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Wbat is it but a map of busy life t Cowprr
MILLGDGKVILLE, DKC. 12.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE. Fifty-
four hour* ■rtrr tlm Prn«iilont*s Mentago l«nd lirpn
trnnamiited In linlli linust •* r.f Congrc**, n |»iiut»s«l copy
of it trai prtMM'd tou«b« Mr Knosjhc moil cmitrnc*
tor for the Imentrnriing from Warrrnfnn,through Rl.l
loHgcvillt, to Fort Mitcliell. Tno distance liFtwcrn
this pltco nml Watlnngton City is nbout CH9 miles
This pitraordmniy di«|>ntr1i rnaliU n iis to lay fopfom
the public this interesting dorumont Mr Kn*>x do-
serve* great credit, for hi* exertion* in bringing about
this dispatch ; and Ito should bo remunerated in some
aort for the cipcnae bo has incurred in providing hor
ses through the linn, for the express who bad the me-?-
•age in charge. Additional praise should be awniilrd
to Mr Knox; for we have been informed that the
contractor of tbo line frodi Angus’a to Warrenton, re
fused to participate in the arrangement Hindu to
tain the fiicesago in *u short a lime.
From tht United States' Tile graph—Extra.
Washington City, December 8.
This t1ay f nt 12o’clock, the President of thn
United'States communicated to both Houses
of Congress the following
MESSAGE.
Ftllote-Cili tens of the Senate,
anti House of Ueprencntatices:
It affords me pleasure to tender tny friend
ly greeting* to you on the occasion of your
assembling til the Seal of Government, to en
ter upon the important duties to which yon
Imvc been called by the voice of onr country
men. The tusk devolves on me, tinder n pro
vision of the Constitution, to presi lit to von,
as the Federal Legislature of twenty-four
sovereign States, and twelve miHions of linp-
py people, n view of our ttfluirs j nml to pro
pose sucli niuusures, ns in the discharge of my
official functions, have suggested themselves
as necessary to promote the objects of our
Union.
lu communicating with you for the first
time, it is, to me, a source of unfeigned satis
faction, ending for mutual gratulntion nml
devout thanks to n henign Providence, that
ire are at pence with all mankind, and tlmt
our cnifntry exhibits ihe most cheering evi
dence of general welfare ami progressive im
provement. Turning our eyes to other na
tions, our great desire is to see our hretlirei
of the human ruco secured m the blessings
enjoyed l>v ourselves, and advancing in know
ledge, in freedom, and in social happiness.
Our foreign relations, although in their
general character pacific and friendly, pre
sent subjects of difference between ns nml
other Powers, of deep i tcrest, as well to the
country at large as lo many of our citizens.
To effect an adjustment of these shall con
tinue to he the object of my earnest endea
vors ; and notwithstanding the difficulties of
the task, I do not allow myself to apprehend
unfavorable results. Blessed as our country
is with every thing which constitutes national
strength, she is fully adequate to the main
tcnuncc of all her interest. In discharging
the responsible trust confided to the Execu
tive in this respect, it it tny settled purpose to
ask nothing that is not clearly light, an
submit to nothing that is wrong ; and I flatter
myself, that, supported by tho other hrnnehes
4 of the government, and by the intelligence
and patriotism of the people, we shall I. a able,
under the protection of Providence, to cause
nil our just rights to be respected.
Of the unsettled matters between the Uni
ted States ami other powers, tin; most prntni-
Dcnt are those which linvc, for years, been
the subject uf negotiation with England,
France, and 8puiu. The Into periods at
which our Ministers to those Govei nioents lell
the United Sutcs, render it impossible, at this
early day, to inform you of wlmt has been
done on tho subjects with which they have
been respectively charged. Relying upon
the justice of our views in relation to the
points committed to negotiation, nml the reci
procal good feeling which characterises our
intercourse., with those nations, wo Imve the
best reason to hope for a satdaemry mljiist-
ment of existing differences.
With Great Britain, alike distinguished iir
pence and war, we may look forward to years
of penecful, honorable, and derated compe
tition. Every lung in the condition nnd his
tory of the two nations, is calculated to in
spire sentiments of mutual respect, and to
carry conviction to the minds of both that it
is their policy to f reserve the most cordial
relation*. Such urn ray nw n views, nnd it is not
to be doubted that such are also the prevail
ing sentiments of our constituents. Although
neither limn nor opportunity lias hi-eu afford
ed fora full developement of the policy which
ihe present cabinet of <treat Biitnin designs to
pursue towards this country, I indulge the
hope tlmt it will lie of a just and pacific cha
racter : and if this anticipation bo realized,
we may look with confidence to a speedy and
acceptable adjustment of our affairs.
