Mr. NICHOLAS said, if his colleague would give him leave, he believed he had an amendment to offer, which would be proper to be offered before one he had moved, as he believed there was a rule in the House which forbids the striking out a clause after it had been amended; and if the amendment he should propose obtained, it might be necessary to strike out a part of that paragraph. It was his intention to move a new paragraph, to be inserted between the first and second. He believed it would be in order to do so. The Chairman wished the proposition to be read. Mr. NICHOLAS asked if it was not always in order to insert a new section. The Chairman believed it was, provided it was not intended as a substitute for another. Mr. NICHOLAS said he should candidly avow it to be his intention to insert several new sections. For the information of the committee, he would, therefore, read the whole, though he meant at present, to move only one. The following are the propositions which Mr. N. read in his place; the first of which was under consideration: After the first section insert: "Although we are actuated by the utmost solicitude for the maintenance of peace with the French Republic, and with all the world, the rejection of our Minister and the manner of dismissing him from the territories of France, have excited our warmest sensibility; and, if followed by similar measures, and a refusal of all negotiation on the subject of our mutual complaints, will put an end to every friendly relation between the two countries; but we flatter ourselves that the Government of France only intended to suspend the ordinary diplomatic intercourse, and to bring into operation those extraordinary agencies which are in common use between nations, and which are confined in their intention to the great causes of difference. We therefore receive with the utmost satisfaction, your information that a fresh attempt at negotiation will be instituted; and we expect with confidence that a mutual spirit of conciliation, and a disposition on the part of the United States to place France on the footing of other countries, by removing the inequalities which may have arisen in the operation of our respective treaties with them will produce an accommodation compatible with the engagements rights, duties, and honor of the United States. "We will consider the several subjects which you have recommended to our consideration, with the attention which their importance demands, and will zealously co-operate in those measures which shall appear necessary for our own security or peace.