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PBESIDEai r’S M£SSAfl •
' Lvnliuutii Jrurn first p*#*- .
tv hi c h have accompanied tho paym’l of the pub.ic
debt, nnd the adoptiou of tho pr&scnt revenue
laws, is manifest from the fact, that, compared
with 1833, there is a diminution of near twenty
five millions in the last two years, and that our
expenditures independently of those for the pub
lic debt. have been reduced near nine millions
during' tho s^rno period. Let us trust, that by
the continued observance of economy, and by
harmonizing tho great interests of agriculture,
manufactures and commerce, much more may be
accomplished to diminish the burdens of Gov
ernment, and to increase still further tho enter
prise aud the patriotic affection of all classes of
our citizens, and all the members of our happy
Confederacy. As tho data which the secretary
of the Treasury will lay before you, in regard to
our fiuancial resources, are full and extended,
and will afford a safeguard in your future calcu
lations, 1 think it unuecessary to offer any further
observations on that subject here.
. Among tho evidences of the increasing pros
perity of the country, not the least gratifying is
that afforded by the receipts from the sales of the
public lands, which amount, in the present year,
to tho unexpected sum of $11.000,000. This
circumstance attests the rapidity with which ag
riculture, the first and most important occupation
of man, advances, aud contributes to the wealth
and power of our exteuded territory. Being
still of the opiuiau that it is our best policy- as
far as we can consistently with the obligations
under wiiicb those lands were ceded to the Uni
ted Slates, to promote their speedy settlement, I
beg leave to call the attention of the preseut Con
gress to the suggestions I have offered respecting
it in my former messages. .
The extraordinary receipts from the sales of
the public lands invite you to consider what im
provements the laud system, and particularly the
condition of the Geueral Laud Office, may re
quire. At the time this institution was organized
near a quarter of a century ago, it would proba
bly have been thought extravagant to anticipate,
for this period, such au addition to its business
as has been produced liy the vast increase of those
sales during the past and present years. It may
alsA'bo observed, that since tho year 1812 the
lamj. offices and suiveyiug districts have been
greatly multiplied, nnd that numerous legislative
enactments, from year to year since that time,
have imposed a great amount of new aud addi
tionalduties upon that office, while the want of
a timely application of force, commensurate with
tho care and labor required, has caused the in
creasing embarrassment of accumulated arrears
in the different brauches of the establishment.
These impediments to the expedition of much
duty in the Geueral Land Office induce mo to
•ubroit to your judgment, whether sonic mollifi
cation of tne laws relating io its organization, or
an organization of a new character, he not called
for at the present juncture, to eiinhlo tho office to
in by tbo people, Would have changed tho whole
character of our Government, every candid anil
intelligent individual must admit that, for the at
tainment of the great advantages of a. sound
currency, we must look to a course of legislation
radically different from that which created such
an institution. . .
lu considering the meaus of obtaining so im
portant an end, we must set aside nil calculations
of temporary convenience, and lie influenced by
those only which are in harmony with the true
character and the permanent interests of the Re
public. We must recur to first principles, aud
see wbat it is that has prevented the legislatiou
of Congress aud the States, tin tho suhjei of cur
rency, from satisfying the public expectation, and
realizing results corresponding to those which
have attended tho aeiiou of our system when
truly consistent with tho great principle of equal
ity upon which it rests, aud with that spirit of
forbearance, and mutal concession, and generous
patriotism, which was originally, nod must ever
continue to be. the vital clement o! our Union.
On this subject, 1 am sure that I cannot be
mistaken in ascribing* our want of success to the
undue countenance which has been afforded t*»
the spirit of monopoly. All the serious dangers
which our system has yet encountered, may lie
traced to the resort to implied powers, and the
use of corporations clothed with privileges, the
effect of which is to advance the interesis of tho
few. at the expense of the many. H e have tell
hut one i lass of these dangers, exhibited in the
question could have been otherwise preserved-—
Although clothed with the legal authonty, and
supported by precedent, I was aware that there
wa®, in the act of the removal of the dopostlcs.
a liability to excite that sensitiveness to Execu
tive power w hich it is the characteristic ami the
duty of freemen to imlulgo : but I relied on this
feeling, also directed by patriotism and intelli
gence; to vindicate the conduct which, in He
end. would appear to have been called for by tho
best interests of tny country.. The apprehen
sions natural to this feeling, tint there may have
been a desire, through tho instrumentality of that
measure, to extend the Executive influence, or
that it inav have been prompted by motives not
sufficiently free from ambition, were not over
looked. Uuder the operation of our institutions,
tho public servant who is called on ta lake a step
of high responsibility, should feel, in the freedom
which gives rise to such apprehension*, hi* high-
cst security. When uufoumlcd, the uttcutiou
which they arouse, and tho discussions they ex
cite, deprive those who indulge them, ol the
power to do harm ; when just, they but hasten
the certaiuty with which the great body of our
citizens never fail to repel an attempt to procure
their sanction to any exercise of power inconsis
tent with the jealous maintenance of their rights.
