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iii••tri.tiilv gaiiicd our c .ur.cll-, li; rcci-,
arncatcd. n just anu satisfactory Arrangement mat’
S»t expected*’ ft in proper. however, t.i remark
such a result can lie pextimcd.
}t was anticipated, at an early sfage, that tlie
con test between Spain ami the colonies would !)r-
Vomo highly interesting to the UlStntcs. It was mt-
tnral that our citizens should sympathise in events
Which nflV-i'ted their neighbors, It seemed proba
ble, also, that the prosecution of the conflict along
our coast.and in contigumis countties,would occa
sionally interrupt ottr commerce, and otherwise
effect the persons and property of our citizens.
Thusewrtlicipations have been realised. Such in
juries have been received from persons acting un
der tho authority of both the parties, and lor
which redress has, in most instances been with
held. Thi ■ougli every sis e of the conflict the U
states have maintained all impartial neutrality,
giving aid to neither of the parties in men, money,
ships, oi eounitions of war. They have regardad
the contest, not in the light of an ordinary insur
rection 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 everv article, the fruit of our soil, or tif the
industry tiF nor citizens, which either was permit-
rted to take, has been equally free to the other,
'rthonld the colonies establish their independence,
it is proper now to state, that this governmeipt
neither seeks, nor would accept, from them anv
advantage, in commerce or otherwise, which will
nut be equally open to all other nations. The co
Ionics will, in that event, become iudependen
states, free from any obligation to, or connection
with, us, which it may not then be theic interest
ta form on the basis of a fair reciprocity.
Iii the summer tif the present year an expedi
tion was set on foot against East-r lorida, by per
sons claiming to act under the authority of some
of the colonies, who took possession of Amelia
Island, at the mouth of the St. Mary’s river, near
thcubmindary of the state of Georgia. As this
province lies eastward of the Mississippi, and is
bounded by the U. States and the ocean on every
aide, and has been a subject of negotiation with
tiie government of Spain, as an indemnity for loss
es by spoliation, or in exchange for territory of e-
quivi value westward of the Mississippi, a fact
well known to the World, it excited surprise that
any countenance should be given to this measure
by any of the colonies. As it would be difficult
fo reconcile it with the friendly relations existing
between the United Slates and the colonies, a
doubt was entertained whether it had been author
ised by them, or any of them. This doubt has
guineil strength by the circumstances which have
unfolded themselves in the prosecution of the en
terprise, which have marked it as a mere private
unauthorised adventure. Projected • and com
mence*! with an incompetent force, relianceseems
to have been placed on what might be drawn, in
defiance of oar laws, ft om within our limits ; and
-<,f late, as their resources have tailed, it -has as
sumed a more marked character of unfriendliness
to us. the island being made a channel for the illi
cit introduction of slaves from Africa into the U.
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 earlier
period, by persons of the same description, in the
-Oulph <jf Mexico, at a place called tialveztou,
within the limits xlf 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
-characterised the other, and more particularly by
the equipment of privateers which have annoyed
our commerce, and by smuggling. Theso estab
lishments, if ever sanctioned by any authority
whatever, which is not believed, have abused their
trust, and Gwfeited all claim to consideration. A
just regard forthe rights and interests of the U.
'Ptatcs required that they should be suppressed ;
and orders have accordingly issued to that effect.
The imperious considerations which produced this
measure will be explained ta the parties whom it
may, jn 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 aide, of our friendly disposition, so lar
as it may- contort with an impartial neutrality;
• and tosecure proper respect to our commerce in
-every port, ruid from every flag, it has been
thought properto 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
Jhe existing authorities, with those in the posses
sion of, and exercising the sovereignty, must the
• communication be held ; from them alone cau re-
dressffor past injuries, committed by persons act
ing under them, be obtained ; by them alone can
the commission of die like, in future, be pre
vented. *
Our -.elation* with the other powers of Europe
have experienced no essential change since tlie
last session. In our intercourse with each, due
attention con tinur - to be paid to the protection el
our commerce, and to every other object in v/Hich
the United StatM an? interested. A strong hope
is entertained, that,toy aliening to the maxims
of a just, a candid anil drib "dly policy, we may
long preserve amicable relatv 1 ’*' 3 with all the pow
ers of Europe, on conditions advantageous aud
honorable to our country.
