The New Hampshire Gazette

Federal Legislature.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THURSDAY, JAN. 21.

The Committee appointed for the purpose, brought in a report, stating the several facts relative to the memorial of the Captains of sundry French vessels, which put into the ports of the United States last summer, with passengers from the Island of St. Domingo; the Captains prayed for an exemption of the usual duties, as they were altogether compelled by unavoidable circumstances to take refuge in these ports.

The Committee recommended Legislative interposition in their favour.

Ordered that the above report lie for consideration.

A message from the President of the United States, was received by Mr. Dandridge, his Secretary, covering some communications relative to the collection of the duties imposed by law on spirits, distilled within the United States and a copy of the laws passed in the territory of the United States—northwest and southwest of the river Ohio—laid on the table.

The amendments proposed by the Committee of the whole House the 20th instant, to the bill, for completing and better supporting the military establishment of the United States, were taken up, on adopting which, a desultory debate took place, and continued nearly to the hour of adjournment, when it was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading to-morrow.

Mr. Giles reported the bill for establishing an uniform system of Bankruptcy, throughout the United States.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22.

After reading and referring several petitions, the House took into consideration the amendments agreed to by the Committee of the Whole to the military establishment bill.

The amendment by striking out the section which provides for granting years half pay to the officers and soldiers, being read, occasioned some debate.

Mr. Smith of Maryland said, that he hoped this clause would not be struck out.

He had little to say, but what he had already remarked. The officers were leaving the service very fast; and if something was not done for the army, we shall soon see an end of it. No respect whatever was showed by the other citizens to the American uniform.

Mr. Clark said that certain members of that House on every question, were fond of pomposity.

Officers who could not live upon their pay, could live nowhere. The back woods were not the place to spend much money. It was well known that there was another cause of complaint, which dispersed the officers.

Mr. Forrest thought it necessary to keep in the clause. He had been informed by several officers, that want of adequate pay was a very great objection to staying in the army.

Mr. Wadsworth said that he was glad to hear gentlemen speak out, and acknowledge that there were other causes of dissatisfaction. None of his correspondents in the army had told him of. But he believed that there were such other causes. As to spending money, the back woods were an excellent place for that, as the officers had frequently to pay four times the common price for articles there. He did not believe that next summer, we should have three effective companies in the army. He had given up all hopes of that army long ago, and the rejection of this clause would just finish it.

The question was determined for striking out the clause by yeas and nays—Yeas 64, Nays 24.

Mr. Irvine moved an amendment to the section which provides for a donation of 200 acres of land, to the non-commissioned officers, musicians and privates. This amendment provides that a Major-General shall be entitled to 1500—a Brigadier-General 1200—a Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant 1000—a Major 750—a Captain 500—acres each. This land to be granted at the end of three years, in the neighborhood of the military posts, provided a settlement be begun within one year after the date of the grant—the settlement to continue one year thereafter.

Mr. Smith of Maryland observed that it would be useless to say that the mode of distributing lands would be settled by a future Congress.

The soldiers knew that Congress had once cheated them. They would not distinguish between one Congress and another, but would naturally expect to be cheated by Congress again. But tell the army that the President, General Washington, is to give them lands, and then they will believe it. In that way, the clause would be of no service.

This motion received a small amendment and after considerable debate, was agreed on.

A message was received from the President of the United States, communicating statements respecting the duties on distilled spirits. Also sundry laws which have been passed by the government northwest of the Ohio.

At 3 o'clock the House adjourned.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23.

Read a third time, and passed, "The Military Establishment Bill."

Mr. Goodhue presented a petition of General Jonathan Titcomb, praying reimbursement of money expended in the late war, &c. Referred to the Secretary at War. The same gentleman also moved, that the communications received from the Executive, the 22d, should be printed. Agreed to.

ORDER OF THE DAY.

The House went into committee of the whole, Mr. Trumbull in the chair, on the report of the Secretary of State, relative to the privileges and restrictions of the commerce of the United States, in foreign countries; which produced an animated and ingenious debate, after which the committee rose, reported progress, and had leave to sit again.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

After the consideration of local business, the House in committee of the whole, passed to THE ORDER OF THE DAY,

On the report of the Secretary of State, and Mr. Madison's propositions grounded thereon. The debate was continued as interesting as before. Messrs. Hartley, Tracy and Boudinot, delivered their sentiments at large, against the resolutions; and were answered by Mr. Nicholas. The committee again reported progress.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25.

The same important subject which engrossed the attention of the House yesterday, occupied this day. We have not learnt who were the speakers this day. Indeed the reports of the speeches made, except those furnished by the speakers themselves, are, if possible, less than a shadow's shade of the original; and some of them totally contrary to the sentiments of the members.

MONDAY, JANUARY 27.

After reading and referring sundry petitions, the House again went into Committee, on Mr. Madison's commercial resolutions. Messrs. Hillhouse, Gilbert, Angs. Smith, spoke in opposition to them, and Messrs. Clark and Findley, in support of the principle. The debate continued the whole sitting, when the committee rose and reported progress.