(Judci such couvictious, and entertaining no
doubt rlnt my constitutional obligations demand
ed the steps which were taken in reference to the
removal of the depositee, it was impossible for
mo to be deterred from the path of duty by a
uui iiiiu i iii>> in iiit'iiu utnitt-ias u.xui-misw ... ...w . . iii . i-i * :i Wil
contest waged by the Bank of He United States fear that my motives could be misjudged, or that
- ' — political prejudices could defeat the just consui-
eratioa of the merits of my conduct. The result
has shown how safe is this reliance upon the pa
triotic temper and enlightened discernment of
•he people. That measure has uow been be
fore them, and has stood the lest of all the severe
analysis which its general importance, the inter
ests it affected, and the apprehensions it excited,
were calculated to produce; aud it now remains
for Congress to consider what legislation has be
come necessary in consequenco.
1 need only add to what I have on former oc
casions said on this subject, generally, that in the
regulations which Congress uiay prescribe re
specting the custody of the public moneys, it is
desirable that ns little discretion as may be deem
ed consistent with their safe-keeping, should lie
against the Government for the last four years
Happily, they have beeu obviated fertile present
by the iudigudn! resistance of tho Penplr, hut we
should recollect that the priuciplc whence nicy
spruug is an ever active one, which will not fail
to renew its efforts in the same and otlir r forms,
so long as there is a hope of success, founded ei
ther on the iuattcution of the People, or the
treachery of t!i«ir representatives, to. the subtle
progress of its influence. The Bank is, iu fact,
but one of the fruits of a system at war with the
genius of all our institutions—a system founded
upon a political creed, the fundamental principle
of which is a distrust of the popular will as a
lal'e regulator of political power, and whose
great ultimate object, aud inevitable result,
should it prevail, is the consolidation of all pow
cr io our system in one central Government.— j given to the .Executive agents. No one can be
Lavish public disbursements, and corporations . more deeply impressed thau I am with the souud
w ith exclusive privileges, would lie its substitute
for the original, and, as yet, sound checks aad
iial.itiees of the constitution—the menu* by whose
silent aud secret operation, a control would he
exercised liy the few, over tho political conduct
ness of 'he doctrine, which restrains aud limits,
by specific provisions, Executive discretion as
far as it can he done consistently with the pre
servation of its coustitutioaal character. In ie-
spect to the control over tho public moneys, this
of die many, by first acquiring that control over j doctrine is peculiarly applicable, nnd is in har-
thc labor and earnings of iho great body of the ; mouy with the great principle which I felt I was
People. \\ herever this spirit has effected an al- I sustaiuiijg, in the controversy with the Bank of
liauce with political power, tyranuy A-despotism | the United Stales, which has resulted iu severing,
have been the fruit. If it is ever" used for the i to some extent, a dangerous connection between
ends of Government, it has to he incessantly
watched, or it corrupts the sources of the public
accomplish all the'ends of its ius itution with a the country with questions
- - —- ■ ■ -■ uufivorahlc to the harmonious and steady pursuit
of it* true interests.
We are now to see whether, iu theprcscut fa
vorable condition of the country, we cantiot take
au cffertual stand against this spirit of monopoly,
greater degree of facility aud promptitude than
experience has proved to he practicable, under
existing regulations. The variety of the con
cerns, aud the magnitude and complexity of the
details occupying and dividing the attention of
the Commissionei, appear to render it difficult, if ; ‘"' 1 |W;*«u»Hy prove, in respect to the curreucy
BOt impracticable, for that officer, by any possi- ! ‘ s well as other important interests, that there is
ipraclicable-
ble assiduity, to bestow on all the 'multifarious
subjects, upon which he is called to act, th;
ready and careful attention due to their respec
tive importance; unless the Legislature shall as
sist him by law, providing, or enabling him to
provide, for a more regular and economical dis
tribution of labor, with the iocideut responsibili
ty, among those employed under his direction.—
The mere manual-operation of affixing his signa
ture to tho vast number of documents issuing
from his office, subtracts so largely from the time
and attention claimed by the weighty and com
plicated subjects daily accumulating in that
branch of the public service, as to indicate the
itrong ; necessity of revising the organic law of
the establishment. It will be easy for Congress,
hereafter, to proportion the expenditure on ac
count of this branch of the service to its real
wants, by abolishing, from time to time, the offi
ces which cau be;dispensed with.
The extinctioniof the Public Debt having taken
place, there is uo longer any use for the officer of
Commissioners of Loans and vf the Sinking
Fund. I recommend, therefore, that they he
flbolislied, and that proper measures be tHkeu for
tbs transfer, Io iho Treasury Department, of any
funds, books, and papers, connected with the
operations of those offices; and that the proper
t ower be givcu'to that Department for closing,
nally, any portion of their busiuess which may
vemniu to be settled.
It is also incumbent on Congress, in guarding
the pecuniary interests of the country, to discon
tinue, by such a law as was passed in 1812. the
receipt of tbo bills of tho Bank of tho United
States in payment of the public revenue; and to
provide for the designation of an agent, whose
duty it shall he to take charge of the books and
•tock of the United States in that institution, and
to close all connexion with it, after tho 3d of
March, 1836, when its charter expires. In mak
ing provision in regard tu tho disposition of this
stock, it wiil he esscutial to define, clearly and
strictly, the duties ami powers of the officer char
ged with that branch of the public service.
