Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

bill to provide for the government of the territory northwest of the river Ohio.

[AUGUST, 1789.

the President of the United States for his approbation; it being first endorsed on the back of the roll, certifying Mr. BUTLER, in behalf of the committee to in which House the same originated; which endorsewhom it was referred to arrange and bring for- ment shall be signed by the Secretary or Clerk, as the ward a system to regulate the trade and inter- case may be, of the House in which the same did origicourse between the United States and the terri-nate, and shall be entered on the journal of each House. tory of other Powers in North America and the West Indies," reported:

The said committee shall report the day of presentation to the President, which time shall also be carefully entered on the journal of each House.

That it will be expedient to pass a law for imposing "All orders, resolutions, and votes, which are to be an increased duty of tonnage, for a limited time, on presented to the President of the United States for his all foreign ships and other vessels that shall load in the approbation, shall also, in the same manner, be preUnited States, with the produce of the same, to any viously enrolled, examined, and signed, and shall be port or place in America whereto the vessels of the presented in the same manner, and by the same comUnited States are not permitted to carry their own pro-mittee, as is provided in case of bills. duce; but such a law being of the nature of a revenue law, your committee conceive that the originating a bill for that purpose is, by the Constitution, exclusively placed in the House of Representatives.

the

Your committee beg leave further to report, as their opinion, that it will be expedient to direct a bill to be brought in for imposing similar restraints upon trade of the European settlements in America with the United States, that are imposed on the trade of the United States with those settlements.

Resolved, That the first clause of this report be accepted, and that the remainder of the report be recommitted; and that it be an instruction to the committee, in case it shall be their opinion that a legislative provision ought to be made on the subject of the commitment, to report a bill for that purpose; and that Messrs. ELLSWORTH, KING, and READ, be added to the

committee.

THURSDAY, August 6.

The Senate proceeded to a second reading of the bill for allowing a compensation to the President and Vice President of the United States, and committed it to Messrs. MORRIS, READ, ELMER, SCHUYLER, LANGDON, CARROLL, ELLSWORTH, STRONG, FEW, IZARD, and LEE.

The following joint rules, established between the two Houses, were received from the House of Representatives:

"That while bills are on their passage, between the two Houses, they shall be on paper, and under the signature of the Secretary or Clerk of each House, respectively.

"After a bill shall have passed both Houses, it shall be duly enrolled on parchment, by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, or the Secretary of the Senate, as the bill may have originated in the one or the other House, before it shall be presented to the President of the United States.

"When bills are enrolled, they shall be examined by a joint committee of one from the Senate, and two from the House of Representatives, appointed as a standing committee for that purpose, who shall carefully compare the enrolment with the engrossed bills, as passed in the two Houses, and, correcting any errors that may be discovered in the enrolled bills, make their report forthwith to the respective Houses.

"After examination and report, each bill shall be signed in the respective Houses, first by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and then by the President of the Senate.

"After a bill shall have thus been signed in each House, it shall be presented, by the said committee, to

66

That, when the Senate and House of Representatives shall judge it proper to make a joint address to the President, it shall be presented to him in his audience chamber by the President of the Senate, in the presence of the Speaker, and both Houses."

Read, and Resolved, That the Senate do concur in the report.

A message from the House of Representatives brought up a bill for registering and clearing vessels, regulating the coasting trade, and for other purposes; which was read, and postponed.

FRIDAY, August 7.

The Senate, in the absence of the Vice Presipent, proceeded to elect a President pro tempore; and the votes being collected and counted, the Honorable JOHN LANGDON was unanimously appointed.

A Message from the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, by General Knox: Gentlemen of the Senate :

sideration of Congress has been of so much importance, The business which has hitherto been under the conthat I was unwilling to draw their attention from it to any other subject. But the disputes which exist betribes of Indians, within the limits of the Union, and tween some of the United States and several powerful the hostilities which have, in several instances, been committed on the frontiers, seem to require the immediate interposition of the General Government.