Under the convention for regulating tli
reference to arbitration of the disputed points
of boundary under the fifth article of the
treaty of Ghent, the proceedings have hitherto
hern conducted in tlmt spirit of candor mid
liberality which ought ever lo characterise
the nets of sovereign States, seekingtn adjust,
by the most unexceptionable means, tin pot-
Unt and delicate subjects of contention. The
first statements of the parlies have been ex
changed, nnd the final replication, on our
part, is in a course <>f preparation. This sub
ject lias received the attention demanded liy
>ts great and peculiar importance to a patri
otic member of this confederacy. The ex
position of our rights, already made, is such,
as, front the high reputation of tno commis
sioners by whom it lias been prepared, v.c
had a right to expect. Our interests at the
>.'oui t of tho Sovereign w Im lias evinced his
friendly disposition, by as.-uming the delicate
task of arbitration, have been committed to a
citizen oftlm Stoto of Maine, whose charac
ter, talents, and intimate acquaintance with
ihe subject, eminently qualify luui tor so re
sponsible a trust. With full confidence in the
justice of our cause, nnd in the probity, in
telligence, nnd uncompromising indepen
dence of the illustrious arbitrator,no can h.n:
nothing to apprehend from the result.
From France, our ancient ally, we have a
right to expect that just.ee which becomes ihr-
Sovereign of a powerful, intelligent, and
magnanimous people. Tlu- liencfieial cl'fi els
produced by the commercial convention of
1S22, limited ns nreits provisions, arc tno ob
vious not to make n salutary impression upon
the minds of those who ore charged with the
ndmiaistration of her government. Should
this result induce a disposition to aiuhrace, to
their full extent, the wholesome principles
which constitute our commercial policy, our
Minister to that Court will he found instruct
ed to cherish such n disposition, nnd to aid in
conducting it to useful practical conclusions.
The clniins of our citizen* for depredations
upon their property, long since committed
under the authority, and in ninny instances,
liy the express direction, of tlu; then existing
government of France, remain unsatisfied ;
and must, therefore, continue to furnish n
subject of unpleasant discussion, and possible
collision, between the two Government*. I
cherish, however, a lively hope, founded as
well on the validity of those claims, and the
established policy of all enlightened Govern
ments, ns nil tho known integrity of the
French monarch, that the injurious delays of
the past, will find redress in the equity of the
future. Our Minister has been instructed to
press these demands on the French Govern
ment, w ith nil Ihe earnestness which is called
for by their importance and irrefutable justice,
anil in a spirit tlmt will evince the respect
which is due. to Ihe feelings of those from
whom the satisfaction is required.
Our Minister recently appointed to Spain
has been authorized to assist in removing evils
abke injurious to both countries, either by con
cluding it Commercial Convention upon libe
ral and reciprocal terms, or by urging lIn; uc-
cepluuee, in their full extent, of tlie mutually
beneficial provisions of our navigation nets.
He has also been instructed to niillte a further
nppeal to the justice of Spain, in lieliutf of
our citizens, for indemnity for spoliations up
on our commerce, committed under her au
thority—nn appeal which the pacific and )i -
heritl course observed oil our part, and a due
confidence in the honor of that Government,
authorise us to expect will not ho made in
v un.
With other European powers, our imer-
coursc is on the most friendly footing, lu
Russia, placed by her territorial limits, exten
sive population, and great power, high in the
rank of nations, the United rilnles have ill
ways found a steadfast friend. Although her
recent invasion of Turkey awakened a lively
sympathy lor tlui-e who were exposed to the
desolations of war, we ennnot hut anticipate
that the result will prove favorable to the
cause of civilization, and to the progress of
human happiness. Tho trenty of pence be
tween these powers having been ratified, we
cannot la; insensible to the great benefit to hr
derived to the commerce of the United Slates,
from unlocking the navigation of the Rlack
a—a free passage into which is secured to
all merchant vessels hound to ports of Russia
ler n flag lit pence with the l’ortc. This
advantage, enjoyed upon conditions, by most
of the Powers of Europe, has hitherto been
withheld from us. During the past summer,
an antecedent, hut unsuccessful attempt to
obtain it, was renewed, under circumstances
which promised the most favorable results.
Although these results Imvc fortunately been
thus in pari attained, further facilities to tli
enjoyment of this new field for the enterprise
of our citizens arc, in my opinion, sufficiently
desirable to ensure to them our most zealous
attention.
