18th CONGRESS, Message of the President, at the opening of the Session. 2d [Sen. and H. of R. will immediately be laid before the Senate for the exer cise of the constitutional authority of that body, with reference to its ratification. It is proper to add, that the manner in which this negotiation was invited and conducted on the part of the Emperor, has been very satis factory. of each party, of the vessels of the other, for suspected offenders. This was objected to by this government, on the principle, that, as the right of search was a right of war of a belligerent towards a neutral power, it might have an ill effect to extend it by treaty to an offence which had been made comparatively mild to a time of peace. Anxious, however, for the suppression of this The great and extraordinary changes which have haptrade, it was thought adviseable, in compliance with a pened in the government of Spain and Portugal, within resolution of the House of Representatives, founded on the last two years, without seriously affecting the friendly an act of Congress, to propose to the British Government relations which, under all of them, have beeh maintained an expedient which should be free from that objection, with those powers by the United States, have been oband more effectual for the object, by making it piratical. stacles to the adjustment of the particular subjects of In that mode the enormity of the crime would place the discussion which have arisen with each. Á resolution offenders out of the protection of their government, and of the Senate, adopted at their last session, called for ininvolve no question of search, or other question between formation as to the effect produced upon our relations the parties, touching their respective rights. It was be- with Spain, by the recognition, on the part of the United lieved, also, that it would completely suppress the trade States, of the Independent South American Governin the vessels of both parties, and by their respectivements. The papers containing that information are now citizens and subjects in those of other powers with whom communicated to Congress. it was hoped that the odium which would thereby be at- A Charge d'Affaires has been received from the Inde. tached to it, would produce a corresponding arrange-pendent Government of Brazil. That country, heretoment, and, by means thereof, its entire extirpation for fore a colonial possession of Portugal, bad, some years ever. A convention to this effect was concluded and since, been proclaimed by the Sovereign of Portugal signed in London on the 13th day of March, by pleni- himself, an independent kingdom. Since his return to potentiaries duly authorized by both governments, to the Lisbon a revolution in Brazil has established a new goratification of which certain obstacles have arisen which vernment there, with an Imperial title, at the head of are not yet entirely removed. The difference between which is placed the Prince in whom the Regency had the parties still remaining, has been reduced to a point, been vested by the King, at the time of his departure. not of sufficient magnitude, as is presumed, to be per- There is reason to expect that, by amicable negotiation, mitted to defeat an object so near to the heart of both the independence of Brazil will, ere long, be recognized nations, and so desirable to the friends of humanity by Portugal herself. throughout the world. As objections, however, to the principle recommended by the House of Representaives, or at least to the consequences inseparable from it, and which are understood to apply to the law, have been raise, which may deserve a reconsideration of the whole subject, I have thought it proper to suspend the conclusion of a new convention until the definitive senfiments of Congress may be ascertained. The documents relating to the negotiation, are, with that intent, submitted to your consideration. With the remaining Powers of Europe, with those on the coast of Barbary, and with all the new South American States, our relations are of a friendly charac [ter. We have Ministers Plenipotentiary residing with the Republics of Colombia and Chili, and have received Ministers, of the same rank, from Colombia, Guatimala, Buenos Ayres, and Mexico. Our commercial relations with all those States, are mutually beneficial and in creasing. With the Republic of Colombia, a Treaty of Commerce has been formed, of which a copy is received, Our commerce with Sweden has been placed on a and the original daily expected. A negotiation for a footing of perfect reciprocity by treaty, and, with Russia, like Treaty would have been commenced with Buenos the Netherlands, Prussia, the free Hanseatic Cities, the Ayres, had it not been prevented by the indisposition, Dukedom of Oldenburgh, and Sardinia, by internal re-and lamented decease, of Mr. Rodney, our Minister there, gulations on each side, founded on mutual agreement between the respective Governments. and to whose memory the most respectful attention has been shewn by the Government of that Republic. An advantageous alteration in our Treaty with Tunis has been obtained by our Consular-Agent residing there, the official document of which, when received, will be laid before the Senate. The principles upon which the commercial policy of the United States is founded, are to be traced to an early period. They are essentially connected with those upon which their independence was declared, and owe their origin to the enlightened men who took the lead in