The motion of Mr. Williams, to strike out “and other contingent expenses,” was disagreed to—ayes 32.
Mr. J. Randolph moved to strike out that part of the bill making an appropriation “for completing the marine barracks at the city of Washington.” Mr. R. said this object appeared to require a standing appropriation; and, though the building was finite, the appropriation appeared to be infinite.
Motion agreed to—ayes 66.
The committee rose and reported the bill. The House having taken the report of the committee into consideration,
Mr. D. R. Williams, called for the reading of the document, stating the annual expenditures on the Navy, by which it appeared that the expenditures had been as follows:
| For 1798 | $ 570,314 | 24 |
| 1799 | 2,848,187 | 26 |
| 1800 | 3,385,340 | 48 |
| 1801 | 2,117,420 | 74 |
| 1802 | 946,213 | 24 |
| 1803 | 1,107,925 | 32 |
| 1804 | 1,246,502 | 74 |
| 1805 | 1,409,949 | 67 |
| Total | 13,631,853 | 00 |
Mr. D. R. W. renewed his motion to strike out “and other contingent expenses.” He thought the House ought, under existing circumstances, to show a disposition to economize, and to curtail the expenses of the Navy. What is the necessity for this expenditure? Why, the Constitution is in the mud, and the President[38] on her beam ends! Thirteen millions and a half have been already expended, and it is now proposed to add $411,000 for contingent expenses. In making this motion I have no object but to confine the Navy Department to proper expenses; but let them first state what they are.
The Speaker observed that this motion could not be received until the amendments of the committee had been acted upon.
Mr. D. R. Williams moved to strike out “for ordnance $50,000,”[39] He did not perceive the use of this appropriation. No gentlemen accustomed to travel, but must have seen the unprotected state of the ordnance; look at the Turk’s house, you will there see it lying exposed. To his knowledge it was in many other instances in the same situation.
This motion was lost—ayes 33.