I have, therefore, directed the several statements and papers which have been submitted to me on this subject, by General Knox, to be laid before you for your information.

While the measures of Government ought to be calculated to protect its citizens from all injury and violence, a due regard should be extended to those Indian tribes whose happiness, in the course of events, so materially depends on the national justice and humanity of the United States.

If it should be the judgment of Congress that it would be most expedient to terminate all differences in the southern district, and to lay the foundation for future confidence, by an amicable treaty with the Indian tribes in that quarter, I think proper to suggest the consideration of the expediency of instituting a temporary commission for that purpose, to consist of three persons, whose authority should expire with the occasion. How far such a measure, unassisted by posts, would be competent to the establishment and preservation of peace and tranquillity on the frontiers, is also a matter which merits your serious consideration.

[blocks in formation]

Along with this object, I am induced to suggest another, with the national importance and necessity of which I am deeply impressed—I mean some uniform and effective system for the militia of the United States. It is unnecessary to offer arguments in recommendation of a measure, on which the honor, safety, and wellbeing of our country so evidently and so essentially depend; but it may not be amiss to observe, that I am particularly anxious it should receive as early attention as circumstances will admit, because it is now in our power to avail ourselves of the military knowledge disseminated throughout the several States, by means of the many well-instructed officers and soldiers of the late army; a resource which is daily diminishing by death and other causes. To suffer this peculiar advantage to pass away unimproved, would be to neglect an opportunity which will never again occur, unless, unfortunately, we should again be involved in a long and arduous war.

[blocks in formation]

Mr. MORRIS, in behalf of the committee on the bill for allowing a compensation to the President and Vice President of the United States, reported an amendment, to wit:

To expunge, in the provision for the Vice President, "five thousand dollars," and insert "six thousand dollars."

On motion to reduce the provision for the President of the United States, from "twenty-five thousand" to "twenty thousand dollars :"

Passed in the negative.

On motion to make the provision for the Vice President eight thousand dollars, instead of five thousand dollars:

Passed in the negative.

[SENATE.

any thing injurious to his reputation as an officer or a gentleman. At the storming of Stony Point, his behavior was represented to have been active and brave, and he was charged by his General to bring the account of that success to the head quarters of the army. Secondly. Since his residence in Georgia, he has been repeatedly elected to the Assembly as a representative of the county of Chatham, in which the port of Savannah is situated, and sometimes of the counties of Glynn and Camden; he has been chosen a member of the executive council of the State, and has lately been president of the same; he has been elected by the officers of the militia, in the county of Chatham, lieutenant colonel of the militia in that district; and, on a very recent occasion, to wit, in the month of May last, he has been appointed by the council (on the suspension of the late collector) to an office in the port of Savannah, nearly similar to that for which I nominated him; which office he actually holds at this time. To these reasons for nominating Mr. Fishbourn, I might add that I received private letters of recommendation, and respectable characters in that State; but as they were oral testimonials in his favor, from some of the most secondary considerations with me, I do not think it necessary to communicate them to you.

must have enjoyed the confidence of the militia officers, It appeared, therefore, to me, that Mr. Fishbourn in order to have been elected to a military rank; the confidence of the freemen, to have been elected to the Assembly; the confidence of the Assembly, to have been selected for the council; and the confidence of the council, to have been appointed collector of the port of

Savannah.

GEO. WASHINGTON.

NEW YORK, August 6, 1789.
Gentlemen of the Senate:

By the act for settling the accounts between the United States and individual States, a person is to be appointed to fill the vacant seat at the Board of Commis

And, on motion, the further consideration of sioners for settling the accounts between the United

this clause of the bill was postponed.

The concurrence of the Senate upon the resolve of the House on the mode of enrolment, and the presentation of bills, &c., was carried to the House of Representatives.

The Senate entered on Executive business.

States and individual States: I therefore nominate John Kean, of the State of South Carolina, to fill the vacant seat at the said Board of Commissioners.

