The motion was adopted accordingly.
On coal per bushel —— cents.
Mr. Bland informed the committee, that there were mines opened in Virginia capable of supplying the whole of the United States, and, if some restraint was laid on the importation of foreign coal, those mines might be worked to advantage. He thought it needless to insist upon the advantages resulting from a colliery, as a supply for culinary and mechanical purposes, and as a nursery to train up seamen for a navy. He moved three cents a bushel.
Mr. Hartley was willing to admit a moderate duty, but thought three cents would be a great discouragement to those manufactures which necessarily consume large quantities of fuel. He moved one cent.
Mr. Parker said, that a less sum than three cents would not answer the purpose intended. Coal came from England as ballast, and was sold so low, as almost to prevent the working of their mines in Virginia. He hoped, if the committee were disposed to encourage them, they would proportion the means to the end; a duty of one cent would be void; nothing under what was moved by his colleague (Mr. Bland) could answer the purpose. He hoped, therefore, the committee would agree to three cents.
On the question, there appeared a majority in favor of three cents. After which the committee rose, and the House adjourned.
Monday, April 20.
Abraham Baldwin and James Jackson, from Georgia, appeared and took their seats.
Duties on Imports.
The House again resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union, Mr. Page in the chair.