The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
| II. |
TO JAMES MONROE. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO JAMES MONROE.
Dear Sir,—Your favors of the 19th. Decr and 7th.
Jany came both to hand by yesterdays mail. The
Assembly adjourned last night after a Session of 97
days. If its importance were to be measured by a
list of the laws which it has produced, all preceding
Legislative merit would be eclipsed, the number in
this instance amounting to 114 or 115. If we recur
to the proper criterion no Session has perhaps afforded
less ground for applause. Not a single member
seems to be pleased with a review of what has passed.
I was too hasty in informing you that an amendment
of the Port bill had passed. I was led into the error
by the mistake of some who told me it had passed
the Senate when it had only been agreed to in a
Com̃ittee of the Senate. I nstead of passing it they sent
down a repeal of the old port bill by way of amendment.
This was disagreed to by the H. of D. as indirectly
originating. The Senate adhered & the bill
was lost. An attempt was then made by the adversaries
of the port measure to suspend its operation
till the end of the next Session. This also was negatived
so that the old bill Is left as it stood without alteration.
Defective as it is particularly in putting
citizens of other States on the footing of foreigners,
and destitute as it is of proper concomitant provisions,
it was judged best to hold it fast and trust to
a succeeding Assembly for amendments. The navigation
System for the State after having been
prepared at great length by Mr G. Baker was procrastinated
died away of itself, without anything being done, except
a short act passed yesterday in great hurry imposing
a tonnage of 5S. on the vessels of foreigners
not having treated with the U. S. This failure of
local measures in the com̃ercial line, instead of reviving
the original propositions for a general plan,
revived that of Mr. Tyler for the appointment of
Com̃srs to meet Com̃srs from other States on the subject
of general regulations. It went through by a
very great majority, being opposed only by Mr. M.
Smith and Mr. Corbin. The expedient is no doubt
liable to objections and will probably miscarry. I
think however it is better than nothing, and as a
recommendation of additional powers to Congress
is within the purview of the Com̃ission it may possibly
lead to better consequences than at first occur.
The Com̃srs first named were the attorney, Doctr. W.
Jones of the Senate and myself. The importunity of
Mr. Page procured the addition of St. George Tucker
who is sensible, fœderal, and skilled in comerce, to
whom was added on the motion of I know not whom
Mr. M. Smith, who is at least exceptionable in the
second quality having made unceasing war during
the Session agst. the idea of bracing the federal
system. In the Senate a further addition was made
of Col. Mason Mr. D. Ross and Mr. Ronald. The
name of the latter was struck out at his desire. The
others stand. It is not unlikely that this multitude
of associates will stifle the thing in its birth. By
some it was probably meant to do so. I am glad to
be more so if I saw greater reason for it. The bill
which is considered at N. Y. as a compliance with the
requisitions of Congs, is more so in appearance than
reality. It will bring no specie into the Treasy. and
but little Continental paper. Another act has since
passed which professes to comply more regularly with
the demand of Congs but this will fail as to specie and
as to punctuality. It will probably procure the indents
called for, and fulfils the views of Congs. in making
those of other States receivable into our Treasy.
Among the acts passed since my last I must not omit
an economical revision of the Civil list. The saving
will amount to 5 or 6000 pounds. The Govr. was
reduced by the H. of D. to £800, to which the
Senate objected. Which receded I really forget.
The Council to £2000, the Attorney to £200, Register
from £1,100 to £800, Auditors & Solicitor from
£4 to 300, Speaker of H. of D. to 40s. per day including
daily pay as a member & of Senate to 20s,
&c.; Delegates to Congs to 6 dollars per day. The
act however is not to commence till November next.
I mentioned in my last the propriety of addressing
your future letters to Orange.
| The writings of James Madison, | |