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1806.] crimes with which these "other high crimes" are classed in the Constitution, and we may learn something of their character. They stand in connection with "bribery and corruption"—tried in the same manner, and subject to the same penalties. But, if we are to lose the force and meaning of the word "high," in relation to misdemeanors, and this description of offences must be governed by the mere meaning of the term "misdemeanors," without deriving any grade from the adjective, still my position remains unimpaired—that the offence, whatever it is, which is the ground of impeachment, must be such a one as would support an indictment. "Misdemeanor" is a legal and technical term, well understood and defined in law; and in the construction of a legal instrument, we must give words their legal significations. A misdemeanor, or a crime,—for in their just and proper acceptation they are synonymous,—is an act committed, or omitted, in the violation of a public law, either forbidding or commanding it.





, February 14, 1806.

Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that the interest of the United States would be promoted by further restrictions and higher duties, in certain cases, on the manufactures and navigation of foreign nations employed in the commerce of the United States, than those now imposed.

1. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that an additional duty ought to be laid on the following articles, manufactured by European nations having no commercial treaty with the United States:—

On articles of which leather is the material of chief value, an additional duty of per cent, ad valorem.

On all manufactured iron, steel, tin, pewter, copper, brass, or other articles, of which either of these metals is the material of chief value, an additional duty of per cent, ad valorem.

On all articles of which cotton is the material of chief value, an additional duty of per cent, ad valorem.

On all cloths of which wool is the material of chief value, where the estimated value on which the duty is payable is above, an additional duty of per cent. ad valorem; where such value is below, an additional duty of per cent, ad valorem.

On all other articles of which wool is the material of chief value, an additional duty of per cent, ad valorem.

On all cloths of which hemp or flax is the article of chief value, and of which the estimated value on which the duty is payable is below, an additional duty of per cent, ad valorem.

On all manufactures of which silk is the article of chief value, an additional duty of per cent, ad valorem.

2. Resolved, As the opinion of this committee, that an additional duty 