our The attention of the Government has been drawn with alfairs at that important epoch. They are developed in great solicitude to other subjects, and particularly to that their first treaty of commerce with France of sixth Feb-relating to a state of maritime war, involving the relative mary, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight, rights of neutral and belligerent in such wars. Most of and by a formal commission, which was instituted imme- the difficulties which we have experienced, and of the diately after the conclusion of their Revolutionary strug- losses which we have sustained, since the establishment gle, for the purpose of negotiating treaties of commerce of our Independence, have proceeded from the unset with every European power. The first treaty of the tled state of those rights, and the extent to which the United States with Prussia, which was negotiated by that belligerent claim has been carried against the neutral commission, affords a signal illustration of those princi- party. It is impossible to look back on the occurrences ples. The act of Congress of the third March, one thou- of the late wars in Europe, and to behold the disregard sand eight hundred and fifteen, adopted immediately which was paid to our rights as a neutral power, and the after the return of a general peace, was a new overture waste which was made of our Commerce by the parties. to foreign nations to establish our commercial relations to those wars, by various acts of their respective Gowith them on the basis of free and equal reciprocity. vernments, and under the pretext, by each, that the That principle has pervaded all the acts of Congress, other had set the example, without great mortification, and all the negotiations of the Executive on the subject and a fixed purpose never to submit to the like in future. An attempt to remove those causes of possible variance by friendly negotiation, and on just principles, which should be applicable to all parties, could, it was presumed, be viewed by none other than as a proof of an earnest desire to preserve those relations with every power. In the late war between France and Spain, a crisis occurred, in which it seemed proba since. A convention for the settlement of important questions in relation to the Northwest Coast of this Continent, and its adjoining seas, was concluded and signed at St. Petersburg on the fifth day of April last, by the Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States, and Plenipotentiaries of the Imperial Government of Russia. It 18th CONGRESS, ( 20 SESSION. Message of the President, at the opening of the Session. ble that all the controvertible principles, involved in such wars, might be brought into discussion, and settled to the satisfaction of all parties. Propositions, having this object in view, have been made to the Governents of Great Britain, France, Russia, and of other Powers, which have been received in a friendly manner by all, but as yet, no treaty has been formed with either for its accomplishment. The policy will it is presumed, be persevered in, and in the hope that it may be successful. It will always be recollected that with one of the parties to those wars, and from whom we received those injuges, we sought redress by war. From the other, by whose then reigning Government our vessels were seized in port as well as at sea, and their cargoes confiscated, indemnity has been expected, but has not yet been rendered. It was under the influence of the latter, that our vessels were likewise seized by the Governments of Spain, Holland, Denmark, Sweden and Naples, and from whom indemnity has been claimed and is still expected, with the exception of Spain, by whom it has been rendered. With both parties we had abundant cause of war, but we had ng alternative but to resist that which was most powerful at sea, and pressed us nearest at home. With this, all differences were settled by a treaty founded on conditions fair and honorable to both, and which has been so far executed with perfect good faith, It has been, earnestly hoped, that the other would, of its own accord, and from a sentiment of Justice and conciliation, make to our citizens the indemnity to which they are entitled, and thereby remove from our relations any just cause of discontent on our side. [Sen. and H. of R. dollars of the loan authorised by the act of the twenty- It is estimated that the receipts into the Treasury during the current year, exclusive of loans, will exceed eighteen million five hundred thousand dollars, which with the sum remaining in the Treasury at the end of the last year, amounting to nine million four hundred sixty-three thousand nine hundred twenty-two dollars eighty-one cents, will, after discharging the current disbursements of the year, the interest on the public debt,nuary one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five; and and eleven million six hundred and thirty-three thousand dollars fifty-two cents of the principal, leave a balance of more than three million dollars in the Treasury on the first day of January next,,. A larger amount of the debt contracted during the late war, bearing an interest of six per cent, becoming redeemable in the course of the ensuing year, than could be discharged by the ordinary revenue, the act of the twenty-sixth of May, authorized, a loan of five million dollars, at four and a half per cent. to meet the same. By this arrangement an annual saving will accrue to the public of seventy-five thousand