UNITED STATES, _November_ 19, 1794.
_Ordered_, That Messrs. KING, ELLSWORTH, and IZARD, be a committee to
report the draft of an Address to the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, in
answer to his Speech this day to both Houses of Congress.
THURSDAY, November 20.
Mr. KING, from the committee, reported an Address to the PRESIDENT OF
THE UNITED STATES, in reply to his Speech of the 19th to both Houses of
Congress, which was read.
_Ordered_, That to-morrow be assigned to take this report into
consideration.
FRIDAY, November 21.
The Senate took into consideration the report of the committee, in reply
to the Speech of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES to both Houses of
Congress at the opening of the session; and it was agreed to consider
the report in paragraphs.
On motion of Mr. BURR, seconded by Mr. JACKSON, to expunge these words:
"Our anxiety, arising from the licentious and open
resistance to the laws in the western counties of
Pennsylvania, has been increased by the proceedings of
certain self-created societies, relative to the laws and
administration of the Government; proceedings, in our
apprehension, founded in political error, calculated, if
not intended, to disorganize our Government, and which, by
inspiring delusive hopes of support, have been influential
in misleading our fellow-citizens in the scene of
insurrection:"
It passed in the negative.
On motion to amend the paragraph respecting the army, under the command
of General Wayne, to be read as follows:
"The pleasure with which we learn the success of the
Western Army under the command of General Wayne, is
enhanced by the hope, that their victories will lay the
foundation of a just and durable peace with the _Indian_
tribes:"
It passed in the negative.
On motion to strike out of the paragraph respecting the Western Army,
the words, "General and," it passed in the negative.
And the several paragraphs reported by the committee being agreed to,
the report was adopted, as follows:
SIR: We receive with pleasure your Speech to the two Houses
of Congress. In it we perceive renewed proofs of that
vigilant and paternal concern for the prosperity, honor,
and happiness of our country, which has uniformly
distinguished your past administration.
Our anxiety arising from the licentious and open resistance
to the laws in the western counties of Pennsylvania, has
been increased by the proceedings of certain self-created
societies, relative to the laws and administration of the
Government; proceedings, in our apprehension, founded in
political error, calculated, if not intended, to
disorganize our Government, and which, by inspiring
delusive hopes of support, have been influential in
misleading our fellow-citizens in the scene of
insurrection.
In a situation so delicate and important, the lenient and
persuasive measures which you adopted merit and receive our
affectionate approbation. These failing to produce their
proper effect, and coercion having become inevitable, we
have derived the highest satisfaction from the enlightened
patriotism and animating zeal with which the citizens of
New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, have
rallied around the standard of Government, in opposition to
anarchy and insurrection.
Our warm and cordial acknowledgments are due to you, sir,
for the wisdom and decision with which you arrayed the
militia, to execute the public will; and to them, for the
disinterestedness and alacrity with which they obeyed your
summons.
The example is precious to the theory of our Government,
and confers the brightest honor upon the patriots who have
given it.
We shall readily concur in such farther provisions for the
security of internal peace and a due obedience to the laws,
as the occasion manifestly requires.
The effectual organization of the militia, and a prudent
attention to the fortifications of our ports and harbors,
are subjects of great national importance, and together
with the other measures you have been pleased to recommend,
will receive our deliberate consideration.
The success of the troops under the command of General
Wayne cannot fail to produce essential advantages. The
pleasure with which we acknowledge the merits of that
gallant General and army, is enhanced by the hope that
their victories will lay the foundation of a just and
durable peace with the Indian tribes.
At a period so momentous in the affairs of nations, the
temperate, just, and firm policy that you have pursued, in
respect to foreign powers, has been eminently calculated to
promote the great and essential interest of our country,
and has created the fairest title to the public gratitude
and thanks.