Our trade with Austria, nlthniigh of secon
dary importance, Ims been grndully increas
ing, nnd is now so extended, as to deserve
tho fostering enre of tl.c Government, A ne
gotiation, commenced and nearly completed
with that Power, by the Into Administration,
has been consummated liv n treaty of amity
navigation, and commerce, which will he laid,
before tho Sonnte.
During the recess of Congress, our diplo
matic relations w ilh Portugal have been re
sumed. The peculiar state of things in that
country caused a suspension of the recogni
tion of the Representative who presented
himself, until an opportunity was had to ob
tain from our official organ there, informn
lion regarding tho nc’unl, nnd, as far as prac
ticable, prospective condition of the authority
hv which the representative in question was
appointed. This information being received,
the application of the established rule of our
Government,* in like eases, was no longer
withheld.
Considerable advances have been made,
during the present year, in the adjustment of
claims of our citizens upon Pounmrk for
spoliations ; but all that wo have n l ight to
demand from that Government, in their be
half, Inis not yet been conceded. Front the
liberal footing, however, upon which the sub
ject lin.f, with the approbation of the claim
ants,been placed hv thu Government, togeth
er with the uniformly just nnd friendly disposi
tion which has been evinced by His Danish
Majesty, there is n reasonable ground toliope
tlmt this single subject of difference will
speedily he removed.
Onr relations with the Babary Power*con
tinue, as they have long beef, of the most
favorable character. The policy of keeping
un adequate force'in iln> Mediterranean, as se
curity for ihe.coutiumniee of tins tranquillity,
will lie persevered in, ns well ns n similar one
for the protection of our commerce nnd fish
eries in the Pacific.
The Southern Republics, of our own he
misphere, have not yet realized nil the advan
tages for which llu v have been so long strug
gling. We trust however, tlmt tho day is not
distant, when the restoration of pence nnd
internal quiet, under permanent systems of
government, securing th< liberty and pro
moting tho happiness of the citizens, will
crown, with complete success, their long and
arduous efforts in* 1 ho cause of self-govern
ment, and enable us to salute them us friend
ly rivals m all that is truly great and glorious.
The recent invasion of Mexico, and the
efftet thereby produced upon her domestic
policy, must have a controlling influence up
on the great question of South American
eninncipiUioii. We Imve seen the fell spirit
of civil dissentiun rebuked, and, perhaps,
forever stilled in that republic, by the love of
independence. If it he true ns opprnraf.ee*
strongly indicate, that rile spirit of imh pen-
deuce is the muster spirit, nod if n corres
ponding sentiment prevails in the other States,
this devotion to liberty cannot he without a
pro pi r effect up-.iu the councils of the mother
country. The adoption, by Spain, of a pa
cific pi bey towards In r fornierfolonies— -an
event consoling to humanity, and a tiles, .eg
to the world, in n Inch she herst’.f ciumot fail
largely to participate—tuny be most reatou-
l*lv expected.
The claims of our citizens upon the Smith
American Governments, generally, arc in u
train of settlement ; while the principal part
of those upon Brazil have been adjusted, and
u Decree in Council, ordering hoods to hi
issued by the Minister of the Treasury for
their amount, Inis received the sanction of his
footing than that upon which they have hi
therto rested ; nml if methy a proper dispo
sition on the pnrt of thut Government, im
portant benefits may he secured to both coun
tries.
Deeply interested ns wo are in the prospe
rity of our sister republics, nnd more parti
cularly in that of our immediate neighbor, it
would lie most gratifying to me, were I per
mitted lo say, 1 lint the treatment which we
have received at her hands, has been ns uni
versally friendly ns the early and constant so
licitude manifested by the United States for
her success, gave us a right to expect. But
it becomes my duty to inform you that preju
dices, long indulged by n portion of the in
habitants of Mexico against the Envoy Ex
traordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of
the United States, have had tin unfortunate
nature of tho judicial office, and the ne
cessity of securing in the Cabinet and in the
diplomatic stations of the highest rank, the
best talent* and political experience, should,
perhaps, except these from the exclusion.
There arc perhaps few men who can, for
any great length of tune, enjoy office and
power, without being more or less under the
influence of feelings unfavorable to a faithful
discharge of their public duties. Their itt-
tegrity may he proof against improper const
derations immediately addressed to them*
selves, hut they are apt to acquire a habit of
looking with indifference upon the public in
terests, and of tolerating conduct from which
nu unpractised innn would revolt. Office is
considered us n species of property; and Go
vernment, rather as a means of promoting in
dividual inteicsts, than as an instrument ere
; influence upon the nflaiis of the two countries, ated solely for the service of the people. Cor
have diminished that usefulness to his
own which was justly to he expected from his
talents and zeal. To this cause, in a grenl
degree, is to lie imputed the failure of seve
ral measures equally interesting to both par
ties ; Imt particularly that of the Mexican
government to ratify a Treaty negotiated and
concluded in its own capital and under its
own eye. Under these circumstances, it np-
penred expedient to give to .Mr, Poinsett the
option either - o return or not, as, in Ins judg- 1
nient, the interests of his country might re
quire, nnd instruction* to that end were pre-
paied; hut, before they could be dispatched,
a communication was received from the Go
vernment of Mexico, through its Charge
d’Affaires here, requesting the recall of our
Minister. This was promptly complied with;
and n Representative of a rank correspond
ing with that of the Mexican diplomatic
Agent near this Government win appointed.
