About The Athenian. (Athens, Ga.) 1827-1832 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 4, 1831)
President’s Message. fcOSCtl’DED.] Aniopir 1 iio objects of ureal national con- ,rr< - corn, I cannot omit to press again upon your attention that part of tlie Constitution which regulates the election of President and Vice President. The necessity for its amendment is made so clear in my mind by the observa tion of its eviN, and by llm many able discus sions which they have elicited on tlie door of Congress and elsewhere, that I should lie » lining to rny duly, tvere I to ivillifiold nire’lh- er evoi Hssion of my denp solicitude upon tlio j s-lijcci. Our system, fortunately mntcm-i lutes a recurrence to first principles; difTerin, in Ibis respect, from all that have preceded it, mid securing it, I trust, equally against the decay and the commotions which have marked tlie progress of oilier governments. Our fel low citizens, too, who ill proportion to their love of liberty, keep a steady eye upon the moans of sustaining it, do not require to be reminded of the duty they owe to themselves, to remedv all essential defects in so vital a part of their system. While tliev are sensi ble that every evil attendant upon its opera tion is not necessarilv indicative of a hail or- ganiza'ion. but mav proceed from temporary its recommendation*. It put* an end to all possible danger ,»l <...lision beiwecn tin- aoiboritic* • I tie* lie* ueral surf Stale lioverruneiHsoii arc -mu of slip Indiana. Il will place a dense and civilized population in large tracts of country now occupied by a lew savage nun- By opening toe whole territory between Tennes see on llm North, and lantisinna on rite Sooth, lo the settlement *>t the whites, it wili ineulcidabli strength* er. iho southwestern frontier, and render the adjacent State strong enough to repel future invasion without re. mote not. It will relieve lire w hole Slate of Mississippi, and the western part of Alabama, of India - occupancy, and enable those Slate* to advance rapidly in popula tion, wealth and power. It will separate the Indian* from immediate contort with settlements of whites; free them from the power of the states; enable them to pursue happiness in their own way, and under llieir own rude institutions; will retard the progress ef de cay, which is lessening their numbers; and perhaps cause them gradually, under the proteetion of the Co- vernne-nt, and through tie- iiiffueiire of g »nd counsels, asi oft llieir savage huhits, and become uu interes- full a manner before a* after the ptrrhase of the Indian IuvmIh : nor can thin Governin' lit add to 01 diminish it. May we not hope, therefore, tl»a« all pond eiuzcnf, and none more z olott.-ft titan 'Iiiifi* who think tin* In* dians oppress* d l»v ction to the laws of the S’at tin*;, civilized, and Christian community. These con sequences, some of them bo certain, and the rest probable, make the complete execution of the pi a sanctioned l»y Congress at their lust acssiun, an object of much solicitude. To A’atd 'he aborigines of the rnuotn no one can in. dulge a more friendly feeling than my-elf, or would go further in attempting to rerluioi them from their wan dering habits, and make tlrnm a happy and prosperous people. I have endeavored to impress upon llnm my own solemn convictions oft hrduties and powers ofthe General Guvernmeul in relation to the State authori. ties. For the justice of the laws passed by the Stales within the scope of their reserved powers, they an- not responsible to this Government. As individuals, we may entertain nno express oor opinions oft heir arts, tmt us a Government, m: have ns lit tic* ri*? lit to control tutu-pa, yet the linhitm.l presence, or even a;'V" *” a " . . , . .' , J r i / l i it | them as we have to prcwrrtbe laws to foreign nut to mi jilt? instance of evils which can ho clearly with a full uuderstandingof the object, the Chon traced to cn organic defect, will lint, 1 trtl^t, j and Chickasaw tribe? have,with great unauiniitv,deter- be overlooked through n too scrupulous vene- Uiincd to avail themselves of the liberal offers presented ration for the work of their ancestors. The Constitution was an experiment committed to the virtue and intelligence of the crest mass of our countrymen, in whose ranks the frn- . c .. . | miv«; infit'iirii niuiiiiiiiiniii: nii-ii iiiiii iiniiijniiv: m tu ttwrH o’ Il themselves wero lo perform the part w ,snlmnttmg t„ it,.- lawn ofthe St»t. of patriotic observation nod scrutiny ; titid if in which i liny now reside. There treaties being probi bv «f,.