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H. OF R.]

Public Printing.

[MARCH, 1798.

Secretary have had an appeal to the public? No; | and correctness of the printed copies of the reporta the resolutions would have been sent to the PRE- which shall hereafter be made to the House, and SIDENT, and the Secretary would have been re- shall be committed to the press by their order, made moved, disgraced, and ruined forever, without a report; which was twice read, and agreed to by appeal. the House, as follows:

Mr. FINDLEY said: Since these resolutions were laid on the table, I have, upon reflection, been convinced of the impropriety of connecting it with the others, or of treating this part of the Secretary's conduct in this manner. It is solely in the power of this House to punish all contemptuous or indecent treatment of its authority or orders; for this purpose, it is not necessary to lay our opinions in this way before the public, report them to the PRESIDENT, or make them a foundation of impeachment. We might have ordered him to the bar of this House, and obliged him to make proper acknowledgments. I have known some high in office treated in this manner for infinitely less impropriety. It is true, in the case to which I allude, I thought the affair was carried too far; the offence was only a letter to the House respecting the conduct of a member, whom the officer charged with making free with his character in an insidious manner among the members. I would be sorry to see this House pursue such trifles. Though the indecorum of the Secretary to this House is of a higher nature, I think it is best to treat it with silent contempt; I will vote against this resolution, lest it should be interpreted as a relinquishment of our authority to punish contempts.

The question was then taken, and it was resolved in the affirmative-yeas 34, nays 7, as follows: YEAS.-Fisher Ames, Robert Barnwell, Egbert Benson, Elias Boudinot, Shearjashub Bourne, Benjamin Bourne, Jonathan Dayton, William Findley, Thomas Fitzsimons, Elbridge Gerry, Nicholas Gilman, Benjamin Goodhue, James Gordon, Thomas Hartley, James Hillhouse, William Hindman, Aaron Kitchell, John Laurance, Amasa Learned, George Leonard, Samuel Livermore, Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, Nathaniel Niles, Josiah Parker, Theodore Sedgwick, Jeremiah Smith, William Smith, John Steele, Samuel Sterrett, Jonathan Sturges, George Thatcher, Thomas Tudor Tucker, Artemas Ward, and Hugh Williamson.

NAYS.-John Baptist Ashe, Abraham Baldwin, William B. Giles, William Barry Grove, Richard Bland Lee, Nathaniel Macon, and James Madison.

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"That the committee have examined into the circum

stances stated in the Letter, and find

"That the standing order of the Clerk of this House to the printer, is, to send the proof sheets of all reporta and statements to the Department from whence they were made, and that this practice has been generally followed.

"That it has been discontinued during the present session (so far as respects the Secretary of the Treasu ry) from an opinion of the printer, that the delay which the examination would occasion, might interfere with the intention of the House, of having the business speedily accomplished.

"It did not appear to the committee, that any unne cessary delay had taken place at the office of the Comp troller, by reason of the examination of the proof sheets, nor in the printer, in the execution of his business. "The committee are of opinion, that it is not neces sary for them to recommend any new regulation for the future execution of this business; but, in order to rectify the errors which have taken place in the printed repor and statements, the committee recommend the follow ing resolution:

"Resolved, That there be printed under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, three hundred copies of the reports and statements made by him during the present session, and that the same be delivered to the Clerk to this House."

Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall be deemed to continue in office until a successor be appointed.

Resolved, That the Doorkeeper and assistant Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives sha be deemed to continue in office until successors to those officers, respectively, be appointed.

Resolved, That the Clerk of this House be authorized to pay to Thomas Claxton, out of the money appropriated to defray the contingent ex penses of this House, the sum of eighty dollars, for extra services.

The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the bill making addition to the compensation of the Auditor of the Treasury, and the Commissioner of the Revenue; and, after some time spent therein, the Chairman reported that the Committee had had the said bill under consideration, and made several amendments thereto; which were severally twice read, and agreed to by the House.

amendments, be engrossed, and read the third time, And on the question, that the said bill, with the it was resolved in the affirmative—yeas 24, nays 17, as follows:

YEAS-Fisher Ames, Abraham Baldwin, Robert Barnwell, Egbert Benson, Shearjashub Bourne, Benja in Bourne, Jonathan Dayton, William Findley, Tho mas Fitzsimons, Nicholas Gilman, Benjamin Goodhue, Bland Lee, Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, William Thomas Hartley, Philip Key, John Laurance, Richard Vans Murray, Josiah Parker, Theodore Sedgwick, Wiliam Smith, John Steele, George Thatcher, Thomas Tudor Tucker, and Francis Willis.

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Mr. LIVERMORE, from the managers appointed on he part of this House to attend the conference with the Senate, on the subject-matter of the mendments depending between the two Houses, to he bill, entitled "An act fixing the time for the next annual meeting of Congress," made a report; which was read, and ordered to lie on the table.

A message from the Senate, informed the House hat the Senate have passed the bill, entitled "An act for the relief of Simeon Thayer," with an mendment; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.

