Daily National Intelligencer

CONGRESS.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24.

Mr. Hawes of Va. appeared and took his seat.

Mr. Wilson of Penn. presented the petition of Peter Audrian of Detroit, praying further allowances for services as Clerk to the Land Commissioners at that place. Referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Burwell of Va. presented the petition of the Stockholders of the Union Bank of Alexandria, praying to be incorporated. Referred to the Committee of the District of Columbia.

On motion of Mr. Epnes of Va. the petition of Burwell Bassett, contesting the election of Thos. M. Bayly, a Member of this House, presented at the last session, was again referred to the Committee of Elections.

Mr. Stanford of N. C. presented the petition of Jacob Greer, praying remission of a judgment obtained some years ago against his father's estate for uncollected direct tax; which was referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Kilbourn of Ohio presented the petition of Azariah Root and Noah Spalding of Delaware, Ohio, praying redress for certain depredations and injury done to their property by militia encamped at that place.

Mr. K. also presented the petition of Rev. Jos. S. Hughes, praying compensation for services rendered in the capacity of Chaplain to Gen. Hull's army, to which station he had been irregularly appointed.

These petitions were referred to the committee of Claims.

Mr. McKee of Ky. from the committee on Public Lands, made a report favorable to the petition of Daniel Boone; which was committed to a committee of the whole.

Mr. Ingersoll, of Pa. from the Judiciary Committee, reported a bill for the appointment of an additional Judge in the Missouri Territory, and for other purposes; which was twice read and committed.

On motion of Mr. Ingersoll, of Pa.

Resolved, That the Committee on the Judiciary be instructed to enquire into the expediency of altering the Judicial System of the United States.

Resolved also, That the same committee be instructed to enquire into the expediency of providing by law for the more effectual punishment of crimes against the United States; and that they have leave to report by bill or otherwise.

Mr. Nelson, of Va. proposed a resolution for adjourning both houses of Congress to Monday week.

Mr. N. assigned as reasons for this motion, the present inactivity of both houses, owing principally to the committees not having matured business for their consideration. The recess would give them an opportunity of meeting more frequently; and whilst he believed it would be an economy of their time and the public money, it would accommodate many members with an opportunity of visiting their families, &c. Messrs. Grosvenor and Stanford also supported the motion.

This motion was combatted by Messrs. Rhea, Wright and Farrow, on various grounds, the most forcible of which were, that the committees would not convene during such a recess, but avail themselves of the indulgence extended to their fellow members; and that in the mean time business of real importance might demand the attention of Congress.

The motion was negatived, by yeas and nays, 69 to 46.

The house then adjourned to Monday.