Newspaper Page Text
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1 9
BY M. BARTLETT.
MACON, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1833.
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Vol. YHI....Nomije^ 12.'
3'we GBOIi f»J A 3 JiLE GRAPH
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iTili'SAOE
Of the Pi* shiout ol the United States to both
Houses of Cjmstcu.
f,!hw Citizens of the Senate
ami House of Kepreseniittives:
On your assembling, in perform the high busts
v’.irli the people of the United States have con
fided to von, of legislating for their common
urlftrc, it gives me pleasure to congratulate you
1,pan the happy condition of <>nr beloved coun
ter. By the favor of Divine Providence, health
i« again restored t<> ns; peace reigns within our
hooters; abundance crowns the labor of our
fields; commerce and domestic industry flourish
nid increase ; and individual happiness rewinds
the private virtue and enterprise of our citizens.
Om condition abroad is 11.1 lc.%4 honorable than
ii is prosperous at home. Se< king nothing that
is not right, and determined to submit to nothing
that is wrong, hut desiring honest friendships and
liberal intercourse with all nations, the U States
have gained throughout tin* world the confidence
ami respect which are due to the character of the
American people, and to a policy so just and so
career,id to the spirit of their institutions.
In Iniieing to y'inr notice the particular state
Chambers, and with a reasonable hope of suc
cess, to obtatn the necessary appropriation.
It is necessary to state, however, that the doc
uments. except certain lists of vessels captured,
condemned, or burnt at sea, proper to facilitate
the examination and liquidation of the reclama
tions comprised in the stipulations of the conyeo;
•ions, and which, by the Gth article, France enga
ged to communicate to the United Slates hy the
intermediary of the Legation, though repeatedly
applied for by the American Charge ri’Afl.iiret,
under instructions from this Government, have
not yet hf.cn coinniunicatrd ; and this delay, it is
apprehended, will necessarily prevent the com
pletion of the duties assigned to the Comrnis-
sion?ts within the tune at present prescribed by
law*
The- reasons for delaying to communicate
these documents have not hecn explicitly stated.
if adopted, would not be permitted, however, in
any degree to induce a relaxation in the efforts
of onr Minister to effect a repeal of this irregu
larity. by friendly negotiation; and it might
serve to give force to his representations, hy
showing the dangers to which the valuable trade
is exposed by the obstructions and burthens w Inch
a system of discriminating and countervailing
duties necessarily produce.
The selection amt preparation of the Florida
archives, for (lie purpose of being delivered over
to the United States, in conformity of the royal
oider as mentioned in my last annual message,
though ip progress, lists not yet been completed.
be still more diminished by the reduced rates of) I called the attention of Congri r® to l!
in my last annual menage, ami informed
ethers. No new causesof complaint have arisen;
and the trade between the two countries flour
ishes under the encouragement secured to it by
tire liberal provisions of the treaty.
It is cause of regret that, owing probabiy to
the civil dissensions which have occupied the at
tention of the Mexican Gowimiant, the time
understood that/the interposition of the Cham
bers is in any manner teqiiircd for the delivery
of those |iap«rs.
Under these circumstances, in a case so impor
lam to the interests of our citizens and to*the
character of our country, and under disappoint
ments to unexpected. 1 deemed it my duty, how
ever I might respect the general assurances to
which I hava adverted, no longer to delay the ap
pointment ofti Minister Plenipotentiary to Paris,
iuit to despatch him in season to communicate
the result of his application to the French Gov
ernment at an early period of your session. I
accordingly appointed a distinguished citizen for
this purpose, who proceeded 011 his mission in
August last, and was presented to the King early
in the month of October. He is particularly in
structed as to all matters connected with the pres
ent posture of affairs, and ! indulge the hope
—This delay has been produced, partly by cans- j fixed hy the treaty ot limits with the U. States,
es which were unavoidable, particularly the j for the meet ing of the Commissioners lo define
prevalence of Cholera ;it Havana, but measures I the boundaries between the two nations, h
it»v#l:e«n taken, which it is believed will expe
dite the delivery of those important records.
and this is the more to be regretted, as it is not Cor gress were informed, at the opening of
the last session, that "owing, as was alledgert, to
embarrassments in the finances of Portugal, con
sequent' upon the .civil w ar in which that nation
was engaged,’* payment had been made of only
one instalment of the amount which the Portu
gese Government had stipulated to pay for in
demoifying our citizens for property illegally
captured in the blockade ofTerceria. Since
that lime, postponement lor two years, with in
terest of the two remaining instalments, was re
quested by the Portugese Government; and as a
consideration, it offered to stipulate that riee of
the United States should he admitted into Por
tugal, .it the same duties as Brazil’-ao rice.. Be
ing satisfied that no better airai>gemoi:i could be
made, my consent, was given; and a Royal order
of the King of Portugal w as accordingly issued
on the 4th of February last, for the reduction
of the duty on rice of the United States It
•of our Foreign Affairs, it affords me high gratifi- that, with the representations he is instructed to j would give me great pleasure if, in speaking of
tion tn inform you. that they are in a condition
which nrotni/Vs the continuance ot friendship
with uli nations.