With the Barbary states and tlie’ Indian tribes
our ,pacific relations have been preserved.
In.calling your attention to the internal cpn-
•cernsof our country, the view which they exhibit
is peculiarly gratifying. The paymeuts whiei.'
have been made into the treasury show-the very
■productive state of the public revenue. After sa
tisfying the appropriations made by law for the
support of the civil government, and of the milita
ry and naval establishments, embracing Suitable
provision for fortifications and lor the gradual in
crease uf-thenavy, paying the interest of the pub- 1
lie debt, and extinguishing mere than e : ghteen
millions of (he p« moipul, within the. present year,
it is estimated that a balance of more than six
million of dollars will remain in the treasury on
the first day of January, applicable to the current
service of the ensuing year.
The jiayni.u.tsTnlu the treafurv during tlra year J .hese and other obvious ca-j*e’, rnr.y hcDCtifbr-
one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, mi ac
count of imposts and tonnage, resulting princi-
uulies which have accrued in the pre
sent year, may be fail ly* estimated at twenty
millions of dollars ; intern id revenues, at two
iiiillioris five hundred thousand ; public lands at
one million five hundred thousand ; bank divi
dends and incidental receipts, at live hundred,
thousand ; making, in the whole, twenty-four
millions and five hundred thousand dollars.
The annual permanent expenditure forthe sup
port of the civil governruu'vt, aud of the army and
navy, ns now established by law, amounts to
veu millions eight hundred thousand dollars; and
for tlie sinking fund, to ten millions ; m.ikin
the whole twenty-one inillious eight hundredthou
sand dollars ; leaving au annual excess of reve
nue beyond the expenditure of two millions se
ven hundicd thousand dollars, exclusive of the
balance estimated to be in the trcasuiy on the first
(Lav of January, 1818.
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 he annually about five
millions of the sinking fund unexpended, until 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’ treasu
ry notes, will be ledeemable.
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-thosc lands will annually
add to the public revenue the sum o.f one million
live hundred thousand'dollars, making the per
manent annual revenue amount to twenty-six mil
lions of dollars, ami leaving an annual excess of
revenue, after the year one thousand eight hun-
lred and nineteen; beyond the permanent author
wafd be expected. The difficulties attend in
eariy emigrations, w.ll he dissipated even in tin
most remote parts. Several new states have
be"ii admitted into our union, to the "cat and
South, and territorial governments, happily or
gonizeil, establi lied over every other portion in
which there is vacant land for sale. In termina
ting Indian hostilities, as must soon be done, in
a foi iuntablc shape at least, tlie emigration winch
lias heretofore keen gi eaf will probably cncrease,
anil the demand for land, and the augmentation in
its value, be in like proportion. I lie great in
crease df our population throughout tlie Union
will alone produce an important effect, and in no
quarter will it tie so sensibly felt as in thoie m
contemplation. Tlie public lands arc a public
stock Which ought to be disposed of to the best ad
vantage forthe nation. The nation should, there
forp derive the profit proceeding from the conti
nual rise in their value. Every encouragement
should be given to the emigrants, consistent with
a fair competition between them, but that compe'
tition should operate, in the first sale, to tlie ad
vantage (if the nation rather than of individuals
(Trent capitalists will derive all the benefits inci
dent to their superior wealth, under any mode of
sale which may be adopted. But it, looking for
ward to the risc'in the value of public lands, they
should have the opportunity of amassing, at a low
price, vast bodies in their hands, tlie profit will
accrue to them,and not to the public. They would
also have the power, in that degree, lo control
the emigration and settlement in such a. manner
as their opinion of their interests might dictate
I submit this subject to the consideration ol Con
gress, that'sUch further provision may be made in
the sale of the public lands, with a view to the
public interest; should any be deemed expedient
as in their judgment may be best adapted to the
object.
iVhcn wc consider the vast extent of territory
within tlie United States, the great amount and
iseil expenditure, of more than four millions oi l value of its productions, the connection of its
dollars. .parts and other circumstances, on which their
By-the last returns from the Department ol prosperity and happiness depend, we cannot Tail
lngli sense of the advantage to
War,-the militia force of the several states may
be estimated at eight hundred thousand men, in
fantry, artillery anil cavalry. Great part of this
force is armed, and measures are taken to arm
the whole. An improvement in the organization
and discipline of the militia, is one of the great
objects which claim the unremitted attention of
Congress.
