, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, having been amended, it was reported to the House, and, the amendment being concurred in, the bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time. For the protection of our commerce in the Mediterranean; along the Southern Atlantic coast; in the Pacific and Indian ocean; it has been found necessary to maintain a strong naval force, which it seems proper for the present to continue. There is much reason to believe that, if any portion of the squadron heretofore stationed in the Mediterranean should be withdrawn, our intercourse with the Powers borderMr. MELLEN presented the memorial of the Coning on that sea would be much interrupted, if not al-vention of the District of Maine, praying to be together destroyed. Such, too, has been the growth admitted into the Union, as a separate and indeof a spirit of piracy, in the other quarters mentioned, pendent State, on the footing of an original State, by adventurers from every country, in abuse of the friendly flags which they have assumed, that, not to together with the constitution formed in convenprotect our commerce there, would be to abandon it tion for the State of Maine; which were severally as a prey to their rapacity. Due attention has like- read, and respectively referred to the committee wise been paid to the suppression of the slave trade, appointed on the 6th instant, to inquire whether in compliance with a law of the last session. Orders any, and, if any, what, legislative measures may have been given to the commanders of all our public be necessary for admitting the State of Alabama ships to seize all vessels navigated under our flag, en- into the Union, to consider and report thereon, by gaged in that trade, and to bring them in, to be pro- bill or otherwise. ceeded against, in the manner prescribed by that law. It is hoped that these vigorous measures, supported by like acts by other nations, will soon terminate a commerce so disgraceful to the civilized world. In the execution of the duty imposed by these acts, and of a high trust connected with it, it is with deep regret I have to state the loss which has been sustained by the death of Commodore Perry. His gal Mr. WILLIAMS, of Mississippi, from the commitsee appointed to inquire whether any, and, if any, what legislative measures may be necessary for admitting the State of Alabama into the Union, reported a resolution declaring the admission of the State of Alabama into the Union; and the resolution was twice read by unanimous consent, and, no amendment having been made, it was reported to DECEMBER, 1819. Proceedings. SENATE. the House, and ordered to be engrossed and read ERTS, and Mr. MACON, were appointed the coma third time. It was read a third time by unani-mittee. mous consent, and passed. The resolution for the appointment of a joint committee on the arrangements for the library of Congress was read a third time, and passed. The PRESIDENT communicated a report of the Secretary of the Treasury, prepared in obedience to the act, entitled "An act to establish the Treasury Department;" and the report was read. Ón motion by Mr. DICKERSON, the Senate pro Mr. DANA presented the petition of William Van Duersen and George Wolcott, surveyors of the rev-ceeded to the appointment of the committee on enue for different districts in the State of Connecticut, praying an increase of compensation for their services, for reasons stated in the petition, which was read. Mr. BURRILL gave notice that, to-morrow, he should ask leave to bring in a bill for the relief of Samuel Ward. Mr. HUNTER gave notice that, to-morrow, he should ask leave to bring in a bill for the relief of Christopher Fowler. Mr. MELLEN gave notice that, to-morrow, he should ask leave to bring in a bill establishing a circuit court in and for the District of Maine. THURSDAY, December 9. Mr. BURRILL asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill for the relief of Samuel Ward, and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. Mr. HUNTER asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill for the relief of Christopher Fowler, and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. The bill authorizing the transmission of certain documents free of postage, was read a third time, and passed. On motion by Mr. GAILLARD, the appointment of the standing committees of the Senate was postponed until Tuesday next. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House of Representatives have appointed the Rev. Burgess Allison Chaplain on their part. They have passed a resolution authorizing the transmission of certain documents by mail free of postage, in which resolution they request the concurrence of the Senate. The last-mentioned resolution was read, and passed to the second reading. their part, to join the committee appointed by the House of Representatives, on the arrangements of the Library of Congress; and Mr. DICKERSON, Mr. HUNTER, and Mr. DANA, were appointed the committee. Mr. MELLEN gave notice that to-morrow he should ask leave to introduce a bill authorizing a subscription for the eleventh and twelfth volumes of State Papers. Mr. DICKERSON gave notice that to-morrow he should ask leave to introduce a resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as it respects the choice of Electors of the President of the United States, and the election of Representatives in the Congress of the United States. Mr. EATON gave notice that to-morrow he should ask leave to introduce a bill for the relief of Matthew Barrow. Mr. LANMAN presented the petition of Lathrop Davis, of Connecticut, praying an increase of pension; which was read. The resolution authorizing the transmission of certain documents by mail, free of postage, was On motion by Mr. MORRIL, the Senate proceed-read the second time, and the further consideration ed to the appointment of a Chaplain on their