Monday, December 4.
Thomas Sumter, from South Carolina, appeared, and took his seat.
Publication of Debates.
Mr. Dwight Foster presented the petition of Thomas Carpenter, stating that he was the editor of the American Senator, published during the session of Congress ending in March last; that, at the commencement of that session, he presented a memorial to the House, praying its support of his work; that the House had declined supporting it as a body, but receiving individual assurances of support from many of the members, he had been induced to engage in the work; but the event had proved unfavorable to him. He hoped now, therefore, that he should be recompensed, by the House engaging to take three copies for each member of the work he proposed to publish this session, (provided he met with the support he prayed for,) which, computing the session at eighteen weeks, he supposed would not amount to more than $2,250.
Mr. D. Foster moved that this petition be referred to a select committee.
Mr. Coit objected to a reference. The House, he said, had so often determined to have nothing to do with the publication of the debates, that he thought it time to have done with the subject. He hoped, therefore, the petition might lie upon the table.
Mr. Foster and Mr. Thatcher spoke in favor of the committal; and the motion was put and carried, and a committee of three members appointed to report thereon.