In reviewing the present state of our country, our attention cannot be withheld from the effect produced by peculiar seasons which have very generally impaired the annual gifts of the earth and threatened scarcity in particular districts. Such, however, is the variety of soils, of climates, and of products within our extensive limits that the aggregate resources for subsistence are more than sufficient for the aggregate wants. And as far as an economy of consumption, more than usual, may be necessary, our thankfulness is due to Providence for what is far more than a compensation, in the remarkable health which has distinguished the present year. Amidst the advantages which have succeeded the peace of Europe, and that of the United States with Great Britain, in a general invigoration of industry among us and in the extension of our commerce, the value of which is more and more disclosing itself to commercial nations, it is to be regretted that a depression is experienced by particular branches of our manufactures and by a portion of our navigation. As the first proceeds in an essential degree from an excess of imported merchandise, which carries a check in its own tendency, the cause in its present extent can not be very long in duration. The evil will not, however, be viewed by Congress without a recollection that manufacturing establishments, if suffered to sink too low or languish too long, may not revive after the causes shall have ceased, and that in the vicissitudes of human affairs situations may recur in which a dependence on foreign sources for indispensable supplies may be among the most serious embarrassments. The depressed state of our navigation is to be ascribed in a material degree to its exclusion from the colonial ports of the nation most extensively connected with us in commerce, and from the indirect operation of that exclusion. Previous to the late convention at London between the United States and Great Britain the relative state of the navigation laws of the two countries, growing out of the treaty of 1794, had given to the British navigation a material advantage over the American in the intercourse between the American ports and British ports in Europe. The convention of London equalized the laws of the two countries relating to those ports, leaving the intercourse between our ports and the ports of the British colonies subject, as before, to the respective regulations of the parties. The British Government enforcing now regulations which prohibit a trade between its colonies and the United States in American vessels, whilst they permit a trade in British vessels, the American navigation loses accordingly, and the loss is augmented by the advantage which is given to the British competition over the American in the navigation between our ports and British ports in Europe by the circuitous voyages enjoyed by the one and not enjoyed by the other. The reasonableness of the rule of reciprocity applied to one branch of the commercial intercourse has been pressed on our part as equally applicable to both branches; but it is ascertained that the British cabinet declines all negotiation on the subject, with a disavowal, however, of any disposition to view in an unfriendly light whatever countervailing regulations the United States may oppose to the regulations of which they complain. The wisdom of the Legislature will decide on the course which, under these circumstances, is prescribed by a joint regard to the amicable relations between the two nations and to the just interests of the United States. I have the satisfaction to state, generally, that we remain in amity with foreign powers. An occurrence has indeed taken place in the Gulf of Mexico which, if sanctioned by the Spanish Government, may make an exception as to that power. According to the report of our naval commander on that station, one of our public armed vessels was attacked by an over-powering force under a Spanish commander, and the American flag, with the officers and crew, insulted in a manner calling for prompt reparation. This has been demanded. In the mean time a frigate and a smaller vessel of war have been ordered into that Gulf for the protection of our commerce. It would be improper to omit that the representative of His Catholic Majesty in the United States lost no time in giving the strongest assurances that no hostile order could have emanated from his Government, and that it will be as ready to do as to expect whatever the nature of the case and the friendly relations of the two countries shall be found to require. The posture of our affairs with Algiers at the present moment is not known. The Dey, drawing pretexts from circumstances for which the United States were not answerable, addressed a letter to this Government declaring the treaty last concluded with him to have been annulled by our violation of it, and presenting as the alternative war or a renewal of the former treaty, which stipulated, among other things, an annual tribute. The answer, with an explicit declaration that the United States preferred war to tribute, required his recognition and observance of the treaty last made, which abolishes tribute and the slavery of our captured citizens. The result of the answer has not been received. Should he renew his warfare on our commerce, we rely on the protection it will find in our naval force actually in the Mediterranean. With the other Barbary States our affairs have undergone no change. The Indian tribes within our limits appear also disposed to remain at peace. From several of them purchases of lands have been made particularly favorable to the wishes and security of our frontier settlements, as well as to the general interests of the nation. In some instances the titles, though not supported by due proof, and clashing those of one tribe with the claims of another, have been extinguished by double purchases, the benevolent policy of the United States preferring the augmented expense to the hazard of doing injustice or to the enforcement of justice against a feeble and untutored people by means involving or threatening an effusion of blood. I am happy to ad that the tranquillity which has been restored among the tribes themselves, as well as between them and our own population, will favor the resumption of the work of civilization which had made an encouraging progress among some tribes, and that the facility is increasing for extending that divided and individual ownership, which exists now in movable property only, to the soil itself, and of thus establishing in the culture and improvement of it the true foundation for a transit from the habits of the savage to the arts and comforts of social life. As a subject of the highest importance to the national welfare, I must again earnestly recommend to the consideration of Congress a reorganization of the militia on a plan which will form it into classes according to the periods of life more or less adapted to military services. An efficient militia is authorized and contemplated by the Constitution and required by the spirit and safety of free government. The present organization of our militia is universally regarded as less efficient than it ought to be made, and no organization can be better calculated to give to it its due force than a classification which will assign the foremost place in the defense of the country to that portion of its citizens whose activity and animation best enable them to rally to its standard. Besides the consideration that a time of peace is the time when the change can be made with most convenience and equity, it will now be aided by the experience of a recent war in which the militia bore so interesting a part. Congress will call to mind that no adequate provision has yet been made for the uniformity of weights and measures also contemplated by the Constitution. The great utility of a standard fixed in its nature and founded on the easy rule of decimal proportions is sufficiently obvious. It led the Government at an early stage to preparatory steps for introducing it, and a completion of the work will be a just title to the public gratitude. The importance which I have attached to the establishment of a university within this District on a scale and for objects worthy of the American nation induces me to renew my recommendation of it to the favorable consideration of Congress. And I particularly invite again their attention to the expediency of exercising their existing powers, and, where necessary, of resorting to the prescribed mode of enlarging them, in order to effectuate a comprehensive system of roads and canals, such as will have the effect of drawing more closely together every part of our country by promoting intercourse and improvements and by increasing the share of every part in the common stock of national prosperity. Occurrences having taken place which shew that the statutory provisions for the dispensation of criminal justice are deficient in relation both to places and to persons under the exclusive cognizance of the national authority, an amendment of the law embracing such cases will merit the earliest attention of the Legislature. It will be a seasonable occasion also for inquiring how far legislative interposition may be further requisite in providing penalties for offenses designated in the Constitution or in the statutes, and to which either no penalties are annexed or none with sufficient certainty. And I submit to the wisdom of Congress whether a more enlarged revisal of the criminal code be not expedient for the purpose of mitigating in certain cases penalties which were adopted into it antecedent to experiment and examples which justify and recommend a more lenient policy. The United States, having been the first to abolish within the extent of their authority the transportation of the natives of Africa into slavery, by prohibiting the introduction of slaves and by punishing their citizens participating in the traffic, can not but be gratified at the progress made by concurrent efforts of other nations toward a general suppression of so great an evil. They must feel at the same time the greater solicitude to give the fullest efficacy to their own regulations. With that view, the interposition of Congress appears to be required by the violations and evasions which it is suggested are chargeable on unworthy citizens who mingle in the slave trade under foreign flags and with foreign ports, and by collusive importations of slaves into the United States through adjoining ports and territories. I present the subject to Congress with