It will be seen from the correspond* nco which
th* Secretary of the Treasury will lay before you,
that, notwithstanding tho largo amount of the
clock which the United States hall in that insti
tution, no information has yet been comnrinicn
ted which willeoable tbs Government to antici
pate when it can receive any dividends, or derive
any benefit from it.
Connected with tho condition of tho Finances
nnd the flourishing state of tho country in all its
branches of industry, it is pleasing to witness the
advantages which have been already derived
from the recent laws regulating tho value of the
gold coinage. These advantages will be more
apparent in the course of the next yoar, when
the branch mints authorized to lie established in
North Carolina, Georgi-i, ami Louisiana, shut
bavo gone into operation. Aided, as it is hop
thoy will he, by further reforms in the hanking
•ystoms of the States, nnd by judicious rcgula
tions on tho part of Congress, in relation to the
custody of the pti'dic moneys, it may lie coufi
dently anticipated that the use of gold ami silver,
as a circulating medium, will become g-noral iu
the ordinary transactions, connected with tne la
bor of the country. 'The great desideratum, in
modern times, is an efficient chock upon the pow
er ol banka, preventing that excessive issue of
paper, whence arise those fluctuations iu the
standard of value, which render uncertain the
rewards of labor. It was supposed by those tvho
established the Bank ot the United Slates, that
from the credit given to it by the custody of the
public moneys and other privileges, and the pre
cautions taken to guard against the evil which
tho country had suffered in the bankruptcy of
many of the State institutions of that period, wc
should derive from that institution all the security
and benefits of a sound curreucy, and every good
end that w^s attainable under that provision of
the Constitution which authorises Congress alone
to coin mengy aud regulate the valuo thereof.—
But it is scarcely necessary now to say that these
anticipations have not been realized. After the
no necessity for so extensive a resort to it as that
winch has been heretofore pratised. The expe
rience of another year has confirmed iho utter
fallacy of the idea that the Bank of the United
States was uecessary as a fiscal agent of the Go
vernment Without its aid ns such, indeed, in
despite of all the embarrassment it was iu its
power to create, the revcuue has been paid with
punctuality by our utizens ; the business of ex
change, both foreign and domestic, has iieeu con
ducted with convenience; and the circulating
medium has becu greatly improved. By tlic use
of tbe State banks, which do not derive their
charters (rom the Geueral Government, aud are
not controlled by its authority, it is ascertained
that the moneys of he United States can he c«d-
a moneyed and political power. The duty of
the Legislature to define, hy clear and positive
enactments, the nature and extent of tire action
which it belongs to the Executive tu superintend,
springs out of a policy analngou* to that which
enjoins upon all the branches of the Federal
Government, au abstinence from the exercise of
powers nut clearly granted. Iu such a Govern
ment, possessing only limited and specific pow
ers, the spirit of its general administration cauuot
be wise or just, when it opposes the reference of
all doubt fill points to the great source of nudior-
itv. the States and the People, whoso number
nud diversified relations, securing them against
the influences aud excitements whi. lt‘may mis
lead their agents, make them the safest deposito
ry of power. Iu its application to the Executive,
with reference to the Legislative branch of the
Government, tho sumo rule of action should
mako the President ever anxious to avoid tbe ex
ercise of auy discretionary authority which,can
tie regulated by Congress. Tbo biases which
may operate upon him will not ho so likely to ex
tint part of the report of the Secretary of \\ ar
which relates to this subject, and .recommend an
appropriation sufficiently liberal to accelerate the
armament of tbe foitifications agreeably to the
proposition submitted by him, and to place our
whole Atlantic sea-board in a complete state ol
dcfeuce. Ajust regard to the permanent inter
csts of the country evidently requires this meas
ure. But there artr also other reasons which at
the present juncture give it peculiar force, and
make it my duty to call to tho subject yoar spe
cial consideration.
The present system of Military Education has
been in operation sufficiently long to test its u-e-
fulncss, and it hns given to the army a valuable
body of officers. It is not alone in the improve
ment, discipline, and operation of the troops,
that these officers are employed. They are also
extensively engaged in the administrative and
fiscal concerns ol the various matters con fid it to
the W.r Department; in the execution of the
staff duties usually appertaining to military or
ganization ; iu tho removal of the Indians, nud
iu tho disbursement of the Various expenditures
growing out of oitr Indian relations ; iu tile for
mation of roads; and iu the improvement of har
bors and rivers; in the construction of fortifica
tions ; iu the fabrication of much of the m \TK-
riki, required for the public defeneo ; and in the
preservation, distribution, aud accountability of
tho whole; and iu other miscellaneous duties,
uot admitting of classification
These iliver-lified mictions embrace very heavy
expenditures of publi,- money, aud require fideli
ty, -science, ami business habits iu their execu
tion ; and a system which shall secure tho*c
qualification* is demanded by the public interest.
That this object has been iu a great measure ob
tained by tilt* Military Academy, is shown by the
state of the service, and hy the prompt nceounta
bility which has generally followed the necessary
advauces. Like all other political systems, the
preseut mode of uiilitaiy education, no doubt
lias its imperfections, both of principle and prac
tice ; hut I irust these cau be improved hy rigid
inspections, and hy legislative scrutiny, without
destroying the institution itself.