dollars. Under the act of the twenty-fourth of May last, a loan of five millions dollars was, authorized, in order to meet the awards, under the Florida Treaty, which was negotiated at par, with the Bank of the United States, at four and a half per cent. the limit of interest fixed by the act. By this provision the claims of our citizens, who bad sustained so great a loss by spoliations, and from whom indemnity had been so long withheld, were promptly paid. For these advances, the public will be amply repaid, at no distant day, by the sale of the lands in Florida. Of the great advantages resulting from the acquisition of the territory in other respects, too high an estimate cannot be formed. It is estimated that the receipts into the Treasury, during the year one thousand eight hundred and twentyfive, will be sufficient to meet the disbursements of the year, including the sum of ten million dollars, which is annually appropriated by the act, constituting the Sinking Fund, to the payment of the principal and interest of the public debt.. The whole amount of the public debt on the first of January next, may be estimated at eighty-six million dollars, inclusive of two millions five hundred thousand while there is the best reason to believe, that the re sources of the Government will be continually adequate to such portions of it as may become due in the inter val, it is recommended to Congress to seize every of portunity, which may present itself, to reduce the rate of interest on every part thereof. The high state of the public credit, and the great abundance of money are at this time very favorable to such a result. It must be very gratifying to our fellow-citizens, to witness this flourishing state of the public finances, when it is recal lected, that no burthen whatever has been imposed upon them. The Military Establishment, in all its branches, in the performance of the various duties assigned to each, j tifies the favourable view which was presented, of the effi ciency of its organization, at the last session. All the appropriations have been regularly applied to the ob jects intended by Congress; and, so far as the disburse ments have been made, the accounts have been render ed and settled, without loss to the public. The condi tion of the Army itself, as relates to the officers and men, in science and discipline, is highly respectable. The Military Academy, on which the Army essentially rests, and to which it is much indebted for this state improvement, has attained, in comparison with any other institution of a like kind, a high degree of perfection. Experience, however, has shewn, that the dispersed condition of the Corps of Artillery is unfavourable to the discipline of that important branch of the Military Establishment. To remedy this inconvenience, elever companies have been assembled at the Fortification erected at Old Point Comfort, as a school for Artillery instruction, with intention, as they shall be perfected the various duties of that service, to order them to other posts, and to supply their places with other companies, 18th CONGRESS, 2 SESSION. S Message of the President, at the opening of the Session. [Sen. and H. of R. for instruction in like manner. In this mode, a complete military will be incorporated with the civil, and unfoundknowledge of the science and duties of this arm, willed and injurious distinctions and prejudices, of every be extended throughout the whole Corps of Artillery.kind, be done away. To the corps themselves, this serBut, to carry this object fully into effect, will require the vice cannot fail to be equally useful, since, by the knowaid of Congress; to obtain which, the subject is nowledge they would thus acquire, they would be eminently submitted to your consideration. better qualified, in the event of war, for the great purposes for which they were instituted. Of the progress which has been made in the construction of Fortifications, for the permanent defence of our maritime frontier, according to the plan decided on, and to the extent of the existing appropriations, the Report of the Secretary of War, which is herewith communicated, will give a detailed account. Their final completion cannot fail to give great additional security to that frontier, and to diminish, proportionably, the expense of defending it in the event of war. The provisions in the several acts of Congress, of the last session, for the improvement of the navigation of the Mississippi and the Ohio, of the Harbour of Presqu'isle, on Lake Erie, and the repair of the Plymouth Beach, are in a course of regular execution; and, there is reason to believe, that the appropriation, in each instance, will be adequate to the object. To carry these improve. ments fully into effect, the superintendence of them has been assigned to officers of the Corps of Engineers. Our relations with the Indian tribes within our limits, have not been materially changed during the year. The hostile disposition evinced by certain tribes on the Missouri during the last year, still continues, and has extended, in some degree, to those on the Upper Mississippi and the upper Lakes Several parties of our citizens have been plundered and murdered by those tribes. In order to establish relations of friendship with them, Congress, at the last session, made an appropriation for treaties with them, and for the employment of a suitable military escort to accompany and attend the Commission! ers at the places appointed for the negotiations. This object