a full assurance of their disposition to apply all the remedy which can be afforded by an amendment of the law. The regulations which were intended to guard against abuses of a kindred character in the trade between the several States ought also to be rendered more effectual for their humane object. To these recommendations I add, for the consideration of Congress, the expediency of a remodification of the judiciary establishment, and of an additional department in the executive branch of the Government. The first is called for by the accruing business which necessarily swells the duties of the Federal courts, and by the great and widening space within which justice is to be dispensed by them. The time seems to have arrived which claims for members of the Supreme Court a relief from itinerary fatigues, incompatible as well with the age which a portion of them will always have attained as with the researches and preparations which are due to their stations and to the juridical reputation of their country. And considerations equally cogent require a more convenient organization of the subordinate tribunals, which may be accomplished without an objectionable increase of the number or expense of the judges. The extent and variety of executive business also accumulating with the progress of our country and its growing population call for an additional department, to be charged with duties now over- burdening other departments and with such as have not been annexed to any department. The course of experience recommends, as another improvement in the executive establishment, that the provision for the station of Attorney-General, whose residence at the seat of Government, official connections with it, and the management of the public business before the judiciary preclude an extensive participation in professional emoluments, be made more adequate to his services and his relinquishments, and that, with a view to his reasonable accommodation and to a proper depository of his official opinions and proceedings, there be included in the provision the usual appurtenances to a public office. In directing the legislative attention to the state of the finances it is a subject of great gratification to find that even within the short period which has elapsed since the return of peace the revenue has far exceeded all the current demands upon the Treasury, and that under any probable diminution of its future annual products which the vicissitudes of commerce may occasion it will afford an ample fund for the effectual and early extinguishment of the public debt. It has been estimated that during the year 1816 the actual receipts of revenue at the Treasury, including the balance at the commencement of the year, and excluding the proceeds of loans and Treasury notes, will amount to about the sum of $47,000,000; that during the same year the actual payments at the Treasury, including the payment of the arrearages of the War Department as well as the payment of a considerable excess beyond the annual appropriations, will amount to about the sum of $38M, and that consequently at the close of the year there will be a surplus in the Treasury of about the sum of $9M. The operations of the Treasury continued to be obstructed by difficulties arising from the condition of the national currency, but they have nevertheless been effectual to a beneficial extent in the reduction of the public debt and the establishment of the public credit. The floating debt of Treasury notes and temporary loans will soon be entirely discharged. The aggregate of the funded debt, composed of debts incurred during the wars of 1776 and 1812, has been estimated with reference to the first of January next at a sum not exceeding $110M. The ordinary annual expenses of the Government for the maintenance of all its institutions, civil, military, and naval, have been estimated at a sum <$20M, and the permanent revenue to be derived from all the existing sources has been estimated at a sum of $25M. Upon this general view of the subject it is obvious that there is only wanting to the fiscal prosperity of the Government the restoration of an uniform medium of exchange. The resources and the faith of the nation, displayed in the system which Congress has established, insure respect and confidence both at home and abroad. The local accumulations of the revenue have already enabled the Treasury to meet the public engagements in the local currency of most of the States, and it is expected that the same cause will produce the same effect throughout the Union; but for the interests of the community at large, as well as for the purposes of the Treasury, it is essential that the nation should possess a currency of equal value, credit, and use wherever it may circulate. The Constitution has intrusted Congress exclusively with the power of creating and regulating a currency of that description, and the measures which were taken during the last session in execution of the power give every promise of success. The Bank of the United States has been organized under auspices the most favorable, and can not fail to be an important auxiliary to those measures. For a more enlarged view of the public finances, with a view of the measures pursued by the Treasury Department previous to the resignation of the late Secretary, I transmit an extract from the last report of that officer. Congress will perceive in it ample proofs of the solid foundation on which the financial prosperity of the nation rests, and will do justice to the distinguished ability and successful exertions with which the duties of the Department were executed during a period remarkable for its difficulties and its peculiar perplexities. The period of my retiring from the public service being at little distance, I shall find no occasion more proper than the present for expressing to my fellow citizens my deep sense of the continued confidence and kind support which I have received from them. My grateful recollection of these distinguished marks of their favorable regard can never cease, and with the consciousness that, if I have not served my country with greater ability, I have served it with a sincere devotion will accompany me as a source of unfailing gratification. Happily, I shall carry with me from the public theater other sources, which those who love their country most will best appreciate. I shall behold it blessed with tranquillity and prosperity at home and with peace and respect abroad. I can indulge the proud reflection that the American people have reached in safety and success their 40th year as an independent nation; that for nearly an entire generation they have had experience of their present Constitution, the off-spring of their undisturbed deliberations and of their free choice; that they have found it to bear the trials of adverse as well as prosperous circumstances; to contain in its combination of the federate and elective principles a reconcilement of public strength with individual liberty, of national power for the defense of national rights with a security against wars of injustice, of ambition, and vain-glory in the fundamental 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 a peculiar felicity of this Constitution, so dear to us all, that it is found to be capable, without losing its vital energies, of expanding itself over a spacious territory with the increase and expansion of the community for whose benefit it was established. And may I not be allowed to add to this gratifying spectacle that I shall read in the character of the American people, in their devotion to true liberty and to the Constitution which is its palladium, sure presages that the destined career of my country will exhibit a Government pursuing the public good as its sole object, and regulating its means by the great principles consecrated in its charger and by those moral principles to which they are so well allied; a Government which watches over the purity of elections, the freedom of speech and of the press, the trial by jury, and the equal interdict against encroachments and compacts between religion and the state; which maintains inviolably the maxims of public faith, the security of persons and property, and encourages in every authorized mode the general diffusion of knowledge which guarantees to public liberty its permanency and to those who possess the blessing the true enjoyment of it; a Government which avoids intrusions on the internal repose of other nations, and repels them from its own; which does justice to all nations with a readiness equal to the firmness with which it requires justice from them; and which, whilst it refines its domestic code from every ingredient not congenial with the precepts of an enlightened age and the sentiments of a virtuous people, seeks by appeals to reason and by its liberal examples to infuse into the law which governs the civilized world a spirit which may diminish the frequency or circumscribe the calamities of war, and meliorate the social and beneficent relations of peace; a Government, in a word, whose conduct within and without may bespeak the most noble of ambitions - that of promoting peace on earth and good will to man. These contemplations, sweetening the remnant of my days, will animate my prayers for the happiness of my beloved country, and a perpetuity of the institutions under which it is enjoyed.
