Mr. Huger moved its postponement to the first Monday of December, under the impression that its merits, and the principles it contained, had not received that full and deliberate examination to which they were entitled.
Mr. J. Clay observed that a postponement would be virtually a rejection of the bill.
Mr. Mitchill concisely advocated the principles of the bill.
Mr. Blackledge also defended it.
Mr. R. Griswold opposed it, principally on the ground that it increased the existing rate of duties.
Mr. J. Clay replied, and allowed that the duties imposed by the bill would produce more revenue than that heretofore received, but contended that this would arise from the fraudulent practice heretofore in use of making out invoices of articles subject at present to ad valorem duties. In removing this evil, the necessary effect would be an increase of revenue, not exceeding, however, the probable receipt in case the invoices were fairly made out.
Mr. Huger followed, in a speech of considerable length, in which he contended that the operation of the bill would be to promote the manufactures of the Eastern and Middle States, to the great detriment of the Southern States. Principally, though not entirely on this ground, he declared himself hostile to the bill.
After a few remarks from Mr. Boyd in defence, and of Mr. Claiborne against the bill, the question of postponement was taken by yeas and nays, and lost—yeas 40, nays 68.
Mr. Kennedy moved a recommitment of the motion imposing a specific duty on printed calicoes and lime.
Motion rejected—yeas 34.