- art of Congress, ami have attreed in remove (re wind tin- Mississippi uvrr. Treaties have been nnole wilt, tliem, wliicti, in line sr-nsnn, will t»e eohmitted for consideration. In negotiating these treaties, they were made to undresinml llieir true cnnditi-in; and they preferred mainlaining their irnlepend- they Imvo passed from the stage of existence with an increased ennfideneo in Its general nd iptutton to onr enndition, wo should learn from anlhorilv so high, the duty of fortify ing l!te point* in it which time proves to he ex posed. rather than he deterred from approach- tog litem by the suggestions of fear, or the dictate* of misplaced reverence. A provision which does not secure- to the people n direct choice of llieir Chief Magis trate, bill hns n tendency to defeat their wt I, presented In mv mind such an inconsistency -.villi tlie general spirit of onr institutions, that T was induced lo suggest for your considera tion the substitute which appeared to me at the same tilne the most likelv to correct the the evil and lo meet the view* of onr constitu ent*. The most mature reflection since, has added strength In the belief that tlie best interests of our country require the speedv adoption of some plan cn‘minted In eflect this cud. A contingency which sometimes places it in the power of it single member of the House of Representative* to decide nn c lion of so high and solemn it character, is just to the people, nnd become*, when it or- pur*, n source of embarrassment to tlie indi viduals thus brought into power, nnd a cause of distrust of the representative body. I.irthl as the confederacy is, frmn its great extent, to parties founded upon sectional interests, and to n corresponding multiplication of can didates for the Presidency, the tendency of the ctitisliltilinnal reference lo Iho House of Re- prcsenlntives, is. to devolve the election upon that hotly in almost every instance, and, what ever choice mav then be made among the can didate* thus presented lo them, to swell the influence of particular interests to a degree in* cnnsjsinnt with the general good. Tlie ron- peqtienrn* of this leal lire of the Constitution appear farntnre threatening In the pence and in tegrity of the Union than nny which I ran con ceive as likelv to rnsuh from the simple legis lative aclinn of the Federal Uovermuent. It was n loading ohj-rt with the framers of tlte Constitution, to keep a* separate ns possi ble the action of the Legislative and Executive branches of tho Government. To secure this object, nothing is tnorc essential than to pre serve tho former from the temptations of pri vate interest, nnd, therefore, so to dirort the patronage of the latter, ns not to permit sttelt temptation* to he nflered. Experience nbun- d uitlv demonstrates that every precaution in this respect is a valuable safeguard of liberty, and one which mv reflections upon the ten dencies of our Nvstem, mrlitio me to think should he made still stronger. Il was lor tin- reason that, in connexion with nn amendment of the Constitution, removing all intermediate agency in the choice of the President. I re. commended some restriction* upon the re-eli gibility of that ollieer and noon the tenure of office* generally. The reason still exists ; nt.d 1 renew the rernmmendntinn. with an in creased confidence that its adutilinn will strengthen those cheeks by which the Unnsli- tution designed to secure the independence of each department of the Government, nnd nrti- m-ue the healthful nnd eq'-itnhie odiiiiniHtrnhnn of nil the trust* which it tin* created. Tho ngent most likely In contravene tins design of the Constitution is the Chief Magistrate. In order, particularly, that Ins appointment may. a* far a* possible, he placed bevnnd the reach of any improper influence* ; in order that he may npprnnrh the solemn responsibilities of Iho highest office in the gift of a free people, uneonimitlnd to any other course than the strict line of constitutional duty ; and that the securities for this independence may he ren dered a* strung as the nature of power, und the weakness of it* possessor will admit, I can not too carnesllv invite vnur attention to the lily llm InrI which will ever bo matin with I'm characterized by great liberality on the pari of Ihn On. vernment. ' Imy give flic Indians n liberal sum in con- ni(|eriUMiii nftheir removal, and comfortable subsistence on their nrrival tit tlmir new Ii-.iiich. If if bn their real intciest to maintain ii separate existence, they will tlinrn bn at liberty to do no without thn inconveniences nnd vexation* to which tiny would unavoidably have been subject in Alabama nnd Nris-issippi. IliioiA tify has often wept over tlm lain of thn abori gines of this country, philanthropy lias long been busily employed in devising means to uvert it. But its pro gress ituH never lor a moment been ancated, and one by one have many powerful tribes disappeared Iroitt the earth. To follow to the tomb flic last of his race, and to tread on the graves of extinct nations, excites mel ancholy reflections. But true philanthropy reconciles the ntind to these vicissitude?, as it does to the extinc tion of one generation to make room fyr another. In the uouuments and fortresses of at) unknown people, spread ov*r the extensive regions of I lie West, we be hold the memorials of n once powerful race, which wan exturmmait d. or Ins di-nippi-aicd,'«» mak« room for the existing Ravage tribes. N*-r in there any tiling in this, wiiiefi, upon a comprehensive view «,f the genera! inter ests of the human race, is to be regretted. Philanthro py could not wish to nee this continent restored to the condition in mliieh it was found by our forefather*. (Mint good man would prefer a country covered with foresth nnd ranged by n few thousand savages to otir extensive It,-public, studded with cities, towns, nnd prosperous farms; embt llished %% it Ii all the impiove. men* wliielt art ean devise, or industry execute; and occupied i*y more Ilian twelve millions of happv people, and lilKtl with all the