With Great Britain, the interesting question
of our Northeastern Boundary remains still un
decided. A negotiation, however, upon that
subject, has been renewed .since the close o! the
fast Congress, and ;t proposition has been sub
mitted to the Biitisli Government, with the view
of establishing, in conformity with the resolution
ofthe Senate, the line designated by the Treaty
of 1783. 'I hough no dafiu live answer has been
received, it mty be daily looked for, and 1 enter
tain a hope that the overture may ultimately lead
i > a satisfactory adjustment of this important
tit 'tier.
1 ii.ivc die satiffartinn to inform von that a ne-
gotiaiion which, by desire of the House of Rup-
reseiiMtires, was opened, some years ago, with
1I10 llutisli Government, lor the erection ofliglit-
h uiws oil the Bahamas, has been Mtccesslill.—
Those works, when completed, together with
disse which the United States have constructed
os die western side of the Gulf of Florida, will
coi'.inhiito essentially to the safety of navigation
iutli.it sen. This joint participation in eMsblish-
nwnts interesting to humanity and beneficial to
cuumiercc. is worthy of two enlightened nations,
•mJ indicates feelings which cannot fail to have a
lrappv influence upon thcii political telations. It
i* gratifying lo the triends of both to perceive
that the intercourse between the two people is
V: ■ aiiiig daily more extensive, and that senti-
iucu;><if mutual good wilt have grown up, befit-
ik; their common origin, justifying (lie trope,
iiu, hv wise counsels on each side, not only un-
•s-itli , d questions may be satisfactorily termina
ls. h it new causes of misunderstanding pre-
veiled.
X 'f.vitlistandiog that I continue to receive the
ci ia amicable assurances from the Government
<•: F:»n, e, end lir.it iu all oilier respects the most
friendly relations exist between the United Slates
anil that Government. it is to he regretted that
hi- stipul rtions of the Convention concluded on
> >• 4ib July, 1831, remain in some important
p.an unfulfilled.
I*v the second article of that Convention, it
was sliiml .trd that the sum payable to the United
•St i e*. should be paid at Baris, in six annual in
stilments, into the hands of such iieison or per
sons as should tie authorized by the Government
of the United Slates to receive it; and by the
same article 1 he first i.i-lalmcnt was payable on
the second day of February, I8S3. By the art
ol Congress of the 13th July, 18S2. it was made
the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury, to
cause the several instalments, with the interest
thereon, 10 tie rereived from the French Govern
ment amt transferred to lire United States, in
such manner as lie may deem best; and by the
•s.imr ;,cf «f Congress, the stipulations on the
pa t nf the United .Stales in the Convention, were
in nil respects fulfilled. Not doubting that .1
treaty thus made and ratified by the two Govern-
mei is, and faithfully executed by the U. States,
w mid be promptly complied with by the other
I »riv and tiesiri g to avoid the risk and expense
"11 i.crrae lute agencies, the Secretary of the
1 '.M.iiry deemed it ndiisiblc to receive and
transfer the first instalment by means of a draft
upon the French Miurster of^Finanee. A draft
birtlris purpose was accordingly drawn it. favor
«f the Cashier ol the Bank of the United States,
far the iinouer accruing to the United States out
°i the first iorialment arid the interest payable
viihit. This bill was not drawn at Washington
until five days after the instalment was payable
ol Buis, and was accompanied by a special au-
Vi ritv from the President, authorizing the ciish-
irr. 01 his assigns, to receive the amount. The
B * ,le ’hos adopted of receiving the instalment,
* is officially made known to the French Gov-
nninent by the American Ch irge d'Affaires at
I.iris, pursuant to instructions from the depart
ment of State. The bill, however, though not
pwntfil for payment until the twenty-third day
°. March, was not paid. .n,d for the reason as
signed by lire French Minister of Finance, that
"" appropriation had been made by the French
'-lumbers. It is not known to me that, up to
">at period, an.v appropriation had been required
04 the Chambers; and although a coimminiea-
ban was subsequently made to the Chambers, hy
direction ol the King, recommending that the
provision should bn made for carrying
ae <.(invention into effect, it was at au advar.c-
’ I period of the session, and the subject was
b 'illy postponed until the n».tt meeting of iba
vlutthn.
Notwithstanding it has bee.t supposed hy the
t/*# * ,l ^* n '* ,r I *h *• •he finameml stipulations of
e trea v .t.vmot ho carried into effect without
• 0 appropriation by the Chattdieis, it appeals to
•*•10 be not only consistent with the charter of
r m :t, hut due to the character of both Govern-
’****» at w ell as to t::e rights jnf ottr ciiizens, to
rtf* Convention, made and ratified in prop
el nrm ’ »* pledging the guod faith of the French
make, and from the dispositions manifested by
J the King and his Ministers, in their recent assn-
j ranees to our Minister at Paris, the subject will
be c-uly considered and satisfactorily disposed of
at the next meeting of the Chambers.
As this subject involves important interests,
and lias attracted a considerable share of the pub
lic attention, I have deemed it proper to make
this explicit statement of its actual condition ;—
and should ! he disappointed in'the hope now
entertained, the subject will again be brought to
the notice of Congress, in such manlier as the oc
casion may require.