In reviewing the present state of our country, our attention cannot be withheld from the effect produced by peculiar seasons which have very generally impaired the annual gifts of the earth and threatened scarcity in particular districts. Such, however, is the variety of soils, of climates, and of products within our extensive limits that the aggregate resources for subsistence are more than sufficient for the aggregate wants. And as far as an economy of consumption, more than usual, may be necessary, our thankfulness is due to Providence for what is far more than a compensation, in the remarkable health which has distinguished the present year. Amidst the advantages which have succeeded the peace of Europe, and that of the United States with Great Britain, in a general invigoration of industry among us and in the extension of our commerce, the value of which is more and more disclosing itself to commercial nations, it is to be regretted that a depression is experienced by particular branches of our manufactures and by a portion of our navigation. As the first proceeds in an essential degree from an excess of imported merchandise, which carries a check in its own tendency, the because in its present extent can not be very long in duration. The evil will not, however, be viewed by Congress without a recollection that manufacturing establishments, if suffered to sink too low or languish too long, may not revive after the causes shall have ceased, and that in the vicissitudes of human affairs situations may recur in which a dependence on foreign sources for indispensable supplies may be among the most serious embarrassments. The depressed state of our navigation is to be ascribed in a material degree to its exclusion from the colonial ports of the nation most extensively connected with us in commerce, and from the indirect operation of that exclusion. Previous to the late convention at London between the United States and Great Britain the relative state of the navigation laws of the two countries, growing out of the treaty of 1794, had given to the British navigation a material advantage over the American in the intercourse between the American ports and British ports in Europe. The convention of London equalized the laws of the two countries relating to those ports, leaving the intercourse between our ports and the ports of the British colonies subject, as before, to the respective regulations of the parties. The British Government enforcing now regulations which prohibit a trade between its colonies and the United States in American vessels, whilst they permit a trade in British vessels, the American navigation loses accordingly, and the loss is augmented by the advantage which is given to the British competition over the American in the navigation between our ports and British ports in Europe by the circuitous voyages enjoyed by the one and not enjoyed by the other. The reasonableness of the rule of reciprocity applied to one branch of the commercial intercourse has been pressed on our part as equally applicable to both branches; but it is ascertained that the British cabinet declines all negotiation on the subject, with a disavowal, however, of any disposition to view in an unfriendly light whatever countervailing regulations the United States may oppose to the regulations of which they complain. The wisdom of the Legislature will decide on the course which, under these circumstances, is prescribed by a joint regard to the amicable relations between the two nations and to the just interests of the United States. I have the satisfaction to state, generally, that we remain in amity with foreign powers. An occurrence has indeed taken place in the Gulf of Mexico which, if sanctioned by the Spanish Government, may make an exception as to that power. According to the report of our naval commander on that station, one of our public armed vessels was attacked by an over-powering force under a Spanish commander, and the American flag, with the officers and crew, insulted in a manner calling for prompt reparation. This has been demanded. In the mean time a frigate and a smaller vessel of war have been ordered into that Gulf for the protection of our commerce. It would be improper to omit that the representative of His Catholic Majesty in the United States lost no time in giving the strongest assurances that no hostile order could have emanated from his Government, and that it will be as ready to do as to expect whatever the nature of the case and the friendly relations of the two countries shall be found to require. The posture of our affairs with Algiers at the present moment is not known. The Dey, drawing pretexts from circumstances for which the United States were not answerable, addressed a letter to this Government declaring the treaty last concluded with him to have been annulled by our violation of it, and presenting as the alternative war or a renewal of the former treaty, which stipulated, among other things, an annual tribute. The answer, with an explicit declaration that the United States preferred war to tribute, required his recognition and observance of the treaty last made, which abolishes tribute and the slavery of our captured citizens. The result of the answer has not been received. Should he renew his warfare on our commerce, we rely on the protection it will find in our naval force actually in the Mediterranean. With the other Barbary States our affairs have undergone no change. The Indian tribes within our limits appear also disposed to remain at peace. From several of them purchases of lands have been made particularly favorable to the wishes and security of our frontier settlements, as well as to the general interests of the nation. In some instances the titles, though not supported by due proof, and clashing those of one tribe with the claims of another, have been extinguished by double purchases, the benevolent policy of the United States preferring the augmented expense to the hazard of doing injustice or to the enforcement of justice against a feeble and untutored people by means involving or threatening an effusion of blood. I am happy to ad that the tranquillity which has been restored among the tribes themselves, as well as between them and our own population, will favor the resumption of the work of civilization which had made an encouraging progress among some tribes, and that the facility is increasing for extending that divided and individual ownership, which exists now in movable property only, to the soil itself, and of thus establishing in the culture and improvement of it the true foundation for a transit from the habits of the savage to the arts and comforts of social life. As a subject of the highest importance to the national welfare, I must again earnestly recommend to the consideration of Congress a reorganization of the militia on a plan which will form it into classes according to the periods of life more or less adapted to military services. An efficient militia is authorized and contemplated by the Constitution and required by the spirit and safety of free government. The present organization of our militia is universally regarded as less efficient than it ought to be made, and no organization can be better calculated to give to it its due force than a classification which will assign the foremost place in the defense of the country to that portion of its citizens whose activity and animation best enable them to rally to its standard. Besides the consideration that a time of peace is the time when the change can be made with most convenience and equity, it will now be aided by the experience of a recent war in which the militia bore so interesting a part. Congress will call to mind that no adequate provision has yet been made for the uniformity of weights and measures also contemplated by the Constitution. The great utility of a standard fixed in its nature and founded on the easy rule of decimal proportions is sufficiently obvious. It led the Government at an early stage to preparatory steps for introducing it, and a completion of the work will be a just title to the public gratitude. The importance which I have attached to the establishment of a university within this District on a scale and for objects worthy of the American nation induces me to renew my recommendation of it to the favorable consideration of Congress. And I particularly invite again their attention to the expediency of exercising their existing powers, and, where necessary, of resorting to the prescribed mode of enlarging them, in order to effectuate a comprehensive system of roads and canals, such as will have the effect of drawing more closely together every part of our country by promoting intercourse and improvements and by increasing the share of every part in the common stock of national prosperity. Occurrences having taken place which shew that the statutory provisions for the dispensation of criminal justice are deficient in relation both to places and to persons under the exclusive cognizance of the national authority, an amendment of the law embracing such cases will merit the earliest attention of the Legislature. It will be a seasonable occasion also for inquiring how far legislative interposition may be further requisite in providing penalties for offenses designated in the Constitution or in the statutes, and to which either no penalties are annexed or none with sufficient certainty. And I submit to the wisdom of Congress whether a more enlarged revisal of the criminal code be not expedient for the purpose of mitigating in certain cases penalties which were adopted into it antecedent to experiment and examples which justify and recommend a more lenient policy. The United States, having been the first to abolish within the extent of their authority the transportation of the natives of Africa into slavery, by prohibiting the introduction of slaves and by punishing their citizens participating in the traffic, can not but be gratified at the progress made by concurrent efforts of other nations toward a general suppression of so great an evil. They must feel at the same time the greater solicitude to give the fullest efficacy to their own regulations. With that view, the interposition of Congress appears to be required by the violations and evasions which it is suggested are chargeable on unworthy citizens who mingle in the slave trade under foreign flags and with foreign ports, and by collusive importations of slaves into the United States through adjoining ports and territories. I present the subject to Congress with a full assurance of their disposition to apply all the remedy which can be afforded by an amendment of the law. The regulations which were intended to guard against abuses of a kindred character in the trade between the several States ought also to be rendered more effectual for their humane object. To these recommendations I add, for the consideration of Congress, the expediency of a remodification of the judiciary establishment, and of an additional department in the executive branch of the Government. The first is called for by the accruing business which necessarily swells the duties of the Federal courts, and by the great and widening space within which justice is to be dispensed by them. The time seems to have arrived which claims for members of the Supreme Court a relief from itinerary fatigues, incompatible as well with the age which a portion of them will always have attained as with the researches and preparations which are due to their stations and to the juridical reputation of their country. And considerations equally cogent require a more convenient organization of the subordinate tribunals, which may be accomplished without an objectionable increase of the number or