The motion for filling the blank with $150,000, was then put and agreed to, fifty-six members rising in the affirmative.
On reading the section in which the blank for the penalty is included, Mr. Venable moved for a partial recommitment of the bill, for the purpose of new-modifying the section. This motion gave rise to a variety of observations, in the course of which the motion was extended to a general commitment. This motion being put, was lost.
The motion then was, to recommit the second, fourth, and sixth sections. The second section was recommitted. The fourth section provides that the capital stock of the United States embarked in this business shall not be diminished. Mr. Venable's object was to have the section so modified as to blend the interest of the individual who is to conduct the business with that of the public. Mr. S. Smith said the motion went to destroy the bill, for no person would engage in the business on such a plan. The motion for committing the fourth section was lost. The sixth section assigns the sum of $150,000 to be appropriated for the general objects of the bill. The motion to recommit this section was negatived.
The House then resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the second section, Mr. Muhlenberg in the chair.
Mr. Venable moved that the section should be altered to read, that the agent should give bonds to the amount in value of the goods committed to his charge.
Mr. J. Smith supposed that the sum should be sufficient to cover the amount of the goods which may at any time be found in the hands of the agents; from ten to fifteen or twenty thousand dollars, he supposed, might be sufficient for this purpose.
Mr. Dearborn suggested the idea of leaving this part of the business to the President of the United States. He moved to amend the clause accordingly.
Mr. Venable's motion was lost. Mr. Dearborn's motion was agreed to.
The committee then rose, and the Chairman reported the amendment, which was adopted by the House. It was then ordered that the bill be again engrossed and read the third time to-day.
[The bill was subsequently read a third time and passed—58 members rising in the affirmative.]