Friday, June 9.
Stephen Bullock, from Massachusetts, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat.
Defensive Measures.
NAVAL FORCE.
Mr. W. Smith said, he had waived a consideration of the third and fourth resolutions, in order to pass to the fifth, because he thought it was probable the committee would have determined upon arming our merchant vessels; and if so, it might have influenced the votes of members on those; but, as the committee had just decided against arming merchant vessels, he should propose another resolution to the committee. It was well known that the three frigates which had been agreed to be manned, would not be ready for sea for several months; in the mean time there might be occasion for some armed vessels; he should, therefore, submit to them the following resolution:
"Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee, that the President of the United States ought to be authorized by law to provide a further naval force, whenever, in his opinion, the circumstances of the country shall require the same; and that —— dollars be appropriated for that purpose."
The Chairman said the resolutions of the gentleman from North Carolina were first in order.
Mr. W. Smith said he had no objection to the proposition of the gentleman from North Carolina, as a part of a plan of defence, but he thought it also necessary to attend to the protection of our commerce.
Mr. Blount said, it was perfectly indifferent to him whether the gentleman from South Carolina considered his plan as a part or the whole of a system. That gentleman had accused those who voted against his proposition, with being unwilling to place the country in a posture of defence. Now, he had voted against, and should continue to vote against, his proposition—but he was willing, notwithstanding (as he believed all those who voted with him were) to put the country in a state of defence. It was his opinion that internal defence only was necessary. He thought the system which he had proposed would be sufficient. When they had adopted this resolution, it might be considered whether any thing more was necessary. He had no idea of creating a naval force for defence; on the contrary, he believed it would be the means of plunging us into fresh difficulties. For this reason, if the resolution he had proposed were passed into a law, he should go home satisfied, with a belief that he had done all that was necessary. And he was convinced that his constituents would believe that he never wanted a disposition to defend his country when in danger.
Mr. W. Smith did not think these propositions could be of any use at present; they would be very proper in case an invasion was apprehended. He thought the principal object, at this time, was to defend our commerce, and thereby secure the revenue arising from it, either by an effectual naval armament, or by an embargo; and he thought he was correct in saying, in reference to this defence, that the gentleman opposed every thing, and proposed nothing. Gentlemen, he said, were very ready to propose things which would cost the public nothing: the militia measure proposed would cost no more than the passing of the law; but, if ever any expense was to be incurred, then all was opposition.
The commerce of the country could not be defended, without calling upon the people for revenue; and he thought those gentlemen who stepped forward to advocate such measures as involved expense, and which were consequently in some degree unpopular, deserved the gratitude of their constituents. He had never hesitated to do this, when he thought it necessary. He should not, however, object to the passing of this proposition; he only rose to say, he did not think it immediately necessary.
Mr. W. Smith called for the reading of a similar resolution passed in 1794; which being read, and a wish expressed that the present might be made conformable to it, Mr. Blount gave his consent; and, after a few observations from Mr. Williams in favor of the resolution, though he denied that it could be carried into effect without expense, the resolution was agreed to.