The Kentucky Gazette

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
OF
THE
UNITED
STATES.
FRIDAY, January 15.

A MEMORIAL was presented from Dr. Cochran, Commissioner of the Loan Office, praying in addition to his salary, for reasons set forth therein.

The report of the Secretary of War was read respecting several memorials which had been referred to him.

Mr. Baldwin from the committee of the whole, to whom had been referred the President, rose and reported thereon.

Mr. Smith (S. C.) moved that so much of the President's Speech as respected uniform laws of Naturalization; uniformity in the currency, weight & measures of the United States; the advancement of agriculture, commerce and manufactures, the institution of a national university, for the promotion of science and literature. be referred to select committees.

That part of the President's message which relates to the national defence and supplies. was discussed.

Mr. Richard Bland Lee, Mr. Smith, and some other members spoke, Mr. Smith's motion for select committees was approved and a committee of five were appointed viz Mr. Gilman, Mr. Matthews, Mr. Muhlenberg, Mr. Floyd, and Mr. Vining.

Mr. Vining moved, that the business of military supplies be referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, which not being carried, it was referred to a committee of four, viz. Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Tucker, and Mr. Moore.

The business of weights and measures, and the uniformity of currency. was referred to the Secretary of State.

Such part of the President's message as respected Commerce, Agriculture, and Manufactures, was ordered to lie on the table.

In like manner the business of the Post Office, Science and Literature. were debated, and ordered to be laid on the table.

A letter from J. Slack of Newbern N. C. directed to B. Hawkins, Esq. was read, stating sundry grievances respecting his having paid duty on a cargo prior to the adoption of the New Constitution for which duty was demanded a second time. His vessel was built in Connecticut, that he was a citizen of the United States in 1773, and since a freeholder.

Mr. Goodloe moved, that so much of the laws of the United States as interfered with the state of North Carolina, be repealed, or such alteration made therein as would provide for the division of the state into Districts.

He was seconded by Mr. Smith (S. C.)

Some debate took place upon this question and it was urged the necessity of framing a particular bill in the present instance.

Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Richard Bland Lee, and Mr. White, spoke, and it was at length agreed that it be referred to a committee of three, to bring in a bill whereupon Mr. Benson, Mr. Trumbull and Mr. Cadwallader, were appointed.

Mr. Page made some remarks upon the subject of the Short hand writers. and Printers. as did likewise Mr. White, Mr. Boudinot, Mr. Smith, Mr. Thatcher, &c. The inaccuracies of Short hand Writers were spoken of by Mr. Smith (S. C.) and at the same time he seemed desirous to excuse them of any intention to distort the debates. He remarked that a Short hand Writer might very easily commit an error: such as accounts for als, and in one particular instance he had seen it published. instead of an act for the regulation of Harbours, to An act for the regulation of Barbers.

Mr. Burke closed the debate by remarking, that although he had in the last session brought forward this business yet he had no objection to the Short-hand Writers being indulged with liberty of sitting within the bar. provided they acted with candour and impartiality.

When the House then adjourned till 11 o'clock on Monday next.