blessings of liberty, civilization, and religion The present policy of the Government is hut a con tinuation of the game progressive change, by a milder process The tribes which or copied tin? countries now constituting the Eastern Slates, were anmhi'ated, or have melted away, to make room for the whites, •“he waves of population and civilization are rolling to the westward; and wo now propose to acquire the coun tries occupied by the red men of the South and 'Vest by a fair exchange, and, at the expense of the United States, to send them to a hind where their existence mav be prolonged, and perhaps made perpetual. Doubt- less it will he painful to leave the graves of thcii fathers; but wlui’ do they more than oor ancestors did, or than our ebrdren are wav doing ? To better their condition in an unknown laud, our Ibrclaihcrs left all that was dear i.• earthly objects. Our children, by thousands, yearly have the kind of their birth, to seek new homes m distant regions. Does humanity weep at these pamlul sepa.minus from every thing, animate and in nate, with which the young hear* has become en twined ? Far from it. It is rather a source of joy that »ur country airurds scope where our voting population may range unconstrained in hotly or in mind, develop ing the power und faculties of man in their highest per fection. These remove htuubcds,nnd.ilmost thousand f miles, ut their own expense, purchase the lands the* occupy, ami support themselves at their new- home t ic moment of their umv al. Cun it he cmicI m this Govern ment, when, hv events which it cannot control, the I dnin is made ditM-onteutrd in lus ancient home, to pur chase his lands, to give him a new and extensiv lory, to puv the expenses of his removal, and support him a year in his m w nhndt ? How manv thousands of onr own people would gladly embrace the opportu nity ofn-umvingto vlt« Westmt >urh conditions! If the •*llers imidc iot?’i* I tdians were exiemled lo them, they would he hailed with gratitude slid joy. And is it supposed that the wandering savage hns a stmuger atlaclmie ’t to his home, than the sct'l’d, ci vilized Christian ? Ir it more atliictinp to him o leave thegiavos of his fathers, than it is to our brothers and children ? Itigi 11 y considered, the polio of the Gene. incut towards the r» d man is not only lth< rel httt generous. He is uowiHing to suhrnit to the laws jf the States, and mingle with their population. To save him from this alternative, or perhaps utter annihi lation, the General Government kindly offers him a new horn*, and propose* to pay the w hole expense of hix re moval ami settlement. In the consummation of a policy originating nt an •arly eriod. and steadily pursm d bv every adminis tration within the prevent ccnturwso jest to the States, and so go reruns to the Indians, the Executive it hns a right to expect thee* operation of Coil- , and of all g a*d nnd disinterested men. The State*, mot cover, have a right tu dec<*nd it. It was substantially a part of the compact which made them member* of our eoiift denicy. n uh Georgia, there is *n expr RSCoutrar t; with the m vv Slates, an implied rue of evpiul obligati n. \\ hv, in a tithe, izing O' io,In- h.uitt, Illinois, \li«sonri, Mi«*ishippi and Aluha'iia. to ftirm constitutions, and b.rome s-pn ate Slates, did Congress include within their limits extensive tra< Is of Indian lands, and, in some instance*, powerful Indian tribes? Was it not understood hv belli parties that • h** power of the Slates was to be coextensive with their limits, and that, with allcenvcntr nt despatch, the General Government should extinguish the Indian title, and remove every . bs'rnrti.m to tin complete junsdie- lion «»• the State Government* over the ami ? Prnhnhb not one ot those Stales would have aereptedn separate existence—certoinly it would never have been granted II unite in atteihntiug to open the eyes of those chil dren ofthe f«;refU” th» irtruecondition,and by a removal, to relieve them from the evils, real or imagi nary, present or joce.pective, wilh which the} may be supposed to he threatened. Among the nmne ou- causes of congratulation, the condition of our impost revenue deserves special men tion, in aariiurhas it promises the meansofextinguish- mg the public debt sooner than was anticipated, nnd furnishes 9 stiong illustration of the practical effects of t!.e present tariff upon our commercial interests. The object ofthe tariff is objected to bv some as nn- ronsf iuitinnal; and it i* considered hv aliuost all a3 de fective in many ofitsparts. 