The friendly r elations which have always bpen
maintained between the United States and Rus
sia, have been further extended and strengthen
ed by the treaty of navigation and commerce,
concluded on the Gth of December lasr, and sanc
tioned by the Senate before the close of the last
session. The ratifications having been since ex
changed, the liberal provisions of the treaty are
now in full force; and, under the encouragement
which they have received, a flourishing and in
creasing co’tmnerco. yielding its benefits to the
enterprise of both nations, affords to each the
just recompense of wise measures, and adds new
motives for that mutual friendship which the two
countries have hitherto cherished towards each
other.
It affords me peculiar satisfaction to state that
the Government of Spain has at length yielded
to the justice of the claims which have been so
long urged in behalf of onr citizens, and has ex
pressed a willingness to provide an indenipiffca-
lion, us soon as the proper amount can be agreed
upon. Upon this latter point, it is probable an
understanding had taken place between the Min
ister o' the United States and the Spanish Gov
ernment before the decease of the late King of
Spain ; and, unless that event nuy have delay
ed its completion, there is reason to hope that it
may be in my power to announce to you, early
in your present session, the conclusion of a con
vention upon terms not less favorah) than those
entered into for similar objects with other na
tions. That act ofjnsticc would well accord with
the character of Spain, and is due to the United
States from their ancient friend. It could not
fail to strengthen the sentiments of amity and
good will between the two nations which it is so
much the wish of the United States to cherish,
and so truly the interest of both to maintain.
By the first section of an act of Congress pass
ed on the 18th of July, 18S2, the tonnage duty
on Spanish ships arriving front the ports of |
Spain, was limited tot he duty payable on A liter ling prevails. From all, 1 continue to receive
ican vessels ill the ports of Spain, previous to the assurances of good will towards the U. States;
that country, hi whose prosperity the United
Stall »».ie so much interested, and with whom a
long subsisting, extensive and mutually advan
tageous commercial intercourse has strengthened
the relations of friendsihp, 1 could announce to
you the restoration of its internal tranquility.
Subsequent to the conimt nceinent of the last
sessitin of Congress the final instalments payable
by Denmark, under the convention of the 28th
day of March, 18S0; was received. The Com
missioners foi examining the claims, have since
terminated their labors, and their awards have
been paid at the Treasury as they have been
called for. The justice rendered to our citizens
by that Government, is thus completed, and a
pledge thereby afforded for the maintainance of
that friendly intercourse becoming the relations
that the two nations mutually bear to each other.
It is satisfactory to inform you that the Danish
Government have recently issued an ordinance
by which the commerce with the Island of St.
Croix, is placed on a more liberal footing than
heretofore. This change cannot fail to prove
beneficial to the trade between the United States
and that colony ; and the advantages likely to
flow from it may lead to greater relaxations in
the colonial systems of other nations.
The ratifications of the Convention with the
King of the two Sicilies, have been duly ex
changed, and the commissioners appointed for
examtnii.g the claims under it, have entered up
on the duties assigned to them by law. The
friendship that tire interests of the two nations
require of them, being now established, it may
he Imped that each will enjoy the benefts which
a liberal commerce should yield to both.
A treaty of amity and commerce between (he
United States and Belgium, was concluded du
ring the the last winter, and received the sane
lion of the Senate; but the exchange of the rat
ifications has been hitherto delayed, in conse<
queuce. in the first instance, ol some delay in
the reception of the treaty at Brussels, and, sub
seqiremly. of the absence of the Belgian Minister
of Foreign Affairs, at the important conferences
iu which his Government is engaged at London.
That treaty does not embody those enlarged
principles of friendly policy, which, it is siucere
ly hoped, will always regulate the conduct ol the
two nations, having such strong motives to main
tain amicable relations towards each other and
so sincerely desirous to cherish them
With all the European powers with whom the
United States have lormrd diplomatic relations,
and with the Sublime Borte, the best understand
•meminent for its execution, and as imposing
^1". c * r f» departmeirt an obligation to fulfil it;
/J ' ii.ive received assurd necs through nnr
■ V'S" bffaires.it Baris, an d the French Min-
r ' , nipotrntiary at Washington, and more
piitly ihroughthe Minister »>f the United Slates
, ? f> *' 1 ' 1: " th® delay has B-'ot piocee led front
•. m usposiiion. on the part of the King and
■ «, I'HT"- 10 '' 1P ,rp ^itv. an■: that meas-
wt.l be presented at the tiexi meeting
Sfltb October, 1817. being fiva cents per ton.
The act was intended to give effect, on out side
to an arrangement made with the Spanish Gov
ernment, by which the discriminating duties of
tonnage were to he abolished in the ports of the
United States anil ^pain, on tlie vessels of the
two nations. Pursuant to that arrangement.
hicli was carried into cftpct, on the part of
Spain, on tire 20th May, 1332. by a royal order
dated the 29th April, 1832. American vessels in
the ports of Spain have paid five cents per ton,
which rntpv of duty is also paid in those poits by
Spanish ships; but as American vessels pay no
tonnage dn!v in the poits ol the United States,
tlie duty of five cents payable iu our ports by
Spanish vessels, undei the act above mentioned,
is ronly a discriminating dnty, operating to tlie
disadvantage of Spain. Though no complaint
lias yet been made on the part of Spain, we nre
not the less hound hy tne obligations of good
f ilh, to remove the discrimination : and I rec
ommend that the act be amended accordingly.
