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[Vol. I.] (HiWMBU. (8. p.) TUESDAY, DECEMIIEU 17. 1816.
PCMIMUtt WRRRIV'
11Y THOMAS '.V. LORRAIN.
Tcrnt nf SubicrlptUn.~Three Dollar* per annum, pijr*
nblcin nilv?nce....Ko paper to be (lmrontinue<l, but at
tbc of tne K/lltor, until alt arrearages are pakl.
not excelling fourteen line?, inserted
tho rtoit time tor scventy.fivc rent#, anil forty cents for
cn-.h ?tib?"|nent intention. f*tlm to thefetitormon
bcpottnasl.or the postage will I* clonal toll* writer.
SHR
rillbtdiarml
Tec?iMnu
conghhssT*
IN 8BMATK
This being tlto tla/presoiifxjJ' by tho consti-|
tutiou for t1n> at ' ?'
of tt?c riiitcii
ni|m?
denit p?o trf.nhore,?r,the Mpatc7'(Mr. P0?mI
m A V" . the roll being
called bv tho sefcretary of tho senate, (Mr!
Cults,) it appeared that anuorum was present.
1 he next business, and the only business be
soles the usual orders on organizing the senate,
nns tho proiwsitloi^i^Ml'. Varnuin, of the fol
lowing resolve i
Ke?r?l ved, That it is expedient to repeal a law.
'?t the last session of congress, entitled
? an art to change tho mode of compensation to
the .members of the senate and hniiso of repre
wnfotives, (in?1 the delegates from territories,"
appointed to prenare
JmPfMi'irt a bill for that purpose. The resolti'
ttort lies on tho table of course for ono day.
Uter informing the other house that they
were formed, fitc. and appointing a committee
ft?j tho same purpose to wait on the president,
the senatu adjourned?
HOUSE OK HRPIIKSP.Vr VTIVKS.
Mo inhy, De remit r "J.
At 13 o'clock, the speaker, (Mr. Clav,) took
the c.iair, and tho roll being called over by tho
clerk ot th? house (Mr. Dougherty,) it appeared
that a quorum %ves present.
On motion of Mr. Taylor, of N. Y. it was or
derail that the house meet at twelve, instead of
eleven a dock of each day for tho present. The
object ot tins change is, to afford mora time for
the committees for the first week or two of the
session, whose sittings used to J* interrupted,
neiTiutoie, almost as soon as commenced, by
tho meeting of (ho house.
And the house adjourned.
, . Tit tihm, December .1.
this day at 13 o'clock tlm ('resident of the
; nitwl St*tc? transmitted to both Houses of
r.fr&mxtal-J: 8 McM8a2e>by Mr. Toon,
r<!iow4;.tiseiM of the Senate,
in "?tuc ?r Representative*.
prowntMnto ?f our cotin
^r,,r'.row the
el the earth, and threaten scarcity in ^XiSL
?|lncts. Such, however. Is tho vaHety of soils,
ef diuiates, and of products within our exten
slfa IKits, that the aggregate resources for sub
sntooce arc more than sufficient for the aggre
gate wants. And as far as an economy of con
sumption, moro than usual tnav be necessary,
our thankfulness is duo to providence for what
Is far more than a compensation, in the remark
#chr W ,>aA distinguished tho present
Amidst tho advantages which have succeed
ed tho peace? of Eurone, and that of tho United
8u'cs with Or eat Britain, in a general invigora
!'n industry among us, amfin the extension
ot mh commerce, the value of which is more
and noro disclosing Itself to commercial na
tim?. It IS to be regretted that a depression is
o'.p. nenced by particular branches of our ma
il ?> fat tares, and by a portion of our navigatioh.
As t ie first proceeds in an essential degree from
an excess ot imported merchandize, which
carries a check in its own tendency, the case,
in its present extent, cannot be of very Ionic du
ration. 1 he evil will not, however, hc viewed
b ? congress without a recolloction that manufac
turing establishments, if suffered to sink too
low, or langtmh too long, may not revive, after
the causes shall have ceased) and that, in the
vicissitude* of human affairs, situations may re
cir, in which a dopendauce on foreign sources,
for indispensable supplies, may be among the
nn?st xcrmtm embarrassments.
1 ho depressed state of our navigation is to
lie ascribed, in a material degree, to its exclu*
sion from tho colonial parts of the nation most
extensively connected with us in commerce,
and tioui the indirect operation of that exclu
sion.
