Page:Journal of William Maclay, United States senator from Pennsylvania, 1789-1791 (IA cu31924030423796).pdf/21



New York, 24th April, 1789—I nnderstood that it was agreed among the Senators yesterday that they would meet at the Hall this morning and go in a body to pay théir respects to General Washington. I went about ten o’clock to the Hall, accordingly; there was, however, no person there. After staying some time, Elsworth.came in. I suspected how it was. I repeated the conversation of last night, and asked him whether he had been to wait on the General. Yes, he had been, and a number more with him; some went last night and some this morning. What a perfidious custom it is! I, however, whipped down-stairs and joined the Speaker and a number more of the Pennsylvanians who were collecting for that purpose. Went, paid my respects, etc. Mind this, not to resent it, but to keep myself more out of his power. Mr. Izard had yesterday been very anxious to get a report adopted respecting the communications between the Houses, It was so, but now we hear the Honse langhed at it. Mr. Izard moved to have the adoption taken from the minutes. No, this could not be done.

But now a curious scene opened. Mr. Lee, being of the Title Committee of yesterday, produced a copy of the resolution for appointing that committee, and moved that the House should pass a vote for transmitting it down to the Lower House. This was truly ridiculous; but, mind, this base business had been gone into solely yesterday on the motion of our Vice Presidents.