The House was told, that if this money was not wanted, it would be safe in the Treasury, or applied to the reduction of the public debt; but he believed it would not be in the power of the gentleman from South Carolina to convince him, or the people of this country, that the money will not remain as safe in the pockets of the people, until it is wanted, as in the Treasury. He believed the willingness of the people to give the money when it is wanted cannot be questioned; and if that gentleman had all the reliance upon the people which he pretends to have, he would not wish to take their money when he was not certain it would be wanted.
As to our late despatches, containing the conversations of X, Y, and Z, which gentlemen seemed so much to rely upon, he confessed his opinions had not been at all changed by them. He believed, before they were communicated, that this country had been greatly injured by France, and he was not ready to take any step now that he was not ready to take before. He believed that he, and others who voted with him, should be as willing to defend the country, in case of danger, as those gentlemen who are continually raising up military phantoms for the purpose of knocking them down again. He hoped the amendment would be agreed to.
A motion was made and carried to adjourn, without the question being taken.
Monday, May 7.
Presents to Ministers.
Mr. Pinckney said, he rose to request leave to withdraw the resolution which had yesterday been laid upon the table by his colleague, Mr. Harper, without his knowledge, respecting a business which had already been decided relative to himself, as it was founded upon a ground which was at least doubtful, and he thought out of order.
The Speaker interrupted Mr. P. to say that he would save him the trouble of any farther observations, by saying that he deemed the motion out of order.
Mr. Pinckney hoped, notwithstanding, he should be permitted to make a few remarks on the subject.
The Speaker replied, that any remarks upon a business already decided would not be in order, and could not be admitted without general consent. A pretty general cry of "I hope the gentleman will be permitted to proceed," being heard, Mr. Pinckney went on.
He said, it was with reluctance he took up the time of the House a moment in a matter relating to himself, particularly at present, when so much important business pressed for consideration; but he wished to state his reasons for wishing this motion to be withdrawn, lest it should seem to have been brought forward by his consent. He was grateful for the good intentions of his colleague, because he doubtless thought the vote which had passed on the preceding day might cast some imputation upon his, Mr. P.'s, character. But he also wished it to be withdrawn, because it was founded on at least a doubtful suggestion, viz: that it is not customary for the United States to make presents to foreign Ministers leaving this country. He believed it was customary to do so. But another reason for wishing it to be withdrawn was, that the discussion of it might not subject him to a species of trial as to his public conduct, in which he should not be at liberty to make his defence. He should never shrink from any authorized investigation of his conduct; but he should wish to avoid any unauthorized proceeding of that kind.