Occurrences, to which we as we'l as all other
uatious arc liable, both in our iuternal aud ex
ternal relations, point to the necessity of an effi
cient organization of the Militia. 1 am again
induced, by the importance of the subject, to
bring it to your attention. To suppress domestic
violence, and to repel foreign invasion, should
these calamities overtake ns, we must rely, in
tiie first instance, upon the great body of the
community, whose will has instituted, aud whose
power must support, the Government. A large
standing military force is not consonant to the
spirit of our institutions nor to the feelings of our
•couutrymeu ; nud the lessous of former days, and
those also of our owu lime*, show the danger, as
well ns the enormous expense, to theso perma
nent and extensive military organizations. That
just'medium which avoids an inadequate prepa
ration, oh one hand, and the danger and expense
of a large force, on the other, is wbat onr consti
tuents have a right to e> pcct from their Govern
ment. This object ran be attained only by the
maintenance of a small military force, and by
such au organization of the physical strength of
the country as may bring this power into opera
tion, whenever its services are required. A clas
sification of the population offers the most ob
vious means of effecting this organization. Such
a division may bo Ltde as will be just to nil, by
transferring ouch, nt a proper period of life, from
ouc class to another, nnd hy calling first for the
services of. that class, whether for instruction or
actiou. which from age, is qualified for the duty,
aud tuny he called to perforin it with least injury
to themselves or to the public. Should the dan
ger ever become so imminent as to require addi
tional force, tiie other classes, iu succession,
would bo rendy for tho call. And if, in audition
to this orgauiz itiou, voluntary associations were
mtiou, the representations are highly favorable. ! Tile
I’o ilicsu districts the ladi'ius are remove*! -it iho oral
• xpeuse of the United States, and with certain action, au<! to effect
-implies of clothing, arms, ammunition, and oth
er indispensable at tides, they are also furnished
gratuitously with provisions for tbe period of n
year after their arrival at their new homes. In
iu: measures adopted by the Postmaster I'
to bring th.; means of tho dcnartc...... - C
that time, from the nature of the country,'and
of the products raised by them, they cau subsist
themselves by agricultural labor, if they eh.iose
to resort to that mode of life. If they do not,
they are upon tho skirls of the great prairies,
where countless herds of buffalo roam, anil a
short time suffices to adapt their owu habits to
changes which a change of the animals des'itied
for their food may require. Ample arrangements
have also been made lor the support of schools.
In some instances, council-houses aud churches
are to be erected, dwellings constructed for the
chiefs, aud mills foi common use. Funds have
been set apart for the maintenance of the poor.—
i'he most uecesss. v mechanical arts have been
introduced, nnd blacksmiths, gunsmiths, wheel
wrights. millwrights, &c. are supported among
them. Steel ami iron, and sometimes salt, are
purchased for them, anil ploughs and other farm
ing utensils, domestic animals, looms, spinning
vheels, cards, &c. are presented to them- Aud
besides these beneficial arrangements, annuities
are iu all cases paid, amounting ill some instances,
to more than thirty dollars for each individual of
the tribe; and in all cases sufficiently great, if
justly divided, and prudently expended, to ena
ble them, iu addition to their otvn exertions, to
live comfortably. And as a stimulus for exer
tion, it is now provided by law, that, “iu all
cases of the appointment of interpreters, or other 1
to effect a speedy extiugufij,*"'.
its debt, ns well a< to produce an efficient ^ °
"Utrntio" of its affairs, will lie found denlL i
length in bis Mile and luminous report Vi
by a reorganization on tbe priaeiplw ^7*7*
and such salutary provisions in-the I insr ‘tl’
ting its administrative duties as the wisdif •
Congress nny devise or approve, that i„„ )0 “| of
department will ooon attain a degree of n tv
ness proportioned to the increase of U)lr '
lion and the extension of our settlements *" *
Particular attention is solicited to that p 0 ,*
of the report of tiie Postmaster General**?!?
relates to the carriage of the Mails of the •*«
upon railro-iils constructed by private, corjiw'
tions under the authority of the several Si't
The reliance which tho General Government eS '
place on those roads na a means of carrviiir **
its operations, aud tbo principles on wlndf!?
use of them is to be obtained, cannot too soon |
considered and settled. Airdnilysloet tbe unh
uf monopoly begin to exhibit its natural proL,*
s'ni.s, in attempts to exact from the pXir'
for services which it supposes cauuot be oktugj
on other terms, tho most extravagant company
tion. If these claims be persisted in lhenJ-j.
tinu may arise whether a combination^ofdfiuuJ
acting uuder charters of incorporation, fro* (V
States, can hy a direct refusal, or tlm demand of
an exorbitant price, exclude the United Suit*
from the use of the established channels of com*
inuuicalion between the different sections of ;ho
country; and whether tbe United , States caiiao!