7*he power to impose duties on imports, originally belonged to the several Slat* ?. The right to adjust those duties with .1 view to the encouragement of do- | tiiestir branches of indu»try, iw s*» completely inc'den 1 [ tril to that power, thn* it ip difficult to suppose the ex istence of the one without the other. Tim States have delegated tl.eir whole authority over imports to the General Government, without limitation or restriction, saving the very inconsiderable reserva'ion reiu'ing to llieir inspection laws. This authority having thus en tirely passed from the States, tlie right to exercise it for the purpose of protection does riot exist in them; and, consequently, if it lo* not possessed by the General Go vernment, it must be extinct, Our political system would tint” present the anomaly of a people stripped of the right to foster llieir own industry, nnd to cemnler- act the most selfish and destruettve policy which might be adopted by foreign nations. This surely cannot be the case: this indispensable power, thus surrendered by the States, must be within the scope of the authori ty on tlte siibieel expressly delegated to Congress. In this conclusion, I am confirmed ns well by the opinions of Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe, who Ituvcearh repeatedly recommended the exercise of this right under the Censtitution, as by the uniform practice of Congress, the continued acqui escence of the Males, and the general understanding of tlie people. The difficulties of a ntora expedient adjustment of the present tariff, ai»hough great, are far from being insurmountable. Some arc unwilling to improve any of its parts, because they would destroy the whole: others (car to touch the objectionable parts, lest those theyapprove should be jeopardised. I nm persuaded that the advocate* of these conflicting views do injus tice to the American people, and to their representa tives. The general interest is the interest of each ; and tny confidence is entire, that, to ensure the adop tion of such modifications of the tariff ns the general interest requires, it is only necessary that thutintcrest should be understood. If is an infirmity of our nature to mingle our inter ests and prejudices with the operations of our reason ing powers, and attribute to the objects of our likes and dislikes, qualities they do not possess, and effects they ran not produce. The effects of the present tniiff are doubtless overrated, both in its evil a and in its ndvanta ges. Bv on? class of renmneis, the reduced price ot cotton and other agricultural products is a-cibcd wholly to tlx influence, and by another, the reduced price of manufactured articles. Tlio probability that neither opinion approaches the truth, and that both are induced hv that influence of interest and pre judices to w hich I have referred. The decrease ofpri ces extends throughout the commercial world, embrac ing not o-ily 1 he raw material and the manufactured article, but provisions and lands. The cause must therefore, be deeper and more pervading than theta iff ofthe United Slates. It may, in a tnensure, be at ribnled to the increased value ofthe precious metals, produced b' a diminution of the supply, nnd an reuse in the demand; while commerce lias rapidly tended itself, and population has augmented. ttpply of gold and silver, the general medium of ex change, h is been greatly interrupted by civil convn' sions in the countries front xvhiclt they are principally drawn. A part ofthe eflect, too, is douhtle loan increase of operatives and improvements tu ma chinery. But. on the whole, it i- questionable whe ther the reduction in the price of land, produce, and tnanufnetires, has been greater than the appreciatiu ofthe standard of value. While the chief object of duties should be revenue they may be so adjusted as to encourage manufacture In this adjustment; however, il is the duty of the Gt vermnent to he guided by tho general good Object of national importance alone ought to be protected: of these the productions of our s> il, our mines, nnd workshops, essential lo national defence, occupying the first rank. Whatever other species of dntne**ti< industry, having the importance to which 1 have refer red, tnay be expected after temporary protection, t* compete with foreign labor on equal terms, merit the saino attention in a subordinate degree. The prese u tan IT taxes some of the comforts of lift unnecessarily high : it undertakes to protect interest too local nnd minute to justify a general exaction ; ami if also attempts to force some kinds of iiiunulai for w liieh the eoijntty is not ripe. Much relief will he derived, in some oft esc respects, from the measures f your Inst session. The best, a* well a* the fairest mode of determining whether, from any just considerations, a particular in tercst ought to receive protection, would he to nubieit the question singly for deliberation. If, after due animation of its merits, unconnected w ith extraneous considerations- such us 0 desire to sustain a general system, or to purchase support for a different interest it should enlist in its favor u ntnj-'rily of the Reprcsen •stive* ofthe people, there ran be little danger of wrong or injury in adjusting the tariff with reference to its pro • relive effect. If this nbvinti.dv just prinripli honestly adhered to, the hrnnthes of industry which deserve protection would ho saved from the prejudice excited against them, when that protection forms part of u system by which portions of the country feel, conceive themselves to be, oppressed. What is incal culably mo’o unpor'ant, the vital principle of our sys tem—that principle which require-acquiescence in the w ill of the • i\| >rity—would be secure worn the dbere- Hit and danger to which it is exposed by the acts of rna jorities, founded, not on identity of conviction, hut on miuhtn.ition* ofsmail minorities, entered into for the purpose ot mutual a>si*tan<e in measures which, rest- mg solely on their own merits, could never be carried. I nm well aw are flat Ibis is u subjt et of so much de licacy, on