The regular force amounts nearly to the num
ber required by law, and is stationed along the
Atlantic ami inland frontiers.
Or-tlie naval force, it has been necessary to
maintain strong squadrons in the Mediterranean
and in the gulf of Mexico.
From several of the Indian tribes inhabiting the
country bordering on Lake Erie, purchases nave
been made of lands, on conditions veiy favorable
to the United States, and, it is presumed, not less
so to the tribes themselves. By these purchases,
the Indian title, with moderate reservations has
been extinguished to the whole of the laud within
the limits ot the state of Ohio, and to a great part
of-that in the Michigan territory, 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 Mississippi, a great part, if not
the whole of the land belonging to that tribe, east
ward of that river, in the states of Nortli-Carolina
to entertain a ^
be derived from the facility which may be
afibrt'.cC in the Intercourse between them, by the
means-of good roads and canals. Never did a
country of such vast extent offer equal induce
ments to improvements of this kind, nor ever
were consequences of sacli magnitude involved in
them. As this subject was acted on by congress
at the last session, and there may be a disposi
tion to revive it at tlie present, I have brought it
into view, for the purpuse of communicating iny
sentiments on a very important circumstance
connected with it, with that freedom and candor
which a regard for tlie public interest, and a pro
per rerpect for Congress, require. A difference
of opinion has existed, from the first formation of
our constitution to the present time, among our
most enlightened and virtuous citizens, respec
ting the right of Congress to establish such a sys
tem of improvement. Takiug into view the trust
with which I am now honored, it would be impro
per, after what has passed, that this discussion
should be revived, with an uncertainty of my o-
piuion respecting the right. Disregarding early
impressions, 1 have bestowed on the subject all the
deliberation which its great importance, and
a just sense of my duty, required—and the result
is, a settled conviction in my mind, that Congress
do not possess the right. It is not contained iu
vergsicnt, and tlie spirit in which it was cum-
meiited and has been prosecuted, shew that such
improvement was thought worthy the attention of
this nation. Its central position, between tlie
northern anil southern extremes of our union, and
its approach to the went, at the head of a great na.
vigable river, which interlocks with the western
waters, prove the wisdom of the councils which
established it.
Nothing appears to he more reasonable 8c pro.
per, than that convenient accommodations should
be provided,on a well digested plan, for the heads
of the several departments, and for the attorney-
geuoral; and it is believed that tlie public ground
in the city, applied to those objects, will be found
amply sufficient.
In contemplating the happy situation of the U-
nited States, our attention is drawn, with pecul
iar interest, to thesurviving officers and soldiers
of our revolutionary army, who so eminently con
tributed, by their services, to lay its foundation.
Most of those very meritorious citizens have paid
the debt of nature, anil gone to repose. It is be-
lieved’that among the survivors there are some not
provided for bv existing laws, who are reduce*} to
indigence, ami even to real distress. These men
have a claim ou the gratitude of their country,
and it will do honor to their "country to provide
for them. The lapse of a few years more, and
the opportunity will be forever lost: indeed, so
long already has been the interval, that the num
ber to be benefited by any prbvisiun which may
be made, Will not be great.
It appearing in a satisfactory manner that the
revenue arising from imposts and tonnage, and
from the sale of the public lands, will be fully ad
equate to tlie support of the civil government, of
the present military and naval establishments, in
cluding the annual augmentation of the latter, to
the extent provided lor: to the payment of the
interest on the public debt, and to the extinguish
ment of it at tlie times authorised, without the
aid of the internal taxes : I consider it my duty
to reccommend to Congress their repeal. To im
pose taxes, when the public exigencies require
thorn, is an obligation of the most sacred charac
ters especially with a free people. Tlie faithful
fulfilment of it is among tlie i.-ighc3t proofs of
their virtue, and capapity for self-government.—
I*o dispense with taxes, when it may be done
with perfect safety, is equally the duty of their
representatives. In this instance we hive the sat
isfaction to know tliatthey were imposed when the
demand was imperious, and have been sustained
with exemplary fidelity. I have to add,that how ever
gratifying it may be to me, regarding the pros
perous and happy condition of our country, to re
commend the repeal of these taxes at this time, I
shall nevertheless be attentive to events, and,
should any future emergency occur, be not less
prompt to suggest such measures and burthens as
may teien be requisite and proper.
