Newspaper Page Text
Columbian jHuocmn,
.1.Y1)
SAVANNAH GAZETTE.
* ■
HOSTED AM 0 PUBLISHED OS THE BAY, Hr
MICHAEL J KAPPEL, & CO.
*
4 TV"nsi....DAii.i paper.)..§>B payable in advance.
corsTh# I‘apeh, issued on Tuesday, Thursday,
nd Sdfnrday, (containing all the news and new
advertisements of the daily paper) §5 per an-,
num —pay aide in ad\ ance:
SAVjWX.HI,
TBIJIISDA V MORNING, J)ec. 11,
trr—rs,7a ■ , ‘
No papa s north oj Charleston by last night’s mail.
It is generally believed, or rather public re
port says, that Saturday next the loth inst. is
the day (.itched upon for the purpose of taking’
possessi<iu of Amelia by the American forces,
which art numerously assembling for the pur
pose.
Negro*. —A Guineaman with 124 negroes on
board, prize to the patriot brig Morgiana, arriv
ed at St. Clary’s on the night of the 30th Novem
ber—she is detained by the United States’ Gun-
Jloaf, Ni. 168.
A large amount of property imported from
Amelia, was seized by the U. S. at st. Marys on
the 4th inst.
In consequence of the papers which contain
ed the president’s message being detained in
the post-office here, till after our paper of y
terday ntorning was put to press, we are under
the necessity of presenting important do
cument to our readers at this late hour.
From V-.e National Intelligencer of Fleer. 2.
The Congress met yesterday, under auspices
as favorable, political and personal, as could be
wished by the most sanguine friend to the na
tional interests and the harmony of intercourse.
The attendance in both houses was unusually
full, and all the members appear to bring health
with them. The elections in the house of re
presentatives were characterized by an unpre
cedented unanimity, highly flattering, in partic
ular, to the speaker and clerk.
CONGRESS.
In Senate, Pec. 1. At 12 o’clock, Mr. Gail
lard (the president protempore at the time the
Senate last adjourned) took the chair.
On calling over the list of senators, it appear
ed that 23 were present.
Tbe.new members present having been qual
ified (with the exception of the senators from
Mississippi, which state is not yet recognized
by the congress) the usual rules of proceeding
and arrangement were adopted. A committee
was appointed to wait on the president, jointly
with such committee as the other house should
appoint. Asia the senate adjourned.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
The house was called to order by the clerk of
the last congress, (Thomas Dougherty) and, on
calling over the roll of representatives, it ap
peared that a large majority of the members
were present.
The house then proceeded to the choice of a
speaker. On counting the votes, it appeared
that of 147 votes given in, there were for Henry
Clay 140 ; for Samuel Smith 6 ; blank I—so1 —so that
mr Clay was duly elected speaker; and, being
conducted to the chair, the usual oath was ad
ministered to him bv mr. Hassett.
The*members having been severally qualified
bv taking the oath to support the constitution,
the house proceeded to elect a clerk. I homas
Dougherty was accordingly re-elected, without
opposition.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE.
Ftom the .National Intelligencer Fi'/i'u, 2<l instant.
‘I bis dav at 12 o’clock, the President of the
United States transmitted, to both houses of con
gress, the following message by mr. Joseph
JarcF.s Monroe, his secretary.