account of the 1 xtcndrd interests it involves, as to require that it should be touched will- the utmost caution; and that, w hile an nhantloninent of the policy in which it originated—a polity (ni val with onr go vernment; pursmd through successive administrations, is neither to he expected 01 drsiied, the people have right to demand, and have demanded, that it he so loditied a* to %yitret abuses and obviate injustice. That our deliberation* on this interesting subject should be unioflueored by those partisan conflicts that ate incident to free institutions, i* the fervent wish of my heart. To make this great oucction,which unhappily *•• nuieli dixidrs and excites the public mind, subser vient t«* the short sighted views of faction, must de stroy all hope of settling it satisfactorily to the great hotly ol the people, and for the general interest I prnpriutv of proposin’! mil'll nn nmemimml of had it been understood that tiny were ... ufill .mJ.. him iiiuln.iKla b< ' conhtl«l for.Ve,lo-IhiM* Soi.ll nnrtinn* .if tbrir the Constitution ns will render him tnelt^ihle after on* term of service. It elves me pleasure lo ennonnee to Conere.s that tit- Itenrvolrnt policy of the Unvemmcnt, rtcailil v pur. sue.) for nearly thirty years, in relation in the r inoval ol the Indian, bay-mil the while setllemenls.i.appmar-s. irti!toe happy eaosumniaiinn. Two important Irihrs hare accepted the provision made for their removal at the I set session of Congress; end it is h-ii-ved that their example will indnre the remaining tribes, also, to ■cek the same obvious advantage*. The eons-queneeenf w speed* removal will he impor. tent to the United Stales, to individual States, *nd to the Indiana themselves. The p-coniarv adva-uapet which it promisee to the Governments are the least of port it nominal territory, the Indian title to which had at the tune been extinguished. It is, therefore, a duty which this Government owes to the new State?, to extinguish, as soon as possible, the Indian title to all lands w hich Congress fhcm*ol\r* have included within their limits. When this is done, the duties of the General Government in relation to the State* and Indians within their limits are at nn end. The Indian* inav leave the .Stateor not, asthev choose. The purchase of their lands does not alter, in the least, their personal relations with the State Government. No an of the General Government ha* ever been deem ed ticccxsary r<* give the Stales jurisdiction over the persons o| thn Indians. That they po-sess hv virtue 1 of then aovercign power within their own limit*, in as I cannot therefore, nn taking leave of the subject, too earnestly for my ow n feelings or the common good, w arn you against the blighting consequences of such a course According to the estimates at the Treasury Depart tneiit, the rec* ipts in the treasury during the present year will amount to t\vent\-four ’millions one hundred and sixvv-one th»>iistnd and eighteen dollars, which xi til exceed by ab ut three hundrrd thousand dollars the estimate presented in the last annual report of the Secretary ofthe Treasury. The total expenditure dur ing the year, exclusive of public debt, is estimated at thirteen million* seven hundrrd and forty-two thou sand three hundred and eleven dollars; and the pay ment on account of public debt for the same period will have been eleven million*three hundrrd nnd fifty- (bur thousand six hundred and thirty dollar*; leaving’a balance in the treasury, on the first day of -January, eighteen hundred and thirty one, of f«»ut uii!!tor.« eight hundred and ninetceen thousand seven hundred and eighty one dollars. In connexion with the condition of mir finances, it afford* me plearure to remark that judicious and etfi- cient arrangement* have been made by the Tr**atuiiy Department for securing the pecuniary responsibility of the public officer*, nnd the more punctual payment of pulifji tines. The revenue entter servie# has been or- t'uiiiz'd,and plan-don a good footing, anti aided by an increase of inspectors at exposed points; and the regu lations adopted under the yet of Mav, 183ft. for the i*t- ( spection and appraisement of merchandise, have pro duced much improvement in the execution of the law *, and more seem it} against the commission of frauds upon the revenue. Abuses in the allowances for fish ing bounties have alio* been corrected, and a material saving in that branch ofthe service thereby effected. In addition to these improvements, the system of ex* ppndjture for sick spanien belonging to the merchant service has been revised; and b\ being rendered uni form and economical, the benefits of the fund applica ble to the object have been usefully extended. The prosperity oftuir country is also further evinced by the increased revenue arising from the sale of pub lic lauds, us will appear from the report of thcCoinmis- sinner* of the Genera! Laud Office, and the documents accompanying it, which are heiewith transmitted. 