expense of the judges. The extent and variety of executive business also accumulating with the progress of our country and its growing population call for an additional department, to be charged with duties now over- burdening other departments and with such as have not been annexed to any department. The course of experience recommends, as another improvement in the executive establishment, that the provision for the station of Attorney-General, whose residence at the seat of Government, official connections with it, and the management of the public business before the judiciary preclude an extensive participation in professional emoluments, be made more adequate to his services and his relinquishments, and that, with a view to his reasonable accommodation and to a proper depository of his official opinions and proceedings, there be included in the provision the usual appurtenances to a public office. In directing the legislative attention to the state of the finances it is a subject of great gratification to find that even within the short period which has elapsed since the return of peace the revenue has far exceeded all the current demands upon the Treasury, and that under any probable diminution of its future annual products which the vicissitudes of commerce may occasion it will afford an ample fund for the effectual and early extinguishment of the public debt. It has been estimated that during the year 1816 the actual receipts of revenue at the Treasury, including the balance at the commencement of the year, and excluding the proceeds of loans and Treasury notes, will amount to about the sum of $47,000,000; that during the same year the actual payments at the Treasury, including the payment of the arrearages of the War Department as well as the payment of a considerable excess beyond the annual appropriations, will amount to about the sum of $38M, and that consequently at the close of the year there will be a surplus in the Treasury of about the sum of $9M. The operations of the Treasury continued to be obstructed by difficulties arising from the condition of the national currency, but they have nevertheless been effectual to a beneficial extent in the reduction of the public debt and the establishment of the public credit. The floating debt of Treasury notes and temporary loans will soon be entirely discharged. The aggregate of the funded debt, composed of debts incurred during the wars of 1776 and 1812, has been estimated with reference to the first of January next at a sum not exceeding $110M. The ordinary annual expenses of the Government for the maintenance of all its institutions, civil, military, and naval, have been estimated at a sum <$20M, and the permanent revenue to be derived from all the existing sources has been estimated at a sum of $25M. Upon this general view of the subject it is obvious that there is only wanting to the fiscal prosperity of the Government the restoration of an uniform medium of exchange. The resources and the faith of the nation, displayed in the system which Congress has established, insure respect and confidence both at home and abroad. The local accumulations of the revenue have already enabled the Treasury to meet the public engagements in the local currency of most of the States, and it is expected that the same because will produce the same effect throughout the Union; but for the interests of the community at large, as well as for the purposes of the Treasury, it is essential that the nation should possess a currency of equal value, credit, and use wherever it may circulate. The Constitution has intrusted Congress exclusively with the power of creating and regulating a currency of that description, and the measures which were taken during the last session in execution of the power give every promise of success. The Bank of the United States has been organized under auspices the most favorable, and can not fail to be an important auxiliary to those measures. For a more enlarged view of the public finances, with a view of the measures pursued by the Treasury Department previous to the resignation of the late Secretary, I transmit an extract from the last report of that officer. Congress will perceive in it ample proofs of the solid foundation on which the financial prosperity of the nation rests, and will do justice to the distinguished ability and successful exertions with which the duties of the Department were executed during a period remarkable for its difficulties and its peculiar perplexities. The period of my retiring from the public service being at little distance, I shall find no occasion more proper than the present for expressing to my fellow citizens my deep sense of the continued confidence and kind support which I have received from them. My grateful recollection of these distinguished marks of their favorable regard can never cease, and with the consciousness that, if I have not served my country with greater ability, I have served it with a sincere devotion will accompany me as a source of unfailing gratification. Happily, I shall carry with me from the public theater other sources, which those who love their country most will best appreciate. I shall behold it blessed with tranquillity and prosperity at home and with peace and respect abroad. I can indulge the proud reflection that the American people have reached in safety and success their 40th year as an independent nation; that for nearly an entire generation they have had experience of their present Constitution, the off-spring of their undisturbed deliberations and of their free choice; that they have found it to bear the trials of adverse as well as prosperous circumstances; to contain in its combination of the federate and elective principles a reconcilement of public strength with individual liberty, of national power for the defense of national rights with a security against wars of injustice, of ambition, and vain-glory in the fundamental 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 a peculiar felicity of this Constitution, so dear to us all, that it is found to be capable, without losing its vital energies, of expanding itself over a spacious territory with the increase and expansion of the community for whose benefit it was established. And may I not be allowed to add to this gratifying spectacle that I shall read in the character of the American people, in their devotion to true liberty and to the Constitution which is its palladium, sure presages that the destined career of my country will exhibit a Government pursuing the public good as its sole object, and regulating its means by the great principles consecrated in its charger and by those moral principles to which they are so well allied; a Government which watches over the purity of elections, the freedom of speech and of the press, the trial by jury, and the equal interdict against encroachments and compacts between religion and the state; which maintains inviolably the maxims of public faith, the security of persons and property, and encourages in every authorized mode the general diffusion of knowledge which guarantees to public liberty its permanency and to those who possess the blessing the true enjoyment of it; a Government which avoids intrusions on the internal repose of other nations, and repels them from its own; which does justice to all nations with a readiness equal to the firmness with which it requires justice from them; and which, whilst it refines its domestic code from every ingredient not congenial with the precepts of an enlightened age and the sentiments of a virtuous people, seeks by appeals to reason and by its liberal examples to infuse into the law which governs the civilized world a spirit which may diminish the frequency or circumscribe the calamities of war, and meliorate the social and beneficent relations of peace; a Government, in a word, whose conduct within and without may bespeak the most noble of ambitions - that of promoting peace on earth and good will to man. These contemplations, sweetening the remnant of my days, will animate my prayers for the happiness of my beloved country, and a perpetuity of the institutions under which it is enjoyed.
in reviewing the present state of our country our attention can not be withheld from the effect produced by peculiar seasons which have very generally impaired the annual gifts of the earth and threatened scarcity in particular districts such however is the variety of soils of climates and of products within our extensive limits that the aggregate resources for subsistence are more than sufficient for the aggregate wants and as far as an economy of consumption more than usual may be necessary our thankfulness is due to providence for what is far more than a compensation in the remarkable health which has distinguished the present year amidst the advantages which have succeeded the peace of europe and that of the united states with great britain in a general invigoration of industry among us and in the extension of our commerce the value of which is more and more disclosing itself to commercial nations it is to be regretted that a depression is experienced by particular branches of our manufactures and by a portion of our navigation as the first proceeds in an essential degree from an excess of imported merchandise which carries a check in its own tendency the because in its present extent can not be very long in duration the evil will not however be viewed by congress without a recollection that manufacturing establishments if suffered to sink too low or languish too long may not revive after the causes shall have ceased and that in the vicissitudes of human affairs situations may recur in which a dependence on foreign sources for indispensable supplies may be among the most serious embarrassments the depressed state of our navigation is to be ascribed in a material degree to its exclusion from the colonial ports of the nation most extensively connected with us in commerce and from the indirect operation of that exclusion previous to the late convention at london between the united states and great britain the relative state of the navigation laws of the two countries growing out of the treaty of 1794 had given to the british navigation a material advantage over the american in the intercourse between the american ports and british ports in europe the convention of london equalized the laws of the two countries relating to those ports leaving the intercourse between our ports and the ports of the british colonies subject as before to the respective regulations of the