Mr. Sitgreaves moved to postpone the consideration of these resolutions for two weeks, which motion was seconded by Mr. J. Parker.
Mr. Venable inquired whether it was in order to take any further question upon the resolutions, the original motion having been negatived.
The Speaker answered, that the question on reference having been disagreed to, the resolutions themselves are now before the House.
Mr. Venable said, he had thought it was not in order to enter again upon the consideration of these resolutions, after the question which had been taken upon them. He knew that, to suffer them to lie on the table, could have no effect upon the people of this country, but it might have effect on the conduct of a foreign nation, as, when they heard such resolutions were under consideration, and of course likely to be adopted, they might anticipate their being carried into law, and proceed to seize the property of our citizens in their ports. If this motion were to be negatived, or withdrawn for the present, it might be brought forward again, whenever gentlemen shall think it ought to be adopted. He was as much opposed to the suspension, as he was against the reference of these resolutions.
Mr. Macon hoped the consideration of these resolutions would not be postponed. It was a little curious that a gentleman who was a few minutes ago against a postponement for a week, was now become an advocate for a postponement for a fortnight.
The Speaker said, the two questions were different.
Mr. Rutledge rose to make this observation: That members opposed to the former motion for postponement, when a mere question of reference was under consideration, might with propriety be in favor of it when the question comes to be final upon the resolution.
Mr. R. wished gentlemen to use their victory with moderation. He believed the country was big with expectation that spirited measures would be entered into. He did not believe they approved of the half-measures which Congress took. Indeed, the countries which France had overcome, had been overcome chiefly from their taking half-measures while France had taken whole measures. He hoped the postponement would be agreed to; as if the next advices from our Envoys are not more favorable than the last were, he supposed there could be no hesitation in agreeing to have these resolutions carried into effect, and to reject them would have a mischievous effect.
Mr. Lyon called for the yeas and nays on the question, but as one fifth of the members present did not rise in favor of it, the question was not carried.
Mr. Davis wished the mover to withdraw his resolution.