Onr conduct towards tlmt Republic lias been
uniformly of the most friendly character; and
having thus removed the only alleged olistn-
cle in ImrniDiiious intercourse, I cannot hut
hope that no advantageous change, will occur
in our iifl'ins.
■In justice to Mr. Poinsett, it is proper to
sav, that my immediate compliance with the
application for his recall, end the appoint
ment of a sitecessor, lire not to be ascribed
to any evidence that the imputation of un
improper interference by him, in the local
politics of Mexico, was well founded ; nor
to a w ant of confidence in his talents or in
tegrity ; nnd t> add, tlmt the truth of that
charge hns never been affirmed by the Fede
ral Government of Mexico, in its communi
cations with this.
I consider it one of the most urgent of my
duties to bring to your nUrniinti 1 lie propriety
of amending that part of our Constitution
which relates to the election of President and
Vice President. Our system of government
\vn», by its framers, deemed an experiment;
and they, therefore, -consistently provided a
mode of remedying its defects.
To the pen,;, belongs the right of elect
ing their Chief Magistrate; it was never dc
signed tlmt their choice should, in any ense,
be defeated, either by the intervention of dec
toral colleges, nr by the ngeney confuted, un
der certain contingencies, tothc House of Re
presentatives. Experience proves, that, in
proportion as agents lo execute the will of
the people arc multiplied, there is danger of
their wishes being frustrated. .Some may he
unfaithful : all are liable to err. So fur,
therefore, as the people can, with convent*
nice, speak, it is safer for them to express
llu-ir own w
The number of aspirants to the Presiden
cy, ami the diversity of the interests which
may influence their claims, leave little rensoi
lo expect a choice in the first instance ; and
in that event, the election must devolve on
the House of Representatives, where, it is
obvious, the will of the people may not lie
always ascertained, or, if ascertained, may
not be regarded. Front tho mode of voting
by Stnlcs, the choice is to he made by twenty-
four rotes ; nnd it may often occur, that nm
ol" these may be emit tilled by mi individual
Representative. Honors nnd offices ate at
llte disposal of the successful candidate.—
Repeated ballot mgs may make it apparent
tlmt a single individual Indds the cast in Ins
hand. May he not lie tempted to name his
reward ! But even without corruption—sup
posing the probity of the Representative to
lie proof agaiqst the powerful motives by
winch he may lie assailed—the will of tile
people is still constantly liable to he misrepre
sented. One may err from ignorance of the
wishes of his constituents ; another, front a
conviction tlmt it ts Ins duly to lie governed by
his own judgment of the fitness of the candi
dates: finally, although nil were inflexibly
honest—all accurately informed of the wishes
of their constituents—yel, under the pre
sent mode of election, a minority may often
elect a President; nnd w hen this happens,
it nitty reasonably he expected .that efforts
will lie made on the part of the majority, ti
rectify this injurious operation of their insti
tutions. But although no evil of ibis charac
ter should result ft cm such a perversion of
i lie first priuciplo of o-tr system—that the
majority is to govern—it must he very certain
that a President elected by e minority, can-
nut nnjnv the confidence necessary to the
successful discharge of his duties.
In ,11is, as m all oilier matters of public
concern, policy requires tlmt as few impedi
ments as possible should exist to the tree ope
ration of the public will. Let us, then, cur-
deavor so to mend our system tlmt the office
of Chief Magistrate may not he conferred
upon nny citizej hut in pursuance of a fair
expression of the will oi the majority.
I would therefore recommend such an a-
mcmlnn .it of the Constitution as may remove
nil intermes'iutc agency in the election of n
President & Vice President. The mode may
he so regulated us to preserve to each Stale
its present relative weight in the election ;
and nfailuic in the first attempt may la-pro
vided for, by confining the second to n choice
In tween the two highest candidates. In con
nection with sin h an amendment, it would
seem advisable to limit tlie service of the
Chief magistrate lo a single term, of either
four or six years. If, however, it should not
he adopted, it is worthy of consideration whe
ther a provision disqualifying for office the
Representatives'll Congress tut whom such an
eleetion may Imvc devolved, would not be
pram r.