GEO. WASHINGTON. NEW YORK, August 6, 1789.

Proceeded to consider the nominations of col

The following Messages from the PRESIDENT lectors, naval officers, and surveyors, contained in were laid before them:

[blocks in formation]

Whatever may have been the reasons which induced your dissent, I am persuaded they were such as you deemed sufficient. Permit me to submit to your con

sideration whether, on occasions where the propriety of nominations appear questionable to you, it would not be expedient to communicate that circumstance to me, and thereby avail yourselves of the information which led me to make them, and which I would with pleasure ay before you. Probably my reasons for nominating Mr. Fishbourn may tend to show that such a mode of proceeding, in such cases, might be useful. I will, therefore, detail them.

First. While Colonel Fishbourn was an officer, in actual service, and chiefly under my own eye, his conduct appeared to me irreproachable; nor did I ever hear

the Messages from the President of the United States of the 3d and 6th August; and the Senate did advise and consent to the appointment of the following persons, to wit:

For the State of South Carolina.-Beaufort, Andrew Agnew, collector.

For the State of Georgia.-Savannah, Lachlan McIntosh, naval officer.

Proceeded to consider the nomination of John

Kean to fill the vacant seat at the Board of Commissioners for settling the accounts between the United States and individual States; and the Senate did advise and consent to his appointment. And the Secretary, according to order, laid a certified copy of the proceedings before the President of the United States.

MONDAY, August 10.

Mr. STRONG, on behalf of the joint committee appointed the 5th of August to consider what

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

formation.

These troops were raised by virtue of the resolves of Congress of the 20th of October, 1786, and the 3d of October, 1787, in order to protect the frontiers from the depredations of the hostile Indians; to prevent all intrusions on the public lands; and to facilitate the surveying and selling of the same, for the purpose of reducing the public debt.

As these important objects continue to require the aid of the troops, it is necessary that the establishment thereof should, in all respects, be conformed by law to

the Constitution of the United States.

GEO. WASHINGTON.

NEW YORK, August 10. 1789.

The Senate proceeded to the second reading of a bill for registering and clearing of vessels, regulating the coasting trade, and for other purposes. Ordered, That it be committed to Messrs. MORRIS, DALTON, LANGDON, BUTLER, and KING.

The Senate entered on Executive business. On motion to commit the Message from the President of the United States relative to the nomination of Mr. Fishbourn: It was postponed until a committee, appointed on the 6th of August to wait on the President of the United States, should report.

TUESDAY, August 11. Proceeded to the first reading of the bill for allowing compensation to the members of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, and to the officers of both Houses; and assigned to-morrow for the second reading.

WEDNESDAY, August 12.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the bill for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States; and postponed the further consideration thereof until to-morrow.

Proceeded to a second reading of the bill for allowing compensation to the members of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, and to the officers of both Houses; the further consideration of which was postponed. The Senate then entered on Executive business. The committee, to whom was referred the Message of the President of the 25th of May, with the Indian treaties and papers accompanying it, reported.

The consideration of the report was postponed until the 26th instant.

[AUGUST, 1789.

THURSDAY, August 13.

[blocks in formation]

Ordered, That Monday next be assigned for a third reading.

A message from the House of Representatives brought up a bill providing for the expenses which may attend negotiations or treaties with the Indian tribes, and the appointment of commissioners for managing the same; together with the papers referred to in the President's Message of the 7th of August.

The bill providing for the expenses which may attend negotiations or treaties with the Indian tribes, and the appointment of commissioners for managing the same, was read a first time.

Ordered, That to-morrow be assigned for a second reading.

FRIDAY, August 14.

Proceeded to the consideration of the bill providing for the expenses which may attend negotiations or treaties with the Indian tribes, and the appointment of commissioners for managing the

same.

Ordered, That the bill be committed to Messrs. FEW, ELLSWORTH, KING, LEE, and BUTLER.

MONDAY, August 17.

