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for the war, was supported on the ground that it was called for by economy, and justified by the degree of certainty that the war would not be renewed. Those who voted for furloughing the soldiers, wished to avoid expense, and at the same time to be not wholly unprepared for the contingent failure of a definitive treaty of peace. The views of the subject taken by those who were opposed both to discharging and furloughing, were explained in a motion by Mr. MERCER, seconded by Mr. IZARD, to assign as reasons, first, that Sir Guy Carleton had not given satisfactory reasons for continuing at New York; second, that he had broken the Articles of the Provisional Treaty relative to the negroes, by sending them off.

This motion appeared exceptionable to several, particularly to Mr. HAMILTON; and rather than it should be entered on the Journal by yeas and nays, it was agreed that the whole subject should lie over.

The Report relative to the Department of Foreign Affairs being taken up, Mr. CARROLL, seconded by Mr. WILLIAMSON, moved that no public minister should be employed by the United States except on extraordinary occasions.

In support of the proposition it was observed, that it would not only be economical, but would withhold our distinguished citizens from the corrupting scenes at Foreign Courts, and, what was of more consequence, would prevent the residence of foreign ministers in the United States, whose intrigues and examples might be injurious both to the government and the people.

The considerations suggested on the other side

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were, that diplomatic relations made part of the established policy of modern civilized nations; that they tended to prevent hostile collisions by mutual and friendly explanations; and that a young Republic ought not to incur the odium of so singular, and it might be thought disrespectful, an innovation. The discussion was closed by an adjournment till Monday.

MONDAY, MAY 26TH.

The Resolutions on the Journal, instructing the Ministers in Europe to remonstrate against the carrying off the negroes,— also those for furloughing the troops, passed unanimously.84

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TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY, MAY 27TH and 28TH.

No Congress.

THURSDAY, MAY 29TH.

The Report of the Committee concerning interest on British debts was committed, after some discussion.

FRIDAY, MAY 30TH.

The debates on the Report recommending to the States a compliance with the fourth, fifth, and sixth

of the Provisional Articles were renewed; the Report being finally committed, nem. con. See Secret Journal.

The Report, including the objections to interest on British debts, was also agreed to, nem. con.; not very cordially by some who were indifferent to the object, and by others who doubted the mode of seeking it by a new stipulation.85

MONDAY and TUESDAY, JUNE 2ND and 3RD.

See Journal.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4TH.

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The Report of the Committee for giving to the army certificates for land was taken up. After some discussion of the subject, some members being for, some against, making the certificates transferable, — it was agreed that the Report should lie on the table.

For what passed in relation to the cession of vacant territory by Virginia, see the Journal.

Whilst Mr. HAMILTON's motion relating to Mr. Livingston, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, was before the House, Mr. PETERS moved, in order to detain Mr. Livingston in office, that it be declared, by the seven States present, that the salary ought to be augmented. To this it was objected, first, that it would be an assumption of power in seven States to

say, what nine States ought to do; second, that it might ensnare Mr. Livingston; third, that it would commit the present, who ought to be open to discussion when nine States should be on the floor. The motion of Mr. PETERS being withdrawn, that of Mr. HAMILTON was agreed to.

See Journal.

THURSDAY, JUNE 5TH.

FRIDAY, JUNE 6TH.

The Report as to the territorial cession of Virginia, after some uninteresting debate, was adjourned.

MONDAY, JUNE 9TH.

Not States enough assembled to form a Congress. Mr. CLARK signified to those present, that the Delegates of New Jersey being instructed on the subject of the back lands, he should communicate the Report thereon to his constituents.87

TUESDAY, JUNE 10TH.

The Report on the cession of Virginia was taken up. Mr. ELLSWORTH urged the expediency of deciding immediately on the cession. Mr. HAMILTON joined

him, asserting at the same time the right of the United States. He moved an amendment in favor of private claims. Mr. CLARK was strenuous for the right of the United States, and against waiting longer, (this had reference to the absence of Maryland, which had always taken a deep interest in the question.) Mr. GORHAM Supported the policy of acceding to the Report. Mr. FITZSIMMONS recommended a postponement of the question, observing, that he had sent a copy of the Report to the Maryland Delegates. The president was for a postponement till the sense of New Jersey be known. The Delaware Delegates, expecting instructions, were for postponing till Monday next. It was agreed, at length, that a final vote should not be taken till that day. Mr. MADISON yielding to the sense of the House, but warning that the opportunity might be lost by the rising of the Legislature of Virginia.

Mr. HAMILTON and Mr. PETERS, with permission, moved for a re-commitment of the Report, in order to provide for crown titles within the territory reserved to the State. Mr. MADISON objected to the motion, since an amendment might be prepared during the week, and proposed on Monday next. This was acquiesced in. It was agreed that the President might informally notify private companies and others, as well as the Maryland Delegates, of the time at which the Report would be taken into consideration.

The order of the day for appointing a Secretary of Foreign Affairs was called for, and none having been put in nomination, the order was postponed. Mr. BLAND then nominated Mr. Arthur Lee. Mr. GOR

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