TENTH CONGRESS.—FIRST SESSION. (continued 5)

11th. It will prevent the influence of a Presidential election on our domestic concerns and foreign relations. And,

12th. It will secure the United States against the usurpation of power, and every attempt, through fear, interest, or corruption, to sacrifice their interest, honor, or independence; for one year is too short a time in which to contrive and execute any extensive and dangerous plan of unprincipled ambition; and the same person cannot be President during two successive terms.

Reducing the Presidential term of service to one year, will remove the necessity of attaching to the office the splendor of a palace. The simplicity of ancient Republics would better suit the nature of our Government. The instances of persons called from the plough to command armies, or to preside over the public councils, show that in a Republic pomp and splendor are not necessary to real dignity. Cincinnatus, who was content with the scanty support derived from tilling, with his own hands, his four-acre farm, has been as celebrated in history as the most splendid monarchs. By these remarks I would not be understood to object against giving adequate salaries to all public functionaries. In the case of subordinate officers, it may be left to Legislative discretion. But the President having such great power and extensive influence, his compensation ought to have a constitutional limit, and not exceed fifteen thousand dollars.

Friday, April 15.

Death of the Representative, Jacob Crowninshield.

A message from the House of Representatives notified the Senate of the death of Jacob Crowninshield, Esq., late a member of that House, and that his funeral will take place to-morrow morning, at 10 o’clock.

On motion, by Mr. Gilman,

Resolved, That the Senate will attend the funeral of Mr. Crowninshield to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock.

Saturday, April 16.

The Senate adjourned to twelve o’clock, and attended the funeral of the honorable Jacob Crowninshield. After which they returned to their Chamber, and the Vice President having retired for the remainder of the session, the Senate proceeded by ballot to the choice of a President pro tempore, as the constitution provides; and the honorable Samuel Smith was elected.

Ordered, That the Secretary wait on the President of the United States, and acquaint him that the Senate have, in the absence of the Vice President, elected the honorable Samuel Smith their President pro tempore; and that the Secretary make a like communication to the House of Representatives.

Wednesday, April 20.

Bank of the United States.

Mr. Gregg presented the memorial of the stockholders of the Bank of the United States, signed Samuel Breck, chairman, representing that, by an act of Congress, passed on the 25th of February, 1791, the subscribers to the capital stock of the said Bank, their successors and assigns, were incorporated for a term of years, which act will expire on the 4th day of March, 1811; and praying a renewal of their charter, for reasons stated at large in their memorial; which was read, and referred to the Secretary of the Treasury, to consider and report thereon at the next session of Congress.

Monday, 5 o’clock, P. M., April 25.

Adjournment.

Resolved, That Messrs. Mitchill and Crawford be a committee on the part of the Senate, with such as the House of Representatives may join, to wait on the President of the United States, and notify him that, unless he may have any further communications to make to the two Houses of Congress, they are ready to adjourn.

Ordered, That the Secretary acquaint the House of Representatives therewith, and request the appointment of a committee on their part.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House concur in the resolution of the Senate for the appointment of a joint committee to wait on the President of the United States and notify him of the intended recess, and have appointed a committee on their part.

Mr. Mitchill, from the committee, reported that they had waited on the President of the United States, who informed them that he had no further communications to make to the two Houses of Congress; whereupon, the President adjourned the Senate until the first Monday in November next.