has not been effected. The season was too far advanced when the appropriation was made, and the distance too great to permit it, but measures have been taken, and all the preparations will be completed, to accomplish it at an early period in the next season. Believing that the hostility of the Tribes, particularly on the upper Mississippi, and the Lakes, is in no small degree owing to the wars which are carried on between the Tribes residing in that quarter, measures have been taken to bring about a general peace among them, which, if successful, will not only tend to the security of our citizens, but be of great advantage to the Indians themselves. Under the act of 30th April last, authorizing the President to cause a survey to be made, with the necessary plans and estimates, of such roads and canale, as he might deem of national importance, in a commercial or military point of view, or for the transportation of the mail, a | Board has been instituted, consisting of two distinguished officers of the Corps of Engineers, and a distinguish ed Civil Engineer, with assistants, who have been actively employed in carrying into effect the object of the With the exception of the Tribes referred to, our react. They have carefully examined the route between lations with all the others are on the same friendly footthe Potomac and the Ohio rivers between the lattering, and it affords me great satisfaction to add, that they and Lake Erie: between the Alleghany and the Susque are making steady advances in civilization, and the imhanna; and the routes between the Delaware and the provement of their condition. Many of the Tribes have Rariton, Barnstable and Buzzard's Bay, and between already made great progress in the arts of civilized life. Boston Harbour and Narraganset Bay. Such portion of This desirable result has been brought about by the hu the corps of Topographical Engineers as could be spar- mane and persevering policy of the Government, and ed from the survey of the coast, has been employed in particularly by means of the appropriation for the civilSurveying the very important route between the Poto-ization of the Indians. There have been established, unmac and the Ohio. Considerable progress has been Made in it, but the survey cannot be completed until the next season. It is gratifying to add, from the view alTeady taken, that there is good cause to believe, that this great national object may be fully accomplished. der the provisions of this act, thirty-two schools, contain ing nine hundred and sixteen scholars who are well instructed in several branches of literature, and likewise in agriculture, and the ordinary arts of life. Under the appropriation to authorize treaties with the Creeks, and Quapaw Indians, commissioners have been appointed, and negotiations are now pending, but the result is not yet known. It is contemplated to commence early in the next season, the execution of the other branch of the act, that which relates to roads, and with the survey of a route from this city, through the southern states, to New Orleans, the importance of which cannot be too highly estimated. All the officers of both the corps of Engicers, who could be spared from other services, have been employed in exploring and surveying the routes to canals. To digest a plan for both objects, for the gest purposes specified, will require a thorough knowdge of every part of our Union, and of the relation of each part to the others, and of all to the seat of the Generd Government. For such a digest it will be necesSar that the information be full, minute, and precise. With a view to these important objects, I submit to the consideration of Congress the propriety of enlarging both the corps of Engineers, the military and topographical. It need scarcely be remarked that the more extensively these corps are engaged in the improvement of their country, in the execution of the powers of Congress, and to join it. in aid of the states in such improvements as lie beyond The force employed in the Gulph of Mexico, and in that limit, when such aid is desired, the happier the the neighboring seas, for the suppression of Piracy, has effect will be in many views of which the subject is sus-likewise been preserved essentially in the state in which ceptible. By profiting of the r science, the works will it was during the last year. A persevering effort has always be well executed; and by giving to the officers such employment, our Union will derive all the Ivantage in peace as well as in war, from their talents and services, which they can afford. In this mode, also, the For more full information respecting the principle which has been adopted for carrying into effect the act of Congress authorizing surveys, with plans and estimates, for canals and roads, and on every other branch of duty incident to the Department of War, I refer you to the Report of the Secretary. The squadron in the Mediterranean has been maintained in the extent which was proposed in the Report of the Secretary of the Navy of the last year, and has afforded to our commerce the necessary protection in that sea. Apprehending, however, that the unfriendly relations which have existed between Algiers and some of the powers of Europe, might be extended to us, it has been thought expedient to augment the force there, and, in consequence, the "North Carolina," a ship of the line, has been prepared, and will sail in a few days been made for the accomplishment of that object, and much protection has thereby