Wednesday, March 19.
Military Academy, &c.
Mr. Otis, from the Committee of Defence, reported a bill for establishing a Military Academy, and for better organizing the corps of Engineers and Artillerists.
The bill was proceeding to be read, when Mr. Otis suggested that as this bill contained much the same in detail as a report on the subject made by the Secretary of War, with which every gentleman was acquainted, he supposed the reading would not be necessary.
Mr. Macon said he should have no objection to its being read a first time, though he did not think it necessary; but he would give notice that it was his intention to move that the bill be rejected. He mentioned his reasons to be the expense of the measure generally, which it was an improper time to incur.
The bill having been read, he made the motion.
Mr. Otis and Mr. Champlin answered. Mr. Varnum supported the motion, which was at length negatived, 49 to 42; and the bill was referred to a Committee of the whole House.