While members of Congress can he con
stitutionally appointed to offices of trust and
profit, it will lie the practice, even under tli
i> ost conscientious adherence to duty, to se
Imperial Majesty. This event, together with > l.-ct them for such stations ns they ore be-
tlte exchange of the ratifications ot the Trea- lined lobe better qualified to fill than other
ty negotiated nnd concluded in lS-Jr*, huppi- citizens; hut the purity of our government
ly terminates ull serious causes of difference would doubtless he promoted by their ex
with that Power. ; elusion from all appointments in the gift
Measures have been taken to place our of Ihe President in whose otection they
commercial relations v. :th l’crtt upon a better may have beeu officially concerned. The
ruptiim in some, and, in others, a perversion
of coricct feelings and principles, divert Go
vernment from its legitimate ends, nnd make
it nn engine for tho support of the few at the
expense of the many. The duties of all
public officers are, or, at least, admit of being
made, so plain a d simple, tlmt men of in
telligence may readily qualify themselves for
their performance ; nnd I cannot but believe
that more is lost by the long continuance of
men in office than is generally to lie gamed
by tltoir experience. I submit, therefore, to
your consideration, whether the efficiency of
the Government would not he promoted, nml
official industry nnd integrity better secured
by n general extension of the law which limits
appointments to four years.
In a country where offices nro created solely
for the benefit of the people, no one man 1m
any more intrinsic right to official station tha
another. Offices were not established to gi
support to particular men at the public ex
pense. iVo individual wrong is therefore
done by removal, since neither appoint
ment to, nor continuance in office, is matter
of right. The iin-tivilient became an officer
with a view to public lieuefits; und when
these require his removal, they are not to he
sacrificed to private interest. It is the people,
and they alone, who have a right tocomplaio,
when a bad officer is substituted for a good
one. Hr who is removed has the same means
of'ohtaiiiing a living that are enjoyed by the
millions who never held office The pro
posed limitation would destroy the idea of
property now so generally connected with
the official station ; and although individual
distress may lie sometimes produced, it
would, by ptoinoting that rotation which
constitutes a lending principle in the republi
can creed, give healthful action to the system.
No very considerable change bus occurred,
during the recess of Congress, in the condi
tion of cither our Agriculture, Commerce, or
M unufacturcs. The operation of the Tariff
lias not proved so injurious to the two former
nor as beneficial to the latter, as was antici
pate I. Importations of foreign goods Imve
not been sensibly diminished ; while domestic,
competition, under an illusive excitement, hns
increased the production much beyond the
demand for home consumption. The con
sequences have, been low prices, temporary
embarrassment, nml purlml loss. That, such
of our manufacturing establishments as are
based upon capital, and are prudently man
aged, will survive thu shock, nnd ha ultimate
ly profitable, there ia no good reason to
doubt.
To regulate its conduct, so ns promote
equally the prosperity of these three cardinal
interests, is ouu of the most difficult tasks of
Government; nnd it may la- regretted tlmt
the complicated restrictions which now em
barrass the intercourse of nations, could not
by common consent he abolished, nnd com
merce allowed to flow in those channel* to
which individual enterprise—always it* surest
guide—might direct it. Rut we must ever
expect sellish legislation in other nations, and
are therefore compelled to adapt our own to
their regulations, in the ninimer best cnlcu
h.tcd to avoid serious injury, and to harmo
nise the conflicting interests of our Hgricul
tore, our cnimneice, nnd our manufactures.
Under these impressions, I invite your atten
tion to the existing Tariff, believing thnt
some of its provisions require modification.
Tlie general rale lo be applied in graduat
ing the duties upon articles of foreign growth
or manufacture, is that which will place our
own in fair competition with those of other
countries ; and the inducements to advance
even a step beyond this point, are controlling
in regard to those nrticles which arc of pri
mary necessity in time of war. When we
reflect upon the difficulty and delicacy of
this operation, it is important that it should
never he attempted hut with the utmost cau
tion. Frequent legislation in regard to any
branch of industry, nffecting its value, and
by which its capital may he transferred to
new channels, must always be productive of
hazardous speculation and loss.
I o deliberating, therefore, on these interest
iug subjects, local feelings nod prejudices
should be merged in the patriotic determina
tion to promote the great interests of the
whole. All attempts to connect them with
the party conflicts of the day, are necessarily
injurious, and should he discountenanced.