been afforded to our commerce, but still the practice is far from being suppressed. From every view which has been taken of the sub 18th CONGRESS, 2d SESSION. } Message of the President, at the opening of the Session. ect, it is thought that it will be necessary rather to augment than to diminish our force in that quarter. There is reason to believe that the piracies now complained of, are committed by bands of robbers who inhabit the land, and who, by preserving good intelligence with the towns, and seizing favorable opportunities, rush forth and fall on unprotected merchant vessels, of which they make an easy prey. The pillage thus taken, they carry to their lurking places, and dispose of afterwards, at prices tending to seduce the neighboring population. This combination is understood to be of great extent; and is the more to be deprecated, because the crime of piracy is often attended with the murder of the crews, these robbers knowing, if any survived, their lurking places would be exposed, and they be caught and punished. That this atrocious practice should be carried to such extent, is cause of equal surprize and regret. It is presumed that it must be attributed to the relaxed and feeble state of the local Governments, since it is not doubted. from the high character of the Governor of Cuba, who is well known and much respected here, that if he had the power, he would promptly suppress it. Whether those robbers should be pursued on the land, the local authorities be made responsible for these atrocities, or any other measure he resorted to, to suppress them, is submitted to the consideration of Congress. In execution of the laws for the suppression of the slave trade, a vessel has been occasionally sent from that squadron to the coast of Africa, with orders to return thence by the usual track of the slave ships, and to seize any of our vesse's which might be engaged in that trade. None have been found, and, it is believed, that none are thus employed. It is well known, however, that the trade still exists under other flags. The health of our squadron while at Thompson's Island, has been much better during the present, than it was the last season. Some improvements have been made, and others are contemplated there, which, it is believed, will have a very salutary effect. On the Pacific, our commerce has much increased, and on that coast, as well as on that sea, the United States have many important interests which require attention and protection. It is thought that all the considerations which suggested the expediency of placing a squadron on that sea, operate with augmented force, for maintain ing it there at least in an equal extent. For detailed information respecting the state of our maritime force, on each sea, the improvement necessary to be made on either, in the organization of the Naval Establishment, generally, and of the laws for its better government, I refer you to the Report of the Secretary of the Navy, which is herewith. communicated. [Sen. and H. of R. his favor, throughout every portion of our Union, and ai fectionate invitations have been given him to extend his visits to them. To these he has yielded all the accommo dation in his power. At every designated point of rendezvous, the whole population of the neighboring coun try has been assembled to greet him, among whom it has excited, in a peculiar manner, the sensibility of all, to behold the surviving members of our Revolutionary contest, civil and military, who had shared with him in the toils and dangers of the war, many of them in a de crepid state. A more interesting spectacle, it is believ ed, was never witnessed, because none could be founded on purer principles-none proceed from higher or more disinterested motives. That the feelings of thes who had fought and bled with him, in a common cause, should have been much excited, was natural. The are, however, circumstances attending these interviews, which pervaded the whole community, and touched the breasts of every age, even the youngest among There was not an individual present who had not somerlative who had not partaken in those scenes, nor an infant who had not heard the relation of them. But the circum stance which was most sensibly felt, and which his pre sence brought forcibly to the recollection of all, was the great cause in which we were engaged, and the bless ings which we have derived from our success in it. The struggle was for independence and liberty, public and personal, and in this we succeeded. The meeting with one who had borne so distinguished a part in that great struggle, and from such lofty and disinterested motives, could not fail to affect, profoundly, every individual, and of every age. It is natural that we should all take a deep interest in his future welfare, as we do. His high claima on our Union are felt, and the sentiment universal, that they should be met in a generous spirit. Under these impressions, I invite your attention to the subject, with a view that, regarding his very important services, loss es, and sacrifices, a provision may be made, and tender, ed to him, which shall correspond with the sentiments, and be worthy the character, of the American people. In turning our attention to the condition of the civil ized world, in which the United States have always taken a deep interest, it is gratifying to see how large a portion of it is blessed with peace. The only wars which now exist within that limit, are those between Turkey and Greece, in Europe, and