As the royal order, above alluded to. includes
the ports of the Balearic and Canary Isalands,
as well as those of Spain, it would seem that the
provisions of this Act of Congress should he e-
qually extensive; and that for the repayment of
such rluties as may have been improperly receiv
ed, an addition si.ottld be made to the sum ap
propriated at the last session of Congress for re
funding discriminating dirties.
As the arrangement referred to, however, did
not embrace the Islands of Cuba and Bono Rico,
discriminating dtries to the prejudice of Ameri
can shipping, contiuue to be levied there. From
the extent of commerce carried on between tlie
United States and those Islands, particularly
tlie former, this discrimination causes serious in
jury to one of those great national interests which
it has been considered an essential part of our
policy to cherish, and has given rise to com
plaints orr the part of onr merchants. Under
•instructions given to- our Minister at Madrid,
earnest representations hava been made by him
10 'tlie Spanish Government opon this subject,
and there is reason te expect, front the friendly
disposition which is entertained towards this
country, that a beneficial change will be produc
ed. 'litis disadvantage, however, to which our
hipping is subjected by the opetations of these
assurances which it gives me 110 less pleasure to
reciprocate than receive. With all, the engage
ments which have been entered into, are fulfilled
with good faith on troth sides. Measures have
also been taken to enlarge our friendly relations
and extend our commercial iutercourse with oih
er States. The system we have pursued of aim
ing at no exclusive advantages, of dealing with
all on terms of fair and equal reciprocity, and of
adhering scrupulously to all our engagements, is
well calculated to give success to efforts intend
ed lo b>! mutually beneficial.
The wars of which the southern part of this
continent was, so long the theatre, and which
were carried on, either by the mother country
against the States which had formerly been her
colonies, or by the States against each other,
having tetminaled, and their civil disseulions
having so far subsided, as, with lew exceptions,
no longer lo disturb the public tranquility, it is
earnestly hoped those States will lie able to em
ploy themselves without interruption iu perfect
ing their institutions, cultivating the arts of
peace, and promoting, by wise counsels and able
exertions, the public and private prosperity which
their patriotic struggles so well entitle them to
enjoy.
With those States our relations have under
gone hut little change during the present year.
No reunion having yet taken place between the
States w hich composed the Republic of Colom
bia, out Charge d’Aflairs at Bogota has been
accredited to the Government of New Grenada,
and we have therefore, no diplomatic relations
with Venezula and Equator, except as they may
be included in those heretofore formed with the
Columbian Republic. It is understood that
Representatives from these three States were a-
kout to assemble at Bogota to confer on the sub
ject of their mutual interests, particularly that of
their union ; and if the resnJt should render it
necessary, measures w ill be taken on our part, to
preserve with each that friendship and (hose lib
eral comntPicial connections which it has been
the constant desire of the United States to culti
vate with their sister republics of this hemisphere.
Until the important question 01 reunion shall he
settled, however, the different matters which
have been under discussion between the United
States and the Republic of Columbia, or either
been 4urt'cred to expire without the appointment
of any commissioners on the part of that Gov
ernment. AVliile the true bqhndnrv remains in
doubt hy either p'arty, it is difficult to give effect
to those rheaseres which ate necessary to the
protection and quiet of our numerous citizens
residing near that frontier. The subject is one
of great solicitude to the UnitednStates, and will
not fail to receive my earncsMtrtentioo.
The treaty concluded with Chili, and approv
ed by the Senate at its last session, was also rati
fied by the Chilian Government, but with cer
tain additional and explanatory articles of a na
ture to have required it to hengain submitted to
the Senate. The time limited for the exchange
of the ratifications however, having since expir
ed, tlie action of both Governments on the trea
ty will again become necessaiy.
The negotiations commenced with the Argen
tine Republic, relative to the uitfrages commit
ted on our vessels engaged in the fisheries at the
Falkland Islands, by persons acting under tlie
color of its authority, as well as the other matters
in Controversy between the i*vo governments,
have been suspended by the departure of-tlie
Charge d’Affaires o( the United States front Bu
nns Ayres. It is understood however, that a
Minister was subsequently appointed by that
Government to renew the negotiation in the Uni
ted States^ but. thongh daily expected, he has
nor yet arrived in this country.
With Beni no treaty has yet been formed, and
with .Bolivia no diplomatic intercourse has yet
been established. It will be my endeavor toen-
courage those semi-rents of amity and that lib
eral commerce which belong to the telations in
which all the independent States of this coali-
ncntsiaud towards each other.
I deem it proper to recommend to your notice
the revision of our consular system. This has
become an important branch of the public ser
vice, in us much as it is intimately connected
s ilh the preservation ot onr national character
abroad, with the interest of our citizens in for
eign countries, with the regulation and care of
our commerce, and with the protection of our
seamen. At the close of the last session of Con
gress I communicated a report front the Secreta
ry of State upon the subject, to which I now re
fer, as containing information winch may be nse-
lul in any inquiries that Congress may see fit to
institute with a view to a salutary reform of the
system.