without transcending their coiistituional powm
secure in the Post Office Department the n se 0 [
persons employed for the benefit of tho Indians, j those roads, bv au act of Congress which ahull
a preference shall be given'rn persons of ludian provide within itself * -me equitable inode of ad-
dcseent, if such can he found who are properly 1 justing the amount of compensation. To alirum
qualified for tho discharge of the duties." j if possible, the necessity of considering *his ques-
Such are tho arrangements fur the physical l tion, it Is suggested whether it be nos expedient
comfort, and for the moral improvement of the I to fix by law, the aiiiouuia winch shall beoUWed
Indians. The necessary measures tor their \t.t- j ;o rail road companies for He cconveyance of the
litical advancement, and for their separation j mails, graduated according to their averse
from our citizens, have uot been neglected- The weight, to hi ascertained and declared liv die
pledge of the Ui .States has been given by Con-j Post Mastei General. It is pr-dtable timta Ifo.
gross, that tho country destined for the residence I oral proposition of that son would lie accepted,
of this people, shall be fore ver “secured and I Iu connection with these provision* io rejati^
guarantied to them.” A country, west of Mis- j to the Post Office Department. 1 most also invite
souri and Arkansas, has been assigned to them, j your attention to the painful cxciienisnu in the
into which the white settlements are not to be j South, by attempts to circulate through the niaili
pushed. No political communities can be form- j inflammatory appeals addressed to the passions
ed in that extensive region, except those which j of the slaves, in prints, nnd in various sorti of
are established hy the Indian* I ham selves, or by J publications, calculated to stimulate them loin-
tiled. States for them, and with their concur- 1 surrcclioil, and to produce all tile horrors of a
renco. A harrier has thus been raised for their j servile w ar.
protection, against the encroachments of our ci- | There is, doubtless, uo respectable portion »,f
tizens, and guarding the Indians, ns far as pos - our countrymen who can be so far misled as to
slide, from those evils which Inve brought them feel any other sentiment than thaf of indignant
to their present condition- Summary amhority
tend to the representatives of the Peoplo in that ' encouraged, and inducements hold out for their
body
lu my former messages to Congress, 1 have
lected and disbursed without loss *.r incuttveii j repeatedly urged the propriety of lessoning tho
icuce; and that all the wauls of the community,
in relation to exchaugo and curruucy, are sup
plied as well as they have ever been belore. If,
under circumstance* the most unfavorable to the
steadiness of tho money mnrkot, it has been
found that the considerations on w hich the Bank
of tho United Stases rested its claims to the pub
lic favor, were imaginary and groundless, it can
not he doubted that the experience of the future
wdl he mure decisive against them,
it has beeu soeu. that, without the agency of
a great tin ncyed monopoly, the revenue can lie
collected, nud conveniently and safely applied
to all the purposes of the public expenditure—
It is also ascertained, that, instead of'being ne
cessarily made to promote tho evil* of mi un
checked paper system, tho management of the
revenue can bo inado auxiliary to tho reform
which the Legislatures of several of the States
have already enmmeuced iu regard to the sup-
discicliotiary authority lodged iu the various de
partments ; hut it has produced no effect, as yet,
except the disconlinnuco of extra allowances in
the Army and Navy, and the substitution of fixed
salaries in tho latter. It is believed that the
same principles could he advantageously applied
in all cases, and would promote the efficiency
nud economy uf the public service, at the same
lime that greater satisfaction, and more equal
justice, would he secured to the public officers
generally.
The accompanying Report of the Secretary of
War, will put you iu possession of the operations
of tho Department coufiued to his care, in all its
diversified relations, during the past year.
1 am gratified in heiug able to inform you, that
no occurrence has required any movement of the
military force, except such as is common to a
state of peneq. The services of tho tinny have
heeu limited to their usual duties at the various
pressioo of small bills; anil w hich has only to he ] garrisons upon the Atlantic and inland frontier.
fostered by proper regulations on the part of
Congress, to secure a practical return, to the ex
tent required for the sicttrity of the currency, to
the ccusiitutioual medium Severed from the
Government as political engiues, aud not susesj
tihle of dungerou* extculion and combination, the
Slate banks will not he templed, nor will they
have the power which we havo seen exercised,
to divert the puldic funds from tho legitimate
purposes of :ho Government. 'The collection
aud custwly of the revenue heiug, ou the contra
ry, a source of credit to them, will increase the
security which tiie States provide for a faithful
execution of their trusts, hy multiplying the scru
tinies to which their operations ami accounts
will bo subjected. Thus disposed, as well from
interest as tho obligations of their charters, it
cauuot be doubted that such conditions ns Con
gress may sec fit to adopt respecting the depos
its in these institutions, with n ’ view to the
gni.ilia! disuse of the small hills, will he cheer
fully complied with; and that wo shall soon
gain, iu place of the Bank of the United riiates,
a practical reform in tSe whole paper system of
the couuiry. If, ny this policy, we can ultim
ately witness the suppression of all hank hills be
low twenty dollars, it is apparent that gold and
silver will take their place, and become the prin
cipal circulating medium it the common busi
ness ol the farmers and mechanics of the coun
try. The attainment of snch a result will form
an era iu the history of our country, which will
lie dwelt upon with delight by every true friend
of its liberty and iiidcpcudcucc. ft will lighten
the great lax which our paper system has so
long collected from the earning* of labor, ami
do more to revive am! perpetuate those habits of
economy aud si;upli*-ity which arc so congenial
to the character of republicans, th in all iiie le
gislation which has yet been attempted.
