The PRESIDENT communicated a report of the Postmaster General, relative to the salaries of the clerks of that department; which was read. Mr. GERMAN, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act supplementary to an act, entitled 'An act for the better organization of the courts of the United States within the State of New York," reported it with amendments, which were read, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and the amendments having been agreed to, the PRESIDENT reported the bill to the House accordingly. On the question, Shall the amendments be engrossed, and the bill read a third time as amended? it was determined in the affirmative. Mr. GILES, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of James Savage and others," reported it without amendment; and the bill was considered as in Committee of the Whole, and passed to a third reading. The bill, entitled "An act for the relief of Solomon Frazer, and the representatives of Charles Eccleston," was read a third time, and passed. The bill, entitled "An act for the relief of William H. Washington," was read a third time, and passed. The bill entitled "An act for the relief of the heirs of James Hynum," was read a third time, and passed. The bill, entitled "An act concerning the College of Georgetown, in the District of Columbia," was read a third time, and passed. SENATE. Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of State cause to be distributed among the members of the present Congress, copies of the laws of the United States ordered by law to be printed, as soon as the same shall be printed. TUESDAY, February 28. Mr. GILES, from the Committee on Military Affairs, made a report on the subject of the dif ferences of opinion existing between the Executive authority of the United States, and the authorities of some of the individual States, respecting the relative powers of the General and State Governments over the militia; and the report was read, and ordered to be printed for the use of the Senate. Mr. BIBB, from the Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the Message of the President recommending certain regulations respecting American seamen, made a report, which was read and agreed to, as follows: "That they fully accord in the policy recommended, of avoiding, by prudent regulations, the occurrence of circumstances which may disturb a liberal intercourse with foreign nations. They are, moreover, persuaded that the navigation of American vessels, exclusively by American seamen, either natives, or such as are already naturalized, would not only have the tendency to render our commerce and navigation independent of lated to remove the pretext under which the American the service of foreigners, but that it would be calcu The bill, entitled "An act authorizing the dis-navigation has heretofore been interrupted. charge of Anthony B. Ross from imprisonment," was read a third time, and, on the question, Shall this bill pass? it was determined in the negative. So the bill was rejected. Mr. GORE presented the petition of Walter and Miller, and others, owners of certain vessels sailing under foreign flags, and praying relief, as stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise. Mr. GILES, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of the Anacosta Bridge Company," reported it without amendment; and the bill was considered as in Committe of the Whole, and passed to a third reading. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill to repeal certain acts therein mentioned; and no amendment having been proposed thereto, on the question, Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative. The bill last mentioned was read a third time by unanimous consent, and passed. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of William P. Bennet, of the State of New York ;" and, no amendment having been proposed thereto, it passed to a third reading. Mr. BROWN submitted the following resolution; which was read, and passed to a second reading: "But, while the committee consider the subject of that the session of Congress is so near its close, that the President's Message highly important, they regret questions affecting the foreign as well as the domestic policy of the nation cannot now receive the deliberate and full examination to which they are entitled. "The committee, therefore, submit the following resolution : Resolved, That the further consideration of the Message be postponed until the next session of Con gress.' Mr. BIBB, from the Committee on Foreign Relations, reported a bill further to provide for the collection of duties on imports and tonnage; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. Mr. GILES, from the committee to whom the of sundry persons in the service of the United subject was referred, reported a bill for the relief States, in consequence of the destruction of their tools by fire at the navy yard; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading. Mr. MORROW, from the committee to whom mental to the act, entitled 'An act for the final was referred the bill, entitled "An act suppleadjustment of land titles in the State of Louisiana and Territory of Missouri,' approved April 12, 1814," reported it without amendment; and, on motion by Mr. MORROW, the further consideration thereof was postponed to the second Monday in March next. The following Message was received from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: SENATE. To the Senate of the United States: Amendments of the Constitution. I transmit to the Senate a report from the Postmaster General, complying