In coming together, fellow-citizens, to enter again upon the discharge of the duties with which the people have charged us severally, we find great occasion to rejoice in the general prosperity of the country. We are in the enjoyment of all the blessings of civil and religious liberty, with unexampled means of education, knowledge, and improvement. Through the year which is now drawing to a close peace has been in our borders and plenty in our habitations, and although disease has visited some few portions of the land with distress and mortality, yet in general the health of the people has been preserved, and we are all called upon by the highest obligations of duty to renew our thanks and our devotion to our Heavenly Parent, who has continued to vouchsafe to us the eminent blessings which surround us and who has so signally crowned the year with His goodness. If we find ourselves increasing beyond example in numbers, in strength, in wealth, in knowledge, in everything which promotes human and social happiness, let us ever remember our dependence for all these on the protection and merciful dispensations of Divine Providence. Since your last adjournment Alexander McLeod, a British subject who was indicted for the murder of an American citizen, and whose case has been the subject of a correspondence heretofore communicated to you, has been acquitted by the verdict of an impartial and intelligent jury, and has under the judgment of the court been regularly discharged. Great Britain having made known to this Government that the expedition which was fitted out from Canada for the destruction of the steamboat Caroline in the winter of 1837, and which resulted in the destruction of said boat and in the death of an American citizen, was undertaken by orders emanating from the authorities of the British Government in Canada, and demanding the discharge of McLeod upon the ground that if engaged in that expedition he did but fulfill the orders of his Government, has thus been answered in the only way in which she could be answered by a government the powers of which are distributed among its several departments by the fundamental law. Happily for the people of Great Britain, as well as those of the United States, the only mode by which an individual arraigned for a criminal offense before the courts of either can obtain his discharge is by the independent action of the judiciary and by proceedings equally familiar to the courts of both countries. If in Great Britain a power exists in the Crown to cause to be entered a nolle prosequi, which is not the case with the Executive power of the United States upon a prosecution pending in a State court, yet there no more than here can the chief executive power rescue a prisoner from custody without an order of the proper tribunal directing his discharge. The precise stage of the proceedings at which such order may be made is a matter of municipal regulation exclusively, and not to be complained of by any other government. In cases of this kind a government becomes politically responsible only when its tribunals of last resort are shown to have rendered unjust and injurious judgments in matters not doubtful. To the establishment and elucidation of this principle no nation has lent its authority more efficiently than Great Britain. Alexander McLeod, having his option either to prosecute a writ of error from the decision of the supreme court of New York, which had been rendered upon his application for a discharge, to the Supreme Court of the United States, or to submit his case to the decision of a jury, preferred the latter, deeming it the readiest mode of obtaining his liberation; and the result has fully sustained the wisdom of his choice. The manner in which the issue submitted was tried will satisfy the English Government that the principles of justice will never fail to govern the enlightened decision of an American tribunal. I can not fail, however, to suggest to Congress the propriety, and in some degree the necessity, of making such provisions by law, so far as they may constitutionally do so, for the removal at their commencement and at the option of the party of all such cases as may hereafter arise, and which may involve the faithful observance and execution of our international obligations, from the State to the Federal judiciary. This Government, by our institutions, is charged with the maintenance of peace and the preservation of amicable relations with the nations of the earth, and ought to possess without question all the reasonable and proper means of maintaining the one and preserving the other. While just confidence is felt in the judiciary of the States, yet this Government ought to be competent in itself for the fulfillment of the high duties which have been devolved upon it under the organic law by the States themselves. In the month of September a party of armed men from Upper Canada invaded the territory of the United States and forcibly seized upon the person of one Grogan, and under circumstances of great harshness hurriedly carried him beyond the limits of the United States and delivered him np to the authorities of Upper Canada. His immediate discharge was ordered by those authorities upon the facts of the case being brought to their knowledge--a course of procedure which was to have been expected from a nation with whom we are at peace, and which was not more due to the rights of the United States than to its own regard for justice. The correspondence which passed between the Department of State and the British envoy, Mr. Fox, and with the governor of Vermont, as soon as the facts had been made known to this department, are herewith communicated. I regret that it is not in my power to make known to you an equally satisfactory conclusion in the case of the Caroline steamer, with the circumstances connected with the destruction of which, in December, 1837, by an armed force fitted out in the Province of Upper Canada, you are already made acquainted. No such atonement as was due for the public wrong done to the United States by this invasion of her territory, so wholly irreconcilable with her rights as an independent power, has yet been made. In the view taken by this Government the inquiry whether the vessel was in the employment of those who were prosecuting an unauthorized war against that Province or was engaged by the owner in the business of transporting passengers to and from Navy Island in hopes of private gain, which was most probably the case, in no degree alters the real question at issue between the two Governments. This Government can never concede to any foreign government the power, except in a case of the most urgent and extreme necessity, of invading its territory, either to arrest the persons or destroy the property of those who may have violated the municipal laws of such foreign government or have disregarded their obligations arising under the law of nations. The territory of the United States must be regarded as sacredly secure against all such invasions until they shall voluntarily acknowledge their inability to acquit themselves of their duties to others. And in announcing this sentiment I do but affirm a principle which no nation on earth would be more ready to vindicate at all hazards than the people and Government of Great Britain. If upon a full investigation of all the facts it shall appear that the owner of the Caroline was governed by a hostile intent or had made common cause with those who were in the occupancy of Navy Island, then so far as he is concerned there can be no claim to indemnity for the destruction of his boat which this Government would feel itself bound to prosecute, since he would have acted not only in derogation of the rights of Great Britain, but in clear violation of the laws of the United States; but that is a question which, however settled, in no manner involves the higher consideration of the violation of territorial sovereignty and jurisdiction. To recognize it as an admissible practice that each Government in its turn, upon any sudden and unauthorized outbreak which, on a frontier the extent of which renders it impossible for either to have an efficient force on every mile of it, and which outbreak, therefore, neither may be able to suppress in a day, may take vengeance into its own hands, and without even a remonstrance, and in the absence of any pressing or overruling necessity may invade the territory of the other, would inevitably lead to results equally to be deplored by both. When border collisions come to receive the sanction or to be made on the authority of either Government general war must be the inevitable result. While it is the ardent desire of the United States to cultivate the relations of peace with all nations and to fulfill all the duties of good neighborhood toward those who possess territories adjoining their own, that very desire would lead them to deny the right of any foreign power to invade their boundary with