The Arkansas Advocate

We copy the following extract from the proceedings of Congress for the purpose of correcting an error into which the committee have fallen, and which it seems, to us, it is important to the integrity of history should be corrected also by Congress. We allude to the assertion that the flag is a specimen of American industry "applied for the first time" to the production of silk fabrics. This is singularly erroneous, and should be corrected. If the flag is suspended in the House of Representatives, because of its being the first silk fabric made in the United States-- and we can make out no other meaning to the words of the report--it is honored beyond its merits, and its continuance there as such should not be permitted. Silk fabrics have been produced in the United States, for an hundred years past, and those too of a much higher practical value than this flag. We can adduce many specimens of American industry of this kind, produced years ago. We will only at this time take the liberty of referring to a single case. Mr. Rapp of the society of Economy, Pa, two years ago, made a quantity of vesting, and about 100 handkerchiefs, all of excellent quality, and all the material produced from the mulberry at this place. Many ladies' dresses have been made from time to time, as we said before, for a hundred years past, but Mr. Rapp has made a regular business of it.--American Farmer.

SILK MANUFACTURE.

Mr. Stevenson, from the Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred the letter of P. S. Du Ponceau, presenting to the House a flag of American Silk and Manufacture, made the following report:

"The committee on Agriculture, to which was referred the letter of Peter S. Du Ponceau, to the Speaker of the House, announcing his presentation to the House of a silken flag, bearing the colors of the United States, made of American silk, reeled from cocoons and prepared and woven by John D'Homergue, silk manufacturer, the entire process in the manufacture, of the same having been performed in the city of Philadelphia--Report.

"That they consider this specimen of American industry, applied for the first time to the production of a fabric in such general use in the United States, in the purchase of which in foreign countries, several millions of dollars are annually drawn from this country, as highly auspicious to the agriculture and arts of the United States; and that Mr. Du Ponceau, for his patriotic exertions in promoting the culture of silk, and in his efforts to excite the attention of the United States to that important branch of industry, deserves the commendation of his country.

The committee have received a communication from Mr. Du Ponceau, detailing various important facts and remarks in reference to the bill, entitled An act for promoting the growth and manufacture of silk,' which they have appended to this report, for the information of the House; and the committee report a resolution, and recommend its adoption: by the House--

"Resolved, That the flag, bearing the colors of the United States, presented to this House by Peter S. Du Ponceau, of Philadelphia, made of American silk, and prepared and woven by John D'Homergue, silk manufacturer, in the city of Philadelphia, be accepted by this House, and that it be displayed, under the direction of the Speaker, in some conspicuous part of the sittings of this House."

Mr. Alexander moved that the report, and letter therein referred to, lie on the table, and be printed.

Mr. Whittlesey called for a division of the question; and the question being put to lay the report, &c. on the table, it was decided in the negative, ayes 45--Nays 74.

The question was then put on the adoption of the resolution submitted by the Committee, and it was determined in the affirmative.

Subsequently, the report and letters were ordered to be printed.