part, thereof was postponed until the first Monday in and, on the ballots having been counted, it September next. appeared that the Rev. Reuben Post had a majority, and was elected. Mr. ROBERTS presented the memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of the city of Philadelphia, on the subject of the establishment of a uniform system of bankruptcy throughout the United States, and urging the expediency of providing such a system; and the memorial was read. The Senate adjourned to Monday morning. MONDAY, December 13. Mr. BROWN presented the memorial of William Thornton, Superintendent of the Patent Office, praying an increase of his present compensation; and the memorial was read, and referred to a select committee to consider and report thereon, by bill or otherwise. And Mr. BROWN, Mr. ROB Mr. EATON asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill for the relief of Matthew Barrow; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. Mr. MELLEN asked and obtained leave to bring in a bill authorizing a subscription to the eleventh and twelfth volumes of State Papers; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. Mr. DICKERSON asked and obtained leave to introduce a resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, as it respects the choice of Electors of President and Vice President of the United States, and the election of Representatives in the Congress of the United States; and the resolution was read, and passed to the second reading. Mr. EATON Submitted the following motion for consideration: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to inquire into the expediency of prescribing by law for the relief of such of the officers and volunteers engaged in the late Seminole war as may have lost their horses and other property during said campaign. The PRESIDENT Communicated the memorial of Matthew Lyon, of Eddyville, Kentucky, praying compensation for certain losses and sufferings under the act commonly called the sedition law; and the memorial was read. Mr. PARROT gave notice that to-morrow he should ask leave to introduce a bill for the relief of John A. Dix. Mr. BURRILL submitted the following motion for consideration: Resolved, That a committee be appointed to arrange and report the rules for conducting business in the Senate, and the rules hitherto practised on by the two Houses of Congress. The following Message was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: To the Senate of the United States: I transmit herewith to the Senate a collection of the commercial regulations of the different foreign countries with which the United States have commercial intercourse, which have been compiled in compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 3d March, 1817. JAMES MONROE. WEDNESDAY, December 15. MONTFORD STOKES, from the State of North Carolina, arrived the 14th instant, and attended this day. FREEMAN WALKER, appointed a Senator by the Legislature of the State of Georgia, to supply the vacanay occasioned by the resignation of John Forsyth, produced his credentials, was qualified, and he took his seat in the Senate. Mr. SANFORD gave notice, that, to-morrow, he should ask leave to introduce a bill, entitled "An act to continue in force the act passed on the 20th of April, 1818, entitled 'An act supplementary to an act entitled 'An act to regulate the collection DECEMBER, 1819. of duties on imports and tonnage, passed the second day of March, 1799." The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion of the 14th instant, for the appointment of a committee to inquire into the expediency of making compensation to those who have lost horses and other property in the Seminole war; and, having agreed thereto, Messrs. EATON, ROBERTS, and LOGAN, were appointed the committee. Mr. ROBERTS asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill authorizing the purchase of a certain number of copies of the Declaration of Independence, published by John Binns; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. Mr. PARROTT asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill for the relief of John A. Dix; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion of the 14th instant, for the appointment of a committee to prepare rules for conducting business in the Senate; and, having agreed thereto, Messrs. BURRILL, GAILLARD, and MACON, were appointed the committee. Mr. OTIS presented the memorial of Thomas B. Wait, of Boston, praying that the Secretary of State may be authorized to purchase, for the use of Congress, five hundred copies of the eleventh and twelfth volumes of State Papers, published by him; and the memorial was read. The bill for the relief of Matthew Barrow was read the second time. The bill authorizing a subscription for the eleventh and twelfth volumes of State Papers was read the second time. Constitution of the United States, as it respects The resolution proposing an amendment to the the choice of Electors of President and Vice President of the United States, and the election of Representatives in the Congress of the United States, was read the second time. to a select committee, to consist of five members, On motion by Mr. DICKERSON, it was referred to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. DICKERSON, TRIMBLE, BROWN, ELLIOTT, and LOGAN, were appointed the committee. Mr. ROBERTS presented the memorial and remonstrance of the American Convention for prodelphia, against the admission into the Union of moting the abolition of slavery, &c., held at Philaany new States, which may hereafter be formed, unless on the condition that the further introduction of slavery therein be prohibited; which was read. THURSDAY, December 16. Mr. SANFORD asked and obtained leave to introduce a bill to continue in force the act passed on the 20th of April, 1818, entitled "An act supplementary to an act entitled an