1 beg h uvr tndrnw your attention to this report, and to the propriety of making early appropriations for the ob jects which it specifies. Your attention is again invited to tlie subjects con nected with that portion ofthe public interests entrust- , ed to the War Department. Some of them were refer red lo in my former inersage; and they are presented in detail in the report of the Secretary of War, here- w ith submitted. I refer you, also, to ilie report of that officer for h knowledge ofthe stale ofthe army, fortifi cations, arsenals, arid Indian affairs; all of which it will be perceived, have been guarded with zealous atten tion and care. It is worthy ofyour consideration whe ther the armaments necessary for the fortifications on our maratime frontier, winch are now, or shortly will he completed, should not he in readiness sooner than the customary appropriations will enable the Department to provide them. This precaution seems to be due to the general system of fortification which has been sanc tioned by Congress, and is recommended hv 1 lint maxim of w isdom which tells us in peace prepare for w ar. I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Na vy fora highly satisfactory account of the manner in which the concerns of that Department have been con ducted during the present year. Our position in rela tion to the most powerful nations of the earth, and the present condition of Europe, admonish us to cherish this arm of our national defence with peculiar care. Separated by wide sens from all those Government® whose power we might have reason to dread, we have nothing to npprelmml from attempts at conquest. It is chufiv attacks upon our commerce, and liarrassing in roads upon our const, against which we have lo guard. A tiuvol force adequate to the protection of our com merce, always afloat, with nn accumulation of the means to give it a rapid extension in ras** of need, fur nishes the power by which all such aggressions may be prevented or repelled. The attention of the Govern ment lias, therefore, been recently directed more to preserving the public vessels already built, nnd provi ding materials to be placed in depot for future use, than to increasing their number. With the aid ofCon- gross, in a few years, the Government will be prepared in case of emergency, lo put afloat a powerful Navy <-f new ships almost as soon as old ones could he repaired. The modification* in this part ofthe service sugges ted in my last annual message, which are noticed more io detail in the report of the Secretary of the Navy, are again recommended to your serious attention. The report ofthe Postmaster General, in like manner, exhibits a satisfactory view of the important branch ol the Government under his charge. In addition to the benefits already secured by the operations of the Post Office Department, considerable improvements within the present year have been made by an increase in the accommodation afforded by stage coaches, and in the frequency ami celerity of the mail between some of the must important points of the Union. Under the lute contract*, improvements have been provided for the southern section ofthe country, and, at the same time, an aniuiul saving made of upwards of seventy-two ihonsnnd dollars. Notwithstanding the i xc»u*snf expenditure he\u>nd the current receipts for o few years past, uecesnriiy incurred in the fulfilment of existing contiacts, and in the additional expenses, be- ’ween the peiiods of contracting, to meet the demands created by the rapid growth und extension of our flout ing country; vet the satisfactory assurance is given, that the future revenue of the Department will be suffi cient to meet its extensive engagements. The system recently introduced, that subjects its receipts and dis Hursements to strict regulation, hns entirely fulfilled it: design. It gives full assurance of the punctual trans mission, as well as the security ofthe funds ofthe De partment. The efficiency and indns'n ol its officers, and the ability and energy of contractors, justify an ‘ ;rensed confidence in its continued prosperity. The attention of Congress was culled, on a former evasion, tothc necessity of such a modification oftli •ffice of Attorney Genera! of the United Stales ns would render it more adequate to tlie w ants ol the pub lic? service. This resulted in the establishment of the ffice of Solicitor of the Treasury; and the earliest •ensures were taken to give effect to the provision* of the law which authorized the appointment of that offi cer, und defined hi* duties. But it is not believed Ilia this provision, however us< ful in itself, is calculated t< supersede the necessity of extending the duties ami powers of the Attorney General’s oflit e. On the con- traiy, I am convinced that the public interest would be greatly pronisted by giving to that officer the general eupermtciidrnrn ofthe various law agent* of thts Gov ernment, and of all law proceedings, whether civil or criminal, in which theUnited States may be interested, allowing to him, at the same time, such n compensation a* would enable him to devote his undivided attention to the public business. 