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you
upon the prosperous condition of the finances of
the country, as will appear from the report which
the Secretary of the Treasury will, in due time
principles of commercial reciprocity
It is gratifying p) state, that since my last an-1 duties which take place on the first of January
nual message, some of the most important claims ! next, on some of the most important and prnduc-
ofour fellow citizens upon the Government of) •* ve articles. Lpon the best estimates that can be
Brazil have been satisfactorily adjusted.’ and a receipts of the next year with the aid
reliance is placed on the friendly dispositions! •&» unappropriated amount now in the Treav
manifested by it, that justice will also be done in "ry. will not be much moie than sufficient-to
meet the expenses of the year and pay the small
teinuant of tire national.-debt which yet remviiU
unsatisfied. I cannot, therefore, recommend tn
yon any'afleiauon in the present tariff o! duties.
The rate as now fixed by law. bo the various lir-
trcles was adopted at the last session of Congress
as a matter ol' compromise with unusual tiuaniqr
lly, dnd unless
the necessities o;
would sei ni to be
a change.
But while I forbear to recoiimicnd any further
reduction of the duties, beyond that already pro
vided for by the existing laws. I must earnestly
and respectfully press Upon’Congress the impor
tance of abstaining from all appropriations which’
are not absolutely required for tlie public inter
ests, and authorized by she powers clearly dele
gated to the United Slates. lVeyte beginning a
new era in cm Government. The national deni,
which has so long ween a burthen on the Treas
ury, will be finally discharged iu the course ol
the ensuing year. No more money will after
wards be needed than what may be necessary to
meet the ordinary expenses of the Government.
Now then is the proper moment to fix onr sys
tern of expenditi i j on firm and durable pripci
pies : and I cannot too strongly urge tbe necessi
ty of a rigid economy, and an, inflexible determi
nation noi to enlarge-tnc iuco ne bevond the real
necessities ol the Government, and not to in
crease the wants of the Government by unneces
sary and profuse expenditures. If a contrary
course should be pursued, it may happen that
the revenue of 1834 will tali .short ol tb.e demands
upon it: and after reducing tue tariff in order to
lighten the burthens of the people, and providing
fora still In tiir-r reduction t<> tithe effci hereaf
ter, it would be much to f;e deplored if; at tbs
end of another year, wo should find oors«dVes
obliged to relrace-our steps and impose addition
al taxes to meet unnecessary expenditures.
It is my duty on this occasion, to call your at
tention to the destruction ol he jlublic building,
occupied by tneTreisury rlejiartu-ent. whirblia.)-
pened since the last adjournment of Congress—
A thorough inquiry into Hie causes of this loss
was directed and made attire time, the. result of
which will lie duly comiuuiticated to voir. I t ike
pleasure, however, in stating here, that by the
laudable exertions of the cfficeis o( the depart
ment, nod many of (he citizens of the District,
but few papers were lost, and none that will ma
terially affect the public interest.
The public convenience requites that another
building should beerecird as soon as practicable;
and in providing for it, will be advisable to en
large. in some manner, the accommodations for
the public officers of the several departments. A:
to authorise the erection 1). suitable depositories
for the safe keeping of the public documents and
records.
Since the last adjournment of Congress, the
secretary of the treasury has direcred the money
of the United States to be deposited in certain
Stale banks, designated bv him anri he will iirf
mediately lay before yon his teasons for this dt
MK’ii measures as were within flic reacli ot’ the
* 'fi'T ury Treasury, Jisd Wen t .ken to en
i i> ,m ,n vvlicther the p.ijlilir dcpc.-dies in
l'ie Hank pi the United States wen- entirely safe;
hut that ns Ins sjnjfle power* min'd be inadequate
to the object, I recommended the vihjecl to Con-
gtess,ai> worthy of their serious invtlic-da :—
rieclarirny if'as my opinion, that any inquiry into’
|oe transactions oftiiat inslituti. n. rin’n'Acintr the
nranchps.as \Vell as tbr principal Bank, was call
oil tor by the Credit which was eiva/i ihronir'iout
thecountry to many serious cbnrgih* impenehiiijj
(heir character, and which, if true, might judly
it is found to produce more than••)“^Prehension thru they were n- longer
0; the Government cull for.-there J*''jl‘! 1,1 J i '°' ;, l 0 rv for <a - public money 1 he - x-
L)C no reason at this time to justify J *',' ! !,p c’rtrminr.tinn, v i! * rpp ? in,ne " d *
j j .u, vvas gone mtp- i* spread up >n \iufr journal*,
too .vcjj known to require to be stated.-
lay before you. The receipts into the Treasury
during tbe present year, will amount to more
than thirty-two millioosuf dollars. The revenue
derived from customs, will, it is believed, be
more than twenty-eight millions, and the public
lands will yield about three millions. The ex
penditures within the year for all objects, inclu
ding $2,572,240 99 on account ol the public
debt, will not amount to 25,000,000:. and a large
balance w ill remain in the Treasury after satisfy
ing all the appropriations chaigeable on the rev
enue for the present year.