with their resolution of the 15th of December last. JAMES MADISON. WASHINGTON, February 28, 1815. The Message and report therein referred to were read, and ordered to be printed. FEBRUARY, 1815. ered as in Committee of the Whole; and, no amendment having been proposed thereto, on the question, Shall this resolution be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative. The bill concerning the Naval Establishment was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, no amendment having been proposed thereto, on the question, Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative. The bill for the relief of Peter Landais was Mr. MORROW, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act authorizing the sale of public lands, which may hereafter be forfeited within the Jeffersonville land district, at the land office of said district," reported it with- read the second time; and, on motion by Mr. out amendment; and, on motion by Mr. MOR- BIBB, the further consideration thereof was postROW, the further consideration thereof was postponed to the second Monday in March next. poned to the second Monday in March next. The amendments to the bill, entitled "An act for the better organization of the courts of the United States within the State of New York," having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, the bill was read a third time as amended. Resolved, That this bill pass with amendments. The resolution directing the manner of providing stationery, and procuring the printing for the Senate and House of Representatives, was 'read a third time, and passed. On motion, by Mr. TAYLOR, the committee to whom was referred the petition of James Lamb, of Charleston, were discharged from the further consideration thereof. Mr. TAIT, from the Committee on Naval Affairs, reported the following resolutions, which were read and agreed to: Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy be requested to report to the Senate, in the first week of the next session, a system for the gradual and permanent increase of the Navy of the United States. Resolved, That the said Secretary report, as aforesaid, the expenditures and contracts which have been made under the third section of the act of the 30th of March, 1812. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy report, as aforesaid, what measures have been taken to carry into execution the laws respecting navy hospitals. Resolved, That the said Secretary report, as aforesaid, what measures have been taken for the execution of the 4th section of the act of the 3d of March, 1813, entitled "An act supplementary to the act for increasing the Navy." Resolved, That the Secretary lay before the Senate, at the commencement of the next session, a corrected register of the Navy and Marine Corps. Mr. LACOCK submitted the following resolution, which was read, and passed to the second reading: The resolution directing the distribution among the members of the present Congress of copies of the Laws of the United States, was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, having been amended, the President reported it to the House accordingly. On the question, Shall this resolution be engrossed, and read a third time as amended? it was determined in the affirmative. The Senate resumed the consideration of the resolution reported the 27th instant, by the Committee on Foreign Relations, and agreed thereto. The bill, entitled "An act for the relief of James Savage and others," was read a third time, and passed. The bill, entitled "An act for the relief of the Anacosta Bridge Company," was read a third time, and passed. The bill, entitled "An act for the relief of William P. Bennet, of the State of New York," was read a third time, and passed. Whole, the consideration of the bill to establish The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the a system of navigation for the United States; and the further consideration thereof was postponed to the second Monday in March next. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of James Doyle," together with the report of the select committee thereon; and, on the question, Shall this bill be read a third time? it was determined in the negative. So the bill was lost. AMENDMENTS OF THE CONSTITUTION. Mr. DANA submitted for consideration a resolution of the Legislature of the State of Connecticut, requesting the Senators of the State, and the Representatives of the people thereof, in Congress of the United States, to use their endeavors that Congress propose to the Legislatures Resolved, That Robert Tweedy, Benjamin G. Bowen, of the several States, for their adoption, the foland Tobias Simpson, assistants to the Sergeant-at-lowing amendments of the Constitution of the Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, be paid, out of United States, viz: the contingent fund, two dollars a day for each day they may have attended the Senate during the present session of Congress, and that Charles Tims be allowed seventy-five dollars for his attendance during the pres ent session. The resolution last mentioned was read the second time, by unanimous consent, and consid portioned among the several States which may be inFirst. Representatives and direct taxes shall be apcluded within this Union, according to their respective numbers of free persons, including those bound to taxed, and all other persons. serve for a term of years, and excluding Indians not Second. No new State shall be admitted into the Union by Congress, in virtue of the power granted by the Constitution, without the concurrence of twothirds