Mr. MORRIS, on behalf of the committee to whom it was referred, reported sundry amendments to the bill for registering and clearing of vessels, regulating the coasting trade, and for other purposes.

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed.

The committee appointed to take into consideration the bill providing for the expenses which may attend negotiations or treaties with the Indian tribes, and the appointment of commissioners for managing the same, reported that it be

"Resolved, That there be allowed and paid to a Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the southern department, who may be nominated by the President, and appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, the sum of per day, including his expenses for the time he may be employed in attending a treaty, proposed to be held by the commissioners of the United States and the Creek Indians, at the RockLanding, in the State of Georgia, on the 15th day of September next.

"That, in case the proposed treaty should fail in the desired object, of establishing peace between the citizens of the United States and the Creek Indians, Congress will make such grants of money, and pursue such other measures as will be necessary for the protection and safety of the inhabitants of the southern frontiers, and best secure the peace of the United States." And On motion to accept the report, it passed in the negative.

On motion that it be

"Resolved, That the President of the United States be requested to nominate a fit person for Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the southern department, in

AUGUST, 1789.]

Proceedings.

[SENATE.

order that he may be sent forward, as soon as may be, sons, John Cleves Symmes, and William Barton, judges to act with the Commissioners of Indian Affairs in the of the court. I also nominate Ebenezer Tucker, sursouthern department, appointed pursuant to a resolu-veyor of Little Egg Harbor, in the State of New tion of Congress passed on the

day of

and aid them in carrying into effect a treaty that is proposed to be held with the Creek nation on the 15th day of September next, in the State of Georgia, at the Rock-Landing.

Jersey.

GEO. WASHINGTON.

NEW YORK, August 18, 1789.

The consideration thereof was postponed until

to-morrow.

WEDNESDAY, August 19.

"That the sum of dollars be delivered to the said superintendent, to be appropriated for the immediate purpose of the said treaty; for which sum he shall be accountable. A message from the House of Representatives "That the President of the United States be request-informed the Senate that the House had concur ed to instruct the said superintendent and commission-red in their amendments proposed to the bill proers to hear, and fully investigate, all the complaints and viding for the expenses which may attend negogrievances of the said Creek Indians, and to use all the tiations or treaties with the Indian tribes, and the means in their power to quiet their minds, and to do appointment of commissioners for managing the them ample justice, agreeably to the aforesaid resolution of Congress and instructions heretofore given for that purpose: That, if the said Indians should prove refractory, or refuse to treat and establish peace on just and reasonable terms, then, and in that case, the said superintendent and commissioners be directed to make immediate report thereof to the President of the United

States, and Congress will make such grants of money,
and pursue such other measures, as will be necessary
for the safety and protection of the inhabitants of the
southern frontiers, and best secure the peace of the
United States."

It passed in the negative.
On motion that it be

same.

THURSDAY, August 20.

the bill for registering and clearing of vessels, The Senate proceeded to the consideration of regulating the coasting trade, and for other purposes; and, after progress,

Ordered, That the further consideration thereof be postponed.

The Senate entered on Executive business. The following Communication was read from the PRESIDENT:

Gentlemen of the Senate:

"Resolved, That the President of the United States be authorized and empowered, and he is hereby author- which may attend negotiations or treaties with the InIn consequence of an act providing for the expenses ized and empowered, should the Creek Indians decline dian tribes, and the appointment of commissioners for to make peace with the State of Georgia, to take ef fectual measures for covering the State of Georgia from managing the same, I nominate Benjamin Lincoln as one of three commissioners whom I shall propose to be the incursions of the Indians, either by ordering some of the troops now at Fort Harmar to march to the fron-employed to negotiate a treaty with the Southern Intiers of Georgia, or by embodying such a number of the militia as he shall think sufficient to ensure to the citizens of Georgia protection, and the cultivation of their lands in peace and security; and that he be empowered to draw on the Treasury for defraying the expenses of the same."