JAMES MONROE.
TVashingtcn City, Dec. 2, 1817.
Georgia and iennessee, and in the Alabama ter- any of the specified powers granted to Congress;
ritory, will soon be acquired. By these acquisi-jnor can I consider it incidental to, or a necessary
tions, and others, that may reasonably he expect- : mean, viewed on tin; most liberal scale, for carry*
ed soon Uo lollow, we shall be enabled to extend ingunto effect any of the powers which are xpect-
our settlements from the inhabited partsi of the! fically granted. In communicating this result, I
state of Ohio, along lake Erie, into the Michigan
territory, ami to connect our settlements by de
grees, through the state of Indiana and the Illi-
cannot resist the obligation which I feel to sug
gest to Congress tlie propriety of recommending
to the states the adoption of an amendment to the
nois territory, to that of Missoni i. A similar and i constitution, which shall give to Congress the
equally advantageous ett'ect will soon be produced right-ia question. In cases of doubtful construc-
to the south, through the whole extent of the tion, especially of such vital interest, it comports
STATE LEGISLATURE.
states and territory, which border on the waters
emptying into the Mississippi and the Mobile.—
In tins progress, which the rights of nature de
mand. and notuingcau prevent, marking a growth
rapid and gigantic, it is our duty to make new
cllorts for the preservation, improvement, and ci
vilization of the native inhabitants. The hunter
state can exist only in the vast, uncultivated de
sert. ft yields to tha more dense and compact
form, and greater force, of civilized population;
and of right it ouglrt to yield, for the earth was
given to mankind to support the greatest number
of which ft is capable, ami no tribe or people have
a right to withhold from the wants of others more
than it is necessary for theirown support and com
fort. It is gratifying to know that the reserva
tions of land made by the treaties with the tribes
on lake Erie, were made with a view to individu
al ownership among them, and to the cultivation
of the soil by all, and that an annual stipend has
been pledged to supply their other wants. It
will merit the consideration of Congress, whether
other provision, not stipulated by tlie treaty, and
for the advancement of the liberal and humane
policy of the United States'towards all the tribes
within gur limits, and more particularly fur their
improvement in tlie arts of civilized iilc.
Among the advantages incident to these purchases
and to those which have preceded, the security
which may thereby be affured to our inland fron
tiers, is peculiarly important. With a strong
barrier, consisting of our own people, thus plant
ed on the lakes, the Mississippi aud the Mobile,
with the protection to be derived from the'regular
force, Indian hostilities, if they do not altogether
cease, will henceforth lose their terror. Forti
fications in those quarters, to any extent, will not
be necessary, ami tlie expense attending them
may be saved. A people accustomed to the use
0k * Jirr. arms only, as tlie Indian tribes are, will
sliu.u even moderate works, which are defended by
caum.' 11 - Great fortifications will, therefore, be
requisite <«dy> future, along tha coast, aud at
some points in the interior, connected with it-—
On these v.'Ul the safety of our towns, aud the
commerce of o'tr great rivers, from the bay of Fun-
dy to the Mississippi depend. On these, there
fore, should the utmost attention, skill,and labor
be bestowed.
A considerable and rapid augmentation in the
alue of a’l the •■public lands; proceeding from
with the nature and origin of our institutions, and
will contribute much to -preserve them, to ap
ply to our constituents for an explicit grant of
the power. We may confidently rely, that if it
appears to their satisfaction, that the power is ne
cessary, it will always be granted. In this case I
am happy to observe, that experience has afforded
the most ample proof of its utility, and that the be
nign spirit ol conciliation and harmony which now
manifests itself throughout our uuiou promises tu
such a recommendation the most prompt aud fa
vorable result. 1 think proper to suggest, also,
in case this measure is adopted, that it be recom
mended to the states to include, in tlie amend
ment sought, a right in Congress to institute like
wise, seminaries of learning, for the ail-impor
tant purpose of diffusing knowledge among our
fellow-citizens throughout the United States.
