Friday, February 21.
Eulogium on the Character of Washington.
A message was received from the Senate informing the House that the Senate had this day come to the following resolution, viz:
"Resolved, That the Senate will to-morrow, at half past 12 o'clock, meet in the Senate Chamber, and from thence walk in procession to the church in Race street, to hear the eulogium to be pronounced on the character of General Washington."
Ordered to lie on the table.
The Speaker said he was requested, by a member of the Catholic church, to inform the House that seats were provided for the accommodation of such members as would please to attend to hear the delivery of the oration to-morrow.
Mr. Rutledge said, before the receipt of the message from the Senate, he had intended to move that when the House adjourn they do adjourn till Monday; but the Senate having informed the House that they intended to walk in procession, he conceived this House ought to come to a similar resolution, and moved the following:
"Resolved, That the House of Representatives will meet to-morrow, at half-past 12 o'clock, at their Chamber, and from thence walk in procession to the church in Race street, to hear the eulogium there to be pronounced on the character of General Washington."
It was objected to this resolution, that it had not been contemplated this House would walk in procession, no arrangement having been made for that purpose; and that as it might be the wish of several members to attend the oration at the Catholic Church in preference to the one in Race street, it ought to be left to their own option.
The question on the resolution was put and negatived—yeas 40, nays 43.