"Resolved, That the Committee on the Slave Trade be instructed to enquire into the expediency of establishing a registry of slaves, more effectually to prevent the importation of slaves into the United States, or the territories thereof." No further mention. _Ibid._, p. 150. ~1820, Feb. 5. Congress (House): Proposition on Slave-Trade.~ "Mr. Meigs submitted the following preamble and resolution: "Whereas, slavery in the United States is an evil of great and increasing magnitude; one which merits the greatest efforts of this nation to remedy: Therefore, "Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire into the expediency of devoting the public lands as a fund for the purpose of, "1st, Employing a naval force competent to the annihilation of the slave trade; "2dly, The emancipation of slaves in the United States; and, "3dly, Colonizing them in such way as shall be conducive to their comfort and happiness, in Africa, their mother country." Read, and, on motion of Walker of North Carolina, ordered to lie on the table. Feb. 7, Mr. Meigs moved that the House now consider the above-mentioned resolution, but it was decided in the negative. Feb. 18, he made a similar motion and proceeded to discussion, but was ruled out of order by the Speaker. He appealed, but the Speaker was sustained, and the House refused to take up the resolution. No further record appears. _Ibid._, pp. 196, 200, 227. ~1820, Feb. 23. Massachusetts: Slavery in Western Territory.~ _"Resolve respecting Slavery":--_ "The Committee of both Houses, who were appointed to consider 'what measures it may be proper for the Legislature of this Commonwealth to adopt, in the expression of their sentiments and views, relative to the interesting subject, now before Congress, of interdicting slavery in the New States, which may be admitted into the Union, beyond the River Mississippi,' respectfully submit the following report: ... "Nor has this question less importance as to its influence on the slave trade. Should slavery be further permitted, an immense new market for slaves would be opened. It is well known that notwithstanding the strictness of our laws, and the vigilance of the government, thousands are now annually imported from Africa," etc. _Massachusetts Resolves_, May, 1819, to February, 1824, pp. 147-51. ~1820, May 12. Congress (House): Resolution for Negotiation.~ "Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the President of the United States be requested to negociate with all the governments where ministers of the United States are or shall be accredited, on the means of effecting an entire and immediate abolition of the slave trade." Passed House, May 12, 1820; lost in Senate, May 15, 1820. _House Journal_, 16 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 497, 518, 520-21, 526; _Annals of Cong._, 16 Cong. 1 sess. pp. 697-700. ~1820, May 15. United States Statute: Slave-Trade made Piracy.~