The measures taken by tlie Secretary of the
Treasury will probably enable him to pay off, in
the course of the present year, tlie residue of the
exchanged four and a half per cent stock, re
deemable on the first of January next. It has
therefore, been included in the estimated expen
diture of this year, and forms a part of the sum
above staled to have been paid 00 account of the
public debt. The payment of this stock will re
duce the whole debt of the United States, funded
and unfunded, to the sum oT $4,720,082 08.—
And as a provision has already been made for tlie
four and a half per cent above mentioned, and
charged in the expenses of the piesenl year, the
sum last stated is all that now remains of the na
tional.debt; and the revenue of the coming year,
together with the balance now in tbe Treasury,
will be sufficient to discharge it, alter meeting
the current expenses of the Government. Under
the power given to the commissioners of the
Sinking Fund, it will, I,have no doubt, be pur
chased on favorable terms w ithin the year.
From this view of the state of she finances, and
the public engagements yet to be fulfilled, you
will perceive that, If Brovidence permits mfc to
meet you at another session, i shall have the high
gratification of announcing 10 you that tile na
tional debt is extinguished. I cannot refrain
from expressing the pleasure I feel at the near
approach of that desirable event. The short pe
riod of time within which the public debt will
have been discharged, is a strung evidence of tlie
abundant resources of the country, and of the
prudence and economy with which the Govern-
discriininating duties, requires that they may tiej of'the States which composed it. are not likely
met hy suitable countervailing duties during your
present session— power being at the same time
vested in tlm Prc'ident to modify or discontinue
them ns the discriminating duties 01 Anv.ican
vessels or their cargoes may be modified or dis
continued at those islands- Intimatiens have
been given to the Spanish Government, that the
United States may he obliged to resort to such
measures as are of necessary sell defence; and
iliete is no retson to aporehend that it would be
to be brought to a satisfactory issue.
In consequence of the illness of the Charge d’-
Affaires appointed to Central America at the
last session of Congiess, he was prevented from
proceeding on his mission until the mouth of
October. Jr ft hoped, however, that he is hy
this tium at his post, and tha 1 the official inter
course. unfortunately so Un» interrupted, has
lmen thus renewed or. the pari of the two nations J
raenr has heretofore been administered. We
have waged two wars since we became a nation,
with one of the most powerful kingdoms in the
world—both of them undertaken m defence of
our dearest rights; both successfully prosecuted
and honorably terminated; and many of those
who partook in the first struggle, as well as-tfre
second, will have lived to see the last item of the
debt incurred in these necessary but expensive
conflicts, faithfully and houe-llv discharged—and
we shall have the proud satisfaction of bequeath
ing to the public servants who follow us in the
administration of the Government, the rare lless-
ofa revenue sufficiently abundant—raised
without injustice or oppression to our citizens—
and unincumbered with any burthens but what
tliev themselves shall think proper to impose up
on it.
The flourishing state of the finance; ought not
however to encourage us to indulge in a lavish
expenditure efthe public treasure.. The receipts
of tlie present year do not furnish the test hy (
which »e are to estimate the income of the next.
Thechangcs made iu oor revenue system by the
acts ofCongresvuf 1832 and 1833, and more es
pecially by the former, lulre sivellefl the receipts
of the present yp»r fsr beyond the amount to he
exppeted in future years upon the reduced tariff
of duties. The shortened credits or, revenue
bonds, and the cash duties on noollens which
were introduced by the act of 1832, and took ef
fect on the 4th of March lasr. have brought large
sours into the Treasury in IC3?. which according
to the credos formerly givens, ' not have been ]
payable ti >t 1834, and would hat. formed. a'W&nlt
pan of the income of that year.' y 1 J r >«hb
Tlte-.e csoSes would of tbems*’,' * p r nd*tce r |
rection. I concur with him entirely in .the view
be has taken of the subject, and some months-
before the removal, I urged upon the department
tilt- propriety of taking that step. Tlie near ap
proach of the day on which the Charter will ex
pire, as well as the conduct of the Batik, appear
ed to me to call for this measure, upon the high
considerations of public interest and public du
ty. The extent ol its miscond.iCo. however, al
though known to be great, was not at that, time
fully developed by proof, it was. not until late
in the month of August, that I received front the
government directors an official report, estab
lishing beyond question, that this great and pow
erful institution had been actively engaged in
attempting to influence the elections ol the pub
lic officers, by means of its money; and that, in
violatiou of the express provisions of its charter,
it had, by a formal resolution, placed its funds at
the disposition of its I’resident, to be employed in
sustaining tlie political potter of the Bank. A
copy ot this resolution is contained in the report
of the Government Directors, befoie releirefl to;
and however the object may be disguised by cau
tious language, no one can doubt that this mon
ey was iu ti'Utn intended lor electioneering pur
poses, and the particular tise.s 10 which it tvas pro
ved to have been applied, abundantly show that
it was so understood. Not only was tlie evidence
complete, as to the past application of ihe money
and power of the Bank, to clect’oneering purpos
es, but that the resolution of tbe board of Direct
ors authorised the same course to be pursued in
future.