of both Houses. Third. Congress shall not have power to lay any embargo on the ships or vessels of the citizens of the United States, in the ports or harbors thereof, for more than sixty days. Fourth. Congress shall not have power, without the concurrence of two-thirds of both Houses, to interdict the commercial intercourse between the United States and any foreign nation, or the dependencies thereof. SENATE. furniture, and on gold and silver watches," reported: "That they have met the said managers, and, after conferring with them, have agreed to recommend to the Senate, that as the said amendment would have no effect for the present year, the Senate do recede from said amendment." The Senate proceeded to consider the said report of the committee of conference. Whereupon, Resolved, That they concur therein, and that they recede from their said fifth amendment to said bill accordingly. Mr. TAYLOR, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act to fix the com Fifth. Congress shall not make or declare war, or authorize acts of hostility against any foreign nation, without the concurrence of two-thirds of both Houses, except such acts of hostilities be in defence of the territories of the United States when actually invaded. Sixth. No person who shall hereafter be natural-pensations, and increase the responsibility, of the ized, shall be eligible as a member of the Senate or and for other purposes connected with the colleccollectors of the direct tax and internal duties, House of Representatives of the United States, nor capable of holding any civil office under the authority tion thereof," reported it without amendment; of the United States. Seventh. The same person shall not be elected President of the United States a second time; nor shall the President be elected from the same State two terms in succession. and the bill was considered as in Committee of the Whole, and having been amended, the President reported it to the House accordingly. On the question, Shall the amendment be engrossed and the bill read a third time as amend And the resolution and proposed amendments ed? it was determined in the affirmative. were read. WEDNESDAY, March 1. On motion, by Mr. BIBB, the Committee on Foreign Relations, to whom was referred the petition of Walter and Miller, and others, were discharged from the further consideration thereof. Mr. GILES, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of Thomas Sprigg," reported it without amendment; and the bill was considered as in Committee of the Whole; and passed to a third reading. The bill last mentioned was read a third time, by unanimous consent, and passed. Mr. GILES, from the committee to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act to authorize the payment for property lost, captured, or destroyed, by the enemy, while in the military service of the United States," reported it with amendments; and Mr. TALBOT proposed for consideration sundry amendments to the bill; which were read; and on motion, by Mr. GILES, the further consideration of the bill and amendments were postponed until to-morrow. Mr. TAYLOR, from the managers appointed by the Senate to confer with the managers appointed by the House of Representatives on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the fifth amendment made by the Senate to the bill, entitled "An act to amend the act, entitled 'An act to provide additional revenues for defraying the expenses of Government, and maintaining the public credit, by laying a direct tax upon the United States, and to provide for assessing and collecting the same," and the act, entitled "An act to provide additional revenues for defraying the expenses of Government, and maintaining the public credit, by laying duties on household Mr. ROBERTS, from the committee to whom was referred the petition of Robert Kid, of the city of Philadelphia, made report, together with the following resolution, which was read, and agreed to. Resolved, That the petitioner have leave to withdraw his petition. On motion, by Mr. MORROW, the committee to whom was referred the petition of Benjamin W. Ladd, Joseph Ladd, and Thomas Norvell, were discharged from the further consideration thereof. Mr. LACOCK submitted the following resolution, which was read, and passed to the second reading: Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate pay, out of the contingent fund of the Senate, to Tobias Simpson, two hundred dollars, in consideration of his uniform good conduct, and particularly for his exer tions to save the public property in the Capitol, both before and after the destruction thereof by the enemy. The resolution last mentioned was read the second time, by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment having been proposed thereto, on the question, Shall this resolution be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative; and the resolution was then read a third time, by unanimous consent, and passed. The bill further to provide for the collection of duties on imports and tonnage was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, no amendment having been made thereto, on the question, Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative. The bill for the relief of sundry persons in the service of the United States, in consequence of the destruction of their tools by fire at the navy yard, was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, no amend ment having been made thereto, on the question, Shall this bill be engrossed and read a third time? it was determined in the affirmative. A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act