The House proceeded to consider the said amendment, and, the same being read, was disagreed toyeas 17, nays 21, as follows:

YEAS.-Fisher Ames, Robert Barnwell, Egbert Benson, Shearjashub Bourne, Benjamin Bourne, Nicholas Gilman, Andrew Gregg, Thomas Hartley, John Laurance, Richard Bland Lee, Samuel Livermore, Josiah Parker, Theodore Sedgwick, William Smith, George Thatcher, Thomas Tredwell, and Francis Willis.

NAYS.-Elias Boudinot, Abraham Clark, William Findley, Thomas Fitzsimons, Christopher Greenup, William Barry Grove, Daniel Heister, Aaron Kitchell, Nathaniel Macon, James Madison, Andrew Moore, Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, William Vans Murray, Nathaniel Niles, Alexander D. Orr, Peter Sylvester, Jeremiah Smith, John Steele, Jonathan Sturges, Thomas Sumpter, and Hugh Williamson.

A message from the Senate, informed the House that the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES will, on Monday next, take the oath of office required by the Constitution, in the Senate Chamber, at twelve o'clock.

An engrossed bill making addition to the compensation of the Auditor of the Treasury, and the Commissioner of the Revenue, was read the third time and passed.

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury report to Congress, on the first Monday of January next, the number of stills in the respective districts, distinguishing those that are employed in distilling spirits from materials of the growth of the United States; and also, the nett product of revenue arising from the respective Districts and States, particularizing the drawbacks, and distinguishing the Foreign from American materials, and the product by the gallon, month, and year. Also, the number of officers, and amount of their salaries.

The House then adjourned until seven o'clock post meridian.

EVENING SESSION-7 P. M.

The SPEAKER laid before the House, a Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, accompanying a copy of a letter from the Commissioner of the Revenue to him; also, a report of the general state of the revenue on stills, and on spirits distilled, within the United States, made in pursuance

[H. OF R.

of the order of this House, of the eighth of May last; which were read, and laid on the table.

Ordered, That the Clerk of this House be directed to suffer such persons as have given in statements of their public conduct, to the committee appointed to inquire into the causes of the failure of the expedition under General St. Clair, to take copies of all or any such statements.

The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the bill making farther provision for securing and collecting the duties on Foreign and Domestic distilled spirits, stills, wines, and teas; and, after some time spent therein, the Committee rose, and were discharged from the further consideration of the said bill.

The SPEAKER laid before the House a Letter from the Secretary of War, accompanying his reports on sundry petitions; which were read, and ordered to lie on the table.

A message from the Senate, informed the House that the Senate having completed the Legislative business before them, are now about to adjourn.

Resolved, That Mr. BOUDINOT, Mr. SEDGWICK, and Mr. HINDMAN, be appointed a committee, jointly, with a committee on the part of the Senate, to wait on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and inform him that Congress is ready to adjourn without day, unless he may have any farther communications to make to them.

A message from the Senate, informed the House that the Senate have agreed to the resolution of this House for the appointment of a joint committee, to wait on the PRESIDENT Of the United STATES, and inform him of the intended recess of Congress, and have appointed a committee for that purpose, on their part.

On a motion made and seconded,

"That the thanks of the House of Representatives be presented to JONATHAN TRUMBULL, in testimony of their approbation of his conduct in the Chair, and in the execution of the difficult and important trust reposed in him, as SPEAKER of the said House,"

It was resolved unanimously: Whereupon, Mr. SPEAKER made his acknowledgments to the House, in manner following:

"GENTLEMEN: You have made me very happy by this testimony of your approbation of my conduct in the Chair. I feel, at the same time, an additional pleasure in the opportunity of rendering to you my sincere acknowledgments for the kind candor and indulgence, as well as the constant aid and support, which I have experienced in the performance of the duty which you were pleased to assign me. Be assured, gentlemen, I shall ever retain a grateful sense of your goodnessand you will suffer me to add, that my best wishes for your welfare and happiness, in public and private life, will attend each member of this honorable body."

Mr. BOUDINOT, from the Joint Committee appointed to wait on the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and inform him of the intended recess of Congress, reported that the Committee had performed that duty, and that the PRESIDENT was pleased to say he had no farther communication to make during the present session: Whereupon,

Mr. SPEAKER adjourned the House sine die.

APPENDIX

TO THE HISTORY OF THE SECOND CONGRESS,

COMPRISING THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS ORIGINATING DURING THAT CONGRESS, AND THE PUBLIC ACTS PASSED BY IT.

Treasury Department, Nov. 4, 1791. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a Report to the House of Representatives, accompanying certain estimates of sums necessary to be appropriated for various objects therein specified, including the service of the year 1792.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your most obedient and humble servant,

ALEXANDER HAMILTON,
Secretary of the Treasury.

Hon. JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esq.,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.

---

ESTIMATES OF APPROPRIATIONS.