Fellovr Citizens of the Senate,
and of the ffortse of Representatives :
At no period of oi. : political existence had we
so much cause to ft heiate ourselves at the pros
perous and happy condition of our country. The
abundant fruits of the earth have filled it with
plenty. An extensive and profitable commerce
’ j.as greatly augmented our revenue. The public
credit has attained an extraordinary elevation
Our prepara; ions for defence, in case of future
w ars, from which, by the experience of all na
tions, we ought not to expect to be exempted,
are advancing, under a well digested system,
vc i’h all the dispatch which so important a work
will admit. Our free government, founded on
the interest and affections of the people, has
gained, and . > daily gaining, strength. Local
iealousi s are r ipidK yielding to more generous
. nlarged and enlightened views of natural policy
JVr advantages so numerous, and highly impor
tant, it i, onrdnty to unite in gvut -fill Acknowl
edgments to tlint omnipotent Being, from whom j
t!u\ are derived, and in unceasing prater, that I
He will endow • s wuh virtue and strength
maintain and hand then, do.vn, in their utmost
purity, *o our bu * posterity
lb, i die s i j irtion to uform you, that an
nri'. ii) n •-lit, v. hi h lud b< en cur mrn dh I
r, villi the Urn. it gov, riant ntf
forth’ mini unit of the nut ,1 fiio, h Great I
llri uin uml the li, ■<i Man , oti tin ld<s, lu*<
lx ti < i.i.i dyd"d . b) v hUhlt'* JtJO'i'i* I. that |
neither party shall keep in service on lake Chufii
plain more than one vessel; on lake Ontario,
more than one ; and on lake Erie, and the upper
lakes, more than two : to be armed, each, with
one cannon only ; and that all the other armed
vessels, of both parties, of which an exact list is
interchanged, shall be dismantled. It is also
agreed, that the force retained shall be rest rict
ed, in its duty, to the internal purposes of each
party ; and that the arrangement shall remain in
force until six months shall have expired, after
notice given by on,e of the parties to the other of
its desire that it should terminate. By this ar
rangement, useless expense, on both sides, and,
j what is of still greater importance, the danger of
I collision, between armed vessels, in those inland
waters, which was great, is prevented.
I have the satisfaction also to state, that the
commissioners, under the fourth article of the
treaty of Ghent, to whom it was referred to de
cide, to which party the several islands in the
bay of Passamaquoddy belonged under the treaty
of one thousand seven hundrafoiml eighty-three,
have agreed in a report, by which aHfethe islands
in the possession of each party before the late
war have been decreed to it. Tne commission
ers acting under the other articles of the treaty
of Ghent, for the settlement of boundaries, have
also been engaged in the discharge of their re
spective dutiesy but have not yet completed
them. The difference which arose between the
two governments under that treaty, respecting
the rights of the United Stat es to take and cure
fish on the coast of the British provinces, north
of our limits, which had been secured by the
treaty of one thousand seven hundred and eighty
three, is still in negociation. The preposition
made by this government, to extend to the col
onies of Great Britain the principle of the con
vention of London, by which the commerce be
tween the ports of the United States and British
ports in Europe had been placed on a footing of
equality, has been declined by the British gov
ernment. This subject having heen thus amica
bly discussed between the two governments,and
it appearing that the British government is un
willing to depart from its present regulations, it
remains for congress to decide, whether they
will make any other regulations, in consequence
thereof, for the protection and improvement of
our navigation.
The negociation with Spain, for spoliations on
our commerce, and the settlement of bounda
ries, remains, essentially, in tbe state it held, by
the communications that were made to congress
by my predecessor. It has been evidently the
policy of the Spanish government to keep the
negociation suspended, and in this the U. States
have acquiesced, from an amiable disposition
towards Spain, and in the expectation that her
government would, from a sense of justice, final
ly accede to such an arrangement as would be
equal between the parties. A disposition has
been lately shewn by the Spanish government
to move in the negociation, which has been met
by this government, and, should the conciliatory
and friendly policy, which has invariably guided
our councils, be reciprocated, a just and satis
factory arrangement may be expected. It is
proper, however, to remark, that, no pioposi
tion has yet been made from which such a re
sult can be presumed.
It was anticipated, at an early stage, that the
contest between Spain and the colonies would
become highly interesting to the United States.
It was natural that our citizens should sympathise
in events which affected their neighbors. It
seemed probable, also, that the prosecution of
the conflict, along our coast, and in contiguous
countries, would occasionally interrupt our com
merce, and otherwise affect the persons and
property of our citizens. These anticipations
have been realized. Such injuries have been
received from persons acting under the authority
of both the parties, and for which redress has, in
most instances, been withheld. Through every
stage of the conflict, the United States have
maintained an impartial neutrality, giving aid to
neither of the parties in men, money, ships or
munitions of war They have regarded the con
test, not in the light of an ordinary insurrection or
rebellion, but as a civil war between parties
nearly equal, having, as to neutral powers, equal
rights. Our ports have been open to both, and
every article, the fruit of our soil, or of the in
dustry of our citizens, which either w as permit
ted to take, has been* equally free to the other.