Our action upon them should lie under the
control pf higher and purer motives. Legis
lation, subjected to such influences, can ne
ver he just, and will not long retain the sanc
tion of a people, whose active patrolism is
not hounded by sectional limits, nor insensi
ble to that spirit of concession and forbear
ance, which gave life to our political compact-
nnd still sust iitls it. Discarding all ciilciila,
lions of political ascendency, the North, the
>o^tlq the East, and West, should unite in
diminishing any hut then, of which either may
justly complain.
The agricultural interest of our country is
so essentially connect) d with every other, nod
so superior in importance to them all, that it
is scarcely necessary to invite to it your par-
ticulur attention. It is principally 11s tiinnu-
fncliires and commerce tend to increase the
value of agricultural productions, and to ex
tend their application to the wants nnd com
forts of society that they deserve the Itsster-
ing care of Government.
Looking forward to the |ieriod not far dis
taut, when n sinking fund will nn longer be
Squired, the duties on those articles of im
portation which cannot conic in competition
with onr own productions, are the first tlmt
should ettgnge the attention of Congress in
the modification of the tariff. Of these, tea
and entire are the most prominent: tlu-y en
ter largely into the consumption of the coun
try, and liavr become articles of necessity to
ill classes. A reduction, therefore, of the
"Xistiog duties, will be felt ns n common
tienefit; hut, like all other legislation con
nected with commerce, to he efficacious, and
not injurious, it should be gradual and certain.
The puW^^rospefity is evinced in the in
creased revenue arising from the sales of the
public land:!, nnd in the steady maintenance
of that produced by impost* and tonnage,
notwithstanding the additional duties im-
|iosed by the act of Itfth May, I8’28, and the
unusual importations in the early part of that
year.
Tlie balance in the Treasury on the 1st of
January, I62U, was five millions nine hun
dred and seventy-two thousand four hundred
and thirty-five dollars and eighty-one cents.
The receipts of the current year are estima
ted at twcnty-lour millions six hundred and
two thousand two hundred and thirty dollars;
and the expenditures for the same time nt
twenty-six millions one hundred and sixty
four thousand five hundred and ninety
five dollars; leaving a balance in the Trea
surv on the 1st of January next, of four mil
linns four hundred lind ten thousand and se
venty dollars and eighty-one cents
There will have been paid on account of
the public debt, during the present yenr, the
sum of twelve millions four hundred and five
thousand nnd five dollars and eighty cents;
reducing the whole debt of the Government
on the first of January next, to forty-eight
millions five hundred and sixty-five thousand
four hundred and sis dollars nnd fifty cents
including seven millions of five per cent
stock, subscribed to the Bank of the United
States. The payment on account of the
public debt, made ou the first of July lust,
was eight millions seven hundred nnd fifteen
thousand four hundred and sixty-two dollars
and eighty-seven cents. It was apprehended
thnt the sudden withdrawal of so large a sum
from the hanks in which was deposited, at a
time of unusual pressure in the money mark
et, might cause much injury to the interests
dependent on bank accommodations. Uut
this evil was wholly averted by an rarly nn
ticipntion of it at the Treasury, aided by the
judicious arrangements of the officers of tho
Bunk of the United States
This stale of the finances exhibits the re 1
sources of the tuition in no aspect highly flat
(••ring to its industry, and auspicious of the
ability of Government, in a very short time
to extinguish the public debt. When tli
sliull be done, our population will he relieve
train a considerable |Mirtion of its present
burthens; and will find, not oulv new mo
tives to patriotic ufleetiou, hut additional
means for the display of individual enter
prise. The fiscal power of the Mtntes will
also lie increased, nnd may lie more exten
sively exerted in favor of educulioii, ami
other public objects, while ample ntt-niis will
remain at the Federal Government to pro
mote llte general weal, in all the modes per
mitted to its authority.
After the extinction of the public debt, it
is not probable that nny adjustment of the
tnriff, upon principles satisfactory to tin-
people of the Union, will, until a remote (te-
riod, if ever, leave the Government without
a considerable surplus in the Treasury, be
yond what may be required for Ms current
service. As then the period approaches
when the application of the revenue to the
payment of debt will cease, the dis|Hisition
of the surplus will present a subject for the
serious deliberation of Congress ; and it may
lie fortunate for the country that it is yet to
be decided. Considered in connexion with
the difficulties which hove heretofore attend
ed appropriations for purposes of internal
improvement, and with those which this ex
perience tells us will certainly arise, when
ever power over such subjects may he exer
cised by the General Government, It is hop
ed tlmt it inny lend to the adoption of some
plan which will reconcile tlie diversified in
terests of the Slates, and strengthen the
bonds which unite them. Every member of
tho Union, in peace and in war, wilt be bene-
fitted by the improvement of inland naviga
tion and the construction of highway* m the
several states. Let us then endeavor to nt-
tuin this benefit in a mode which will lie sat
isfuctory to all. That hitherto adopted, hns,
by many of our fellow citizens, linen depre
cated ns an iufraciioit of the constitution,
s J
insolvent debtors were mote effectually se
cured, this evil would in u great measure, be
obviated. An authority to construct such
houses, is, th erefore, with the proposed al
teration of the credits, recommended to
your n t* lion.