Previous to the lato convention at London,
between the United States and Oreat Britain
tho relative state of tho navigation laws of the
two countries, growing out of tho treaty of
iror. had given to the Ilritish navigation a ma
terial advantage over the American, In tho inter
course between tho American ports and Ilritish
ports in Kuropc. Tho convention of I*ondon
equalized the laws of tho two countries, relating
to those ports leaving tho intercourse between
our ports and tho ports of the Ilritish colonies,
Miojcrt, as before, to the respective regulations
oltlitt parties. The, Ilritish government enfor
cing now, regulations which prohibit n <rade
(KtwcMints colonies and tho. united States, in
American vessels, whilst they permit a trado in
UutisS vessels, the American navigation Iom?s
accordingly* and tho loss Is augmented by tho
advantage which is given to the Ilritish compe
tition over the American, in the navigation be
tween our ports and Uritish ports in Kuropc, bv
the circuitous voyages, enjojed by the oiie, atnl
nut enjoyed by tho other.
The reasonableness of tho rule of reciprocity,
applied to one branch of the commercial inter
course, has been pressed on our part, as equal
ly applicable to both branches* bat It Is ascer
tained, that the lJritlsh cabinet declines all ne
gotiation on the sub)ect| with adisayowali
however* of any disposition to view, in in un
friendly light, whatever countervailing regula?
tions the United States may oppose to the regu
lations of which they complain. The wisdom
of the legislsture will decide on the course, i
which, under these circumstances, is prescribed
I by a joint regard to the amicable relations be
tween the two nations, and to the juat inter-1
ests of the United States.
I have the satisfaction to stat?generally,
that ^e remain in amity with forelgH^owers.
An occurrence has, indeod. taken place in
the Gulf, of Mexico, which, if sanctioned by
the 8panish government, may make an excep
tion &to that power* Afccordlng to the report
of our natal commander on that Station, one of
our public armed vessels was attacked by an|
overpowering forco under a Spanish commander,
and the American flag, with the officers and
crew, insulted; in a manner calling prompt re
paration. Thi* has been demanded. In the
mean time, a frigate and smaller vessel of war
have been ordered into thatGnlf, for the protec
tion of our commerce. It would bo improper
to omit, that tho representative of his Catholic
Majesty in tho United States, lost no time in
giving tho strongest assurances thot no hostile
order could Imve emanated from his government, i
and that it-will bo as ready to do, as to expect,
whatever the nature of tho case, and tho friend-J
ly relations of the two countries, shall be found
to require.
'flie posture of our affairs with Algiers, at the
present moment, is not known. The Dev.
drawing pretexts from circumstances for which
tho United States wero not answerable. n?l
dressed a letter to this government, declaring
tho treaty last concluded with him. to have
Ihjcii annulled by our violation of it* ami pro.
Renting, as the alternative. war. or a "?i.ewai
of the former treaty, which stipulated, mntiii;
other things, an annual tribute. The ;risw??r,
with an explicit declaration that the '"nited
States preferred war to tribute, required Vm re
cognition and observance of the treatv !a<?l
made, which abolishes tribute, and the slavery
of our captured citizens. The result of ti'.?* no.,
swer has not been received. Should ho re-iew |
his warfare on our commerce, we raly on t'ir
protection it will And in our naval force actual
ly in tho Mediterranean.
With tho other Barbery states, ouraftVus
have undergone no change.
Tho Indian tribes within our limits appear
also disposed to remain at peace. FromMtve-!
I ral of them purchases of lauds Imve been mad*,
particularly favorable t>? ^1 wishes nud securi
ty of our frontier settlements) as well as to
initmU ?fitio ontion. In iwmr ill
stances, the titles, though not supported hv dim
proof, and clashing those of ono 'tribe with M?c
claims of another, nave been extinguished h*
double purchases; the benovoloot tudicvof the
United States preferring the augmented expend
to the hazard of doing in justices or to the en
forcement of justice, again?t a feeble and unto,
tored |>eople, nv means involving or threat "oin/
an effusion of blood. I: am happy to add, that,
the tranquility which has been restored awing
tho tribes themselves, as well as between tiiem
and our own population, will favor the resump
tion of the work of civilization, which had made
an encouraging progress among some tribes, and
>!iat. the facility is increasing, for extending
that divided and individual ownership, which
exists now in moveable property only, to the
soil itself) and of thus establishing in tho cul
ture and improvement of it, the true foondation
for a transit from the habits ot the savage, to
the arts and comforts of social life.