to vest more effectually in the State courts, and in the district courts of the United States, jurisdiction in the cases therein mentioned;" a bill, entitled "An act regulating and defining the duties of the United States' judges for the Territory of Illinois;" also, a bill, entitled "An act fixing the Military Peace Establishment of the United States;" in which bills they request the concurrence of the Senate. The three bills last mentioned were read, and passed to the second reading. The bill, entitled "An act fixing the Military Peace Establishment of the United States," was read the second time by unanimous consent, and on motion, by Mr. BIBB, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, to consider and report thereon. The bill, entitled "An act regulating and defining the duties of the United States' judges for the Territory of Illinois," was read the second time by unanimous consent, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and, no amendment having been proposed thereto, it passed to the third reading. The resolution relative to the distribution of the laws of the United States, as amended, was read a third time, and passed, as follows: Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of State cause to be distributed among the members of the present Congress, copies of the laws of the United States, ordered by law to be printed, as soon as the same shall be completed. Resolved, That so many of the remaining copies of the laws as are not already distributed, be deposited in the Congressional Library. The bill concerning the Naval Establishment was read the third time, and passed. The resolution fixing the compensation of the messengers of the Senate was read the third time, and passed. The credentials of the Honorable WILLIAM HUNTER, appointed a Senator by the Legislature of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, for the term of six years, commencing on the fourth day of this month, were read, and laid on file. Mr. KING submitted the following motion : Resolved, That the President of the United States be, and is hereby, requested to give instructions to the Secretary of War To prepare and lay before the Senate, at the commencement of their next session, a report concerning the annuities and presents granted to, and trade carried on with, the several Indian tribes within the limits of the United States, during four years antecedent to the 4th of March, 1815, whether such trade has been under the control or management of the Superintendent of Indian Trade, of the Governors of the several Territories, or of any other person acting in behalf of the MARCH, 1815. United States: and, in order that such report may exhibit a full view of the whole Indian trade during the term aforesaid, that the President be further requested to direct the Superintendent of Indian Trade, and every other public agent concerned therein, to furnish to the Secretary of War such accounts and statements as he may call for, to enable him to prepare and make the report aforesaid. the Indian trade at each of the agencies or trading That the said report do contain an annual account of houses, or wheresover else the same shall have been transportation, and all other incidental charges; and, carried on, including therein the expenses of buildings, also, a statement of losses, whether of goods or effects, intended for the Indians, or received from them. Also, a like annual account of the whole of the Indian trade, Also, a general account of the Indian trade, exhibiting the profit and loss thereof, during the term aforesaid. Also, an account of the annuities and presents due, paid, and delivered, to the respective Indian tribes, during the aforesaid term; specifying the dates when the same were due, and when they were paid and delivered. That the Secretary do, furthermore, report to the Senate his opinion, whether any alteration of the powers and duties of the several officers and agents employed in the superintendence and management of Indian affairs would be advantageous; whether the consolidation of the whole care and management thereof, and the placing of the same in a single department, would be expedient; and whether a plan may not be devised that will be equally advantageous to the Indian tribes, and more economical to the public, whereby the Indian trade may, under safeguards, be hereafter carried on by individuals, or by private companies, instead of the manner in which the same is now conducted. In secret session A confidential message was received from the House of Representatives, by Mr. GASTON and Mr. FORSYTH, two members of that body; Mr. GASTON. Chairman: Mr. President: The House of Representatives have confidentially passed a bill, entitled "An act for the protection of the commerce of the United States against the Algerine cruisers," in which they request the concurrence of the Senate. The said bill was twice read by unanimous consent, and passed to the third reading. THURSDAY, March 2. Mr. VARNUM submitted for consideration a resolution of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, containing the same request, and embracing the same objects, of the resolution of the Legislature of the State of Connecticut, submitted on the 28th ultimo; and the resolution and proposed amendments were read. Mr. GILES, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the bill, entitled "An act fixing the Military Peace Establishment of the United States," reported it with amendments. On motion, by Mr. GILES, the committee to MARCH, 1815. Proceedings. whom was referred the