Mr. Calhoun again spoke against the amendment, and in reply to Mr. Randolph's imputation of intolerance to the minority. This course of discussion he deprecated, as not comporting with the sacred cause of distant and oppressed humanity, &c.
Mr. Smiles made some remarks in reply to an observation of Mr. Randolph, that the donation by the British Parliament of a hundred thousand pounds to the sufferers by an earthquake in Portugal, some years ago, was an act almost sufficient to purchase absolution for all the sins of that Government. Mr. S. cited instances of similar conduct in this country, in much smaller communities; and expressed his regret that gentlemen chose to appreciate every act of other Governments, without allowing merit to their own for acts much more praiseworthy.
The question on Mr. Randolph's motion to amend, was negatived—yeas 30, nays 74.
Mr. Blackledge proposed to add "corn and rice" to the flour to be exported.
Mr. Macon thereon modified his resolution so as to authorize the exportation of "provisions," instead of "flour," which would include all descriptions of breadstuff.
The question was taken on the first clause of the resolution, viz: so much as relates to Caraccas, and carried unanimously.
The question was taken on the remainder of the resolution, viz: so much as relates to Teneriffe, and negatived—for its adoption 47, against it 57.
So it was Resolved, That the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures be instructed to report a bill authorizing the President of the United States to cause to be purchased —— barrels of provisions, and have the same exported to some port in Caraccas, for the use of the inhabitants who have suffered by the earthquake.
Mr. Randolph adverted to the uncertainty as to the fact, which he supposed had caused the rejection of the clause of the resolution relating to Teneriffe, and offered the following resolution, in a form calculated to produce the proper inquiry:
"Resolved, That the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures be instructed to inquire whether any, and what relief ought to be extended to the inhabitants of the Canary Islands, who are suffering by famine occasioned by locusts."