Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

Congress of the United States.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Thursday, February 1.

On motion of Mr. Eppes the house resumed the consideration of the unfinished business of yesterday, viz. the bill making appropriations for the support of government during the present year.

The immediate question before the house, was the motion of Mr. Lyon, to strike out the general appropriation for foreign intercourse, and insert the particular sum necessary for each mission.

After further debate, the question on this motion was taken by yeas and nays, and lost, ayes 39. noes 77.

Some debate arose on agreeing to the insertion of 50 thousand dollars for the above purpose, and the contingencies of foreign intercourse. The debate turned principally on the expediency or inexpediency of the mission to Russia.

The question was taken on agreeing to this part of the bill, and carried--ayes 102, noes 14.

Mr. Key moved to recommit the bill for the purpose of making the appropriation, exclusive of the mission to Russia.

Mr. Key spoke at some length in support of his motion, and against the propriety of sending a minister to Russia.

The question on Mr. Key's motion was taken by yeas and nays, and lost--ayes 19, Noes 91.

The whole of the items, as filled up in committee of the whole, were at length adopted; and the bill was ordered to a third reading to-morrow.

A message was received from the president of the United States, transmitting a report from the secretary of the navy, prepared in obedience to the following resolution, of Jan. 18, 1810, submitted by Mr. Dana.

"Resolved, That the president of the U. States be requested to cause to be laid before this house, copies of the orders or instructions issued under the present or any former administration, with respect to foreign armed ships or vessels of whatever description, being within the waters of the U. States, excepting such parts as may in his judgement be improper for public communication."

The message and report were ordered to lie on the table.

A message was also received from the president, transmitting a return made by the secretary of the department of war, in obedience to the following resolution of Jan. 28; submitted by Mr. Newton, and amended at the suggestion of col. Tallmadge.

"Resolved, That the president of the United States cause to be laid before this house by the proper department. A return of the army of the United States in the particular force, of each regiment and corps with the disposition of the principal officers commanding the same, and particularly the condition of that detachment of the regular army destined for the defence of New Orleans-the number sent there, with the different dispositions made of their detachment, and its present effective force, with such other information as he may deem necessary to communicate respecting the state of the army."

The message and return were referred to a select committee of nine members.

Some conversation took place on the propriety of having the return printed.

Messrs. Newton and Eppes, opposed the motion, and Messrs. Ely and Tallmadge supported it.

Before a question was taken on it, the house adjourned.

February 2.

No business of great importance, was this day transacted.

The return made by the secretary of war of the army of the United States, was ordered to be printed.

Mr. Dawson made a motion that this report should be transferred from the committee of nine members to whom it was yesterday referred to the committee on the military establishment--Lost, Ayes 29.

Mr. Love from the committee on the affairs of the district of Columbia, to which were referred several petitions to that effect, made a report in favour of granting charters to the Union Bank of George-Town and the New City Bank, and of extending that of the Bank of Alexandria.

One or two bills were passed through committee of the whole.

Mr. Sheffey's resolutions respecting the Batture were taken up in committee of the whole. Mr. S. advocated, and Mr. Poydras opposed these resolutions; the committee rose, and the house adjourned.