parties the british government enforcing now regulations which prohibit a trade between its colonies and the united states in american vessels whilst they permit a trade in british vessels the american navigation loses accordingly and the loss is augmented by the advantage which is given to the british competition over the american in the navigation between our ports and british ports in europe by the circuitous voyages enjoyed by the one and not enjoyed by the other the reasonableness of the rule of reciprocity applied to one branch of the commercial intercourse has been pressed on our part as equally applicable to both branches but it is ascertained that the british cabinet declines all negotiation on the subject with a disavowal however of any disposition to view in an unfriendly light whatever countervailing regulations the united states may oppose to the regulations of which they complain the wisdom of the legislature will decide on the course which under these circumstances is prescribed by a joint regard to the amicable relations between the two nations and to the just interests of the united states i have the satisfaction to state generally that we remain in amity with foreign powers an occurrence has indeed taken place in the gulf of mexico which if sanctioned by the spanish government may make an exception as to that power according to the report of our naval commander on that station one of our public armed vessels was attacked by an force under a spanish commander and the american flag with the officers and crew insulted in a manner calling for prompt reparation this has been demanded in the mean time a frigate and a smaller vessel of war have been ordered into that gulf for the protection of our commerce it would be improper to omit that the representative of his catholic majesty in the united states lost no time in giving the strongest assurances that no hostile order could have emanated from his government and that it will be as ready to do as to expect whatever the nature of the case and the friendly relations of the two countries shall be found to require the posture of our affairs with algiers at the present moment is not known the dey drawing pretexts from circumstances for which the united states were not answerable addressed a letter to this government declaring the treaty last concluded with him to have been annulled by our violation of it and presenting as the alternative war or a renewal of the former treaty which stipulated among other things an annual tribute the answer with an explicit declaration that the united states preferred war to tribute required his recognition and observance of the treaty last made which abolishes tribute and the slavery of our captured citizens the result of the answer has not been received should he renew his warfare on our commerce we rely on the protection it will find in our naval force actually in the mediterranean with the other barbary states our affairs have undergone no change the indian tribes within our limits appear also disposed to remain at peace from several of them purchases of lands have been made particularly favorable to the wishes and security of our frontier settlements as well as to the general interests of the nation in some instances the titles though not supported by due proof and clashing those of one tribe with the claims of another have been extinguished by double purchases the benevolent policy of the united states preferring the augmented expense to the hazard of doing injustice or to the enforcement of justice against a feeble and untutored people by means involving or threatening an effusion of blood i am happy to ad that the tranquillity which has been restored among the tribes themselves as well as between them and our own population will favor the resumption of the work of civilization which had made an encouraging progress among some tribes and that the facility is increasing for extending that divided and individual ownership which exists now in movable property only to the soil itself and of thus establishing in the culture and improvement of it the true foundation for a transit from the habits of the savage to the arts and comforts of social life as a subject of the highest importance to the national welfare i must again earnestly recommend to the consideration of congress a reorganization of the militia on a plan which will form it into classes according to the periods of life more or less adapted to military services an efficient militia is authorized and contemplated by the constitution and required by the spirit and safety of free government the present organization of our militia is universally regarded as less efficient than it ought to be made and no organization can be better calculated to give to it its due force than a classification which will assign the foremost place in the defense of the country to that portion of its citizens whose activity and animation best enable them to rally to its standard besides the consideration that a time of peace is the time when the change can be made with most convenience and equity it will now be aided by the experience of a recent war in which the militia bore so interesting a part congress will call to mind that no adequate provision has yet been made for the uniformity of weights and measures also contemplated by the constitution the great utility of a standard fixed in its nature and founded on the easy rule of decimal proportions is sufficiently obvious it led the government at an early stage to preparatory steps for introducing it and a completion of the work will be a just title to the public gratitude the importance which i have attached to the establishment of a university within this district on a scale and for objects worthy of the american nation induces me to renew my recommendation of it to the favorable consideration of congress and i particularly invite again their attention to the expediency of exercising their existing powers and where necessary of resorting to the prescribed mode of enlarging them in order to effectuate a comprehensive system of roads and canals such as will have the effect of drawing more closely together every part of our country by promoting intercourse and improvements and by increasing the share of every part in the common stock of national prosperity occurrences having taken place which shew that the statutory provisions for the dispensation of criminal justice are deficient in relation both to places and to persons under the exclusive cognizance of the national authority an amendment of the law embracing such cases will merit the earliest attention of the legislature it will be a seasonable occasion also for inquiring how far legislative interposition may be further requisite in providing penalties for offenses designated in the constitution or in the statutes and to which either no penalties are annexed or none with sufficient certainty and i submit to the wisdom of congress whether a more enlarged revisal of the criminal code be not expedient for the purpose of mitigating in certain cases penalties which were adopted into it antecedent to experiment and examples which justify and recommend a more lenient policy the united states having been the first to abolish within the extent of their authority the transportation of the natives of africa into slavery by prohibiting the introduction of slaves and by punishing their citizens participating in the traffic can not but be gratified at the progress made by concurrent efforts of other nations toward a general suppression of so great an evil they must feel at the same time the greater solicitude to give the fullest efficacy to their own regulations with that view the interposition of congress appears to be required by the violations and evasions which it is suggested are chargeable on unworthy citizens who mingle in the slave trade under foreign flags and with foreign ports and by collusive importations of slaves into the united states through adjoining ports and territories i present the subject to congress with a full assurance of their disposition to apply all the remedy which can be afforded by an amendment of the law the regulations which were intended to guard against abuses of a kindred character in the trade between the several states ought also to be rendered more effectual for their humane object to these recommendations i add for the consideration of congress the expediency of a remodification of the judiciary establishment and of an additional department in the executive branch of the government the first is called for by the accruing business which necessarily swells the duties of the federal courts and by the great and widening space within which justice is to be dispensed by them the time seems to have arrived which claims for members of the supreme court a relief from itinerary fatigues incompatible as well with the age which a portion of them will always have attained as with the researches and preparations which are due to their stations and to the juridical reputation of their country and considerations equally cogent require a more convenient organization of the subordinate tribunals which may be accomplished without an objectionable increase of the number or expense of the judges the extent and variety of executive business also accumulating with the progress of our country and its growing population call for an additional department to be charged with duties now burdening other departments and with such as have not been annexed to any department the course of experience recommends as another improvement in the executive establishment that the provision for the station of whose residence at the seat of government official connections with it and the management of the public business before the judiciary preclude an extensive participation in professional emoluments be made more adequate to his services and his relinquishments and that with a view to his reasonable accommodation and to a proper depository of his official opinions and proceedings there be included in the provision the usual appurtenances to a public office in directing the legislative attention to the state of the finances it is a subject of great gratification to find that even within the short period which has elapsed since the return of peace the revenue has far exceeded all the current demands upon the treasury and that under any probable diminution of its future annual products which the vicissitudes of commerce may occasion it will afford an ample fund for the effectual and early extinguishment of the public debt it