an armed force. The correspondence between the two Governments on this subject will at a future day of your session be submitted to your consideration; and in the meantime I can not but indulge the hope that the British Government will see the propriety of renouncing as a rule of future action the precedent which has been set in the affair at Schlosser. I herewith submit the correspondence which has recently taken place between the American minister at the Court of St. James, Mr. Stevenson, and the minister of foreign affairs of that Government on the right claimed by that Government to visit and detain vessels sailing under the American flag and engaged in prosecuting lawful commerce in the African seas. Our commercial interests in that region have experienced considerable increase and have become an object of much importance, and it is the duty of this Government to protect them against all improper and vexatious interruption. However desirous the United States may be for the suppression of the slave trade, they can not consent to interpolations into the maritime code at the mere will and pleasure of other governments. We deny the right of any such interpolation to any one or all the nations of the earth without our consent. We claim to have a voice in all amendments or alterations of that code, and when we are given to understand, as in this instance, by a foreign government that its treaties with other nations can not be executed without the establishment and enforcement of new principles of maritime police, to be applied without our consent, we must employ a language neither of equivocal import or susceptible of misconstruction. American citizens prosecuting a lawful commerce in the African seas under the flag of their country are not responsible for the abuse or unlawful use of that flag by others; nor can they rightfully on account of any such alleged abuses be interrupted, molested, or detained while on the ocean, and if thus molested and detained while pursuing honest voyages in the usual way and violating no law themselves they are unquestionably entitled to indemnity. This Government has manifested its repugnance to the slave trade in a manner which can not be misunderstood. By its fundamental law it prescribed limits in point of time to its continuance, and against its own citizens who might so far forget the rights of humanity as to engage in that wicked traffic it has long since by its municipal laws denounced the most condign punishment. Many of the States composing this Union had made appeals to the civilized world for its suppression long before the moral sense of other nations had become shocked by the iniquities of the traffic. Whether this Government should now enter into treaties containing mutual stipulations upon this subject is a question for its mature deliberation. Certain it is that if the right to detain American ships on the high seas can be justified on the plea of a necessity for such detention arising out of the existence of treaties between other nations, the same plea may, be extended and enlarged by the new stipulations of new treaties to which the United States may not be a party. This Government will not cease to urge upon that of Great Britain full and ample remuneration for all losses, whether arising from detention or otherwise, to which American citizens have heretofore been or may hereafter be subjected by the exercise of rights which this Government can not recognize as legitimate and proper. Nor will I indulge a doubt but that the sense of justice of Great Britain will constrain her to make retribution for any wrong or loss which any American citizen engaged in the prosecution of lawful commerce may have experienced at the hands of her cruisers or other public authorities. This Government, at the same time, will relax no effort to prevent its citizens, if there be any so disposed, from prosecuting a traffic so revolting to the feelings of humanity. It seeks to do no more than to protect the fair and honest trader from molestation and injury; but while the enterprising mariner engaged in the pursuit of an honorable trade is entitled to its protection, it will visit with condign punishment others of an opposite character. I invite your attention to existing laws for the suppression of the African slave trade, and recommend all such alterations as may give to them greater force and efficacy. That the American flag is grossly abused by the abandoned and profligate of other nations is but too probable. Congress has not long since had this subject under its consideration, and its importance well justifies renewed and anxious attention. I also communicate herewith the copy of a correspondence between Mr. Stevenson and Lord Palmerston upon the subject, so interesting to several of the Southern States, of the rice duties, which resulted honorably to the justice of Great Britain and advantageously to the United States. At the opening of the last annual session the President informed Congress of the progress which had then been made in negotiating a convention between this Government and that of England with a view to the final settlement of the question of the boundary between the territorial limits of the two countries. I regret to say that little further advancement of the object has been accomplished since last year, but this is owing to circumstances no way indicative of any abatement of the desire of both parties to hasten the negotiation to its conclusion and to settle the question in dispute as early as possible. In the course of the session it is my hope to be able to announce some further degree of progress toward the accomplishment of this highly desirable end. The commission appointed by this Government for the exploration and survey of the line of boundary separating the States of Maine and New Hampshire from the conterminous British Provinces is, it is believed, about to close its field labors and is expected soon to report the results of its examinations to the Department of State. The report, when received, will be laid before Congress. The failure on the part of Spain to pay with punctuality the interest due under the convention of 1834 for the settlement of claims between the two countries has made it the duty of the Executive to call the particular attention of that Government to the subject. A disposition has been manifested by it, which is believed to be entirely sincere, to fulfill its obligations in this respect so soon as its internal condition and the state of its finances will permit. An arrangement is in progress from the result of which it is trusted that those of our citizens who have claims under the convention will at no distant day receive the stipulated payments. A treaty of commerce and navigation with Belgium was concluded and signed at Washington on the 29th of March, 1840, and was duly sanctioned by the Senate of the United States. The treaty was ratified by His Belgian Majesty, but did not receive the approbation of the Belgian Chambers within the time limited by its terms, and has therefore become void. This occurrence assumes the graver aspect from the consideration that in 1833 a treaty negotiated between the two Governments and ratified on the part of the United States failed to be ratified on the part of Belgium. The representative of that Government at Washington informs the Department of State that he has been instructed to give explanations of the causes which occasioned delay in the approval of the late treaty by the legislature, and to express the regret of the King at the occurrence. The joint commission under the convention with Texas to ascertain the true boundary between the two countries has concluded its labors, but the final report of the commissioner of the United States has not been received. It is understood, however, that the meridian line as traced by the commission lies somewhat farther east than the position hitherto generally assigned to it, and consequently includes in Texas some part of the territory which had been considered as belonging to the States of Louisiana and Arkansas. The United States can not but take a deep interest in whatever relates to this young but growing Republic. Settled principally by emigrants from the United States, we have the happiness to know that the great principles of civil liberty are there destined to flourish under wise institutions and wholesome laws, and that through its example another evidence is to be afforded of the capacity of popular institutions to advance the prosperity, happiness, and permanent glory of the human race. The great truth that government was made for the people and not the people for government has already been established in the practice and by the example of these United States, and we can do no other than contemplate its further exemplification by a sister republic with the deepest interest. Our relations with the independent States of this hemisphere, formerly under the dominion of Spain, have