1 think such a provision ia alike due to the public and to the officer. Occasions of reference from the different Executive Departments to the Attorney General, are of frequent occurrence; and the prompt decision of the questions o referred, tends much to fai ililate the despatch of business in those Departments. The report oft he Sec retary of the Treasury, hereto appended, shows eIro u branch ofthe public service not specifically entrusted to any officer, which might be advantageously commit ted to the Attorney General. But, independently ot those considerations, this office now one of daily duty. It was originally organized, and its compensation fixed, with a view to occasional service, leaving to the incumbent time for the exercise of his profession in private practice. The state of things which warranted such an organization no longer exists. The frequent claims upon the service of this officer, would render his absence from the Seat of Gov ernment, in professional attendance upon the courts, injurious to (lie public service ; and the interests of the Government could not fnil lobe promoted by charging him with the superintendence of all its legal concerns. Under a strong conviction of the justness of these suggestions, I recommend it to Congress to make the necessary previsions for giving effect to them, and to place the Attorney General, in regard to compensation, on the same footing with the heads ofthe several Exe cutive Departments. To this officer might also be in trusted a cognizance ofthe eases of insolvency in pub lic debtors, especially if the views which I submitted on this subject last year should meet the approbation of Congress—to which I again solicit your attention. Your attention is respectfully invited to the situation ofthe DisUict of Columbia. Placed, by the Constitu tion, under the exclusive jurisdiction ti.d control of Congress, this District is certainly entitled to a much greater share of its consideration than it has yet recei ved. There is a want of uniformity in ils laws, parti- culariv in those of a penal character, which increases the expense of their administration, and subjects the people to all the inconveniences which result from the operation of different code* in so small a territory. On different aides ofthe Potomac, the same offence is pun. ishahle in unequal degrees; and the peculiarities of many of the early laws of Maryland and A irginia re- main in force, notwithstanding their repugnance, in some cases, to the improvements which have superse ded them in those States. Besides a remedy for these evils, which is loudly csl- led for.it i* respectfully suhmittwl whether a provision authorizing the election of a Delegare to represent the wants of the citizens of this District on the floor of Congress, is not due to them, and to the character of our Government. No portion of our citizens should he without a practical enjoyment of the principles of free dom ; and there is none more important than that which cultivates a proper relation between the gover nors and the governed. Imperfect as this must be in this case, yet it is believed that it wooMh* proved by a representation in C. „g r# » M ° privih'g.’s that are allowed to that ol the Jl gl H rice ofthe United Slates. nc 0,ht » TtrtnJ Tlie penitentiary ia ready for the recent! r Victs, und only awaits the ntcessarv le.iSLVJ f «5- tl into operation : as one object «,| which I hIo? U * ,al recul to your attention the pi«pri< tv of n rovi H bl« compensation for the officers chariu/t ,** ■flection. “'k 110 "ilk ft* l ire importance of tire principle, involved i„ ,v q'lirv, whether it mil be proper to rechin. r .k .' 5 - of the United States, requires that | should T■ the attention of Congress lo the -object, jy f M occurred to lessen, in any degree, the r,a n #/ h,ri!,i i many of our citizens nppri bend from that '*!"'* as ul present organized, lo lire spirit ,.| i.„ Dro , |,,t - and compromise which distingoiahe. our coiiim"" 7 '' its institutions, it becomes us to ii quire, «lu ih’’ ,r ’ not pos.ikle to secure tire advantagi. affordedk" ( present bank, through the agency o' a Book of th '! tkt ted Statia, so mod died in its principle, and stioit, r ' to obviate constitutional and other «.bj.«lions It is thooL-bl practicable to organize such a I with lire necessary officr r», as a branch irf the fr. ry lleparlnrent, based on lire public and Individual posits, without newer lo make loans nr |>iirc!iase r, ertv, which shall remit 'lie funds nt the Govern ^ and the expenses of which may b* paid, if though”^* visahle, by allow i g its officer* to tu || hills of'exch a -? to private individuals at a modem!e pp uuum. N, ing a corpomte body, having no stockholders, debt* * or property, und but few officers, it would not h e '|!i noxious to t h*.‘ const it tit ion u I obj> c?ions which are u-m! against the present hank ; and having no mcaiwtio crate on the hopes, fears, or interests of largo ofthe community, it would he shorn of the i„fl, u 1 which makes that hank foimidalde. TbeStatfnr (1 ,jj he strengthened by having in their bands the nirans if furnidiing the local paper currency through 0W( banks; while the Bank of the United Slate? ihuat«* issuing no paper, would check the issues of the Mate hanks by taking their notes in deposit, and tor•xccai'M only so long as they continue to be rrdeentid withpL] cie. In times of public emergency, the capacitifiqf such an institution might be enlarged by lrriilam. provisions. These suggestion* arc made, not pomuchasarrconj. niendatiori, as with a view of calling the attention o*t Congress to the possible modifications of a systrinwl,,^ cannot continue to exi-l in its present form witln if occasional collisions w ith the local authorities, and pr r . petual apprehensions and discontent on the part ofthe States and the people. In conclusion, fellow citizens, allow tno to invoke in behalf of your <K liberations, that spirit of conciliate und disinterestedness which is the gift of patriotism.