It being thu« established by unquestionable
proof that the Bank of the United States was,con
verted into a permanent electioneerWg' engine, it
appeared to me that tbe path of duty uhieh the'
Executive Department ofthe Governnient'oughl to
pursue, was not doubtful. As by the terms ofthe
Bank charter, no officer but the Secretary of the
Treasury conld remove t e deposited, it seemed
to me that this authority ought to bo nt once ex
erted to deprive that gr*nt corporation ofthe sup-
port and countenance ofthe Governjnontln such
an u«c Of its fund? end such an exertion of its pow
and
«» wts made resulted in .a report irmn :t
jorit, of iheC(»inm:'l'-’eof Wavs and Means touch-
mg Cerinio npeeified points only, concluding with
.1 resoIiffio n |(,r Government depositee might
t-e continued iu the Bank of the Doited
'tales. This resolution was adopted at fhe clo-e
Ihe si.q«: on J,,.* |1,e vote of a majority ofthe
'fonse oft? spreseolattves. '
AftlKrtfrfj r iniv not always be able to concur in
the vi'Mvs ofthe public interesf, or the dot es ofils
?ia-'i|<t n-iioli mv 1," taken f!ie qtiirr «!eparf-
ments ofthe Government, or oiffi re! ■: •■ s,
T am. notwilbstandina". wholly incapable ol re?
eriyinsr olberwise than with tlie mo t sincere rc J
street, all opinions or snsrtrestions proctvumg fiem
snob n source: arid In respect to none^101 t more
inoflnrd to do so, than to the Ifihise of Represen
tatives. But it will be seen, from the brief views
at this time taken ofthe subject by myself, as well
as tbe more nmpte'ones presented by tne Sccrcta-*
rv ofthe Treasury,' that »li" change in the deposites
wldch has horn ordered, has been deemed to be.
ea.lied tor hv eonsifTeratronS which are not atieeled
bv the proeeedinrrs referred to. and which, it eol-
rretty viewed by that Department, rendered its
net a mnlternf imperious duly.
Ormlnpr n« you do for'be most part, immediately
from tbe pearde and the States, bv ctec’ion, and
possessing (he fir’Test opportunity to know lueir
sentiments, the'present Con; vess will he sineero-
tv s '•'v'.mslo earrv info filll and fair effect the
vi i!i bf f-elr constituents in-rce-ard to this Institu
tion. T( n- :, l he f.r those in wfo-c hr half we all
ne' decide wbefher fhe Executive Department
ofthe Government, in the steps which if has taken
an this subject, has heen found iu the line of its
dot,-.
The nernropnnyinff report of the Secretary of
14 nr, with tlie documents annexed to it. evhihij
‘he oneritions ofthe IVnr Department for (be pas
veer, and ‘ha condition of'he various sulpccts en
trusted to it? administration.
T! will l,e seen from (hem that fhe Army main-'
tems the character if ha* heretofore acquired for
effieienev nod mi'ltnrv knowledge. Nothing has
occurred since vonr ’u«t spssion*o retmire its ser
vices beyond the ordinary routine ofd» Hes. which
upon the spnhoerd and the inland frontier devolve
nuon I* In a tin"* of neaee. Tire system, so wisely
-do-fed and s 0 Ion" pursued, of constructing tor-
t'fleellons n* exposed points, and of preparing anti
eolleeflnrp the suppjlps necessary for'fhe military
defence of the country, nnd tints providently fur-
-Ishinsr in pence the means ot defence in war, has
been eon'inned with the usual results. I recom
mend to vonr consideration the various 4iibjeets
suggested in t' o report ofthe Secretary of War.
Their adoption would promote the public service
and meliorate fhe condition ofthe Army.
Orrr relation® with the various Indian tribes
have been undisturbed s'nee ibo termination ofthe
diPieultres growing out ofthe hostile aggressions
ofthe 8ar*« and for Indians Several treaties
have hepn fb-Vnedfbr -hr relir.onishment of territo
rv to the United States, an ! for the migration of
tho roeupants *0 the retric.n assigned fir their res
idence, west, of the Mississippi- Should these,
trenties be ratified bv the Senate, p ovision will
have I, on made for the removal of almost all the
tribes now remaining east offlv-t river, and forllie
termination of many difficult and embarrassin."
questions arising out of their anomalous political
condition. It is fobe hoped that those portions of
too ofthe southern tribos, which in that event
Will present the only remaining difficulties, will
realize the necessity ol em cration, and will spec- _
dilv resort to it. Mv original convictions upon
this snbieet have been confirmed by the course of
events tor several years, and experience is every
dov adding to their strenjylli. 1 hat those tribes
cannot exist, surrounded hv our settlements and
in continual e intact with onr citizens, is certain.'
Tliev have neither tlie intelligence, the industry,
the moral habits, nor tbe desire if improvement,
•hieh are essential to any favorable change *n
their condition. Established in the midst of an
other and n superior race, nnd without apprecia
ting the ceii-es of their inferiority, orsetiiing to
control them, they must neees aniy yield to tbe
fiirpe of eircumstanees, and era 1 ing disappear.