not undergone any material change within the past year. The incessant sanguinary conflicts in or between those countries are to be greatly deplored as necessarily tending to disable them from performing their duty as members of the community of nations and rising to the destiny which the position and natural resources of many of them might lead them justly to anticipate, as constantly giving occasion also, directly or indirectly, for complaints on the part of our citizens who resort thither for purposes of commercial intercourse, and as retarding reparation for wrongs already committed, some of which are by no means of recent date. The failure of the Congress of Ecuador to hold a session at the time appointed for that purpose, in January last, will probably render abortive a treaty of commerce with that Republic, which was signed at Quito on the 13th of June, 1839, and had been duly ratified on our part, but which required the approbation of that body prior to its ratification by the Ecuadorian Executive. A convention which has been concluded with the Republic of Peru, providing for the settlement of certain claims of citizens of the United States upon the Government of that Republic, will be duly submitted to he Senate. The claims of our citizens against the Brazilian Government originating from captures and other causes are still unsatisfied. The United States have, however, so uniformly shown a disposition to cultivate relations of amity with that Empire that it is hoped the unequivocal tokens of the same spirit toward us which an adjustment of the affairs referred to would afford will be given without further avoidable delay. The war with the Indian tribes on the peninsula of Florida has during the last summer and fall been prosecuted with untiring activity and zeal. A summer campaign was resolved upon as the best mode of bringing it to a close. Our brave officers and men who have been engaged in that service have suffered toils and privations and exhibited an energy which in any other war would have won for them unfading laurels. In despite of the sickness incident to the climate, they have penetrated the fastnesses of the Indians, broken up their encampments, and harassed them unceasingly. Numbers have been captured, and still greater numbers have surrendered and have been transported to join their brethren on the lands elsewhere allotted to them by the Government, and a strong hope is entertained that under the conduct of the gallant officer at the head of the troops in Florida that troublesome and expensive war is destined to a speedy termination. With all the other Indian tribes we are enjoying the blessings of peace. Our duty as well as our best interests prompts us to observe in all our intercourse with them fidelity in fulfilling our engagements, the practice of strict justice, as well as the constant exercise of acts of benevolence and kindness. These are the great instruments of civilization, and through the use of them alone can the untutored child of the forest be induced to listen to its teachings. The Secretary of State, on whom the acts of Congress have devolved the duty of directing the proceedings for the taking of the sixth census or enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, will report to the two Houses the progress of that work. The enumeration of persons has been completed, and exhibits a grand total of 17,069,453, making an increase over the census of 1830 of 4,202,646 inhabitants, and showing a gain in a ratio exceeding 32 1/2 per cent for the last ten years. From the report of the Secretary of the Treasury you will be informed of the condition of the finances. The balance in the Treasury on the 1st of January last, as stated in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury submitted to Congress at the extra session, was $987,345.03. The receipts into the Treasury during the first three quarters of this year from all sources amount to $23,467,072.52; the estimated receipts for the fourth quarter amount to $6,943,095.25, amounting to $30,410,167.77, and making with the balance in the Treasury on the 1st of January last $31,397,512.80. The expenditures for the first three quarters of this year amount to $24,734,346.97. The expenditures for the fourth quarter as estimated will amount to $7,290,723.73, thus making a total of $32,025,070.70, and leaving a deficit to be provided for on the 1st of January next of about $627,557.90. Of the loan of $12,000,000 which was authorized by Congress at its late session only $5,432,726.88 have been negotiated. The shortness of time which it had to run has presented no inconsiderable impediment in the way of its being taken by capitalists at home, while the same cause would have operated with much greater force in the foreign market. For that reason the foreign market has not been resorted to; and it is now submitted whether it would not be advisable to amend the law by making what remains undisposed of payable at a more distant day. Should it be necessary, in any view that Congress may take of the subject, to revise the existing tariff of duties, I beg leave to say that in the performance of that most delicate operation moderate counsels would seem to be the wisest. The Government under which it is our happiness to live owes its existence to the spirit of compromise which prevailed among its framers; jarring and discordant opinions could only have been reconciled by that noble spirit of patriotism which prompted conciliation and resulted in harmony. In the same spirit the compromise bill, as it is commonly called, was adopted at the session of 1833. While the people of no portion of the Union will ever hesitate to pay all necessary taxes for the support of Government, yet an innate repugnance exists to the imposition of burthens not really necessary for that object. In imposing duties, however, for the purposes of revenue a right to discriminate as to the articles on which the duty shall be laid, as well as the amount, necessarily and most properly exists; otherwise the Government would be placed in the condition of having to levy the same duties upon all articles, the productive as well as the unproductive. The slightest duty upon some might have the effect of causing their importation to cease, whereas others, entering extensively into the consumption of the country, might bear the heaviest without any sensible diminution in the amount imported. So also the Government may be justified in so discriminating by reference to other considerations of domestic policy connected with our manufactures. So long as the duties shall be laid with distinct reference to the wants of the Treasury no well-rounded objection can exist against them. It might be esteemed desirable that no such augmentation of the taxes should take place as would have the effect of annulling the land-proceeds distribution act of the last session, which act is declared to be inoperative the moment the duties are increased beyond 20 per cent, the maximum rate established by the compromise act. Some of the provisions of the compromise act, which will go into effect on the 30th day of June next, may, however, be found exceedingly inconvenient in practice under any regulations that Congress may adopt. I refer more particularly to that relating to the home valuation. A difference in value of the same articles to some extent will necessarily exist at different ports, but that is altogether insignificant when compared with the conflicts in valuation which are likely to arise from the differences of opinion among the numerous appraisers of merchandise. In many instances the estimates of value must be conjectural, and thus as many different rates of value may be established as there are appraisers. These differences in valuation may also be increased by the inclination which, without the slightest imputation on their honesty, may arise on the part of the appraisers in favor of their respective ports of entry. I recommend this whole subject to the consideration of Congress with a single additional remark. Certainty and permanency in any system of governmental policy are in all respects eminently desirable, but more particularly is this true in all that affects trade and commerce, the operations of which depend much more on the certainty of their returns and calculations which embrace distant periods of time than on high bounties or duties, which are liable to constant fluctuations. At your late session I invited your attention to the condition of the currency and exchanges and urged the necessity of adopting such measures as were consistent with the constitutional competency of the Government in order to correct the unsoundness of the one and, as far as practicable, the inequalities of the other. No country can be in the enjoyment of its full measure of prosperity without the presence of a medium of exchange approximating to uniformity of value. What is necessary as between the different nations of the earth is