Mr. Waln hoped the bill would be committed, and that the provisions of it would be made effectual to its object. As for the people of Pennsylvania, he believed he could say they were unanimously in favor of the trade being put an end to most completely; which was in nowise done by the law now in force, nor by the bill now proposed. He said it was well known, that great grievances did exist for want of the due execution of the law, and much greater than were generally known, and hence it was that no more was heard of it from the people on this subject. He had been well informed that great evasions had taken place, and that this unlawful trade was becoming more and more in use. In the last year he believed that near forty vessels entered the West Indies with this illicit species of commerce. In some parts of the United States, he had been well informed, it was become so popular, that if a vessel was seized and sold, it was impossible to get any person to bid for her, and therefore the owner was enabled to repurchase her at a very low price indeed. It would be much better to repeal the old law, and open the trade, than to suffer the law to continue when nearly a nullity. But this he believed was not the disposition of the House; he believed the House could carry the principle into effect, and he was sure that a very great majority of the American people would wish them to do it.
The motion for recommitment was carried by a very large majority, and three members appointed.
Military Academy, &c.
Mr. Eggleston said, since he found the House so much disposed to prepare for the close of the session by postponing unnecessary business, he would move that the bill for establishing a Military Academy, and for the better organization of the corps of Artillerists and Engineers, be postponed till the first Monday in December next.
After some observations against the motion, by Messrs. Parker, Champlin, and H. Lee, and in favor of it by Messrs. Eggleston and Shepard, it was carried—yeas 64, nays 23.
Treaty with Great Britain.
The House went into a committee on the bill for the execution of the 27th article of the Treaty with Great Britain.
A motion of Mr. Nicholas was under consideration, that no person whose case was cognizable in any of our courts should be delivered up. This caused a lengthy debate; it was advocated by Messrs. S. Smith, Nicholson, and Gallatin, and opposed by Messrs. Bayard, Dana, and Dennis. It was negatived 45 to 42. After which the committee rose, obtained leave to sit again, and the House adjourned.
Tuesday, April 29.
An engrossed bill to promote the manufacture of sheet copper within the United States, by incorporating a company for carrying on the same, was read the third time, and passed.