Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

Since the meeting of Congress, the conversation
Of most companies in which I have been, has turned
Upon the illiberal, the vulgar personalities, which
Have degraded the dignity of the House of Representatives
On too many occasions, during the present
Session; in the course of such conversation the
Other day, one of the company recalled to our
Remembrance, that in the beginning of the war by
Which we became a nation, a severe resolve of
Congress passed against Duelling among the officers
Of this army; that for a considerable time the commander
In chief, the illustrious Washington, was
Teased with applications on this subject, till
His patience became almost exhausted: he at last
Said on such applications being made "you ought
To settle these points among yourselves and not har-
Rass me on such matters." In a short time a few
Intemperate officers were killed by others equally
Perhaps to blame; the effect was remarkably bene-
Ficial; it is well known that some of our first offi-
Cers had been taken from stations, in which, what-
Ever their intrinsic worth might be, it was impos-
Sible that they could be acquainted with the soft
Civilities of polished life; however, by a few lessons
In the rough school of Duelling, the officers of our
Army in general, as if by enchantment, became as
Polished as the officers of a veteran army.

To produce a similar effect in the House of Re-
Presentatives, I submit it to the wisdom of Congress
Whether it would not be, not only proper, but ne-
Cessary, to suspend, during each Session of Congress,
The laws against Duelling, as to the Members of
The lower House; perhaps the same privilege ought
To be extended to the Senate also. It is probable
That we might lose ten or a dozen members (for be
It understood that I recommend the plan of the late
King of Prussia, to hang on the spot, the survivor,
In every instance, where a Duel shall be fought un-
Der this privilege of Congress), but we can all point
Out many members who can be very well spared-
Some of the long winded speakers would be silenc-
Ed for ever, which would be a great saving of time
And money to the United States. I dare even ven-
Ture to predict that, in this event, our Represen-
Tatives would immediately become, and continue
For ages, remarkable for decorum and urbanity,
And the best interests of the union would engross all
Their attention and powers of mind.

AN OLD OFFICER.