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 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.
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.42
No Congress.
The report of the committee concerning interest on British debts was committed, after some discussion.
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.43
See Journal.
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.44
