FOURTH CONGRESS.—SECOND SESSION. (continued 7)

Mr. Harper and Mr. Livingston said that nothing but the constant press of public business had prevented their motions sooner, and they thought there was even now time enough, as it only required the expression of a desire of the House for the object.

Mr. Buck said the services and sufferings of the Marquis were indelibly written on the hearts of all the citizens of America, and he thought there was no need of that torrent of oratory which had been displayed to affect the feelings of the House. He thought it would prove its weakness to suffer its feelings to predominate. We ought to give a decision only by the force of judgment, after due deliberation; for feeling could not look forward to consequences. Were we implicitly to obey it, we should take many bad steps. Do we not know, said Mr. B., that he is among the persons proscribed by France? and, considering the very brittle situation of our peace with that country at present, we should be induced rather to strengthen than weaken our ties; for the motion goes to authorize the President to take any measures to support Lafayette. This being the situation, we know not where the measures may end, and it would be a serious thing to be plunged in a war with France on that account. He hoped the House would not precipitate the business, but give themselves time to examine the consequences. This, Mr. B. said, had induced him to oppose the motion. Though congenial to his feelings, he therefore should vote for the previous, and against the main question.

Mr. Claiborne was against the previous question. He would hazard any thing for the happiness of a man we owe so much to—who sees, said he, the unfortunate man with his lady and daughter, under all the miseries that despotism and tyranny can inflict, in a wretched dungeon, without even the comforts of life! Here he appealed to the feelings of the members in a very forcible manner, and, with the most bitter invective, ardently wished the destruction of his cruel oppressors. He observed on the uneasiness the members of the House were in if public business detained them half an hour after the usual time of their dinners, and applied the case to this unfortunate man in continual confinement, and after all with miserable fare.

The previous question was then put, "Shall the main question be now put?" and negatived—ayes 25.

Mr. Livingston then brought forward a similar resolution, which caused very considerable debate, and was at length got rid of by the previous question. The principal objection to the adoption of this motion seemed to be the late period at which it was brought forward. All were agreed as to the merits and the misfortunes of the man, and had the motion been introduced at any other time than on the eve of the rising of the session, there could be little doubt it would have been agreed to by a very large majority.[13]

Thanks to the Speaker.

Mr. Blount said he wished to offer a resolution to the House, which, as he was certain there could be no opposition to it, would occupy little of their time. He should wish the Clerk to read it, and take the sense of the House upon it. It was in the following words:

"Resolved, That the thanks of this House be presented to Jonathan Dayton, in testimony of their approbation of his conduct in discharging the arduous and important duties assigned him while in the chair."

The Clerk accordingly put the resolution, and it was unanimously carried; when—

The Speaker thus addressed the House:

"Gentlemen: I feel myself deeply impressed with this fresh proof of your approbation of my conduct in the chair. The confidence and support which you have in every instance afforded me, in the station assigned to me, have alone enabled me to discharge the important duty with satisfaction to myself, and with advantage to the public."

Adjournment of the Session.

A message was received from the Senate, informing the House that they had appointed a committee to join a committee of that House, to wait upon the President to inform him they had finished their business, and, except he had any further communications to make, they were ready to adjourn, without day.

The House then agreed to appoint a committee to join that of the Senate to wait upon the President, and Messrs. Sitgreaves, Parker, and Sherburne being named, they accordingly waited upon the President; and—

Mr. Sitgreaves reported that the President had no further communication to make, except "that he wished them a happy return to their families and friends."

The Speaker then adjourned the House sine die, at about eleven o'clock.[14]