Such he.® been their fiife heretofore, rod it it is
to be averted, it an only bo done by a ger.er ,1 re
moval beyond onr boundary, and by the re-orsjani-
Zrttion of their political system upon principles a-
daptedtothe new relations in which they will be
placed The experiment which ha® been recent
ly made, hr.® so thr proved snceessfnl. 'Ifeeemi
trrants generally are ret resented to be prosperous
and contented, the eountry.puitahh’ to'Ilicir wants
and Imbits, nnd the essential erlieles ofsubsist-
enee en.dty procured. When the report of cr m-
missioners now engag' d in investiyitii g the con
dition and pro‘-poets offbese Indian'', and in devis
er. Ini. this point ofthe caso, the question is dis
tinctly presented, whether the people ofthe Uni
ted States are to govern through iepr< sentatives
chosen by their unbiassed suffrages, or whether
tbe power and money of a great corporation are to
be secretly exerted to influence their judgment &
eonlrcl their tlecisrons. It must now be deter
mined whether the Bank is to have its candidates
foi all olfices in the country, fr< m the highest to
the lowest, or whether candidates on bolh sides
of political questi-ns shall be brought forward ns
heretofore, and supported by the u-ual means.
At this time the efforts ofthe Bank lo control
public opinion through Ihe distresses of some and , , , ,
the fears of others, are equally apparent, and if) an ' ? ,hp fr °" er “ ! oour * e "P c j! c /“
possible more objectionable. By a curtailment ei | !“' < ’ , 'ent state of our eoim r -
its aecomniodaiious more rapid thanany emergen- I ! '"'i uw ^ 1 purpo-es na •' P *. " -•
ej' requires, and even while it retains specie to an
log a plan for their intercourse and government,
is received, I trust ample means of in formal ion
will be in possession efthe Government ter ad
justing nil tbe unsettled questions connected with
this interesting subject
The operations ofthe Navy dm ing fhe year, and
its present condition, are fully exliil ged in the an
nual report from the Navy Department.
Suggestions arc made by the Secretary, of vari
ous improvements, which deserve carefill e* ns d-
oration, and most of which, il adopted, bid lair to‘
promote the efficiency ot this import-nt liranolrof
tlie public service. Among these are the new or
ganization of tbe Navy Ilnnrd, the revision of tlie
pav to officers, and dchange in tbe period o.l time,
or in the manner, of making the a • mini nppiopnui
lions, to which I beg leave to call your jiai lieular
attention.
The view* which are' preser. toil o- almost eve
ry portion of our Naval, concerns, nnd especially
or, tie amount ot I roe and the number ol i fire era,
propriatein t.:e-
resent ®Iatc of our country; for securin - the great
almost unprecedented amount in its vaults, it it
attempting to produce grea: embarrassm' at in. one
portion of the corymuiiily, while through presses
known to have been sustained by its money, itat-
tsaipts, by unfounded alanas, to create a panic in
all.
These are the m ians by which it seems to ex
pect that it can fbreo a restoration „f tm deposited,
and as a neceosary-conecqucnce, etU,ri from Con-
gre.'H a renewal of its charter. 1 an happy to
know that, through the ceod sense of our people,
the effort to get up a panic has hitherto faiied/npd
that through the increased accommodations which
the Male Banka have been enabled to nfi'ord, no
public distress lias followed the exertions ol the 1
Bank; and it cannot be doubted that tbe exerci-r
of its power and the expenditure of its money, a-
well as its effort - tn spread groundle-s alarm, will
:>e met and rebuked as they deserve. In my own
sphere of duty, I should feel roy-df called on b.
the tacts discj.’sed to order, scire fncinsaga,net ill
with a,view to put an end to Ihe chartered
it has ho palpably violated, were it not tha;
le charter i -elfw-fl t; r —n r • ..r..,n r.-'- a d- cisio:
amicably uid ideal 'goous.v connected oy great di-i'injirfon of die receipt* -al
of the ( unfavorably received. The ptopoSed proceeding,, engagements founded On the- most, enlarged j os compared v- i £ h the present one; and they w
1834 ]
Ul
rtsort.
due preparation for the contingencies ol war,
inert with my entire approbation.
It will be perceived from the report referred to,
ihni tbe fiscal concerns of the establish, rent are in •
an excellent condition ; and ills' hoped that Con-
gre-s may feel disposed to .make promptly every 1
'iiit.'-ble provision desired either for preserving oc
improving (ue system
The General i’osf Office Departmcnlhas eonttn-
upon the strength of i(4 oiin resources, to fa-’
cilitate the m> an* of communion'ion between th«v
variou portions of the Union vrilh iaereasodacti-
vlty. Tbe method, however, in wlitch the ac-y
eoiints of fhe transportation ofthe mail hasafway*
been kept, appears lo have presented an itnperfrcti
view of its expenses. Ii has recently Bren dis
covered, that from tbe earliest record* of v * *
p.-.rtm< sit. the.anmi.il stafement* havobreft rartw
riled to exhibit an amount considerably ehotc of
! >e actual expenses incurred for that 8CWnfir.*4‘,
The*? illusory statements, together witfi
•n®e of carrying into effect tbe law of the lo**,
o -ion of Congress, establishing new mail roflt£#yb
Hid a disposition on the part of the Head of th*7-
e.rirtmcnl. to gratify flu- wishes ofthepnbfie_it»t
- j..,. fm.iii f eilities hove induced him-
•I.i’iti.,*# for their intajrovement bo*
!>v*d wh*it tV* cr
<’.ic DiTbr