Mr. Bourne said, that the purposes for which it had been first asked, had been long since accomplished without it. The transportation of the emigrants of St. Domingo to France had been given as a reason for this request, but they were all gone already.
Mr. Sedgwick and Mr. Goodhue also spoke. The resolution was carried in the committee, and reported to the House, where it was likewise carried; and it was
Ordered, That a bill or bills be brought in pursuant to the said resolution, and that Mr. Madison, Mr. Beatty, and Mr. Heister, do prepare and bring in the same.
Friday, May 30.
Military Establishment.
The bill sent from the Senate, entitled "An act to increase the Military Force of the United States, and to encourage the recruiting service," was read the first time.
Mr. Smilie objected that there must be some other purpose for these troops than any that had been acknowledged; for he could see none. The principle of the bill was wrong.
Mr. Giles said, that the bill ought to be named "A bill authorizing the President to pass a law for raising ten thousand men." In point of principle, it was infinitely worse than the former one, which the House had already rejected, (the one supported by Mr. Sedgwick.) He hoped that they would not suffer it to go to a second reading. We had made estimates of the expenses of this year, and have been told that the ways and means are not sufficient. Yet, in the face of this, to come upon us all at once with the expense of a standing army of ten thousand men was too hard. He trusted that gentlemen who would vote for a second reading would explain the reasons that could induce them to such a measure. The time spent upon such a bill would be perfectly cast away. He was at a loss to discover against whom these ten thousand men were to be employed.
Mr. Hillhouse could not, at this moment, decide whether he ought to vote for this bill or not. He would recommend a Committee of the Whole to examine its merits. He should think it ungenerous for any gentleman in that House to call for his vote till it had been fully discussed.