also important as between the inhabitants of different parts of the same country. With the first the precious metals constitute the chief medium of circulation, and such also would be the case as to the last but for inventions comparatively modern, which have furnished in place of gold and silver a paper circulation. I do not propose to enter into a comparative analysis of the merits of the two systems. Such belonged more properly to the period of the introduction of the paper system. The speculative philosopher might find inducements to prosecute the inquiry, but his researches could only lead him to conclude that the paper system had probably better never have been introduced and that society might have been much happier without it. The practical statesman has a very different task to perform. He has to look at things as they are, to take them as he finds them, to supply deficiencies and to prune excesses as far as in him lies. The task of furnishing a corrective for derangements of the paper medium with us is almost inexpressibly great. The power exerted by the States to charter banking corporations, and which, having been carried to a great excess, has filled the country with, in most of the States, an irredeemable paper medium, is an evil which in some way or other requires a corrective. The rates at which bills of exchange are negotiated between different parts of the country furnish an index of the value of the local substitute for gold and silver, which is in many parts so far depreciated as not to be received except at a large discount in payment of debts or in the purchase of produce. It could earnestly be desired that every bank not possessing the means of resumption should follow the example of the late United States Bank of Pennsylvania and go into liquidation rather than by refusing to do so to continue embarrassments in the way of solvent institutions, thereby augmenting the difficulties incident to the present condition of things. Whether this Government, with due regard to the rights of the States, has any power to constrain the banks either to resume specie payments or to force them into liquidation, is an inquiry which will not fail to claim your consideration. In view of the great advantages which are allowed the corporators, not among the least of which is the authority contained in most of their charters to make loans to three times the amount of their capital, thereby often deriving three times as much interest on the same amount of money as any individual is permitted by law to receive, no sufficient apology can be urged for a long-continued suspension of specie payments. Such suspension is productive of the greatest detriment to the public by expelling from circulation the precious metals and seriously hazarding the success of any effort that this Government can make to increase commercial facilities and to advance the public interests. This is the more to be regretted and the indispensable necessity for a sound currency becomes the more manifest when we reflect on the vast amount of the internal commerce of the country. Of this we have no statistics nor just data for forming adequate opinions. But there can be no doubt but that the amount of transportation coastwise by sea, and the transportation inland by railroads and canals, and by steamboats and other modes of conveyance over the surface of our vast rivers and immense lakes, and the value of property carried and interchanged by these means form a general aggregate to which the foreign commerce of the country, large as it is, makes but a distant approach. In the absence of any controlling power over this subject, which, by forcing a general resumption of specie payments, would at once have the effect of restoring a sound medium of exchange and would leave to the country but little to desire, what measure of relief falling within the limits of our constitutional competency does it become this Government to adopt? It was my painful duty at your last session, under the weight of most solemn obligations, to differ with Congress on the measures which it proposed for my approval, and which it doubtless regarded as corrective of existing evils. Subsequent reflection and events since occurring have only served to confirm me in the opinions then entertained and frankly expressed. I must be permitted to add that no scheme of governmental policy unaided by individual exertions can be available for ameliorating the present condition of things. Commercial modes of exchange and a good currency are but the necessary means of commerce and intercourse, not the direct productive sources of wealth. Wealth can only be accumulated by the earnings of industry and the savings of frugality, and nothing can be more ill judged than to look to facilities in borrowing or to a redundant circulation for the power of discharging pecuniary obligations. The country is full of resources and the people fall of energy, and the great and permanent remedy for present embarrassments must be sought in industry, economy, the observance of good faith, and the favorable influence of time. In pursuance of a pledge given to you in my last message to Congress, which pledge I urge as an apology for adventuring to present you the details of any plan, the Secretary of the Treasury will be ready to submit to you, should you require it, a plan of finance which, while it throws around the public treasure reasonable guards for its protection and rests on powers acknowledged in practice to exist from the origin of the Government, will at the same time furnish to the country a sound paper medium and afford all reasonable facilities for regulating the exchanges. When submitted, you will perceive in it a plan amendatory of the existing laws in relation to the Treasury Department, subordinate in all respects to the will of Congress directly and the will of the people indirectly, self-sustaining should it be found in practice to realize its promises in theory, and repealable at the pleasure of Congress. It proposes by effectual restraints and by invoking the true spirit of our institutions to separate the purse from the sword, or, more properly to speak, denies any other control to the President over the agents who may be selected to carry it into execution but what may be indispensably necessary to secure the fidelity of such agents, and by wise regulations keeps plainly apart from each other private and public funds. It contemplates the establishment of a board of control at the seat of government, with agencies at prominent commercial points or wherever else Congress shall direct, for the safe-keeping and disbursement of the public moneys and a substitution at the option of the public creditor of Treasury notes in lieu of gold and silver. It proposes to limit the issues to an amount not to exceed $15,000,000 without the express sanction of the legislative power. It also authorizes the receipt of individual deposits of gold and silver to a limited amount, and the granting certificates of deposit divided into such sums as may be called for by the depositors. It proceeds a step further and authorizes the purchase and sale of domestic bills and drafts resting on a real and substantial basis, payable at sight or having but a short time to run, and drawn on places not less than 100 miles apart, which authority, except in so far as may be necessary for Government purposes exclusively, is only to be exerted upon the express condition that its exercise shall not be prohibited by the State in which the agency is situated. In order to cover the expenses incident to the plan, it will be authorized to receive moderate premiums for certificates issued on deposits and on bills bought and sold, and thus, as far as its dealings extend, to furnish facilities to commercial intercourse at the lowest possible rates and to subduct from the earnings of industry the least possible sum. It uses the State banks at a distance from the agencies as auxiliaries without imparting any power to trade in its name. It is subjected to such guards and restraints as have appeared to be necessary. It is the creature of law and exists only at the pleasure of the Legislature. It is made to rest on an actual specie basis in order to redeem the notes at the places of issue, produces no dangerous redundancy of circulation, affords no temptation to speculation, is attended by no inflation of prices, is equable in its operation, makes the Treasury notes (which it may use along with the certificates of deposit and the notes of specie-paying banks) convertible at the place where collected, receivable in payment of Government dues, and without violating any principle of the Constitution affords the Government and the people such facilities as are called for by the wants of both. Such, it has appeared to me, are its recommendations, and in view of them it will be submitted, whenever you may require it, to your consideration. I am not able to perceive that any fair and candid