To this sulijert 1 feel that I cauuot too earnest
ly invite the especial attention of Congress, with
out the exercise of whose authority, tho oppor
tunity, to accomplish so much public cood must
pass unimproved. Deeply impressed with its
vital importance, tho Executive has taken all the
steps within his constitutional power to guard
tbe public roveuue, and defeat the expectation
which the Bank of the Uoitod States indulged,
of renewing and perpetuating its monopoly, ou
the ground of its necessity as a fiscal agent, and
extensive embarmunoent and distress recently j as affording a sounder currency than could lie
produced liy tbe Rank of the United States, from obtained without snch -m institution. Iu tho
whirh tbo country is now recovering, aggravated performance of this duty, much responsibility
«• they were by prrtens-ons to power winch ilcfi- .v s incurred, v. hirli n o.il l b iv • l>-r:i gladh
•d tbe public authority, and which if acquiesced j avoided if tbe stake which th* public hsd in the
with the exceptions stated hy the Secretary of
War. Our small military cstatilishinent appears
to lie adequate to the purposes fo~ which it is
maiutuined; and it forms a nucleus around which
auy additional force may be collected, should the
public exigencies unfortunately require auy in
crease of our military means.
The various acts of Congress which have been
recently passeo in relation to tho army, have im
proved its condition, and have rendered its or
ganization more useful and efficient. It is at ail
timer m a state for prompt aud vigorous action;
nud it contains within itself tho power of exten
sion to any useful limit; while, at the same tiaic.
it preserves that knowledge, both theoretical nud
pr-icticnl, which education and experience alone
enugive; and which, if not acquired and pre
served in time of peace, must lie sought under
great disadvantages in time of war.
The duties of tiie Engineer Corps press heavi
ly upon that branch of the service; aud the pub
lic interest requires an addition to its strength.—
The nature of the works in. which the officers are
engaged, render necessary professional knowl
edge and cxpci icuce; nnd there is no economy
in committing to them more duties than they can
perform, or in assigning these to other persons
temporarily employed, and too often, of necessi
ty without all tho qualifications which such ser
vice demand*, 1 recommend this subject to your
attention, nnd also the proposition submitted at
tho last session of Congress, and mrv renewed,
for a reorganization of the Topographical Corps
This reorganization can be effected without any
addition to tho present expenditure, & with much
advantage to the public service. The branch of
duties which devolves upon these officers is at
all times interesting to the -community; aud the
information furnished by them is useful iu peace
and iu war.
Much loss am! inconvenience have been expe-
contaiuiug the ordinary appropriation
ficalious, which passed one brauch of the Nation
al Legislature .at the last session, hut was lost in-
the other. This failure was the more regretted,
uot only because it necessarily interrupted and
delayed the progress of a system of Nutional De
formation, our militia would be in a state of effi
c'cnt service. Now, when we are at poaec
the proper time to digest and establish a practi
cable system. The object is certainly worth the
experiment, aud worth the expense. No one ap
predating the blessings of a Republican Govern
incut, cau object to his share of the burden which
such n plan may impose. Indeed, a moderate
portioa of the national funds could scarcely he
better applied, than in carrying into effect and
continuing such au arrangement, nnd in giving
tlte necessary elementary instruction.. V*’e are
happily aUpeace with all the world. A sincere
desire to continue so, aud a fixed determination
to give-no just cause of offence to other uatious.
furnish, unfortunately, no certain ground of ex
pectation that this relation will lie uninterrupted.
With this dctermiuaiiuu to give no oflenVc, is as
sociated a resolution, equally decided tamely to
submit to none. Tho armor and the attitude of
defence, afford the best security ngaim-t'hose col
lisions which the ambition, or iuterest, or some
otcer passion of nations, uot more justifiable, is
linble to produce, hi many countries it is con
sidered unsafe to put arms into the bauds of the
people, and to instruct them in tho elements uf
military knowledge. That fear can have no
place here, when it is recollected that the People
are iho sovereign power. Our Government was
instituted aud is supported hy the ballot-box, not
hy the inusket. Whatever cliaugcs await it, still
greater changes must he made in our social in
stitutions, before our political system can yield to
physical force. In every aspect, therefore, iu
which I ca - * view thu subject, I ain impressed
with tho importance of a prompt and efficient or
ganization of the militia.
The plan of removing the Aboriginal People
who yet remain within the settled portions of the
United States, to the country west of iho Missis
sippi river, approaches its consummation. It
was adopted on the most mature consideration of
the condition of this race, and ought to lie per
sisted iu till the object is accomplished, and pros-
ccntcd with as much vigor as n just regard to
tiieir circumstance? will permit, and ns fast as
their consent c;ju be obtained. All-preceding
experiments fur the improvement of the Indians
Ijavo failed. It soeuis uow to bo au established
fact, that they eauao'.live in contact with a civil
ized community and prosper. Ages of fruitless
endeavors have, at lougth. brought us to a knowl
edge of this principle of ioterconmiunicalionwith
them. Tbe past we cauuot recall, hut the future
we can provide for. Independently of the trea
ty s.iptilatious into which wo have entered with
the various tribes, for tho usufructuary rights
Hey have ceded to us, ao ouc can doubt the mor
al duty of tho Government of th;* United States
to protect, and, if possible, to preserve nud per
petuate, tho scattered remnants of this race,
which arc left within our borders, lu the dis
charge of this duty, an extensive region iu the
West has been assigned for their permanent resi
dcncc. It has been divided into districts, and al
has been given, by law, to destroy all ardent spi
rits found in their country, without waiting the
doubtful result, and slow process of a legal sei
zure. I consider the absolute nud unconditional
iuterdictio'* of this article, among those people,
as the first and great step in their melioration.