has been estimated that during the year 1816 the actual receipts of revenue at the treasury including the balance at the commencement of the year and excluding the proceeds of loans and treasury notes will amount to about the sum of that during the same year the actual payments at the treasury including the payment of the arrearages of the war department as well as the payment of a considerable excess beyond the annual appropriations will amount to about the sum of 38m and that consequently at the close of the year there will be a surplus in the treasury of about the sum of 9m the operations of the treasury continued to be obstructed by difficulties arising from the condition of the national currency but they have nevertheless been effectual to a beneficial extent in the reduction of the public debt and the establishment of the public credit the floating debt of treasury notes and temporary loans will soon be entirely discharged the aggregate of the funded debt composed of debts incurred during the wars of 1776 and 1812 has been estimated with reference to the first of january next at a sum not exceeding 110m the ordinary annual expenses of the government for the maintenance of all its institutions civil military and naval have been estimated at a sum 20m and the permanent revenue to be derived from all the existing sources has been estimated at a sum of 25m upon this general view of the subject it is obvious that there is only wanting to the fiscal prosperity of the government the restoration of an uniform medium of exchange the resources and the faith of the nation displayed in the system which congress has established insure respect and confidence both at home and abroad the local accumulations of the revenue have already enabled the treasury to meet the public engagements in the local currency of most of the states and it is expected that the same because will produce the same effect throughout the union but for the interests of the community at large as well as for the purposes of the treasury it is essential that the nation should possess a currency of equal value credit and use wherever it may circulate the constitution has intrusted congress exclusively with the power of creating and regulating a currency of that description and the measures which were taken during the last session in execution of the power give every promise of success the bank of the united states has been organized under auspices the most favorable and can not fail to be an important auxiliary to those measures for a more enlarged view of the public finances with a view of the measures pursued by the treasury department previous to the resignation of the late secretary i transmit an extract from the last report of that officer congress will perceive in it ample proofs of the solid foundation on which the financial prosperity of the nation rests and will do justice to the distinguished ability and successful exertions with which the duties of the department were executed during a period remarkable for its difficulties and its peculiar perplexities the period of my retiring from the public service being at little distance i shall find no occasion more proper than the present for expressing to my fellow citizens my deep sense of the continued confidence and kind support which i have received from them my grateful recollection of these distinguished marks of their favorable regard can never cease and with the consciousness that if i have not served my country with greater ability i have served it with a sincere devotion will accompany me as a source of unfailing gratification happily i shall carry with me from the public theater other sources which those who love their country most will best appreciate i shall behold it blessed with tranquillity and prosperity at home and with peace and respect abroad i can indulge the proud reflection that the american people have reached in safety and success their 40th year as an independent nation that for nearly an entire generation they have had experience of their present constitution the of their undisturbed deliberations and of their free choice that they have found it to bear the trials of adverse as well as prosperous circumstances to contain in its combination of the federate and elective principles a reconcilement of public strength with individual liberty of national power for the defense of national rights with a security against wars of injustice of ambition and in the fundamental 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 a peculiar felicity of this constitution so dear to us all that it is found to be capable without losing its vital energies of expanding itself over a spacious territory with the increase and expansion of the community for whose benefit it was established and may i not be allowed to add to this gratifying spectacle that i shall read in the character of the american people in their devotion to true liberty and to the constitution which is its palladium sure presages that the destined career of my country will exhibit a government pursuing the public good as its sole object and regulating its means by the great principles consecrated in its charger and by those moral principles to which they are so well allied a government which watches over the purity of elections the freedom of speech and of the press the trial by jury and the equal interdict against encroachments and compacts between religion and the state which maintains inviolably the maxims of public faith the security of persons and property and encourages in every authorized mode the general diffusion of knowledge which guarantees to public liberty its permanency and to those who possess the blessing the true enjoyment of it a government which avoids intrusions on the internal repose of other nations and repels them from its own which does justice to all nations with a readiness equal to the firmness with which it requires justice from them and which whilst it refines its domestic code from every ingredient not congenial with the precepts of an enlightened age and the sentiments of a virtuous people seeks by appeals to reason and by its liberal examples to infuse into the law which governs the civilized world a spirit which may diminish the frequency or circumscribe the calamities of war and meliorate the social and beneficent relations of peace a government in a word whose conduct within and without may bespeak the most noble of ambitions that of promoting peace on earth and good will to man these contemplations sweetening the remnant of my days will animate my prayers for the happiness of my beloved country and a perpetuity of the institutions under which it is enjoyed
reviewing present state country attention withheld effect produced peculiar seasons generally impaired annual gifts earth threatened scarcity particular districts however variety soils climates products within extensive limits aggregate resources subsistence sufficient aggregate wants far economy consumption usual may necessary thankfulness due providence far compensation remarkable health distinguished present year amidst advantages succeeded peace europe united states great britain general invigoration industry among us extension commerce value disclosing commercial nations regretted depression experienced particular branches manufactures portion navigation first proceeds essential degree excess imported merchandise carries check tendency present extent long duration evil however viewed congress without recollection manufacturing establishments suffered sink low languish long may revive causes shall ceased vicissitudes human affairs situations may recur dependence foreign sources indispensable supplies may among serious embarrassments depressed state navigation ascribed material degree exclusion colonial ports nation extensively connected us commerce indirect operation exclusion previous late convention london united states great britain relative state navigation laws two countries growing treaty 1794 given british navigation material advantage american intercourse american ports british ports europe convention london equalized laws two countries relating ports leaving intercourse ports ports british colonies subject respective regulations parties british government enforcing regulations prohibit trade colonies united states american vessels whilst permit trade british vessels american navigation loses accordingly loss augmented advantage given british competition american navigation ports british ports europe circuitous voyages enjoyed one enjoyed reasonableness rule reciprocity applied one branch commercial intercourse pressed part equally applicable branches ascertained british cabinet declines negotiation subject disavowal however disposition view unfriendly light whatever countervailing regulations united states may oppose regulations complain wisdom legislature decide course circumstances prescribed joint regard amicable relations two nations interests united states satisfaction state generally remain amity foreign powers occurrence indeed taken place gulf mexico sanctioned spanish government may make exception power according report naval commander station one public armed vessels attacked force spanish commander american flag officers crew insulted manner calling prompt reparation demanded mean time frigate smaller vessel war ordered gulf protection commerce would improper omit representative catholic majesty united states lost time giving strongest assurances hostile order could emanated government ready expect whatever nature case friendly relations two countries shall found require posture affairs algiers present moment known dey drawing pretexts circumstances united states answerable addressed letter government declaring treaty last concluded annulled violation presenting alternative war renewal former treaty stipulated among things annual tribute answer explicit declaration united states preferred war tribute required recognition observance treaty last made abolishes tribute slavery captured citizens result answer received renew warfare commerce rely protection find naval force actually mediterranean barbary states affairs undergone change indian tribes within limits appear also disposed remain peace several purchases lands made particularly favorable wishes security frontier settlements well general interests nation instances titles though supported due proof clashing one tribe claims another extinguished double purchases benevolent policy united states preferring augmented expense hazard injustice enforcement justice feeble untutored people