Military Academy, &c.
Mr. Otis, from the Committee of Defence, reported a bill for establishing a Military Academy, and for better organizing the corps of Engineers and Artillerists.
The bill was proceeding to be read, when Mr. Otis suggested that as this bill contained much the same in detail as a report on the subject made by the Secretary of War, with which every gentleman was acquainted, he supposed the reading would not be necessary.
Mr. Macon said he should have no objection to its being read a first time, though he did not think it necessary; but he would give notice that it was his intention to move that the bill be rejected. He mentioned his reasons to be the expense of the measure generally, which it was an improper time to incur.
The bill having been read, he made the motion.
Mr. Otis and Mr. Champlin answered. Mr. Varnum supported the motion, which was at length negatived, 49 to 42; and the bill was referred to a Committee of the whole House.
Thursday, March 20.
Removal of Seat of Government.
Mr. Otis observed that it appeared to be the general opinion that the seat of Government would be removed to the Federal City, and that Congress would commence their next session at that place; and as some preliminary measures were necessary to be made previous thereto; and as it would be reposing too much power in the Commissioners who now act there to rely entirely on their reports; and as some measures must be reported and adopted before the end of the present session, he laid on the table the following resolution:
"Resolved, That a committee be appointed to consider what measures are expedient for Congress to adopt, preparatory to the removal of the seat of Government, with leave to report by bill or otherwise."