Ilall-way measures will anew*’* no purpose.—
Theso cannot contend successfully against the
cupidity of the seller, aud the overpowering ap
petite of tho buyer. And the destructive effects
of the traffic are marked in every page of the In
dian intercourse.
suine general legislation seams necessary for
the regulation of the relations* which will exist iu
this new stato of thine* between the Govcrnm’t
and people of the U. States, ami these transplan
ted Indian irihes ; and for the establishment a-
mong the latter, and with their own consent, of
regret at conduct so destructive of the h-irnioiir
and peace of the country, and so repugumt to
the priucples of our nniiotial compact, and to the
dictates of humanity and religion Our bap.
pines* and prosperity essentially depend utxiu
peace within our bo-dors—aud jieace depends
upon the inaiutcunuce, iu good faith, of those
compromises of the constitution upon which the
Uijion is founded. it is fortunate for the
country that the good sense, the generous feeling
aud tho deep rooted attachment of the people uf
the umi-slavciioldiug states to the Union, mid to
their fellow citizens of the same blood iu the
South, havo given s*» strong* and iuipressivo a
tone to the «eutiuicnts entertained against tkj
proceedings of tue misguided persou* who Inn
engaged iu these uucoustiii.tional and wicked
aiteinpls, aud cspc.ci.ijly against tho emissaries
from foreign parts who have dared to interfere iu
some principles of iuter-commanicatiou, which j this matter; as to authorize the hope, that those
their juxtaposition will cill for; that moral may ( attempts will no longer be persisted in. Hut if
he substituted for physical force the authority of j thc<c expressions of the public will, shall not be
a few and simple laws, for the tomahawk ; and \ sufficient to effect so desirable a result, rxtadonbl
that nil end may he put to those bloody wars, can lie entertained, that the iion-sl;»vebolding
whoso prosecution seems to have made a part of
their social system.
After the further details of this arrangement
arc completed, with a very geueral supervision
over them, they ought to i»o left to tho progress
of events. These, 1 indulge the hope, will secure
their prosperity and improvement, and a large
portion of the moral elebt we owe them, will then
be paitl.
The report from the Secretary of the Navy,
showing the condition of that branch of the pub
lic service, is recommended to your special at
tention. It appears from it, that our naval force
at present in commission, with all the activity
which can he given to it. is inadequate to the
protection of our rapidly increasing commerce.
This consideration, and the more general one
which regards this arm *»f the national defence
as our best security against foreign aggressions,
strongly urge the continuance of the measures
which promote its gradual enlargement, and a
speedy increase of tho force which lias hereto
fore been employed abroad aud ut home. You
will perceive from the estimates which appear
in the roprrt of tho Secretary of the Navy, that
the expenditure* nocessary to this increase of its
force, 'hough of considerable amount, are small
when compared with tho benefits which they will
secure to the country.
As a means of strengthening the national arm,
I also recommend to your particular -nuentibu,
the propriety of the suggestion which attracted
States, so far from countenancing (lie slightest
interference with the constitutional rights of the
South, will he prompt to exercise their authority
iu suppressing, so tar as in thorn lies, whatever
is calculated to prodnee this evil.
lu leaving the care of other branches of this
interesting subject to tho Slate authorities, to
whom they properly belong, it is novordieless
proper Io- Congress to take such measures as
will prevent the Post Office Department which
was designed to foster au amicable intercourse
and correspondence between ali the members of
the Confederacy, from lioing used as an instru
ment of an opposite character The Geuerl
Government, to which the groat trust is confide*!
of preserving inviolate the relations. created
among the States by the constitution, is especial
ly hound to avoid in its os u action, anything thit
may disturb them. I would, therefore, cull the
speci*il attention of Congress to the subject, atld
respectfully suggest the propriety of passing such
a law as will prohibit, under severe penalties, the
circulation iu tin Southern States, through the
mail, of incendiary publications intended to iusri-
gate tho slaves to insurrection.