between Spain and the new Governments, our neighbors, in this hemisphere. I both these wars, the cause of independence, of liberty, and humanity, continues to prevail. The success of Greece, when the relative population of the contending parties is considered, commands our admiration and applause, and that it has had a similar effect with the The revenue of the Post Office Department has re-neighboring Powers, is obvious. The feeling of the ceived a considerable augmentation in the present year. whole civilized worl is excited, in a high degree, in The current receipts will exceed the expenditures, al- their favor. May we not hope that these sentiments, though the transportation of the mail, within the year, winning on the hearts of their respective Governments, has been much increased. A Report of the Postmaster may lead to a more decisive result? that they may pr General, which is transmitted, will furnish, in detail, the duce an accord among them, to replace Greece on the necessary information respecting the administration and ground which she formerly held, and to which her he present state of this Department. roic exertions, at this day, so eminently entitle her? With respect to the contest, to which our neighbours are a party, it is evident that Spain, as a power, is scarcely felt in it. These new states had completely achieve! their independence, before it was acknowledged by the United States, and they have since, maintained it, with little foreign pressure. The disturbances which have appeared in certain portions of that vast territory, have proceeded from internal causes, which had their origin in their former governments, and have not yet been thoroughly removed. It is manifest that these cause» are daily losing their effect, and that these new states are settling down under governments elective and repre sentative in every branch, similar to our own. In this course we ardently wish them to persevere, under a firm conviction that it will promote their happiness. In conformity with a resolution of Congress, of the last Session, an invitation was given to General Lafayette to visit the United States, with an assurance that a ship of war should attend at any port of France which he might designate, to receive and convey him across the Atlantic, whenever it might be convenient for him to sai!. He declined the offer of the public ship, from motives of delicacy, but assured me that he had long intended, and would certainly visit our Union, in the course of the present year. In August last, he arrived at New York, where he was received with the warmth of affection and gratitude to which his very important and disinterested services and sacrifices, in our Revolutionary struggle, so eminently entitled him. A corresponding sentiment has since been manifested, in In 18th CONGRESS, 2d SESSION. Message of the President, at the opening of the Session. [Sen. and H. of R. this their career, however, we have not interfered, believing that every people have a right to institute for themselves the government, which, in their judgment, may suit them best. Our example is before them, of the good effect of which, being our neighbours, they are competent judges, and to their judgment we leave it, in the expectation that other powers will pursue the same policy. The deep interest which we take in their independence which we have acknowledged, and in their enjoyment of all the rights incident thereto, especially in the very important one of instituting their own governments, has been declared and is known to the world. Separated, as we are from Europe by the great Atlantic ocean, we can have no concern in the wars of the European Governments, nor in the causes which produce them. The balance of power between them, into which ever scale it may turn in its various vibra tions, cannot affect us. It is the interest of the United States to preserve the most friendly relations with every power, and on conditions fair, equal, and applicable to all. But, in regard to our neighbours our situation is different. It is impossible for the European Governments to interfere in their concerns, especially in those alluded to, which are vital, without affecting us; indeed the motive which might induce such interference in the present state of the war between the parties, if a war it may be called, would appear to be equally applicable to us. It is gratifying to know that some of the powers with whom we enjoy a very friendly intercourse, and to whom these views have been communicated, have ap. peared to acquiesce in them. honor of the nation. Their civilization is indispensable to their safety; and this can be accomplished only by degrees. The process must commence with the infant state, through whom some effect may be wrought on the parental. Difficulties of the most serious character present themselves to the attainment of this very desirable result, on the territory on which they now reside. To remove them from it by force, even with a view to their own security and happiness, would be revolting to hu manity, and utterly unjustifiable. Between the limits of our present States and territories, and the Rocky Mountain and Mexico, there is a vast territory, to which they might be invited, with inducements, which might be successful. It is thought if that Territory should be divided into Districts, by previous agreement with the tribes now resident there, and civil Governments be established in each, with shools, for every branch of instruction in literature, and