As a subject of the highest importance to the
national welfare, ( must again earnestly recom
mend to the consideration of congress, a re-or
ganization of the militia, on a plan which will
Form it into classes, according to the periods of
life more and less adapted to military services.
An efficient militia is authorized and contempla
ted by the constitution, and required by (lie spi
rit and safety of free government. 'The pre
sent organization of otir militia is universally
[regarded as less efficient than it oujtht t ?
made; and no organization cAn he better calcu
lated to give to it its due force, than a rlassili
cation which will assign the foremost place i.
the defence of the country, to that portion of it
citizens, wImpo activity and animation best e*
able them to rally to its standard. Ite.side* th
consideration that a time of peace is the time
when the change can Iks made with mont conve
nience and equity, it will now bo aided by tl ?
experience or a recent war, in which the niiliti
bore so inter* stinu a nart.
Congress will call to mind, that no adequate
provision has been made for the uniformiiv
weights tuil measures, also contemplated l?v ?
constitution. The great utilitv of a standanl
fixed ill iU nature, and founded on (he easy rub
of dccimsd proportions, in sufficiently ob'vion
It led the government, at an early stake, to pre
paratory steps for introducing it \ and n com
pletion of the work will be a just title to tin
public gratitude.
The Tmpotiance which I have attached to th*
' establishment of a University within this I)i>
trict, on a scale and for objects worthy of the A
merican nfttUn, induces me to renew my re
cninmendntiori of it, to thu favorable consider.'! ?
tion of congreUfi: and I particularly Invito a^ai'
thair attention, to tho expediency of exercising
their existing flowers, and where necessary, o5
resorting to the prescribed mode of enlae-giuf
them, in ordci* to effectuate a comprohensivi
system of road4 and canals, such as will hav
tho effect of (rawing more closely togethc.
|evorjr part of onr country, by promoting inter
cWrse and Improvements, and by increAsing the
Mire of every part in the common stock of na
tional prosperity.
Wccurrenccs having taken place which shew
that the Statutory provision* for the diniiciiaa
tion of criminal Justice, are deficient in relation
wth fife places and persons under the exclusive
cogtufcance of the national autlioritvtan amend
mentof the law,embracing ?uch cases, will me
rit the earliest attention of the legislature. It
will be reasonable occasion, also, for enquiring
how far Isgtslative interposition may bo fur
ther requisite In providing penalties for offen
ce# designated in the constitution or in the sta
||ud: w which either no penalties are an
,or noho with sufficient certainty. And
nt to tho wisdom of congress, whether a
rei enlarged^revUal of the criminal code be
expedient, tor the purpose of mitigating, In
vu.tain cases,/penalties which were adopted in
M.?t antecedent ^experiments and example*
which justify and recommend a moro lenient
policy.
JBiSmd Statqs having been the first to
abolish'Hvithin the extent of their authority, the
truitspoftation of the natives of Africa into sla
very, by prohibiting tho introduction of slave*,
and by puui&hiug'tlieir citizens participating in
tiie tiaflii-, cannot but bo gratified at the pro
v.*"?ss made by concurrent efforts of other na
tions,: toward* ugeneral suppression ut so great
an evil. They must feel, at the same time, the
greater solicitude, to give the fullest eflicacv to
then nwu regulation*. With tli.it view, the in
tc .o uiuti of centres* appears to be required,
uv violation* and evasions which it is sug
iie?if \aie chargeable on tin worthy citizens who
oil.?,'-.- to the slave trade under foreign flogs,
.tan foreign ports i and by collusivo impor
tation. ?| slaves into the United States through
a lii'i.;i li ports und territories. 1 present tho
Atibj.-r' to congress, with a full assurnnce of
I'.cir disposition to apply all the remedy which
? an be juonled by an amendment of the law.?
Ine itttkiMis which were intended to guard
against abuvs of a kindred character, in the
t-ade jet ween the several states, ought also to
bo rendered more effectual for their humane ob
ject.
To these recommendations, I add, for the
coiisideratioijkof congress, t .e expediency ofa
ro-modilicatioii of the judiciury cstablibhment,
aud ot'an additional depurt.nent in the executive
branch of the government.