objection can be urged against the plan, the principal outlines of which I have thus presented. I can not doubt but that the notes which it proposes to furnish at the voluntary option of the public creditor, issued in lieu of the revenue and its certificates of deposit, will be maintained at an equality with gold and silver everywhere. They are redeemable in gold and silver on demand at the places of issue. They are receivable everywhere in payment of Government dues. The Treasury notes are limited to an amount of one-fourth less than the estimated annual receipts of the Treasury, and in addition they rest upon the faith of the Government for their redemption. If all these assurances are not sufficient to make them available, then the idea, as it seems to me, of furnishing a sound paper medium of exchange may be entirely abandoned. If a fear be indulged that the Government may be tempted to run into excess in its issues at any future day, it seems to me that no such apprehension can reasonably be entertained until all confidence in the representatives of the States and of the people, as well as of the people themselves, shall be lost. The weightiest considerations of policy require that the restraints now proposed to be thrown around the measure should not for light causes be removed. To argue against any proposed plan its liability to possible abuse is to reject every expedient, since everything dependent on human action is liable to abuse. Fifteen millions of Treasury notes may be issued as the maximum, but a discretionary power is to be given to the board of control under that sum, and every consideration will unite in leading them to feel their way with caution. For the first eight years of the existence of the late Bank of the United States its circulation barely exceeded $4,000,000, and for five of its most prosperous years it was about equal to $16,000,000; furthermore, the authority given to receive private deposits to a limited amount and to issue certificates in such sums as may be called for by the depositors may so far fill up the channels of circulation as greatly to diminish the necessity of any considerable issue of Treasury notes. A restraint upon the amount of private deposits has seemed to be indispensably necessary from an apprehension, thought to be well founded, that in any emergency of trade confidence might be so far shaken in the banks as to induce a withdrawal from them of private deposits with a view to insure their unquestionable safety when deposited with the Government, which might prove eminently disastrous to the State banks. Is it objected that it is proposed to authorize the agencies to deal in bills of exchange? It is answered that such dealings are to be carried on at the lowest possible premium, are made to rest on an unquestionably sound basis, are designed to reimburse merely the expenses which would otherwise devolve upon the Treasury, and are in strict subordination to the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of the Bank of Augusta against Earle, and other reported cases, and thereby avoids all conflict with State jurisdiction, which I hold to be indispensably requisite. It leaves the banking privileges of the States without interference, looks to the Treasury and the Union, and while furnishing every facility to the first is careful of the interests of the last. But above all, it is created by law, is amendable by law, and is repealable by law, and, wedded as I am to no theory, but looking solely to the advancement of the public good, I shall be among the very first to urge its repeal if it be found not to subserve the purposes and objects for which it may be created. Nor will the plan be submitted in any overweening confidence in the sufficiency of my own judgment, but with much greater reliance on the wisdom and patriotism of Congress. I can not abandon this subject without urging upon you in the most emphatic manner, whatever may be your action on the suggestions which I have felt it to be my duty to submit, to relieve the Chief Executive Magistrate, by any and all constitutional means, from a controlling power over the public Treasury. If in the plan proposed, should you deem it worthy of your consideration, that separation is not as complete as you may desire, you will doubtless amend it in that particular. For myself, I disclaim all desire to have any control over the public moneys other than what is indispensably necessary to execute the laws which you may pass. Nor can I fail to advert in this connection to the debts which many of the States of the Union have contracted abroad and under which they continue to labor. That indebtedness amounts to a sum not less than $200,000,000, and which has been retributed to them for the most part in works of internal improvement which are destined to prove of vast importance in ultimately advancing their prosperity and wealth. For the debts thus contracted the States are alone responsible. I can do not more than express the belief that each State will feel itself bound by every consideration of honor as well as of interest to meet its engagements with punctuality. The failure, however, of any one State to do so should in no degree affect the credit of the rest, and the foreign capitalist will have no just cause to experience alarm as to all other State stocks because any one or more of the States may neglect to provide with punctuality the means of redeeming their engagements. Even such States, should there be any, considering the great rapidity with which their resources are developing themselves, will not fail to have the means at no very distant day to redeem their obligations to the uttermost farthing; nor will I doubt but that, in view of that honorable conduct which has evermore governed the States and the people of the Union, they will each and all resort to every legitimate expedient before they will forego a faithful compliance with their obligations. From the report of the Secretary of War and other reports accompanying it you will be informed of the progress which has been made in the fortifications designed for the protection of our principal cities, roadsteads, and inland frontier during the present year, together with their true state and condition. They will be prosecuted to completion with all the expedition which the means placed by Congress at the disposal of the Executive will allow. I recommend particularly to your consideration that portion of the Secretary's report which proposes the establishment of a chain of military posts from Council Bluffs to some point on the Pacific Ocean within our limits. The benefit thereby destined to accrue to our citizens engaged in the fur trade over that wilderness region, added to the importance of cultivating friendly relations with savage tribes inhabiting it, and at the same time of giving protection to our frontier settlements and of establishing the means of safe intercourse between the American settlements at the mouth of the Columbia River and those on this side of the Rocky Mountains, would seem to suggest the importance of carrying into effect the recommendations upon this head with as little delay as may be practicable. The report of the Secretary of the Navy will place you in possession of the present condition of that important arm of the national defense. Every effort will be made to add to its efficiency, and I can not too strongly urge upon you liberal appropriations to that branch of the public service. Inducements of the weightiest character exist for the adoption of this course of policy. Our extended and otherwise exposed maritime frontier calls for protection, to the furnishing of which an efficient naval force is indispensable. We look to no foreign conquests, nor do we propose to enter into competition with any other nation for supremacy on the ocean; but it is due not only to the honor but to the security of the people of the United States that no nation should be permitted to invade our waters at pleasure and subject our towns and villages to conflagration or pillage. Economy in all branches of the public service is due from all the public agents to the people, but parsimony alone would suggest the withholding of the necessary means for the protection of our domestic firesides from invasion and our national honor from disgrace. I would most earnestly recommend to Congress to abstain from all appropriations for objects not absolutely necessary; but I take upon myself, without a moment of hesitancy, all the responsibility of recommending the increase and prompt equipment of that gallant Navy which has lighted up every sea with its victories and spread an imperishable glory over the country. The report of the Postmaster-General will claim your particular attention, not only because of the valuable suggestions which it contains, but because of the great importance which at all times attaches to that interesting branch of the public service. The increased expense of transporting