Wednesday, May 17.
Several other members, to wit: from New Hampshire, William Gordon and Jeremiah Smith; from Pennsylvania, Andrew Gregg; appeared, produced their credentials, were qualified, and took their seats.
The President's Speech.
The House then went into a Committee of the Whole, Mr. Dent in the chair, on the President's Speech. It was read by the Clerk.
Mr. Craik then moved a resolution, which, he observed, was merely a matter of form, as there had been one to the same effect, on every similar occasion. It was, "that it is the opinion of this committee, that a respectful Address should be presented to the President in answer to his Speech to both Houses of Congress, containing assurances, that this House will take into consideration the various and important matters recommended to their consideration." The committee agreed to the resolution. They rose, and it immediately passed the House in the common form.
On motion, it was Ordered, That a committee be appointed to prepare an Answer to the Speech.
Mr. Venable, Mr. Kittera, Mr. Freeman, Mr. Rutledge, and Mr. Griswold, were nominated to report the Answer.