means involving threatening effusion blood happy ad tranquillity restored among tribes well population favor resumption work civilization made encouraging progress among tribes facility increasing extending divided individual ownership exists movable property soil thus establishing culture improvement true foundation transit habits savage arts comforts social life subject highest importance national welfare must earnestly recommend consideration congress reorganization militia plan form classes according periods life less adapted military services efficient militia authorized contemplated constitution required spirit safety free government present organization militia universally regarded less efficient ought made organization better calculated give due force classification assign foremost place defense country portion citizens whose activity animation best enable rally standard besides consideration time peace time change made convenience equity aided experience recent war militia bore interesting part congress call mind adequate provision yet made uniformity weights measures also contemplated constitution great utility standard fixed nature founded easy rule decimal proportions sufficiently obvious led government early stage preparatory steps introducing completion work title public gratitude importance attached establishment university within district scale objects worthy american nation induces renew recommendation favorable consideration congress particularly invite attention expediency exercising existing powers necessary resorting prescribed mode enlarging order effectuate comprehensive system roads canals effect drawing closely together every part country promoting intercourse improvements increasing share every part common stock national prosperity occurrences taken place shew statutory provisions dispensation criminal justice deficient relation places persons exclusive cognizance national authority amendment law embracing cases merit earliest attention legislature seasonable occasion also inquiring far legislative interposition may requisite providing penalties offenses designated constitution statutes either penalties annexed none sufficient certainty submit wisdom congress whether enlarged revisal criminal code expedient purpose mitigating certain cases penalties adopted antecedent experiment examples justify recommend lenient policy united states first abolish within extent authority transportation natives africa slavery prohibiting introduction slaves punishing citizens participating traffic gratified progress made concurrent efforts nations toward general suppression great evil must feel time greater solicitude give fullest efficacy regulations view interposition congress appears required violations evasions suggested chargeable unworthy citizens mingle slave trade foreign flags foreign ports collusive importations slaves united states adjoining ports territories present subject congress full assurance disposition apply remedy afforded amendment law regulations intended guard abuses kindred character trade several states ought also rendered effectual humane object recommendations add consideration congress expediency remodification judiciary establishment additional department executive branch government first called accruing business necessarily swells duties federal courts great widening space within justice dispensed time seems arrived claims members supreme court relief itinerary fatigues incompatible well age portion always attained researches preparations due stations juridical reputation country considerations equally cogent require convenient organization subordinate tribunals may accomplished without objectionable increase number expense judges extent variety executive business also accumulating progress country growing population call additional department charged duties burdening departments annexed department course experience recommends another improvement executive establishment provision station whose residence seat government official connections management public business judiciary preclude extensive participation professional emoluments made adequate services relinquishments view reasonable accommodation proper depository official opinions proceedings included provision usual appurtenances public office directing legislative attention state finances subject great gratification find even within short period elapsed since return peace revenue far exceeded current demands upon treasury probable diminution future annual products vicissitudes commerce may occasion afford ample fund effectual early extinguishment public debt estimated year 1816 actual receipts revenue treasury including balance commencement year excluding proceeds loans treasury notes amount sum year actual payments treasury including payment arrearages war department well payment considerable excess beyond annual appropriations amount sum 38m consequently close year surplus treasury sum 9m operations treasury continued obstructed difficulties arising condition national currency nevertheless effectual beneficial extent reduction public debt establishment public credit floating debt treasury notes temporary loans soon entirely discharged aggregate funded debt composed debts incurred wars 1776 1812 estimated reference first january next sum exceeding 110m ordinary annual expenses government maintenance institutions civil military naval estimated sum 20m permanent revenue derived existing sources estimated sum 25m upon general view subject obvious wanting fiscal prosperity government restoration uniform medium exchange resources faith nation displayed system congress established insure respect confidence home abroad local accumulations revenue already enabled treasury meet public engagements local currency states expected produce effect throughout union interests community large well purposes treasury essential nation possess currency equal value credit use wherever may circulate constitution intrusted congress exclusively power creating regulating currency description measures taken last session execution power give every promise success bank united states organized auspices favorable fail important auxiliary measures enlarged view public finances view measures pursued treasury department previous resignation late secretary transmit extract last report officer congress perceive ample proofs solid foundation financial prosperity nation rests justice distinguished ability successful exertions duties department executed period remarkable difficulties peculiar perplexities period retiring public service little distance shall find occasion proper present expressing fellow citizens deep sense continued confidence kind support received grateful recollection distinguished marks favorable regard never cease consciousness served country greater ability served sincere devotion accompany source unfailing gratification happily shall carry public theater sources love country best appreciate shall behold blessed tranquillity prosperity home peace respect abroad indulge proud reflection american people reached safety success 40th year independent nation nearly entire generation experience present constitution undisturbed deliberations free choice found bear trials adverse well prosperous circumstances contain combination federate elective principles reconcilement public strength individual liberty national power defense national rights security wars injustice ambition fundamental provision subjects questions war nation pay costs feel calamities less peculiar felicity constitution dear us found capable without losing vital energies expanding spacious territory increase expansion community whose benefit established may allowed add gratifying spectacle shall read character american people devotion true liberty constitution palladium sure presages destined career country exhibit government pursuing public good sole object regulating means great principles consecrated charger moral principles well allied government watches purity elections freedom speech press trial jury equal interdict encroachments compacts religion state maintains inviolably maxims public faith security persons property encourages every authorized mode general diffusion knowledge guarantees public liberty permanency possess blessing true enjoyment government avoids intrusions internal repose nations repels justice nations readiness equal firmness requires justice whilst refines domestic code every ingredient congenial precepts enlightened age sentiments virtuous people seeks appeals reason liberal examples infuse law governs civilized world spirit may diminish frequency circumscribe calamities war meliorate social beneficent relations peace government word whose conduct within without may bespeak noble ambitions promoting peace earth good man contemplations sweetening remnant days animate prayers happiness beloved country perpetuity institutions enjoyed
review present state country attention withhold effect produce peculiar season generally impaired annual gift earth threaten scarcity particular district however variety soil climate product within extensive limit aggregate resource subsistence sufficient aggregate want far economy consumption usual may necessary thankfulness due providence far compensation remarkable health distinguish present year amidst advantage succeed peace europe united state great britain general invigoration industry among u extension commerce value disclose commercial nation regret depression experience particular branch manufacture portion navigation first proceed essential degree excess import merchandise carry check tendency present extent long duration evil however view congress without recollection manufacturing establishment suffer sink low languish long may revive cause shall cease vicissitude human affair situation may recur dependence foreign source indispensable supply may among serious embarrassment depressed state navigation ascribe material degree exclusion colonial port nation extensively connect u commerce indirect operation exclusion previous late convention london united state great britain relative state navigation law two country grow treaty 1794 give british navigation material advantage american intercourse american port british port europe convention london equalize law two country relate port leave intercourse port port british colony subject respective regulation party british government enforce regulation prohibit trade colony unite state american vessel whilst permit trade british vessel american navigation lose accordingly loss augmented