The whole were referred as usual.
On motion of Mr. Livingston, the petition presented some days ago from a number of alien Irishmen against the alien bill, was also referred—44 to 35.
Alien and Sedition Laws.
On motion of Mr. Goodrich, the House went into a Committee of the Whole on the report of a select committee, on the petitions praying for a repeal of the alien and sedition laws; which was read by the Chairman, as follows:
The committee to whom was referred the memorials of sundry inhabitants of the counties of Suffolk and Queen, in the State of New York; of Essex County, in New Jersey; of the counties of Philadelphia, York, Northampton, Mifflin, Dauphin, Washington, and Cumberland, in Pennsylvania; and of the county of Amelia, in Virginia; complaining of the act, entitled "An act concerning aliens," and other late acts of Congress, submit the following report:
[The report was a condensation of the arguments used in support of the two bills by the members who supported them, and was accompanied by three resolutions, offered for the adoption of the House.]
Impressed with these sentiments, the committee beg leave to report the following resolutions:
Resolved, That it is inexpedient to repeal the act passed the last session, entitled "An act concerning aliens"
Resolved, That it is inexpedient to repeal the act passed the last session, entitled "An act in addition to the act, entitled 'An act for the punishment of certain crimes against the United States.'"
Resolved, That it is inexpedient to repeal any of the laws respecting the Navy, Military Establishment, or revenue of the United States.