I felt it to lie my duly, in the first message which
I communicated to Congress, to urge qpnu in at*
tendon tho propriety of amending that pari of
the constitution which provides for the election of
the President aad the vice President of the United
States. Tho leading object which I had iu view
was tho adoption of « nne new provisions, which
would secure to tbe people the performance ol
forccil the same views, from a sincere conviction
that the best interests of the country wouldI h»
promoted by their adoption. If *he subject
were an ordinary one. I should have regarded tue
failure of Congress to net upon it, as an indica-
tlic consideration of Congress at its last session,
respecting tho enlistment of boys at a suitable this high duty, without any intermediate age;,.;:
ago in tho scrvico. In this manner, a nursery of fn my annual communications since, I have ei
skilful and able bodied seamen can he establish
ed, which will bo of the greatest importance.—
Next to tlm capacity to put afloat and arm tho
requisiie number * f ships, is the possession ol the
menus to man them efficiently; and nothing
seems better calculated to aid this object than the j tion of their judgmeut. lha't the disadvantage
measure proposed. As an auxiliary to the ad- i which belong to tho preseut sys.cm. were not so
vantages derived from our extensive cummer- ■ great as those which would result from auy «ti»«'
cial marine, it would furnish us with a resource ■ able substitute that had been submitted ,0 , " e,r
ample enough for all the exigencies which can i consideration. Recollecting, however, »h**tpro-
be anticipated. Considering the state of our re- j positions to introduce a new feature in our fund* 1 '
source 3 , it cannot lie doubted that whatever pro-j meutai laws cannot lie too patiently
visiou tho liberality and wisdom of Congress uni ought not to lie received with favor, until ( *‘ a
may now ad apt, with a view to tho perfect or- j great body of the peoplo are thoroughly
gnnizition ,*»f this branch of our service, will sed with their necessity and value as a remedy ,,r
meet the approbating of all classes of our cili - real evils. I feel tlm in renewing the rccoin’|W‘i'
zc,,s * ! tlation I have heretofore made on this snbj^ 1 *
By the report of the Postmaster Gauoral, it j I am not transcending the bounds of a just »Jcler-
appears that the revenue of that department : cuco to the sense of Congress, or to tbo •lisp 051 *
daring the year ending ou the 30th day ofJunn tion of tho j-mple. However much we ,n *Jj
Isst, exceeded its accruingretponsibililics, $236, 1 differ on tho choice of tho measures which
206, and that! he surplus <>f the present fiscal year guide the administration of iho Govrrrnw' 1 ’*
is estimated at $176 227* it farther appears there cau l e hut lndc doubt iu the minds *f
that the debt of the department on tho 1st day of who are really friendly to the republic** fes'» r# ’
Ini.. U.t .1'*, nn,„„n, .i..« vI— of our system that one nf its reoVt i»pw , * Dt . s ^
luities consists in the separation of the UW’yTI
ricnccd. iu 'consequence of the failure of the hill lotted among them. Many have already teinov
containing the ordinary appropriations for Forti- ed. and others are preparing to go; and with the
exception of two small hands, living in Oh.o aud
Indiana, uot exceeding fifteen hundred persons,
aud of iho Chcrokccs, all the tribes on the cast
side of the Mississippi, and exieadiag from Lake
Michigan t- Florida, have entered into engage-
fence, projected immediately after thr. last war, | incuts which will lead to their transplantation,
and since steadily pursued, hut also hoeausc it The plan for their removal and ro-ostahlish-
~ ment is founded upon tho kuowled
gained of their character and habits.
contained a contingent appropriation, inserted in
accordance with the views of the Executive, in
aid of this important object, and other branches
of the national defence, some portion* of which
mirht havo been most usefully applied during
tbo last season. J invite your early attention to
we have
and has
been dictated hy a spirit of enlarged liberality.—
\ territory exceeding in extent that relinquished,
has becu granted, to each tribe. Mf i's climate,
fertility, am! capacity to support an Indian popu-
July last, including tho amount due to cnn’fr.tc-
tors for tho quarter then just expired, was about
$1,064,381, exceeding tho available means about
$23 700. and that on tho 1st instant, about $5D7
077 of this debt had heeu paid; $400.0!)! out of
postages accruing before July, and $187,086 nut
of postage* accruing siucc. In these pifvmenls
are included $07,000 of the old debt due to|Bnnks.
After in iking these payments tho department
had $73,000 in B ank on he 1st instant. Tbe
pleasing asmrancc is given that the department
is entirely free from embarrassment, and thrtt, hy
collection of outstanding halnuces. and taring the
current surplus, the remaining portion of the batik
debt, and mast ot the other doht, will probably
he paid in Aoril next, leaving thereafter a heavy
amount to bo applied in extending the mail facil
ities <>f tho country. Rescrviuga considerable sum
for the improvement of existing mail routes, ii is
stated that the depn»tmout will be able to sustain
with perfect convenience an annual charge of
$•'100,000 for the support of new routes to com- i
menco as soon as they can ho established and
put in operation.
five & Executive powers, at tho same tiu:c ^
each is held responsible to the great s* urc
authority, which is acknowledged to be s,, P r ^'
iu the will oftho peoplecon'titatinully c,|, | eS
My reflection and experience satisfy ,uC *
framers of the Constitution, although uW * ^
anxious tom*’rk this feature as a settled nui ^
principle in the structure of the Govenmcu ,
•Hit adopt all tlte precautions that were net; s ^
to secure its practile d observance, and 111 * y fCt
cannot lie said to b < vet Carried iuto co«npl® ,e
their intentions until the ovil* which s* 1 *
this organic defect an; remedied. , ( i f .
Considering the great extent of onr L ^
racy, the rapid increase **f its population *' B(1# |
diversity of tbest 1 interests niid pursuits. •*' [i0
ho disguised that the contingency hy **•" „„
branch of the Legislature is to form it* 0 1 j; na ry
electoral college, cannot become one o ^
occurrence, without prod wing inealcO *’ a f
chid. Whit was intended is the ® el 'j ^
tho constitution in extreme cases, c*q"°