It isworthy of notice, that the laws for the |
collection and security of the revenue arising '
from imposts, were chiefly framed when the
the rates of duties on imported goods pre
sented much less temptation for illicit trade'
than at present exists. There is reason to'
believe, that these Inws are, in some respects, *•
quite insufficient for the proper security of
the revenue, and the protection of the inter
ests of those who are disposed to observe
them. The injurious and demoralizing ten- '
cncy of a successful system of smuggling, is
so obvious ns not to require comment, nn* T
cannot be too carefully guarded against '• I V
therefore suggest to Congress the propriety -"
of adopting efficient measures to preven'.^
this evil; avoiding, however, as much ns pns- r
silile, every unnecessary infringement of ia- :
dividual liberty, nnd embarrassment ofisKSr
and lawful business. ?rvY
On an examination of the records of the ’
Treasury, I have been forcibly struck with I
the large amount of public money which ap
pears to he out standing. Of the tuitn thus
due from individuals to the Government, a
considerable portion is undoubtedly desper
ate, and hi many instances, lias probably been
rendered so by remissness m the agents char
ged with its collection. By proper exertions
a great part, however, may yet he recovered
nnd, whatever may be the portions respec
tively belonging to these two classes, it be
hooves the Government to ascertain the rent
state of the fact. This can he done only by
the prompt adoption of judicious measures
fur tlie,collection of such as may be made
available. It is believed thnt n very large
amount has been lost through the inadequa
cy of the means provided for the collection
of debts due to tlie pttlilic, uml that this m-
iiilequuei lies chiefly in the want of lecA
skill, habitually nnd constantly employed in
the direction of the agents engaged in tha
service. It most, I think be admitted, thnt tho
supervisory power over suits brought hv the
public, which is now vested in nil neenuiiting
officer of the Treasury, not selected with a
view to Ins legal knowledge, and eneuniherrd
as he is with numerous other duties, operates
unfavorably to the public interest.
It is important that this branch of the pub
lic service should he subjected to the su-
pervistoo of such professional skill as will
give it efficiency. The expense attendant
upon such a modification of the Executive
Department would be-justified by the sound
est principles of econotney. I would re
commend, therefore, that the duties now as
signed to the Agi at of the Treasury, so far
as they rehitejto tliej superintendence and
management of legal-proce dings, on the
part of the Unted States, he transferred to
the Attorney General, and that this officer he
placed on the sume footing, in nil respects,
ns tlm Heads of the other Departments—re
ceiving like compensation, nnd having such
subordinate officers provided for his Depart
ment, as may lie requisite for the discharge of
these additional duties. The profcsionnl-
skill of the Attorney General, employed m
directing the conduct of Miirslmls nnd Dis
trict attorneys, would hasten the collection
of debts now in suit, and hereafter save much
to the Government. It might he further ex
tended to the superintendence of all criminal
proceedings for offences against the United
Stntos. In mnl ing this transfer, great enre
slioukl la; taken, however, that the power nq-
cessnty to the Treasury Department, be ndt
impaired ; one of its greatest securities con
sisting in a control over all accounts until
they are noted or reported for suit. • '
In connexion with the foregoing views,-I
would suggest also an inquiry, whether the
provisions of the net of Congress, authorising
the discharge of the fieisons of debtors to the
Government, from imprisonment, inny not,
consistently with the public interest, be ex
tended to the release of the debt, where the
-ri
while by others it has been viewed as inexpe- 1 conduct of the debtor is wholly exempt front the
*n c.-t *•■■■* ■< >•— >■"-■. 1 1 —'imputation of fraud. Some more liberal policy
tliiin that which now prevails, in reference to
this unfortunate class of citizens, is certainly
dm to them, and would prove beneficial to
the country. The continuance of the liabil
ity, after the meuris to discharge it have been
exhausted, can only serve to dispirit the debt
or, or, where his resources are hut partinl
the want of power in the Government to
compromise and release the. demand, insti
gates to fraud, ns the only resource fur se
curing n support to his' family. He thus
sinks into n state of apathy, and becomes a
useless drone in society, nr n vicious member
of it, if not a feeling witness of the rigor
and inhumanity of his country. All experi
ence proves, that oppressive debt is the hntic
of enterprise ; and it should lie the enre of n
Republic not to exert n grinding power over
misfortune olid poverty.