act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage," passed on the 2d day of March, 1799; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. On motion by Mr. SANFORD, the select committee appointed to revise and report the rules of the Senate, were authorized to propose such amend ments to those rules as they may think proper to be adopted. SENATE. in the Revolutionary war," which expired at the close of the last session of Congress. On motion, by Mr. ROBERTS, Resolved, That a committee be appointed, whose Mr. GAILLARD presented the memorial of the President, Directors, and Company, of the Bank of Alexandria, in the District of Columbia, pray-duty it shall be to consider and report upon such ing a renewal of their charter; and the memorial was read, and referred to the Committee for the District of Columbia. Mr. ELLIOTT presented the memorial of James Wood, of Columbia County, in the State of Georgia, administrator of Captain Edward Wood, of the Georgia line of continental troops, who served to the end of the Revolutionary war with Great Britain, praying his commutation pay, with interest; and the memorial was read, and referred to the Committee of Claims. Mr. HUNTER presented the memorial of Bowie and Kurtz and others, of Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, praying indemnity for the loss of the ship Allegany and cargo, which were seized and condemned at Gibraltar, by the enemy, whilst the ship was employed in the service of the United States; and the memorial was read, and referred to the Committee of Claims. Mr. ROBERTS presented the memorial of the President and Directors of the Bank of Potomac, of Alexandria, in the District of Columbia, praying an extension of their charter; and the memorial was read, and referred to the Committee for the District of Columbia. Mr. DICKERSON submitted the following motion for consideration: subjects as may be referred to them relating to the public buildings, and that said committee ascertain, with as little delay as possible, whether convenient accommodations can be had in the north wing of the Capitol for the Committees and Secretary's office of the Senate, and that said committee have leave to report by bill or otherwise. Ordered, That Messrs. ROBERTS, GAILLARD, MELLEN, BURRILL, and LANMAN, be the committee. Mr. MELLEN presented the petition of Henry Rice, of Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, praying that the sums paid by him for duties on certain goods in the port of Castine, which were illegally exacted by the collector of the customs for the district of Penobscot, may be refunded, with interest; and the petition was read, and referred to the Committee on Finance. Mr. SANFORD presented the petition of Jasper Parish, of Canandaigua, in the State of New York, praying remuneration for injuries sustained by him in consequence of a part of the American Army, under the command of Brigadier General Smyth, encamping on his farm, during the late war with Great Britain; and the petition was read, and referred to the Committee of Claims. Mr. WALKER, of Alabama, submitted the fol Resolved, That the Committee on Finance be in-lowing motion for consideration: structed to inquire into the expediency of so far altering the laws for appointing collectors of the customs of the United States, district attorneys of the United States, and receivers of public moneys for lands of the United States, surveyors of the public lands, registers, and such other officers as they may think proper, as to have those officers respectively appointed for limited periods, subject to removal as heretofore. Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to inquire what provisions are necessary to give effect to the laws of the United States within the State of Alabama. The bill for the relief of Samuel Ward was read the second time, and referred to the Committee of Claims. The bill for the relief of Christopher Fowler, was read the second time, and referred to the same committee. On motion, by Mr. LANMAN, the petition of Lathrop Davis, of Connecticut, praying an increase of pension, presented on the 14th instant, was referred to the Committee on Pensions. On motion, by Mr. EATON, the bill for the relief of Matthew Barrow was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs. On motion, by Mr. DANA, the petition of William Van Deursen and George Wolcott, surveyors of the revenue, praying an increase of compensation, presented on the 8th instant, was referred to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures. Mr. MORRIL submitted the following motion for consideration: Resolved. That the Committee on Pensions be directed to inquire into the expediency of reviving the act of 1806, entitled "An act to provide for persons who were disabled by known wounds received STANDING COMMITTEES. Agreeably to order, the Senate proceeded to the appointment of the following standing committees: Committee on Foreign Relations-Mr. Brown, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Macon, Mr. Barbour, and Mr. Walker, of Georgia. Mr. Dana, Mr. Eaton, and Mr. Logan. Committee on Commerce and Manufactures-Mr. Sanford, Mr. Dickerson, Mr. Horsey, Mr. Rug gles, and Mr. Burrill. Committee on Military Affairs-Mr. Williams, of Tennessee, Mr. Trimble, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Tichenor, and Mr. Elliott. Mr. Tichenor, Mr. Walker, of Alabama, and Mr. Lanman. Committee on Naval Affairs-Mr. Pleasants, Mr. Parrott, Mr. Gaillard, Mr. Walker, of Alabama, and Mr. Williams, of Mississippi. Committee on Public Lands Mr. Williams, of Mississippi, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Lowrie, and Mr. Hunter. Committee of Claims-Mr. Roberts, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Morril, Mr. Ruggles, and Mr. Van Dyke. Committee on the Judiciary-Mr. Smith, Mr. Leake, Mr. Burrill, Mr. Logan, and Mr. Otis. Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads Mr. |