The firat h called lur by the accruing busi
ness, which necessarily sweils tiif duties ol tiie
Jederal courts, and by t-ie gri:at aud widening
space, within which justice is to be dispensed bv
tiicm. The time msouis to have arrived, which
claims for inembero <if the supreme emi t, a re
(lief from ilineiary fatigues, incooipati tie, at
??veil with the age which n portion of them will
rt ays have attained, as with (he researches mid
I- equations which are ilue to their stations, and
i. '? -juridical reputation of their country.
a I considerations equally cogent, reqmreva
'ir. convenient organization of tlie subordinate
tii.ianils, wnich may bo accomplished without
in '('.Miv.iiouablo increase of tho number or ex
pficc? tue judges.
L.ii i-\t,eut and variety of oxecutive business,
ntv? a'jc iinulating with the progress of our couu
try, ami its growing population, call for an ad
ditional department, to be charged with duties
flow overburdomngotlicr departments, aud with
such as havu not been annexed to any department.
t'iie course .of experience recommends as auo
t!?er improvement in tho executive establish
merit* that die provision for the station of attor
ney-general, whoso residence at. the seat of go
verninent, official connections with it, aud ma'
na^ement of the public business before the ju^
diciary, preclude an extensive participation in
professional emoluments, be ipado inoro ade
quate to his services and Ids relinquishment* j
ami tnat, with a view to his reasonabl
modatmn, and to a proper depository
cml opinion* and proceedings, there no TflL?
iii too pr .vision the usual appurtenance* t
public office.
In directing the legislative attention ttt'i
?*taie of the finances, it is a subject of great
tilir.ation to lind, that, even within the short tie*
iod which hns elapsed since the return of peace,
toe revenue has lar exceeded all the current de
mands upon the treasury, and that, under atty
probable diminution of its future tunuat product,
> Inch tlie vicissitudes of commerce may occa
sion, it will nflhrd an ample fund for tho elfoctu
.il aud eaily extinguishment of the public debt.
It has been estimated, that during theyear 1U1G,
?he actual receipt* of revenue at the treasury,
including the balance at the commencement of
ibe year, and excluding the proceeds of tonus
?ud treasury notes, will amount to about the
urn of forty seven millions of dollars ; that du
tog the same year, tho actual payments at the
'easury, including the payment ofthearreur
uch of the war department, as well as the pay
?eut of a considerable excess bey on. I the anuu
appropriation,. will amount to about the sum
i thirty night millions of dollars ; aud that, con
qoently, at the clone of the year, there will be
i surplus in the treasury of'about the sum ol
| toe million* of dollars.
The operation* of (In* treasury continue to l?
?Mtructed l?y ?tifTlcultti*s* ni isiii)^ from tin* co*.
itinn tit" (lie national currency | but 1'ioy have,
evcrtliolenn, Ue?n effectual, to a hi'neUcial ec
??lit, in the i eduction of tin* public ?l?*bt? and (In
?HtftUliflhmeiitof the public credit. The floatiirj.
u'ht of troaftuty note*, and temporary loan*.
? ill hood be entirely ducliiuged. Theatre*
,,ito of (ho funded debt,.composed uf debt* in
-urrcd during the warn of J77(\ nnd of IBtiil, ha
>eeu c*ttiitMted, with reference to the,flint o
An?mry next, At n num not ^cocding one bun*
dred and ^rrfdllion* of dolll^ The ordinary
annual exponccs of tlio government, for tho
maintenance of all its institutions, civil, milita
ry anil naval, have bcun estimated at a hum less
than twenty millions of dollars. And the per
manent revenue, to be derived from all the ex
isting sources, has been estimated at a sum of
About twenty-five millions of dollars.
U|M>n this genoral view of tho subject, it is ob
vious, that there is only wanting to the fiscal
prosperity of the government, the restoration of
an uniform medium of exchange. Tho resour
ces, and tho faith of the nation, displayed in the
Mt^em which congress has established, ensure
rlapcct and confidence, both at homo and
abroad. The local Accumulations of the re\c
nuo have already enabled tho treasury to meet
the publio engagements in the local currency of
most of the wUcs ) and it is expected that'flic
same cause will produce tho name effect through
0the union. But, for the interests of tho
community at large, as well as for the purposes
t WUttrj, is essential that the nation
should possess a currency of equal value, credit,
and-use, whenever it may circulate. The con
stitution has entrusted congress, inclusively,
with the power of creating and regul ttiag ,i cur
rency of that description ; nod t ie measures
which were taken during toe last session, in ex
ecuting^ of the power, give every promise of ac
cess. ^ The hank ??f the IJniteif '>ni boon
organised under auspices the mu?l favW/e,
and cannot fail to be nti i .iportaut auxiliary io
t'io?o measures.
