The bill provides that the balance of the $3,750,000 remaining unexpended on the 31st of December next, shall not be carried to the surplus fund, but shall continue applicable to the satisfaction of the claims until they shall be satisfied.—Referred to the Committee of the Whole on Monday next.
Thursday, December 12.
Another member, to wit, John Hamilton, from Pennsylvania, appeared, produced his credentials, was qualified, and took his seat in the House.
Benjamin Parke having also appeared as a Delegate from the Indiana Territory of the United States, the said oath was administered to him by the Speaker, and he took his seat in the House accordingly.
General Eaton.
On the motion of Mr. Bidwell, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on the resolution offered yesterday, relative to William Eaton.
The Chairman read the resolution as follows:
“Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be requested to present a sword, in the name of Congress, to William Eaton, Esq., as a testimony of the high sense entertained of his gallantry and good conduct in leading a small band of our countrymen and others through the desert of Libya, on an expedition against Tripoli, in conjunction with the ex-Bashaw of that Regency; defeating the Tripolitan army at Derne, with the assistance of a small part of the naval force of the United States, and contributing thereby to a successful termination of the war, and the restoration of our captive fellow-citizens to liberty and their country.”
Mr. Bidwell moved to amend the resolution by striking out the word “sword,” and by inserting in lieu thereof the words, “a medal of gold, with proper devices.”
Mr. J. Clay wished the gentleman from Massachusetts would let the word “sword” stand in the resolution. It was only on extraordinary occasions, he believed, that a medal was awarded. He was very willing to vote for presenting a sword on this occasion; but, if a medal was insisted upon, he should be compelled to vote against the resolution.