Wednesday, December 9.
James Hillhouse, from Connecticut, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat.
Address to the President.
The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the Speech of the President of the United States to both Houses of Congress, Mr. Muhlenberg in the chair; when, the Speech being read,
Mr. Vans Murray moved the following resolution:
"Resolved, That it is the opinion of the committee, that a respectful Address ought to be presented by the House of Representatives to the President of the United States, in answer to his Speech to both Houses of Congress, at the commencement of this session, containing assurances that this House will take into consideration the various and important matters recommended to their attention:"
Mr. Sedgwick seconded the motion.
Mr. Parker offered an amendment, which was seconded by Mr. Macon.
The substance of this amendment was, to strike out all that part of the resolution which goes before the word assurances; in place of which, Mr. Parker proposed to appoint a committee, who should personally wait on the President, and assure him of the attention of the House, &c., and concluding as above. Mr. P. had the highest respect for the President, but he had always disapproved of this practice of making out Addresses in answer to these Speeches, and of the House leaving their business to go in a body to present them. Last session, the framing of this Address had cost very long debates, and produced very great irritation. Some of the most disagreeable things that happened during the session occurred in these debates. He wished unanimity and the despatch of business, and so, could not consent that any Address should be drawn up, as he preferred ending the affair at once by sending a committee with a verbal answer.
Mr. Murray replied, that the practice of drawing up such an Address was coeval with the constitution. It was consistent with good sense; and he did not see that any argument had been employed by the gentleman who spoke last against it. It was true that the House might send a verbal answer, and it was likewise true that the President might have sent them his Speech by his Secretary, without coming near them at all. He had come to Congress, and Mr. M. could perceive no impropriety in Congress returning the compliment by waiting on him.
The committee divided on the amendment proposed by Mr. Parker. Eighteen members rose in support of it: so it was lost. The committee then agreed to the resolution as offered by Mr. Murray. They rose, and the Chairman reported progress. The resolution was agreed to by the House. The next question was, of how many members the select committee should consist that were to be employed in framing a draft of the Address. The different numbers of five and three were proposed. A division took place on the former motion, when only thirty-one gentlemen rose in its favor. The motion for a committee of three members to report an Address was of course carried. Mr. Madison, Mr. Sedgwick, and Mr. Sitgreaves, were appointed.[61]
It was then moved that two Chaplains should be named, as usual; which was agreed to.