GRENVILLE.
Downing street, November 27, 1798.
Mr. Livingston moved that this communication be printed.
Mr. Allen objected to the motion as it would delay the consideration of the bill proposing to vest the President with the power of retaliation in certain cases; and it was clear, from this communication, it ought to have no effect upon that bill.
Mr. Livingston said he was not possessed of that intuitive faculty which the gentleman from Connecticut seemed to have, as he seems prepared to act on the bill alluded to, without scarcely hearing this communication read; and, perhaps, without knowing the dates of the different decrees. The President has told the House that though the obnoxious decree has been repealed, there is still left in force another decree. Does the gentleman from Connecticut recollect the words of that decree? Or has he had time to examine whether that decree is really in force, or not? If he had done this, Mr. L. said he had not done it. It would appear, from what happened the other day, that the House ought not to move quite so rapidly in this business. The House was then told by the gentleman from South Carolina, that it was impossible that this information could have been received by the President, because, if it had been received, the President would undoubtedly have immediately sent it to the House. [Mr. Rutledge said, he did not use the word impossible, but improbable.] Mr. L. admitted this might be the word. But it now appears, that the President has not only received the information then alluded to, but received it officially.
Mr. Allen interrupted Mr. L. by withdrawing his motion. The communication was ordered to be printed, and was committed to the same Committee of the Whole to whom was referred the bill vesting the power of retaliation in the President.
Monday, February 18.
Army Increase.
A bill from the Senate giving eventual authority to the President of the United States to augment the army. [This bill gives the President authority, in case a war shall break out between the United States and any foreign power, or in case of imminent danger of such war, in his opinion to exist, to organize and raise twenty-four regiments of infantry, one regiment of riflemen, and three regiments of cavalry. The President is also authorized to call out the volunteer corps, on all occasions in which he is at present authorized to call out the militia, provided that he does not call a greater proportion from any one State, than he is authorized to call out of the militia, by the law which directs the 80,000 militia to be held in readiness. If it be necessary to carry this law into effect, two millions of dollars are appropriated for the purpose.]
On the question for reading this bill a second time, it was carried—45 to 37.