petition of Robert and John Oliver, and others, was discharged from the further consideration thereof. SENATE. ervation and promotion of manufactures, were discharged from the further consideration thereof. On motion, by Mr. BARBOUR, the committee to whom was referred the memorial of the manufacturers of the city and county of Philadelphia, were discharged from the further consideration thereof. A message from the Honse of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act making appropriations for the support of the Military Establishment for the year one thousand eight hundred and fifteen ;" a A message from the House of Representatives bill, entitled "An act concerning invalid pension- informed the Senate that the House have passed ers ;" and a bill, entitled "An act making appro- the bill, entitled "An act increasing the compenpriations for the support of the Navy of the Uni-sation allowed the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Sented States for the year 1815;" in which bills they ate," with amendments, in which they request request the concurrence of the Senate. the concurrence of the Senate. They have also The three bills last mentioned were read, and passed the bill, entitled "An act further supplepassed to the second reading. mentary to an act, entitled 'An act providing for the indemnification of certain claimants of public lands in the Mississippi Territory," with amendments, in which they request the concurrence of the Senate. The bill, entitled "An act concerning invalid pensioners," was read the second time by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, to consider and report thereon. The bill, entitled "An act making appropria- The Senate proceeded to consider the amendtions for the support of the Military Establishments of the House of Representatives to the bill ment for the year 1815," was read the second last mentioned, and concurred therein. time by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, to consider and report thereon. The bill, entitled "An act making appropriations for the support of the Navy of the United States for the year 1815," was read the second time by unanimous consent, and referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs, to consider and report thereon. The Senate proceeded to consider the amendments of the House of Representatives to the bill, entitled "An act increasing the compensation allowed the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate." Whereupon, on motion, by Mr. TURNER, Resolved, That they concur therein with amendments. It was agreed to amend the title, to read "An act increasing the compensation allowed the SerMr. TAIT, from the Committee on Naval Af-geants-at-Arms of the Senate and House of Repfairs, to whom was referred the last mentioned resentatives, and of the Doorkeeper and Assistant bill, reported it without amendment, and the bill Doorkeeper of the Senate and House of Reprewas considered as in Committee of the Whole, and passed to a third reading; and the bill was read a third time by unanimous consent, and passed. The bill, entitled "An act to vest more effectually in the State courts, and in the district courts of the United States, jurisdiction in the cases therein mentioned," was read the second time, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon; and Messrs. BIBB, BARBOUR, and CHACE, were appointed the committee. The bill for the relief of sundry persons in the service of the United States, in consequence of the destruction of their tools by fire, at the Navy Yard, was read a third time, and passed. The bill further to provide for the collection of duties on imports and tonnage, was read a third time, and amended by unanimous consent, and passed. The amendment to the bill, entitled "An act to fix the compensations, and increase the responsibility, of the collectors of the direct tax and internal duties, and for other purposes connected with the collection thereof," having been reported by the committee correctly engrossed, the bill was read a third time as amended. Resolved, That this bill pass with an amend ment. On motion, by Mr. BARBOUR, the committee to whom was referred so much of the President's Message, of the 20th ultimo, as relates to the pres sentatives." The bill, entitled "An act regulating and defining the duties of the United States' judges for the Territory of Illinois," was read a third time, and passed. The Senate resumed, as in Committee of the Whole, the consideration of the bill, entitled "An act fixing the Military Peace Establishment of the United States," together with the amendments reported thereto by the select committee. On the question, to agree to the first amendment proposed, to wit: Section 1, line 4, strike out "six," and insert "fifteen," a division of the question was called for by Mr. LACOCK, and it was taken on striking out, and determined in the affirmative-yeas 21, nays 6, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Barbour, Barry, Bibb, Brown, Chace, Fromentin, Gaillard, Giles, Gore, Horsey, Howell, Hunter, Kerr, King, Lacock, Morrow, Smith, Tait, Taylor, Varnum, and Wells. NAYS-Messrs. Dana, Goldsborough, Talbot, Thompson, Turner, and Wharton. On the question, to insert "fifteen," in lieu of "six," stricken out, it was determined in the affirmative-yeas 18, nays 10, as follows: YEAS-Messrs. Barry, Bibb, Brown, Chace, Fromentin, Gaillard, Giles, Gore, Howell, Kerr, King, Lacock, Morrow, Smith, Tait, Taylor, Varnum, and Wells. NAYS-Messrs. Barbour, Daggett, Dana, Goldsborough, Horsey, Hunter, Talbot, Thompson, Turner, and Wharton. |