— Under un overruling and merciful Frovidcnce, the agnn. cy ot this spirit has thus far been signalized in the prosperity and glory of our beloved country. Maj m influence be eternal. ANDREW JACKSON. NEW YORK MEM1G&L ACADEMY, CIRCULAR. T HE happy effects of the Botanical System of Prac tice, more especially ol late, employed in thetw of Disease*, are such aa entitle it to a high rank atnnt. fi modern improvements. The opinion long enterlan *c in its favor, by many ofthe judicious, a thorough ex perience has now demonstrated to be well founder with the number and variety of its salutary achieve- merits, its reputation is increasing. It tiiiist be evident to every discerning mind, that the present prevailing practice of medicine, which re jects this Botanical aid, is at variance with our nature utid our happiness. MERCURY, the LANCET, and the KNIFE, chiefly relied upon by Physicians and Surgeons ol the present day, for the removal of almost all the din ast? incident lo the human body, notwithstanding the ef- feels of these deleterious agents arc evidently fatul to multitudes. Deeply impressed with these fnrt , aid with a view of reforming the science and practice <f mudicine, an individual in this city, in the year 1817, procured a lot ol ground, nnd erected a handsome and convenient edifice for an institution denominated H e United States Infirmary, expressly for employing a to formed system of Practice in the treatment of dinas'i, the remedial sources being chiefly derived from the productions of mil own country. The coursemf treat ment adopted by this institution, was principally the result of near forty years experience ol a distinguished medical reformer; w'liich course, we ore happy to state, has been crowned with success, and proved to a demon stration, that, without Mercury, that boasted champion of the Materia Medico, or other poisonous drugs, dis eases generally, may be cured by those more aul’e »nd salutary means which the God of Nature has so libe rally scattered around us. Animated by the past success, and with the hone of beiiefiiiing future generations, an irrepressible dc.-ite has been felt, that measure* commensurate willi the importance of the object, should be taken to promul gate this valuable system of practice, and thereby im prove and reform the noble and important science of medicine. After reflecting for years on the most prudent ard successful method of effecting bo desirable an object, it lias been deemed expedient to establish a Mcdird School, with competent teachers; where students imy receive hoard and cdticnlinn, until they are fully quali fied to practice in I he various branches of tho Healing Art, upon the reformed system. AVe arc now happy to announce that a building for such an institution h*f been erected, and opened for the reception of students, win can commence at nny period. Tho building is large and commodious, situated in Eldridge-streel, between Grand and Broome-strcetr, adjoining the present United States Infirmary. It is in a healthy and retired part of the city, and has been completed at a great expense. Tho following branches are taught by Lectures, Re citations, Examinations,and suitable Text books:— I. Anatomy. 2. Surgery. 3. Thou y and Practice of Physic. 4. Midwifery, and Disonsesof Women ond Children. 5. Materia Medicn, and Practical Botany. 6. Chemistry and Pharmacy. The benefit* to be derived by an attendance at tlue Institution will, we trust, be only appreciated by thort who wish to acquire a corre-t knowledge of the Heal ing Art. Here the student will be taught all the mo dern practice which is deemed necessary, in addition to the Botanical; and in consequence ofnis residing in the Institution, and pursuing a systematic com#*-* of studios, combining each ot those department*, he may acquire a knowledge of both in a short space of time, and at n very srnallexpensc, in comparison to that ®f other Medical Institution*. There being an Infirmary connected wV<n the Acade- my, the stud* nt* will have the benrfr, 0 f Clinical prac• tic, by which the experimental part of medicine will be acquired with the theory. There will be no specified time to complete acoorse of study,'but .whenever a student ia qualified to p»*s an examination, he w ill receive a Diploma. Some will require one year, uthera two or more years, to com plete their studies. For the information of some, we wish to slate, that this system of Practice is essentially different fioui that disseminated by Dr. Samuel Thompson. REQUISITIONS. The qualifications for admission into the School wil! be ;—l. A certificate of good moral character.—2. A good English education. TERMS. 1. The price of qualifying a person for practice ii $250. One half payable in advance, or ot the time el entering flic school; and the other half at the expira tion or close of hit studies,or before a Diploma is grant* ed. A deduction of $25 will be made to those who pay the whole turn in advance. 2. Board (being an extra charge) is $2 50per week, payable weekly or quarterly. 3. Each student must supply himself with BockSj Bed nnd Bedding. W. BEACH. ■Veto York, Mtreh 30.—13—wl2m.