the arts of civilized life, that all the tribes now within our limits might gradually be drawn there. The execution of this plan would necessarily be attended with expense, and that not inconsiderable, but it is doubted whether any other can be devised which would be less liable to that objection, or more likely to succeed. In looking to the interests which the United States have on the Pacific Ocean, and on the western coast of this Continent, the propriety of establishing a military post at the mouth of Columbia river, or at some other point in that quarter, within our acknowledged limits, is submitted to the consideration of Congress. Our commerce and fisheries on that sea, and along the coast, The augmentation of our population, with the expan- have much increased, and are increasing. It is thought sion of our Union, and increased number of states, have that a military post, to which our ships of war might reproduced effects in certain branches of our system, which sort, would afford protection to every interest, and have merit the attention of Congress. Some of our arrange a tendency to conciliate the tribes to the north-west, ments, and particularly the Judiciary Establishment, with whom our trade is extensive. It is thought, aiso, were made with a view to the original thirteen states only. that, by the establishment of such a post, the intercourse Since then the United States have acquired a vast extent of between our western states and territories, and the Paterritory; eleven new states have been admitted into the cific, and our trade with the tribes residing in the inteUnion, and territories have been laid off for three others, rior, on each side of the Rocky Mountain, would be eswhich will likewise be admitted at no distant day. An sentially promoted. To carry this object into effect, the organization of the Supreme Court, which assigns to the appropriation of an adequate sum to authorize the emJudges any portion of the duties which belong to the in-ployment of a frigate, with an officer of the corps of ferior, requiring their passage over so vast a space, under engineers, to explore the mouth of the Columbia river, any distribution of the states that may now be made, if and the coast contiguous thereto, to enable the Execunot impracticable in the execution, must render it im- uve to make such establishment at the most suitable possible for them to discharge the duties of either branch point, is recommended to Congress. with advantage to the Union. The duties of the Supreme Court would be of great importance, fits decisions were confined to the ordinary limits of other tribunals; but when it is considered that this court decides, and in the last resort, on all the great questions which arise under Our Constitution, involving those between the United States, individually, between the states and the United States, and between the latter and foreign powers, too high an estimate of their importance cannot be formed. The great interests of the nation seen to require, that the Judges of the Supreme Court should be exempted from every other duty, than those which are incident to that high trust. The organization of the inferior courts would, of course, be adapted to circumstances. presumed that such an one might be formed, as would secure an able and faithful discharge of their duties, and without any material augmentation of expense. ever It is The condition of the Aborigines within our limits, and especially those who are within the limits of any of the states, merits likewise particular attention. Experience has shown, that, unless the tribes be civilized, they can never be incorporated into our system, in any form whatIt has likewise shown, that, in the regular augmentation of our population, with the extension of our settlements, their situation will become deplorable, if their extinction is not menaced. Some well digested plan, which will rescue them from such calamities, is due to their rights, to the rights of humanity, and to the It is thought that attention is also due to the improvement of this city. The communication between the public buildings, and in various other parts, and the grounds around those buildings, require it. It is presumed also, that the completion of the canal, from the Tiber to the Eastern Branch, would have a very salutary effect. Great exertions have been made, and expenses incurred, by the citizens, in improvements of various kinds; but those which are suggested, belong exclusively to the Government, or are of a nature to require expenditures beyond their resources. The public lots which are still for sale, would, it is not doubted, be more than adequate to these purposes. From the view above presented, it is manifest, that the situation of the United States is, in the highest degree, prosperous and happy. There is no object which, as a people, we can desire, which we do not possess, or which is not within our reach. Blessed with governments the happiest which the world ever knew, with no distinct orders in society, or divided interests in the vast territory over which their dominion extends, we have every motive to cling together, which can animate a virtuous and enlightened people. The great object is to preserve those blessings, and to hand them down to the latest posterity. Our experience ought to satisfy us, that our progress, under the most correct and provident policy, will not be exempt from danger. Our institutions form an important epoch in the history of the civilized world. |