Should the colonies establish their independence,
it is proper now to state, that this government
neither seeks, nor would accept, from them any
advantage, in comn erce or otherwise, which
will not be equally open to all other nations. The
colonies will, in that event, become independent
states, free from any obligation to, or connexion
with, us, v Inch it may not then be their interest
to form on the basis of a fair reciprocity.
In the summer of the present year, an expe
dition was set on foot against East-Florida, by
persons claiming to act under the authority of
some of the colonies, who took possession of A
inclia Island, at the mouth of the st. Mary’s riv
er, near the boundary of the state of Georgia.
As this province lies eastward of the Mississippi,
and is bounded by the United States and the
occ in on every side, and has been a subject of
negotiation with the government of Spain, as an
indemnity for losses by spoliation, or in exchange
for territory, of equal value, westward of the
Mississippi, a fact well known to the world, it
excited surprise, that any countenance should
he given to this measure by any of the colonies.
As it would he difficult to reconcile it with the
i friendly relations existing between the United
Sta'es and the colonies, n doubt wns entertained
\v hetht r it had been smtltoi ‘zed by them, or anv
<il tin-in. Tins doubt has gain’ and strength, I>v the
i.iiriniixtaner* wliiih have unfolded themselves
in the prose’ niouofthe enterprise, which have
mark'd u u iiutc private, unauthorised ad
venturin’ I'rojei it and and roinmeuced with an in
competent force, reltaiwv seems to have been
|/l iCell Ul| vital might lie ill 10 11, 111 I fell Alice 111 j
our la > Lorn v uJjin mu l.nuUj sit'J of U’ e, is j
their resources have failed, it has assumed a
more marked character of unfriendliness to us ;
the island being made a channel for the illicit in
troduction of slaves from Africa into the United
States, an asylum for fugitive slaves from the
neighboring states, and a port for smuggling of
every kind.
A similar establishment was made, at an earli
er period, by persons of the same description in
the Gulf of Mexico, at a place called Galvczton,
within the limits of the United States, as we con
tend, under the cession of Louisiana. This en
terprise has been marked, in a more signal man
ner, by all the objectionable circumstances
which characterized thejothcr, and more particu
larly by the equipment of privateers which have
annoyed our commerce, and by smuggling.—
These establishments, if ever sanctioned by any
authority whatever, which is not believed, have
abused their trust, and forfeited all claim to con
sideration. A just regard for the rights and in
terests of the United States required that they
should be suppressed, and orders have been ac
cordingly issued to that effect. The imperious
considerations which produced this measure will
be explained to the paries whom it may, in any
degree, concern.
To obtain correct information on every subject
in which the United States are interested ; to in
spire just sentiments in all persons in authority,
on either side, of our friendly disposition, so far
as it may comport with an impartial neutrality ;
and to secure proper respect to our commerce
in every port, and from every flag, it has been
thought proper to send a ship of war, with three
distinguished citizens, along the southern coast,
with instruction to touch at such ports as they
may find most expedient for these purposes.—
With the existing authorities, with those in the
possession of, and exercising the sovereignty,
must the communication beheld; from them
alone can redress for past injuries, committed
by persons acting under them, be obtained; by
them alone can the commission of the like, in
future, be prevented.
Our relations with the other powers of Europe
h?ve experienced no essential change since the
last session. In our intercourse with each, due
attention continues to be paid to the protection
of our commerce, and to every other object in
which the U. States are interested. A strong
hope is entertained, that by adhering to the
maxims of a just, a candid, and friendly policy,
we may long preserve amicable relations with
all the powers of Europe, on conditions advanta
geous and honorable to our country.
h ith the Barbary states and the Indian tribes
our pacific relations have been preserved.