the mail along the principal routes necessarily claims the public attention, and has awakened a corresponding solicitude on the part of the Government. The transmission of the mail must keep pace with those facilities of intercommunication which are every day becoming greater through the building of railroads and the application of steam power, but it can not be disguised that in order to do so the Post-Office Department is subjected to heavy exactions. The lines of communication between distant parts of the Union are to a great extent occupied by railroads, which, in the nature of things, possess a complete monopoly, and the Department is therefore liable to heavy and unreasonable charges. This evil is destined to great increase in future, and some timely measure may become necessary to guard against it. I feel it my duty to bring under your consideration a practice which has grown up in the administration of the Government, and which, I am deeply convinced, ought to be corrected. I allude to the exercise of the power which usage rather than reason has vested in the Presidents of removing incumbents from office in order to substitute others more in favor with the dominant party. My own conduct in this respect has been governed by a conscientious purpose to exercise the removing power only in cases of unfaithfulness or inability, or in those in which its exercise appeared necessary in order to discountenance and suppress that spirit of active partisanship on the part of holders of office which not only withdraws them from the steady and impartial discharge of their official duties, but exerts an undue and injurious influence over elections and degrades the character of the Government itself, inasmuch as it exhibits the Chief Magistrate as being a party through his agents in the secret plots or open workings of political parties. In respect to the exercise of this power nothing should be left to discretion which may safely be regulated by law, and it is of high importance to restrain as far as possible the stimulus of personal interests in public elections. Considering the great increase which has been made in public offices in the last quarter of a century and the probability of further increase, we incur the hazard of witnessing violent political contests, directed too often to the single object of retaining office by those who are in or obtaining it by those who are out. Under the influence of these convictions I shall cordially concur in any constitutional measure for regulating and, by regulating, restraining the power of removal. I suggest for your consideration the propriety of making without further delay some specific application of the funds derived under the will of Mr. Smithson, of England, for the diffusion of knowledge, and which have heretofore been vested in public stocks until such time as Congress should think proper to give them a specific direction. Nor will you, I feel confident, permit any abatement of the principal of the legacy to be made should it turn out that the stocks in which the investments have been made have undergone a depreciation. In conclusion I commend to your care the interests of this District, for which you are the exclusive legislators. Considering that this city is the residence of the Government and for a large part of the year of Congress, and considering also the great cost of the public buildings and the propriety of affording them at all times careful protection, it seems not unreasonable that Congress should contribute toward the expense of an efficient police.
In coming together, fellow-citizens, to enter again upon the discharge of the duties with which the people have charged us severally, we find great occasion to rejoice in the general prosperity of the country. We are in the enjoyment of all the blessings of civil and religious liberty, with unexampled means of education, knowledge, and improvement. Through the year which is now drawing to a close peace has been in our borders and plenty in our habitations, and although disease has visited some few portions of the land with distress and mortality, yet in general the health of the people has been preserved, and we are all called upon by the highest obligations of duty to renew our thanks and our devotion to our Heavenly Parent, who has continued to vouchsafe to us the eminent blessings which surround us and who has so signally crowned the year with His goodness. If we find ourselves increasing beyond example in numbers, in strength, in wealth, in knowledge, in everything which promotes human and social happiness, let us ever remember our dependence for all these on the protection and merciful dispensations of Divine Providence. Since your last adjournment Alexander McLeod, a British subject who was indicted for the murder of an American citizen, and whose case has been the subject of a correspondence heretofore communicated to you, has been acquitted by the verdict of an impartial and intelligent jury, and has under the judgment of the court been regularly discharged. Great Britain having made known to this Government that the expedition which was fitted out from Canada for the destruction of the steamboat Caroline in the winter of 1837, and which resulted in the destruction of said boat and in the death of an American citizen, was undertaken by orders emanating from the authorities of the British Government in Canada, and demanding the discharge of McLeod upon the ground that if engaged in that expedition he did but fulfill the orders of his Government, has thus been answered in the only way in which she could be answered by a government the powers of which are distributed among its several departments by the fundamental law. Happily for the people of Great Britain, as well as those of the United States, the only mode by which an individual arraigned for a criminal offense before the courts of either can obtain his discharge is by the independent action of the judiciary and by proceedings equally familiar to the courts of both countries. If in Great Britain a power exists in the Crown to because to be entered a nolle prosequi, which is not the case with the Executive power of the United States upon a prosecution pending in a State court, yet there no more than here can the chief executive power rescue a prisoner from custody without an order of the proper tribunal directing his discharge. The precise stage of the proceedings at which such order may be made is a matter of municipal regulation exclusively, and not to be complained of by any other government. In cases of this kind a government becomes politically responsible only when its tribunals of last resort are shown to have rendered unjust and injurious judgments in matters not doubtful. To the establishment and elucidation of this principle no nation has lent its authority more efficiently than Great Britain. Alexander McLeod, having his option either to prosecute a writ of error from the decision of the supreme court of New York, which had been rendered upon his application for a discharge, to the Supreme Court of the United States, or to submit his case to the decision of a jury, preferred the latter, deeming it the readiest mode of obtaining his liberation; and the result has fully sustained the wisdom of his choice. The manner in which the issue submitted was tried will satisfy the English Government that the principles of justice will never fail to govern the enlightened decision of an American tribunal. I can not fail, however, to suggest to Congress the propriety, and in some degree the necessity, of making such provisions by law, so far as they may constitutionally do so, for the removal at their commencement and at the option of the party of all such cases as may hereafter arise, and which may involve the faithful observance and execution of our international obligations, from the State to the Federal judiciary. This Government, by our institutions, is charged with the maintenance of peace and the preservation of amicable relations with the nations of the earth, and ought to possess without question all the reasonable and proper means of maintaining the one and preserving the other. While just confidence is felt in the judiciary of the States, yet this Government ought to be competent in itself for the fulfillment of the high duties which have been devolved upon it under the organic law by the States themselves. In the month of September a party of armed men from Upper Canada invaded the territory of the United States and forcibly seized upon the person of one Grogan, and under circumstances of great harshness hurriedly carried him beyond the limits of the United States and delivered him np to the authorities of Upper Canada. His immediate discharge was ordered by those authorities upon the facts of the case being brought to their knowledge--a course of procedure which was to have been expected from a nation with whom we are at peace, and which was not more due to the rights of