Mr. BANKS.Mr. Speaker, I have no intention to trespass on the patience of the House by a lengthy discusson oi this bill, but I desire to occupy a few minutes in explaining the modifications of the neutrality act of 1818 recommended by the ComForAffrs. Iwill not debate the origin of the statutes of 1794 and 1797, or those of 1817 and 1818; I content myself with stating simply the modifications proposed. The object of the committee has been to scale the neutrality act of 1818 to the standard of the foreign enlistment act enacted by GreatBritainjn 1819. the provisions of the bill which has been read are essentially the same as the provisions enacted for the same purpose in the foreign enlistment act of GreatBritain. With the micetion of the section giving to citizens of the U.S. authority to sell vessels, the material of which they are made, and munitions of war to Governments or citizens of Governments with whom the U.S. may not be at war, there is nothing in this bill which is not contained in that act, and there is no provision in that act which is not substantially embraced in this bill. One of the proposed changes is the repeal of that provision which proibits the fitting out vesse without the jurisdiction of the U.S. That section of the act of 1818 makes the Government responsible for the acts of those beyond its jurisdiction. This is a responsibility which belongs to other governments; not to ours. The bill presented provides, however, that if citizens who have committed crimes beyond its jurisdiction shall return to the U.S. they shall be punished. This corresponds with the provision in the English set. It provides also for the repeal of the 9th section of the act of 1818, which requires owners and consignees of armed vessels departin from our shores to give bonds for their good conduct, whether these vessels are under the command and control of citizens of the U.S or of citizens of States, or within or beyond itsjurisdictionfo. reigin t also repeuls the very oppressive and onerous provision of section 11, which commands collectors of customs to detain vessels whenever there shall be any cause to suspect, either from the crew, cargo, “or other circumstances, ” that they were to be against other Governments. In place of this the bill provides that collectors of the customs shall have power to prosecute any vessel for offenses against this act, precisely as they have power to prosecute number similar circumstances for offenses against the laws for the protection and collection of the revenue of the U.S., upon the effective execution of which the government depends for its existence. i The bill also repeals the provififiim informers 1/2 the fines and forfeitures that may result from the execution of the law. No such provision is contained in the English act. The amendments proposed by the Gentfrom RhdIsland Mr. Jssexns] and adopted by the House provide that all the proceeds of the prosecution shall be paid into the Treasury of the U.S. The bill also repeals the 6th section of the act of 1818, 1igainst setting on foot expeditions against a foreign Government. The effect of that section is to enable the Government to' hold a single man, a society, or association of men responsible for acts committed by a people. It is not contained in the English law. Instead of this the bill proposes that every man engaged in any enterprise prohibited by the provisions of this act or the laws of the country, shall be held responsible for what the himself does and shall be punished for any violation of law.