In calling your attention to the internal con
cerns of our country, the view which they exhi
bit is peculiarly gratifying. The payments which
have been made into the treasury show the very
productive state of the public revenue. After
satisiy ing the appropriations made by law for the
support of the civil government, and of the mil
itary and naval establishments, embracing suita
ble provision for fortifications and for the grad
ual increase of- the nkvy, paying the interest of
the public debt, and extinguishing more than
eighteen millions of the principal, within the
present year, it is estimated that a balance of
more than six millions of dollars will remain in
the treasury on the first day of January applica
ble to the current service of the ensuingyear.
The payments into the treasury during the
year one thousand eight hundred and seventeen,
on account of imposts and tonnage, resulting
principally from duties which have accrued in
the present year, may be fairly estimated at
twenty millions of dollars; internal revenues, at
two millions five hundred thousand ; public lands
at one million five hundred thousand ; bank di
vidends and incidental receipts, at five hundred
thousand; making in the whole, twenty-four
millions and five hundred thousand dollars.
The annual permanent expenditure for the
support of the civil government, and of the army
and navy, as now established by law, amounts to
eleven millions and eight hundred thousand dol
lars ; and for the sinking fund, to ten millions;
making in the. whole, twenty-one millions and
eight hundred thousand dollars; leaving an an
nual excess of revenue beyond the expenditure,
of two millions and seven hundred thousand dol
lars, exclusive of the balance estimated to be in
the treasury on the first day of January, one thou
sand eight hundred and eighteen.
In the present state of the treasury, the whole
of the Louisiana debt may be redeemed in the
year one thousand eight hundred and nineteen ;
after which, if the public debt continues as it
now is above par, there will be annually about
five millions of the sinkingfund unexpended, un
til the year one thousand eight hundred and
twenty-five, when the loan of one thousand eight
hundred and twelve, and the stock created by
funding treasury notes, will be redeemable.
It is also estimated that the Mississippi stock
will be discharged during the year one thousand
eight hundred and nineteen, from the proceeds
of the public lands assigned to that object, after
which the receipts from those lands will annu
ally add to the public revenue the sum of one
million five hundred thousand dollars, making
the permanent animal revenue amount to twen
ty-six millions of dollars, and leaving an annual
excess of revenue, after the year one thousand
eight hundred and nineteen, beyond the perma
nent authorised expenditure, of more than four
millions of dollars.
By the list returns from the Department of
War, the militia force of the several states may
lie estimated at eight hundred thousand men,
infantry, artillery and < avalry. (treat part of this
three is armed, and measures are taken to arm
the whole. An improvement in the organiza
tion ami discipliu of the militia, is on# of the
gn at objects which claim the unrcniiUed Atten
tion of ooiq rt'S*.
‘I lie regular force amounts nearly to the num
ber r> |ii in <1 h\ law, and i*. stationed along the j
Atlantic ml inland frontier
Gs the naval force it has been necessary to I
maintain strong squadrons in the Mediterranean
and in the gulf of -Mexico.
l'rom several oftlie Indian tribes, inhabiting
the country bordering on Lake Erie, purchases
have been made of lands, on conditions very fa
vorable to the United States, and, us it is presu
med, not less so to the tribes themselves. By
these purchases the Indian title, witlF moderate
reservations, has been extinguished, to the whole
of the land within the limits of the state of Ohio,
and to a great part of that in the Michigan terri
tory, and of the state of Indiana. From the
Cherokee tribe a tract has been purchased in
the state of Georgia, and an arrangement made,
by which, in exchange for lands beyond the Mis
sissippi, a great part, if not the whole of the
iand belonging to that tribe, eastward of that
river, in the states of North-Curolina, Georgia
and Tennessee, and in the Alabama territory,
will soon be acquired. By these acquisitions,
and others that may reasonably be expected
soon to follow, we shall be enabled to extend
our settlements from the inhabited parts ol the
state of Ohio, along Lake Erie inlathe Michigan
territory, and to connect our settlements by de
grees through the state of Indiana and the Illin
ois territory, to that of Missouri. A similar and
equally advantageous effect will soon lie produ
ced to the south, through the whole extent of
the states and territory which border on the wa
ters emptying into the Mississippi and the Mo
bile. In this progress, which the rights of na
ture demand, and nothing can prevent^marking
a growth rapid and gigantic, it is our duty to
make new efforts for the preservation, improve
ment and civilization of the native inhabitants.