the United States than to its own regard for justice. The correspondence which passed between the Department of State and the British envoy, Mr. Fox, and with the governor of Vermont, as soon as the facts had been made known to this department, are herewith communicated. I regret that it is not in my power to make known to you an equally satisfactory conclusion in the case of the Caroline steamer, with the circumstances connected with the destruction of which, in December, 1837, by an armed force fitted out in the Province of Upper Canada, you are already made acquainted. No such atonement as was due for the public wrong done to the United States by this invasion of her territory, so wholly irreconcilable with her rights as an independent power, has yet been made. In the view taken by this Government the inquiry whether the vessel was in the employment of those who were prosecuting an unauthorized war against that Province or was engaged by the owner in the business of transporting passengers to and from Navy Island in hopes of private gain, which was most probably the case, in no degree alters the real question at issue between the two Governments. This Government can never concede to any foreign government the power, except in a case of the most urgent and extreme necessity, of invading its territory, either to arrest the persons or destroy the property of those who may have violated the municipal laws of such foreign government or have disregarded their obligations arising under the law of nations. The territory of the United States must be regarded as sacredly secure against all such invasions until they shall voluntarily acknowledge their inability to acquit themselves of their duties to others. And in announcing this sentiment I do but affirm a principle which no nation on earth would be more ready to vindicate at all hazards than the people and Government of Great Britain. If upon a full investigation of all the facts it shall appear that the owner of the Caroline was governed by a hostile intent or had made common because with those who were in the occupancy of Navy Island, then so far as he is concerned there can be no claim to indemnity for the destruction of his boat which this Government would feel itself bound to prosecute, since he would have acted not only in derogation of the rights of Great Britain, but in clear violation of the laws of the United States; but that is a question which, however settled, in no manner involves the higher consideration of the violation of territorial sovereignty and jurisdiction. To recognize it as an admissible practice that each Government in its turn, upon any sudden and unauthorized outbreak which, on a frontier the extent of which renders it impossible for either to have an efficient force on every mile of it, and which outbreak, therefore, neither may be able to suppress in a day, may take vengeance into its own hands, and without even a remonstrance, and in the absence of any pressing or overruling necessity may invade the territory of the other, would inevitably lead to results equally to be deplored by both. When border collisions come to receive the sanction or to be made on the authority of either Government general war must be the inevitable result. While it is the ardent desire of the United States to cultivate the relations of peace with all nations and to fulfill all the duties of good neighborhood toward those who possess territories adjoining their own, that very desire would lead them to deny the right of any foreign power to invade their boundary with an armed force. The correspondence between the two Governments on this subject will at a future day of your session be submitted to your consideration; and in the meantime I can not but indulge the hope that the British Government will see the propriety of renouncing as a rule of future action the precedent which has been set in the affair at Schlosser. I herewith submit the correspondence which has recently taken place between the American minister at the Court of St. James, Mr. Stevenson, and the minister of foreign affairs of that Government on the right claimed by that Government to visit and detain vessels sailing under the American flag and engaged in prosecuting lawful commerce in the African seas. Our commercial interests in that region have experienced considerable increase and have become an object of much importance, and it is the duty of this Government to protect them against all improper and vexatious interruption. However desirous the United States may be for the suppression of the slave trade, they can not consent to interpolations into the maritime code at the mere will and pleasure of other governments. We deny the right of any such interpolation to any one or all the nations of the earth without our consent. We claim to have a voice in all amendments or alterations of that code, and when we are given to understand, as in this instance, by a foreign government that its treaties with other nations can not be executed without the establishment and enforcement of new principles of maritime police, to be applied without our consent, we must employ a language neither of equivocal import or susceptible of misconstruction. American citizens prosecuting a lawful commerce in the African seas under the flag of their country are not responsible for the abuse or unlawful use of that flag by others; nor can they rightfully on account of any such alleged abuses be interrupted, molested, or detained while on the ocean, and if thus molested and detained while pursuing honest voyages in the usual way and violating no law themselves they are unquestionably entitled to indemnity. This Government has manifested its repugnance to the slave trade in a manner which can not be misunderstood. By its fundamental law it prescribed limits in point of time to its continuance, and against its own citizens who might so far forget the rights of humanity as to engage in that wicked traffic it has long since by its municipal laws denounced the most condign punishment. Many of the States composing this Union had made appeals to the civilized world for its suppression long before the moral sense of other nations had become shocked by the iniquities of the traffic. Whether this Government should now enter into treaties containing mutual stipulations upon this subject is a question for its mature deliberation. Certain it is that if the right to detain American ships on the high seas can be justified on the plea of a necessity for such detention arising out of the existence of treaties between other nations, the same plea may, be extended and enlarged by the new stipulations of new treaties to which the United States may not be a party. This Government will not cease to urge upon that of Great Britain full and ample remuneration for all losses, whether arising from detention or otherwise, to which American citizens have heretofore been or may hereafter be subjected by the exercise of rights which this Government can not recognize as legitimate and proper. Nor will I indulge a doubt but that the sense of justice of Great Britain will constrain her to make retribution for any wrong or loss which any American citizen engaged in the prosecution of lawful commerce may have experienced at the hands of her cruisers or other public authorities. This Government, at the same time, will relax no effort to prevent its citizens, if there be any so disposed, from prosecuting a traffic so revolting to the feelings of humanity. It seeks to do no more than to protect the fair and honest trader from molestation and injury; but while the enterprising mariner engaged in the pursuit of an honorable trade is entitled to its protection, it will visit with condign punishment others of an opposite character. I invite your attention to existing laws for the suppression of the African slave trade, and recommend all such alterations as may give to them greater force and efficacy. That the American flag is grossly abused by the abandoned and profligate of other nations is but too probable. Congress has not long since had this subject under its consideration, and its importance well justifies renewed and anxious attention. I also communicate herewith the copy of a correspondence between Mr. Stevenson and Lord Palmerston upon the subject, so interesting to several of the Southern States, of the rice duties, which resulted honorably to the justice of Great Britain and advantageously to the United States. At the opening of the last annual session the President informed Congress of the progress which had then been made in negotiating a convention between this Government and that of England with a view to the final settlement of the question of the boundary between the territorial limits of the two countries. I regret to say that little further advancement of the object has been accomplished since last year, but this is owing to circumstances no way indicative of any abatement of the desire of