Mr. Murray.—A strong repugnance to land speculations.
Mr. Lewis.—Then it was, he said, that if it was not convenient for Mr. Murray to be concerned in a share in land, he might have it in money?
Mr. Murray.—Yes.
Mr. S. Smith was next sworn. There was here a motion made for adjourning.
Mr. Lewis stated that Mr. Tilghman and himself had never seen the prisoner until yesterday in the evening. They had been in Court until late on Saturday evening. They went yesterday to prison, and back again this morning. They had received a long written state of the case from Mr. Randall, but, from absolute want of time, they had not been able to read one third part of it. The motion to adjourn was negatived.
Mr. S. Smith was then proceeding with his evidence, when Mr. Sedgwick rose. He considered it as unfair to examine Mr. Smith in order to prove the information given by other gentlemen. It was totally inapplicable. The offences were as distinct as any two things could be.
Mr. Blount moved to put this question, whether any conversation passed between Mr. S. Smith and Randall, which had an appearance of intending to corrupt the integrity of members of this House.
Mr. Sedgwick objected, that this was deviating from the original specific motion. Mr. Giles was of an opposite opinion. Mr. Madison thought the motion proper, in the strictest sense. The charge was general; and the answer to the question might be of a nature to corroborate that general charge. After a few words from some other members, the motion was carried.
Mr. Smith, of Maryland, then on oath stated in substance as follows:
That on the 9th or 10th, Randall, whom he had known in Maryland, called on him and asked half an hour's conversation with him. He said he had a plan in view, that would be to the advantage of the United States, and turn to his own private emolument.