Alexandria Gazette, Commercial And Political

CONGRESS
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Saturday, March 5.

Mr. Kent of Md. from the committee, made an unfavorable report on the petition of the justices of the peace, in the counties of Washington and Alexandria, District of Columbia, which was read and concurred in.

Mr. Robertson of Lou. from the committee of Public Lands, reported a bill extending relief to certain purchasers of Public Lands in the Mississippi territory; which was twice read and committed. Since the sub-division of the quarter sections Mr. R. also reported a bill to authorize the sale of the lands of the United States; which was twice read and committed.

Mr. M'Kee of Kentucky, from the committee, reported the agreement of the committee to the amendment of the Senate to the bill for the relief of James Crawford, which was concurred in by the House.

The engrossed bill to authorize the President to cause to be built or purchased such vessels as are therein described (not more than twenty vessels carrying not less than 8, nor more than 20 guns) was read a third time and passed.

BOUNTY ON PRISONERS. The bill from the Senate to amend the act for giving an increased bounty on all prisoners brought into port by private armed vessels, was read a third time as amended in this House. On the question 'Shall the bill pass!' Mr. Post and Mr. Ward of Mass. opposed the passage of the bill. Mr. Burwell and Mr. M'Kim advocated it. Mr. M'Kee of Ky. on the ground that this subject was new to him and required further consideration, moved that the bill lie on the table. For the motion 56 Against it 59 Mr. Goldsborough of Md. then made some observations against the bill. Mr. Fisk of Vt. spoke in favor of the bill. Mr. King of Mass. was also in favor of it. The question on the passage of the bill was decided in the affirmative by the following vote: For the bill, 85 Against it, 55

The bill from the Senate to authorize the President to cause to be built, equipped and employed one or more floating batteries for the defence of the ports and harbors of the U. S. was read a third time and passed.

The engrossed bill making appropriations for the support of the navy of the U. States was read a third time and passed without debate by the following vote: Ayes 111--Nays 9.

The engrossed bill making appropriations for the support of the Military Establishment for the year 1814, was read a third time. Mr. Ward of Mass. opposed the bill in a speech of great length and Mr. Macon of N. C. made a speech, also of great length, replying to gentlemen in opposition, particularly to his colleagues, on topics introduced into the recent debate. At a late hour the bill was passed, by the following vote: For the bill 82 Against it 58

And the House adjourned.