Kentucky Gazette

THE 13th CONGRESS.

Closed its first session on Monday the 2d instant. The proceedings of that body as they occurred have been but partially noted, because the detail was generally uninteresting, unless a full and connected one could have been given. But now the session has ended, we shall have it in our power to shew what has been done, by publishing the acts themselves—a list of which is given in this paper.

We should not do that honorable body justice were we to withhold our approbation of many of the measures that have been adopted. The levying of taxes—authorising a loan—reducing the duties on prize goods &c. &c. are all measures necessary to the vigorous prosecution of the war; and for which Congress deserve and have the thanks of the nation.

But whilst we approve of the proceedings in the main—we regret that we are also compelled to censure. The privilege of expressing sentiments freely belongs equally to every man in the nation—as the printer of a news paper, independent and impartial in its principles, our opinions of public men or measures never have been concealed. The press is indeed the great palladium of our rights—and its terror to the corrupt and unfaithful public servant is not one of the least benefits which it affords.

After having performed all these good acts, Congress failed to do one thing which would have operated more effectively and oppressively on our enemy, than it is possible for our arms to do.—The Senate refused to comply with the recommendation of the President in enacting an EMBARGO LAW.

The reasons which induced the President to recommend this measure, are sound, and are satisfactorily expressed in his message on that occasion. Whilst our ports are in a state of actual blockade, an Embargo is the only measure which can effectually prevent a trade with the enemy. The greatest objection ever made to the embargo in Mr. Jefferson's administration, was the difficulty of enforcing such a measure in time of peace.

This objection has now no existence. No one ever doubted but such a measure could be enforced during war, supported by the military force of the country.

We are sorry to observe that our Senators were divided on this important question.—Mr. Bledsoe for the embargo, and Bibb against it. This conduct of Mr. Bibb remains to be explained. It seems in opposition to his whole political life.

To vote to feed the British, whilst we are at war with them—when they are at our very doors, murdering, plundering and burning indiscriminately whosoever and whatsoever they can reach, is indeed strange for a Kentucky Senator, when it is recollected how much Kentucky has suffered by that barbarous enemy!

Nothing would give more perpetuity to this republic, than to reduce the term of service of the senators. Six years is too long to trust any man or set of men with the liberties of the people.

But unfortunately for Kentucky, the opposition to this most important measure was not confined to her senatorial representation. Mr. M'Kee in the house of representatives, voted against the bill in its progress, and failed to vote on the final question. Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Duval appear likewise to have been absent; we do not mean that they were intentionally so—we only mention the circumstance as a misfortune. We presume, however, that nothing else than sickness could have prevented these members from attending to their duty, and representing their constituents on a question so deeply interesting.