Mr. J. Randolph said he would suggest one reason why it ought not to obtain. One of the Barbary Powers possessed a coast out of the Mediterranean. If the misfortune of the United States should dispose this power, (Morocco,) already predisposed to hostility, to war upon the United States, it would not be in our power to block up the port of Sallee, and several other ports out of the Mediterranean.
The question was taken on the amendment, which was lost without a division.
The committee then rose and reported the bill without amendment.
The House immediately took it up—when Mr. R. Griswold renewed his motion to strike out the first section.
The question on striking out the first section was taken by yeas and nays—yeas 28, nays 77.
Friday, March 23.
District of Columbia.
Mr. Dawson moved that the House should resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on the resolutions offered by him, for the recession of the District of Columbia.
Mr. Huger said this point had been fully and ably investigated the last session. He did not expect, after the decision then made, that the House would have been again called upon to discuss it. He believed the mind of every member was made up respecting it. He hoped, therefore, the House would not agree to go into committee.
Mr. J. Lewis said he should vote against the House resolving itself into a Committee of the Whole, and should that motion be negatived, he would move to discharge the Committee of the Whole from all further consideration of the resolutions. The question was taken on going into committee, and lost—yeas 20.