The hunter state can exist only in the vast, un
cultivated desart. It yields to the more dense
and compact form, and greater force, of civilized
population ; and of right it ought to yield, for the
earth was given to mankind to support the great
est number of which it is capable, and no tribe
or people have a right to withhold from the wants
of others more than is necessary for th&ir own
support and comfort. It is gratify ing to know,
that the reservations of land made by the trea
ties with the tribes on Lake Erie, were made
with a view to individual ownership among
them, and to the cultivation of the soil by alj
Sv that an annual stipend has been pledged to sup
ply their other wants. It will merit the consid
eration of congress, whether other provision,
not stipulated by the treaty, ought to be made for
these tribes,and for the advancement oftlie libe
ral and humane policy of tht United States,
towards all the tribes within our limits, and
more particularly for their improvement in the
arts of civilized life.
Among the advantages incident to these pur
chases, and to those which have preceded, the
security which may thereby be afforded to our
inland frontiers is peculiarly important. With a
strong barrier, consisting of our own people tlv.s
planted on the Lakes, the Mississippi and the Mo
bile, with the protection to be derived from the
regular fbree. Indian hostilities, if they do b..-t
altogether cease, will henceforth lose their ter
ror. Fortifications in those qua; vers, to any ex
tent, will not be necessary, and the expense at
tending them may be saved. A people accus
tomed to the use of fire arms only, as the Indian
tribes are, w ill shun even moderate works, which
are defended by cannon. Great fortifications
will, therefore, be requisite only, in future, along
the coast, and at some points in the interior, con
nected with it. On these will the safety of our
towns, and the commerce of our great rivers,
from the bay of Fundytotlie Mississippi, depend.
On these therefore, should the utmost attention,
skill, and labor, be bestowed.
A considerable and rapid augmentation in the
value of all the public lands, proceeding from
these and other obvious causes, may hencefor
ward be expected. Tbe difficulties attending
early emigrations, will lie dissipated even in the
most remote parts. Several new states have
been admitted into our union, to the west and
the south, and territorial governments, hap
pily organized, established over every other por
tion in which there is vacant land for sale. In
terminating Indian hostilities, as must soon be
done, in a formidable shape at least, the emigra
tion, which has heretofore been great, will prob
ably increase, and the demand for land, and the
augmentation in its value, be in like proportion.
The great increase of our population through
out the union will alone produce an important
effect, and in no quarter will it be so sensibly
felt as in those in contemplation. The public
lands are a public stock, which ought to be dis
posed of to the best advantage for the nation.
The nation should, therefore, derive the profit
proceeding from the continual rise in their value:
Every encouragement should be given to emi
grants, consistent with a fair competitio'n be
tween them, but that competition should operate
in the first sale to the advantage of the nation
rather than of individuals. Great capitalists will
derive all the benefit incident to their superior
wealth, under any mode of sale which may he ad
opted. But if, looking forward to the rise in the
value ofthe public lands, they should have the op
portunity of amassing, at a low price, vast bodies
in their hands, the profit will accrue to them, and
not to the public. They would also have the
power, in that degree, to control the emigration
and settlement in such a manner as their opinion
of their respective interests might dictate. I
submit this subject to the consideration of con
gress, that such further provision may be made
in the sale of the public lands, with a view to the
public interest, should tin | 1( , deemed expedient,
as in their judgment may be best adopted to the
object.