advantage give british competition american navigation port british port europe circuitous voyage enjoy one enjoyed reasonableness rule reciprocity apply one branch commercial intercourse press part equally applicable branch ascertain british cabinet decline negotiation subject disavowal however disposition view unfriendly light whatever countervailing regulation united state may oppose regulation complain wisdom legislature decide course circumstance prescribe joint regard amicable relation two nation interest unite state satisfaction state generally remain amity foreign power occurrence indeed take place gulf mexico sanction spanish government may make exception power accord report naval commander station one public arm vessel attack force spanish commander american flag officer crew insulted manner call prompt reparation demand mean time frigate small vessel war order gulf protection commerce would improper omit representative catholic majesty unite state lose time give strong assurance hostile order could emanate government ready expect whatever nature case friendly relation two country shall find require posture affair algiers present moment know dey draw pretexts circumstance united state answerable addressed letter government declare treaty last conclude annulled violation present alternative war renewal former treaty stipulate among thing annual tribute answer explicit declaration united state prefer war tribute require recognition observance treaty last make abolishes tribute slavery capture citizen result answer receive renew warfare commerce rely protection find naval force actually mediterranean barbary state affair undergone change indian tribe within limit appear also disposed remain peace several purchase land make particularly favorable wish security frontier settlement well general interest nation instance title though support due proof clash one tribe claim another extinguished double purchase benevolent policy united state prefer augmented expense hazard injustice enforcement justice feeble untutored people mean involve threaten effusion blood happy ad tranquillity restore among tribes well population favor resumption work civilization make encouraging progress among tribes facility increase extend divide individual ownership exist movable property soil thus establishing culture improvement true foundation transit habit savage art comfort social life subject high importance national welfare must earnestly recommend consideration congress reorganization militia plan form class accord period life less adapted military service efficient militia authorize contemplated constitution require spirit safety free government present organization militia universally regard less efficient ought make organization well calculate give due force classification assign foremost place defense country portion citizen whose activity animation best enable rally standard besides consideration time peace time change make convenience equity aid experience recent war militia bore interest part congress call mind adequate provision yet make uniformity weight measure also contemplate constitution great utility standard fix nature found easy rule decimal proportion sufficiently obvious led government early stage preparatory step introduce completion work title public gratitude importance attach establishment university within district scale object worthy american nation induces renew recommendation favorable consideration congress particularly invite attention expediency exercise exist power necessary resort prescribed mode enlarge order effectuate comprehensive system roads canal effect draw closely together every part country promote intercourse improvement increase share every part common stock national prosperity occurrence take place shew statutory provision dispensation criminal justice deficient relation place person exclusive cognizance national authority amendment law embrace case merit early attention legislature seasonable occasion also inquire far legislative interposition may requisite provide penalty offense designated constitution statutes either penalty annex none sufficient certainty submit wisdom congress whether enlarge revisal criminal code expedient purpose mitigate certain case penalty adopt antecedent experiment example justify recommend lenient policy united state first abolish within extent authority transportation native africa slavery prohibiting introduction slave punish citizen participate traffic gratify progress make concurrent effort nation toward general suppression great evil must feel time great solicitude give full efficacy regulation view interposition congress appear require violation evasion suggest chargeable unworthy citizen mingle slave trade foreign flags foreign port collusive importation slave united state adjoin port territory present subject congress full assurance disposition apply remedy afford amendment law regulation intend guard abuse kindred character trade several state ought also render effectual humane object recommendation add consideration congress expediency remodification judiciary establishment additional department executive branch government first call accrue business necessarily swell duty federal court great widening space within justice dispense time seem arrive claim member supreme court relief itinerary fatigue incompatible well age portion always attain research preparation due station juridical reputation country consideration equally cogent require convenient organization subordinate tribunal may accomplish without objectionable increase number expense judge extent variety executive business also accumulate progress country grow population call additional department charge duty burden department annexed department course experience recommend another improvement executive establishment provision station whose residence seat government official connection management public business judiciary preclude extensive participation professional emolument make adequate service relinquishment view reasonable accommodation proper depository official opinion proceeding include provision usual appurtenance public office direct legislative attention state finance subject great gratification find even within short period elapse since return peace revenue far exceed current demand upon treasury probable diminution future annual product vicissitude commerce may occasion afford ample fund effectual early extinguishment public debt estimate year 1816 actual receipt revenue treasury include balance commencement year exclude proceeds loan treasury note amount sum year actual payment treasury include payment arrearages war department well payment considerable excess beyond annual appropriation amount sum 38m consequently close year surplus treasury sum 9m operation treasury continue obstructed difficulty arise condition national currency nevertheless effectual beneficial extent reduction public debt establishment public credit float debt treasury note temporary loan soon entirely discharge aggregate funded debt compose debt incur war 1776 1812 estimate reference first january next sum exceed 110m ordinary annual expense government maintenance institution civil military naval estimate sum 20m permanent revenue derive exist source estimate sum 25m upon general view subject obvious want fiscal prosperity government restoration uniform medium exchange resource faith nation displayed system congress establish insure respect confidence home abroad local accumulation revenue already enabled treasury meet public engagement local currency state expect produce effect throughout union interest community large well purpose treasury essential nation possess currency equal value credit use wherever may circulate constitution intrust congress exclusively power create regulate currency description measure take last session execution power give every promise success bank united state organize auspex favorable fail important auxiliary measure enlarge view public finance view measure pursue treasury department previous resignation late secretary transmit extract last report officer congress perceive ample proof solid foundation financial prosperity nation rest justice distinguish ability successful exertion duty department execute period remarkable difficulty peculiar perplexity period retire public service little distance shall find occasion proper present express fellow citizen deep sense continue confidence kind support receive grateful recollection distinguish mark favorable regard never cease consciousness serve country great ability serve sincere devotion accompany source unfailing gratification happily shall carry public theater source love country best appreciate shall behold bless tranquillity prosperity home peace respect abroad indulge proud reflection american people reach safety success 40th year independent nation nearly entire generation experience present constitution undisturbed deliberation free choice find bear trial adverse well prosperous circumstance contain combination federate elective principle reconcilement public strength individual liberty national power defense national right security war injustice ambition fundamental provision subject question war nation pay cost feel calamity less peculiar felicity constitution dear u find capable without lose vital energy expand spacious territory increase expansion community whose benefit establish may allow add gratify spectacle shall read character american people devotion true liberty constitution palladium sure presage destine career country exhibit government pursue public good sole object regulating mean great principle consecrate charger moral principle well allied government watch purity election freedom speech press trial jury equal interdict encroachment compact religion state maintain inviolably maxim public faith security person property encourages every authorize mode general diffusion knowledge guarantee public liberty permanency possess bless true enjoyment government avoids intrusion internal repose nation repels justice nation readiness equal firmness require justice whilst refines domestic code every ingredient congenial precept enlighten age sentiment virtuous people seek appeal reason liberal example infuse law governs civilize world spirit may diminish frequency circumscribe calamity war meliorate social beneficent relation peace government word whose conduct within without may bespeak noble ambition promote peace earth good man contemplation sweeten remnant day animate prayer happiness beloved country perpetuity institution enjoy