[blocks in formation]

dians. My reason for nominating him at this early moment is, that it will not be possible for the public to avail itself of his services on this occasion, unless his appointment can be forwarded to him by the mail which will leave this place to-morrow morning.

GEO. WASHINGTON.

NEW YORK, August 20, 1789.

Proceeded to consider the nominations of Governor, &c. of the Western Territory, as contained in the Message from the President of the United States of the 18th August, and the Senate did advise and consent to the appointment of

Arthur St. Clair, to be Governor of the Western Territory;

Of Winthrop Sargent, to be Secretary; and Of Samuel Holden Parsons, John Cleves Symmes, and William Barton, to be Judges.

Proceeded to consider the nomination of Ebebor, in the State of New Jersey, and of nezer Tucker, to be Surveyor of Little Egg Har

William Gibb, to be Collector of Folly Landing, in the State of Virginia. And the Senate did advise and consent to their being appointed to office, agreeably to the nominations respectively.

Also, proceeded to consider the nomination of Benjamin Lincoln, as one of the three commissioners to be employed to negotiate a treaty with the Southern Indians.

And the Senate did advise and consent to his appointment accordingly.

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

[AUGUST, 1789.

SATURDAY, August 22.

The memorial of John Cox, and others, citizens of the State of New Jersey and of the State of Pennsylvania, praying that the future seat of Government might be established on the banks of the Delaware, and proposing a cession of a tract of land of ten miles square, was then read, and, together with a draft of the said tract, was laid on the table for consideration.

Proceeded to the third reading of the bill for registering and clearing of vessels, regulating the coasting trade, and for other purposes; and after

progress,

The Senate again entered on Executive busi

ness.

The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES came into the Senate Chamber, attended by General Knox, and laid before the Senate the following statement of facts, with the questions thereto annexed, for their advice and consent:

"To conciliate the powerful tribes of Indians in the southern district, amounting probably to fourteen thousand fighting men, and to attach them firmly to the United States, may be regarded as highly worthy of the serious attention of Government.

Resolved, That when nominations shall be made in writing by the President of the United States to the "The measure includes not only peace and seSenate, a future day shall be assigned, unless the Senate curity to the whole southern frontier, but is calcuunanimously direct otherwise, for taking them into con-lated to form a barrier against the colonies of a sideration; that when the President of the United States shall meet the Senate in the Senate Chamber, the President of the Senate shall have a chair on the floor, be considered as at the head of the Senate, and his chair shall be assigned to the President of the United States; that when the Senate shall be convened by the President of the United States to any other place, the President of the Senate and Senators shall attend at the place appointed. The Secretary of the Senate shall also attend to take the minutes of the Senate.

[blocks in formation]

European Power, which in the mutations of policy, may one day become the enemy of the United States. The fate of the Southern States, therefore, or the neighboring colonies, may principally depend on the present measures of the Union towards the Southern Indians.

"By the papers which have been laid before the Senate, it will appear that, in the latter end of the year 1785, and the beginning of 1786, treaties were formed by the United States with the Cherokees, the Chickasaws, and Choctaws. The report of the commissioners will show the reasons why a treaty was not formed at the same time with the Creeks.

"It will also appear by the papers, that the States of North Carolina and Georgia protested against said treaties as infringing their legislative It will further appear, by the said papers, that the rights, and being contrary to the confederation. treaty with the Cherokees has been entirely violated by the disorderly white people on the frontiers of North Carolina.

the said violation will sufficiently appear by the "The opinion of the late Congress respecting proclamation which they caused to be issued on the 1st September, 1788.

[ocr errors]

By the public newspapers, it appears, that on the 16th June last, a truce was concluded with the Cherokees, by Mr. John Steele, on behalf of the State of North Carolina; in which it was stipulated that a treaty should be held, as soon as possible, and that in the meantime all hostilities should cease on either side.

"As the Cherokees reside principally within the territory claimed by North Carolina, and as that State is not a member of the present Union, may be doubted whether any efficient measures

it

« ZurückWeiter »