Since the Inst Session nf Congress, numerous
frauds on the Tresvtry linve been disenyreil,
which I thought it mv duty to bring under the
cognizance of the United Srates’ Court for this
district, liy n criminal prosecution. It was mv
opinion, anil tlmt of able counsel who vvero
consulted, that the cuarscnma vvilhin the penal
ties ol tin* m-Mif the 17th Congress, approved 3.1
March, 18iM, providing for I lie punishment of
fraud- committed on the Government of tho
United States. Either from sumo defect in tho
law nr in its administration, every effort lo
bring the accused lo trial under its provisions
proved iueflVctnfri ; and the Government wns
driven to the necessity of resorting to the vague
and inadequate provisions of the common law.
It is therefore my duty to cr.lt your attention to
the laws which have been passed for tlm pro-
leetinriof the Treasury. If indeed there be no
provision hy which those whose who mav he
unworthily entrusted with its guardianship, can
lie punished for the most flagrant violation of
duty t xtending even to the most fraudulent ap-
pi..;;rintion ufi.'ir pii!*Hn funds to their own use,
it is time to remedy so dnngetous an omission.
Or, H'the law has been perveited from ilsorigin-
nl purposes, nml criminals, deserving to he pun
ished tinder its piovisions, Imve been rescued
hy legal subtilities, it ought to lie made so plain,
hy amendatory provisions, ns to baffle tho arts
of perversion, and accomplish the ends of its
original enactment.
In one of the most flagrant cases, the Court
derided dint llm prosecution was barred by the
statute which limits prosecution for fraud to two
yenrs. In thisc se nil the evidence of fraud,
nml indeed ull knowledge that a fraud had been
committed were in possession of the party ac
t-used, until after the two years hntl elapsed.—
Surely the statute ought not to run in favor of
any man|while he retains all the evidences of his
crimes in liis own possession; and least of all in
favor of spuhlic officer,who continues todefraud
tlie Treasury and eont-eal ihntrnnenrtionfnr the
brief term of two years. I would therefore re
commend such an alteration of the luw as will
give the injured party nnd the Government two
years after the disclosure of the fraud, or after
dient. All feel thut it hns been employed at
the expense of harmony, in the legislative
councils.
To avoid these evils, it appears to me that
the most safe, just, and federal disposition
which could he made of the surplus revenue,
would lie its apportionment milling the sever
al states according to their ratio of repre
sentation ; and should this measure not he
found warranted by the Constitution, that it
would lie expedient to propose to tin; States
an nincndinent authorising it. I regard hii
appeal lu the source of power, in cases of
real doubt, and where its exercise is deemed
indispensable to the general welfare, as ti
nning the most sacred of all our obligations.
Upon this country, more than nny other, Inis,
in the providence of God, been cast the spe
cial guardiunsliip of the great principle of
adherence to written constitutions. If it
fall here, all hope in regard to it will lie ex
tinguished. That this was intended to he a
Government of limited ami specific, nnd not
general powers, must lie admitted by nil ; and
it is our duty to preserve for it the character
intended hy its framers. If experience points
out the necessity for an enlargement of these
powers, let us apply for it to those for whose
benefit it is to lie exercised ; and not under
mine the whole system hy n resort to over
strained constructions. I'he scheme has
worked well. It lias exceeded the hopes of
those who devised it, and become an object
of admiration to the world. We. art; re
sponsible to our country, nitd to the glorious
cause of self government, for the preserva
tion of so great a good. The great njnss of
!“nislulion relating to our iti'ernal affairs, was
intcndv.ll to ho left where the Federal Con
vention found it—in tin’ State Government*.
Nothing is clearer, in my view, than tii.it we
are chiefly indebted for the success of the
Constitution under which we nrc now acting,
to the watchful nnd auxiliary operation of
the state authorities. This is not the re
flection of a day, but belongs to the most
deeply rooted convictions of my ntind. I
cannot, therefore, too strongly or too earnest
ly, for my own sense nl its importance, warn
you against nil encroachments upon thu legi
timate sphere, of state sovereignty. Hus-
taint'll by its healthful nnd invigorating in
fluence, the Federal system can never fall.
In the collection of the revenue, the long
credits authorised on goods imported from
beyond the Cape of Good Hope are the chief
cause of the losses at present sustained. If
these were shortened to six, nine, nnd twelve
months, and warehouses provided by Gov
ernment, sufficient to receive the goad* offer
ed in ih posite for security and for debenture;
nnd if the right of the United States to a
priorityof payment ant of the estates of its