Tuesday, March 3.
The bill sent from the Senate, entitled “An act confirming claims to land in the district of Vincennes,” together with the amendments agreed to yesterday, were read the third time, and passed.
Mr. Samuel Smith presented to the House a petition of sundry inhabitants of the State of Pennsylvania, praying an amendment to the second section of the third article of the Constitution of the United States, which extends the judicial power of the United States “to controversies between citizens of different States, between citizens of the same State claiming lands under grants of different States, and between a State or the citizens thereof and foreign States, citizens, or subjects.”—Laid on the table.
The further consideration of the bill sent from the Senate, entitled “An act to explain the act, entitled ‘An act supplementary to an act, entitled “An act to divide the territory of the United States north-west of the river Ohio into two separate Governments,”’” was postponed indefinitely.
The House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the bill in addition to an act, entitled “An act in addition to an act, entitled ‘An act supplementary to the act providing for a Naval Peace Establishment, and for other purposes.’” The bill was reported with an amendment thereto; which was read, and agreed to by the House.
Eodem Die, half past 6 o’clock.
A message from the Senate informed the House that the Senate have passed a bill, entitled “An act repealing the acts laying duties on salt, and continuing in force, for a further time, the first section of the act, entitled ‘An act further to protect the commerce and seamen of the United States against the Barbary Powers,’” with an amendment; to which they desire the concurrence of this House.
Ordered, That the farther consideration of the bill for the relief of Edward Weld and Samuel Bebee be postponed indefinitely.
The House proceeded to consider the amendment proposed by the Senate to the bill, entitled “An act repealing the acts laying duties on salt, and continuing in force, for a further time, the first section of the act, entitled ‘An act further to protect the commerce and seamen of the United States against the Barbary Powers;’” and the same being again twice read, was, on the question put thereupon, agreed to by the House.
An engrossed bill making compensation for extra services to the Governor, Judges, and Secretary of the Indiana Territory, was read the third time, and passed.
Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives be directed, within one month after the close of the present session of Congress, to advertise three weeks successively, in two newspapers, printed in the District of Columbia, that he is ready to receive separate proposals for supplying the House of Representatives, for the next Congress, with the necessary stationery, printing, and wood for fuel, in manner prescribed by two resolutions, passed by the House of Representatives, the first on the twenty-eighth of February, one thousand eight hundred and five, and the other on the twenty-first of April, one thousand eight hundred and six.
Thanks to the Speaker, and Adjournment.
On motion of Mr. Gregg, it was resolved unanimously, that the thanks of this House be presented to Nathaniel Macon, in testimony of their approbation of his conduct in the discharge of the arduous and important duties assigned to him whilst in the Chair: Whereupon,
Mr. Speaker made his acknowledgments to the House, in manner following:
“Gentlemen: It has been my constant endeavor to perform faithfully the promise made to you two years ago, to discharge the trust reposed in me with industry and fidelity. For the resolution which you have this minute passed, I earnestly beg of you to accept my sincere thanks; permit me also to assure you, that it will be always remembered with gratitude. I wish you safe home, and a happy meeting with your friends.”
Mr. Varnum, from the committee appointed on the part of this House, jointly with the committee appointed on the part of the Senate, to wait on the President of the United States, and notify him of the proposed recess of Congress, reported that the committee had performed that service, and that the President signified to them he had no farther communication to make during the present session.
Ordered, That a message he sent to the Senate to inform them that this House, having completed the business before them, are now about to adjourn without day; and that the Clerk of this House do go with the said message. The Clerk accordingly went with the said message; and, being returned, Mr. Speaker adjourned the House sine die.