Our manufactories will require the continued
attention of Congress. The capital employed in
t.kcui is considerable, and the knowledge acquired
in tlie machinery aril fabric of all the most useful
manufactures is of great value. Their preserva
tion, which depends on due encouragement, is
connected with the high interests of the nation.
Although the progress of the pnblic buildings
lias been as favorable as circumstances liavs per
mitted, it is to be regretted that the Capitol is
not yet in a state to receive you. Thera is good
cause to presume tli.it the two wings, tlie only
part ns yet commenced, will l»c prepared for that
purpose at the next session. Thu time seems
now to have arrived, when this subject nmy be
deemed worthy the attention of Congress, on a
scale adequate to national purposes, The com
pletion ol the middle building will be necessary
to the convenient accommodation of Congress,
of the committees, aud various offices belonging to
it. It is evident that the other public buildings
are albi^ethcr Insufficient for the accommodation
of the several executive departments, some of
whom are much crowded, ana even subjected to
the necessity #1' obtaining it in private buildings,
at some distance from foe head of the department
and with incauvenience to tlie management of the
public business. Most nations have f -kou au in
terest ami a pride in the improvement ami orna
ment of their metropolis, and none were inor-
conspicuous iu‘that respect than the ancientte-
publics. The policy which dictated tlie establish
ment of a permanent residence for the national go-
[In tho proceedings of the Senate of Monday
Dec. 1, wa inserted, incorrectly, the report made
by Mr. E. Harden concerning the salaries of the
public officers of this state, instead of the follow
ing report introduced by Mr. Henley/]
Mr. Henley from the joint committee appoint
ed to visit the Penitentiary and examine the con
cerns of that institution, Report, That the finan
cial concerns of tlie penitentiary have been laid be
fore them, commencing on the 17th of April, in
the year 1817, and ending on the 31st of October,
in the same year ; which exhibits a distinct view
ot the Expenditures and receipts thereof—an ab
stract of which is herewith respecfully submitted.
“ The Inspectors of the Penitentiary, in whom
tlie power is given to make such rules and regu
lations as may from time to time be deemed ne
cessary to regulate the internal police of the insti
tution, reported to this committee, That they bad
no other for the internal government of the pen
itentiary, than those provided by law, widen in
their opinion is sufficent to answer the present
B 'xe. The rales which were adopted by the
ature for the government of that institution,
ai.iticipates the completion of the building; but
its present unsafe situation, requires more rigid
rules tu iusare the safety of the convicts, and as
the power is given the Inspectors to adopt such
rules, it is recommended, that the Inspectors
do adopt and reform such rules as will secure the
prisoners of the penitentiary.
As the safety of the convicts at thisvtime de
pends upon the strength of the guard, and it is to
be presumed that the number of convicts will be
increased before the building and wall of safety
can be completed, and tlie want of a sufficient
guard endangers the security of the prisoners, and
as the present number of the guard is too small to
secure the safety of the convicts: It is recom
mended to increase tlie pay of the guard of safety,
by which means the number required will be ob
tained and the prisoners thereby secured.
The present regulation and punishment of the
guard and officers for misconduct and neglect of
duty and their discharge, is in distinct and sepa
rate powers.—The privates for misconduct are
to receive their discharge from the inspectors, and
the officers from the governor ; but the trial in
either case is to lie before a court martial, compo
sed of militia officers called together by the gov
ernor, which court has power ta punish by con
finement in the penitentiary, which trial seems to
be complex, tardy, and uncertain. If a more
speedy and certain trial for neglect of duty of the
gnard, or misconduct of the officers can be obtain
ed, the character of tire institution will be better
preserved—and, as it is the duty of two of .the in
spectors to be daily visitors of the penitentiary*
they will be more immediately conversant with
their conduct: It is therefore thoughttnostadvis
able for the board of inspectors ta be clhtlied with
the power in future to try and investigate the con
duct of the officers and guard, and punish m.y ol-
fcnco committed by eititer.
It is made the duty of the inspectors to dispose
of and direct the financial concerns o f the peniten
tiary, to investigate the proceedings ot’ the officers
and conduct of the convicts, and report the same
Vi the governor—-and, as it is made the duty of