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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