For u more enlarged view of the pnlilr'- (iuan
cch, with a view of ihe meanure* pursued In t'u;
treasury dopartment, previous to the ivni/oa
1 tion of the late secretary, I transmit an extract
from tho Inst report of that ..(lice. l'oi.?re%s
will porceivo in |t, ample proofs of tl?v> stilitl
foundation on which the financial prosperity of
the nation rests t and will d>> ju?iic<! to the dis
tinguished ability and succe<o>ful exertion* wi?h
which the duties of the department <vere execut
ed during a period Remarkable for its difficulties
and its peculiar perplexities.
The period of my retiring from the public ser
vice, Wing at little distance, ! shall find no oc
casion more proper than the present, for expres
sing to inv fullow-citi/.cns iiiv deep seiMc of the
continued confidence and kind support which I
have received from them. Mv malelul recol
lection of these distinguished .narks of tS-ir fa
vorable regard can never cease j a:id, v. It'i t?e
consciousness, that if I have not >ei .?-d my
country with greater ability. I have nerved :t
with a sincere devotion, will necotnnauy me
as a source of unfailing gratification.
Happily, 1 shall carry with *>.?> from the pub
lic theatre, other sources, which those who I ,vo
toeir country most, w ill best Appreciate. 1 shall
behold it blessed w ith tranquility alul prosperi
ty at home, and with peace and rcspect abroad.
I can indulge the proud reflection, tnntthe \me
rican people have reached in safetv and sue
cess their fortieth yeur as an independent na
tion ; that for nearly an entire generation, trev
have hud experience of their present i oivfitu
tion, the offspring of their undisturbed dclibe-a
tions, and ol their freo choice: (Sat they oavn
found it to bear the triuls of adverse us well as
p osperous circumstances, to contain, in ?ts
combination of the federate and elective pii.ici
pie#, a reconcilement of public strength w itn in -
dividual liberty, of national power for the de
fenco of national rights, with a security nj.hst
wars of injustice, of ambit ion, or of vain glory,
in the fuiulameiital provision which subjects all
questions of war to the will of the nation itself,
which is to pay its costs, and feel its calamities.
Nor is it less u peculiar felicity of this constitu
tion so dear to us all, that it is found to be capa
ble, without losing its vital energies, of oxpuiu!
ing itself over a spacious territory, with the in.
crease and expansion of the community for
whose benefit it was established.
And may I not be allowed to add to this gra
tifying spectacle, that I shall read, in the cha<
Iracter of the American people, in their devotion
Fto true liberty, and to the constitution which is
palladium, sure presage*, Jfcfc iho destined
fier of my country will OftjAHovcrnment
Ki"r* Pub,'c ?"><?<? W Beet I and
"Ming its ineAUB by the con
ed in its charter, and bjrn^Hbval prltK
p> a'rw so welnPficd j a go
lent which watches over the nurity of dec
of speech, and of the press,
?1^)0 e<,ual interdict a jainst
of public faith, the ifecurity of persons
And property. And encourage*, iu every nut ho
rise* mode, that general diffusion of knowledge
which guarantee* to public liberty its permanen
cy, and to those who possess tho blessing, tho
true enjoyment of it: a government which Avoids
intrusions on the internal rcposo of other na
tions, and repots them from its own | which
docs justice to all nations with a readiness, equal
to the firmness with which it require* juatico
from them j and which, whiUt it refines its do
oostic code from every ingredient not concern
?'I w?th |1?? precepts of an enlightened agflu and
Hie sentiments of a virtuous people, seeks, bv
ijtpoiils t<? rcn*on, a:id i?y it* lilior.il oxampk*,
t?tofuxeiuto tl?o law which govern* the civili/.
?d worlds ft spirit which may tUmiiiinli tlic fiv
'|itencv?or ctrctiiiMrrilm the cnlninitiftA of war*
i nd meliorate tl?o H??ci.il and beneficent relation*
?f |)?;acn} a government* iti a word, wl?o*o con
tact, within and without) jnay bufipeak tho mo?t
inble of all ambition* that of promoting |>eate
in earth and good will to man.
The*e contemplation*) *we*tcnhig the. rain
mntofmy day*, will animato my prayertfnr
lie happinca* of my beloved country* and a per
o.i nily of tho iit|iUtittoit? undor which it it on
joyed.* ?U MMtt8 M/