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Story February 13, 1796

The New Hampshire Gazette

Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

What is this article about?

A Member of Congress writes from Philadelphia on January 23 about slow congressional progress on petitions and upcoming debates on completing frigates, guaranteeing a loan for federal buildings, prohibiting foreign imports, and the constitutionality of the recent US-Britain treaty.

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From PHILADELPHIA, Jan.23.

Communicated by a Member of Congress, to his friend in this town.

"Congress have accomplished very little business, excepting such as relates to memorials and petitions. Petitions and resolutions of various kinds, are before Committees, and on the table maturing and preparing for the more public consideration and deliberation of the House.

Among other matters, the following questions will be involved, and I expect will engage our serious attention, viz.

Shall we proceed, and finish the frigates, which are now building, or desist, and sell those materials which were procured for this purpose, and appropriate the money arising from the sale, to other uses.

Shall we guarantee a loan, for the purpose of completing the public buildings in the Federal City.

Shall we pass a resolution, prohibiting all nations, from importing any articles into the United States, excepting those articles which are the manufactures, or produce of their own country.

Is the Treaty lately negotiated between Great Britain and America, Constitutional ? And shall we make laws and appropriations, in order to carry it into effect ?

With respect to the Treaty, I expect there will not be a majority of the House against its being carried into effect : but I think it is likely that a major part of the House of Representatives, will be in favor of discussing the merits and demerits of it; and, with a view to the forming of their opinion, with respect to the propriety, or impropriety, of making such laws and regulations as may be requisite in order to its going into effect. This discussion and the result, I expect will be contended for as a constitutional right." [Centinel.]

What sub-type of article is it?

Historical Event

What themes does it cover?

Justice

What keywords are associated?

Congress Petitions Frigates Federal City Import Prohibition Britain Treaty Constitutionality

What entities or persons were involved?

Member Of Congress

Where did it happen?

Philadelphia

Story Details

Key Persons

Member Of Congress

Location

Philadelphia

Event Date

Jan. 23

Story Details

Congress has made little progress beyond handling memorials and petitions, with various resolutions pending. Key upcoming questions include whether to complete building frigates or sell materials, guarantee a loan for federal buildings in the Federal City, prohibit imports not from the importing nation's own produce, and debate the constitutionality of the recent US-Britain treaty and whether to enact laws for its implementation. The member expects debate on the treaty's merits as a constitutional right, though likely not blocking its effect.

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