The Secretary of the Treasury respectfully reports to the House of Representatives the Estimates herewith transmitted, Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4: The first relating to the Civil List, or the expenditure for the support of Government during the year 1792, (including incidental and contingent expenses of the several Departments and offices,) amounting to $328,653 56

The second relating to certain liquidated claims upon the Treasury; to certain deficiencies in former estimates for the current service, and to a provision in aid of the fund heretofore appropriated for the payment of certain officers of the Courts, jurors, witnesses, &c.

The third relating to the Department of War, showing the stated expenditure of that Department for the year 1792

The amount of a year's pensions to invalids Pay and subsistence to sundry officers, for which no appropriation has yet been made Arrearages due upon Indian Affairs for the year 1791, and the sum supposed to be necessary for the year 1792 Expenses incurred for the defensive protection of the frontiers for the years 1790 and 1791, and for which no appropriation has yet been made

Total

197,119 49

357,731 61

As appears by No. 4, which contains a summary of the three preceding ones-exhibiting in one view the total sum as above stated, for which an appropriation is requisite.

The funds out of which the said appropriation may be made are, first, the sum of six hundred thousand dollars reserved annually out of the duties on Imports and Tonnage, by the act making provision for the Debt of the United States, for the support of the Government thereof; and, secondly, such surplus as shall have accrued to the end of the present year upon the revenues heretofore established, over and above the sums necessary for the payment of interest on the Public Debt during the same year, and for the satisfying of other prior appropriations.

Judging from the returns heretofore received at the Treasury, there is good ground to conclude that that surplus together with the above mentioned sum of six hundred thousand dollars, will be adequate to the object.

All which is humbly submitted.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON,
Secretary of the Treasury.

GENERAL ESTIMATE FOR THE SERVICES OF THE

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Estimates of Appropriations.

$197,119 49

$532,449 76 $1,058,222 81

Register's Office, Nov. 4, 1791.

JOSEPH NOURSE, Register.

REPORT ON MANUFACTURES.

apprehended to be; and that it is not difficult to find, in its further extension, a full indemnification for any external disadvantages which are or may be experienced, as well as an accession of resources favorable to national independence and safety. There still are, nevertheless, respectable patrons of opinions, unfriendly to the encouragement of manufactures. The following are, substantially, the arguments by which these opinions are defended:

"In every country, (say those who entertain them,) agriculture is the most beneficial and productive object of human industry. This position, generally, if not universally true, applies with peculiar emphasis to the United States, on account of their immense tracts of fertile territory, uninhabited and unimproved. Nothing can afford so advantageous an employment for capital and labor, as the conversion of this extensive wilderness into cultivated farms. Nothing, equally with this, can contribute to the population, strength, and real riches of the country."

"To endeavor, by the extraordinary patronage of Government, to accelerate the growth of manufactures, is, in fact, to endeavor, by force and art, to transfer the natural current of industry from a more to a less beneficial channel. Whatever has such a tendency, must necessarily be unwise: indeed it can hardly ever be wise in a Government to attempt to give a direction to the industry of its citizens. This, under the quick-sighted guidance of private interest, will, if left to itself, infallibly find its own way to the most profitable employment; and it is by such employment that the public prosperity will be most effectually promoted. To leave industry to itself, therefore, is, in almost every case, the soundest as well as the

The SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, in obedience to the simplest policy."

order of the House of Representatives of the 15th day

United States by considerations which affect all "This policy is not only recommended to the

of January, 1790, has applied his attention, at as early a period as his other duties would permit, to the sub-nations; it is, in a manner, dictated to them by the imperious force of a very peculiar situation. ject of Manufactures; and particularly to the means The smallness of their population, compared with of promoting such as will tend to render the United their territory; the constant allurements to emiStates independent of Foreign Nations, for military gration from the settled to the unsettled parts of and other essential supplies. And he thereupon rethe country; the facility with which the less inspectfully submits the following Report: dependent condition of an artisan can be exchanged for the more independent condition of a farmer; these, and similar causes, conspire to produce, and for a length of time must continue to occasion, a scarcity of hands for manufacturing occupation, and dearness of labor generally. To these disad vantages for the prosecution of manufactures, a deficiency of pecuniary capital being added, the prospect of a successful competition with the manufactures of Europe must be regarded as little. less than desperate. Extensive manufactures can only be the offspring of a redundant, at least of a full population. Until the latter shall characterize the situation of this country, it is vain to hope for the former."

The expediency of encouraging manufactures in the United States, which was not long since deemed very questionable, appears at this time to be pretty generally admitted. The embarrassments which have obstructed the progress of our external trade, have led to serious reflections on the necessity of enlarging the sphere of our domestic commerce: the restrictive regulations, which in foreign markets abridge the vent of the increasing surplus of our agricultural produce, serve to beget an earnest desire that a more extensive demand for that surplus may be created at home. And the complete success which has rewarded manufacturing enterprise, in some valuable branches, conspiring with the promising symptoms which attend some less mature essays in others, justify a hope that the obstacles to the growth of this species of industry are less formidable than they were

"If, contrary to the natural course of things, an unseasonable and premature spring can be given to certain fabrics by heavy duties, prohibitions, bounties, or by other forced expedients, this will only be to sacrifice the interests of the community

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