When we consider the vast extent of ter
ritory within the U. States, the great am
i mint and value of its productions, the i on- j
nertinn of its parts, and oilier circumstau-i
Ices,on which their prosperity Mid happiness
|depend, tie cannot tail to entertain a high
sense of the advantage to he derived from j
the facility which may be afforded in the
intercourse between them, by means of good
roads and canals. Never did a country of
such vast extent, offer equal inducements
to improvements of this kind nor ever were
consequences of such magnitude involved
in them. As this subject was acted on by
congress at the last session, and there may
be a disposition to revive it at the present,
1 have brought it.into view, for the purpose
of communicating my seutiments on a very
important circumstance connected with it
w ith that freedom & candor which a regard
for the puulic interest, and a proper respect
for congress, require. A difference of opin
ion has existed, from the first formation of
our costitution to time, amoiw
our most enlightened and virtuous citizen?
respecting the right of congress, to establish
such a system of improvement. Taking
into view the trust with which I am now
honored, it would be improper, after what
has passed, that this discussion should be
revived, with an uncertainty of my opinion
respecting the right. Disregarding early
impressions, 1 have bestowed on the sub",
ject all the deliberation which its great im
portance, and a just sense of my duty, re
quired—and the result is, a settled convic
tion in my mind, that congress do not pos.
sess the right. It is not contained in any
of the specified powers granted to congress
—nor can I consider i< inci lental to, or a
necessary mean, viewed on the most liber,
al scale, for carring into effect any of the
powers which are specifically granted. Iu
communicating this result, I car.not resist
the obligation which I feel to suggest to
congress the propriety of recommendingto
the states the adoption of an amendment
to the constitution, which shall give to con
gress the right in question. In cases of
doubtful construction, especially ofsuch vi
tal interest, it comports with the nature
and origin ofour institutions, and will con
tribute much to preserve them, to apply to
our constituents for an explicit grant of t!,e I
power. We may confidently rely, that 1
if it appears to their sal inaction, that the I
power is necessary, it will always be gran-l
ted. In this case I am happy to observe,]
that experience has afforded the most ani-l
pie proof of its utility, and that the. benigal
spirit of conciliation and harmony, which!
now manifests itself throughout our union,l
promises to such a recommendation the!
most prompt and favorable result. 1 think]
proper to suggest also, in case this measure]
is adopted, that it be recommended to the]
states to include, in the amendmfents uug/tfj
a right in congress to institute, likewise,]
seminaries of learning, tor the all import.]
ant purpose of diffusing knowledge among!
our fellow-citizens throughout the United!
States. i
Our manufactories will require the con-1
tinned attention of congress. The capifall
employed in them is considerable, and thel
knowledge acquired in the machinery and!
fabric of all the most useful manufactures, ijl
of a great value. Their preservation, whiclil
depends on & encouragement, is connected!
with the high interests of the nation. I
Although the progress ofthe public buil-l
dings lias been as favorable as circumstan*!
ces have permitted, it is to be regretted that!
the capitol is not yet in a state to receive!
you. There is good cause to presume, that!
the two wings, the only part as yet com*!
menced, will be prepared for that purpose!
at the next session. The time seems notfl
to have arrived, when this subject may kei
deemed worthy the attention of Congress,!
on a scale adequate to national purposes.!
The completion of the middle building “ill!
be necesssary to the convenient accornot*!
dation ot congress, of the committees, anil
various officers belonging to it. It is evil
dent that the other public buildings art!
altogether insufficient for tbe accotninodrß
tionof the several executive departments
some of whom are much crowded, and evf®
subjected to the necessity of obtaining it®
private buildings, at some distance from tsß
bead of the department, and with income®
ience to the management of the public, bus®
ness. Most nations have taken an interestß
and a pride in the improvement and orniß
ment of their metropolis, and none “'tf®
more conspicuous in that respect than tK®
ancient republics. The policy which ® iC 'B
tated t’ne establishment of a permanW®
residence fur the national govern ment,(jß
the spirit in which it was commenced
has been prosecuted, show that suck i>j
provement was thought worthy the attend®*®
of this nation. Its central position, bot*®®*®
the northern and southern extremes ol
union, and its approach to the west, 3 * ~B
Iu ad of a great navigable river, ~,fllinT ®
locks with the western waters, P ron ‘u®
I wridom ofthe councils which establidii’ *■
| Nothing appears to he more readable
proper, than that convenient H
j should be provided, on a well digested |’ L®
; lor the head* of the several tM B
.uul for the attorney-general: a “ w