Henry Lee, from Virginia, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat in the House.
The Direct Tax Law.
Mr. Harper said, that a difficulty had arisen in the State of Pennsylvania, relative to the execution of the law "for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses, and for the enumeration of slaves, within the United States," which the Commissioners for that State did not conceive themselves competent to decide upon; that the Commissioners had referred the case to the Secretary of the Treasury, whose opinion it was, that they were possessed of sufficient power to obviate the difficulties complained of; but the Commissioners, on again taking the subject into consideration, were still of opinion they were unable to act without legislative aid, and therefore had made application to the Committee of Ways and Means, who, Mr. H. said, had directed him to move for leave to bring in a bill, further to amend the act entitled "An act to provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses, and for the enumeration of slaves within the United States," which was granted.
Franking Privilege to W. H. Harrison.
Mr. Harper laid the following resolution on the table.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a bill, extending the privilege of franking to W. H. Harrison, a delegate from the territory of the United States north-west of the river Ohio, and making provision for his compensation.
Mr. H. said, that according to law, that gentleman had the right only of speaking and giving his opinion upon any question before the House, but was not entitled to a vote, or any other privilege; but as the privileges of a member had been extended on a former occasion to a delegate from the South-western Territory, he had no doubt they would be granted on the present.
Monday, December 16.
Thomas Hartley, from Pennsylvania, and Joseph Eggleston, from Virginia, appeared, produced their credentials, were qualified, and took their seats in the House.