both parties to hasten the negotiation to its conclusion and to settle the question in dispute as early as possible. In the course of the session it is my hope to be able to announce some further degree of progress toward the accomplishment of this highly desirable end. The commission appointed by this Government for the exploration and survey of the line of boundary separating the States of Maine and New Hampshire from the conterminous British Provinces is, it is believed, about to close its field labors and is expected soon to report the results of its examinations to the Department of State. The report, when received, will be laid before Congress. The failure on the part of Spain to pay with punctuality the interest due under the convention of 1834 for the settlement of claims between the two countries has made it the duty of the Executive to call the particular attention of that Government to the subject. A disposition has been manifested by it, which is believed to be entirely sincere, to fulfill its obligations in this respect so soon as its internal condition and the state of its finances will permit. An arrangement is in progress from the result of which it is trusted that those of our citizens who have claims under the convention will at no distant day receive the stipulated payments. A treaty of commerce and navigation with Belgium was concluded and signed at Washington on the 29th of March, 1840, and was duly sanctioned by the Senate of the United States. The treaty was ratified by His Belgian Majesty, but did not receive the approbation of the Belgian Chambers within the time limited by its terms, and has therefore become void. This occurrence assumes the graver aspect from the consideration that in 1833 a treaty negotiated between the two Governments and ratified on the part of the United States failed to be ratified on the part of Belgium. The representative of that Government at Washington informs the Department of State that he has been instructed to give explanations of the causes which occasioned delay in the approval of the late treaty by the legislature, and to express the regret of the King at the occurrence. The joint commission under the convention with Texas to ascertain the true boundary between the two countries has concluded its labors, but the final report of the commissioner of the United States has not been received. It is understood, however, that the meridian line as traced by the commission lies somewhat farther east than the position hitherto generally assigned to it, and consequently includes in Texas some part of the territory which had been considered as belonging to the States of Louisiana and Arkansas. The United States can not but take a deep interest in whatever relates to this young but growing Republic. Settled principally by emigrants from the United States, we have the happiness to know that the great principles of civil liberty are there destined to flourish under wise institutions and wholesome laws, and that through its example another evidence is to be afforded of the capacity of popular institutions to advance the prosperity, happiness, and permanent glory of the human race. The great truth that government was made for the people and not the people for government has already been established in the practice and by the example of these United States, and we can do no other than contemplate its further exemplification by a sister republic with the deepest interest. Our relations with the independent States of this hemisphere, formerly under the dominion of Spain, have not undergone any material change within the past year. The incessant sanguinary conflicts in or between those countries are to be greatly deplored as necessarily tending to disable them from performing their duty as members of the community of nations and rising to the destiny which the position and natural resources of many of them might lead them justly to anticipate, as constantly giving occasion also, directly or indirectly, for complaints on the part of our citizens who resort thither for purposes of commercial intercourse, and as retarding reparation for wrongs already committed, some of which are by no means of recent date. The failure of the Congress of Ecuador to hold a session at the time appointed for that purpose, in January last, will probably render abortive a treaty of commerce with that Republic, which was signed at Quito on the 13th of June, 1839, and had been duly ratified on our part, but which required the approbation of that body prior to its ratification by the Ecuadorian Executive. A convention which has been concluded with the Republic of Peru, providing for the settlement of certain claims of citizens of the United States upon the Government of that Republic, will be duly submitted to he Senate. The claims of our citizens against the Brazilian Government originating from captures and other causes are still unsatisfied. The United States have, however, so uniformly shown a disposition to cultivate relations of amity with that Empire that it is hoped the unequivocal tokens of the same spirit toward us which an adjustment of the affairs referred to would afford will be given without further avoidable delay. The war with the Indian tribes on the peninsula of Florida has during the last summer and fall been prosecuted with untiring activity and zeal. A summer campaign was resolved upon as the best mode of bringing it to a close. Our brave officers and men who have been engaged in that service have suffered toils and privations and exhibited an energy which in any other war would have won for them unfading laurels. In despite of the sickness incident to the climate, they have penetrated the fastnesses of the Indians, broken up their encampments, and harassed them unceasingly. Numbers have been captured, and still greater numbers have surrendered and have been transported to join their brethren on the lands elsewhere allotted to them by the Government, and a strong hope is entertained that under the conduct of the gallant officer at the head of the troops in Florida that troublesome and expensive war is destined to a speedy termination. With all the other Indian tribes we are enjoying the blessings of peace. Our duty as well as our best interests prompts us to observe in all our intercourse with them fidelity in fulfilling our engagements, the practice of strict justice, as well as the constant exercise of acts of benevolence and kindness. These are the great instruments of civilization, and through the use of them alone can the untutored child of the forest be induced to listen to its teachings. The Secretary of State, on whom the acts of Congress have devolved the duty of directing the proceedings for the taking of the sixth census or enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States, will report to the two Houses the progress of that work. The enumeration of persons has been completed, and exhibits a grand total of 17,069,453, making an increase over the census of 1830 of 4,202,646 inhabitants, and showing a gain in a ratio exceeding 32 1/2 per cent for the last ten years. From the report of the Secretary of the Treasury you will be informed of the condition of the finances. The balance in the Treasury on the 1st of January last, as stated in the report of the Secretary of the Treasury submitted to Congress at the extra session, was $987,345.03. The receipts into the Treasury during the first three quarters of this year from all sources amount to $23,467,072.52; the estimated receipts for the fourth quarter amount to $6,943,095.25, amounting to $30,410,167.77, and making with the balance in the Treasury on the 1st of January last $31,397,512.80. The expenditures for the first three quarters of this year amount to $24,734,346.97. The expenditures for the fourth quarter as estimated will amount to $7,290,723.73, thus making a total of $32,025,070.70, and leaving a deficit to be provided for on the 1st of January next of about $627,557.90. Of the loan of $12,000,000 which was authorized by Congress at its late session only $5,432,726.88 have been negotiated. The shortness of time which it had to run has presented no inconsiderable impediment in the way of its being taken by capitalists at home, while the same because would have operated with much greater force in the foreign market. For that reason the foreign market has not been resorted to; and it is now submitted whether it would not be advisable to amend the law by making what remains undisposed of payable at a more distant day. Should it be necessary, in any view that Congress may take of the subject, to revise the existing tariff of duties, I beg leave to say that in the performance of that most delicate operation moderate counsels would seem to be the wisest. The Government under which it is our happiness to live owes its existence to the spirit of compromise which prevailed among its framers; jarring and discordant opinions could only have been reconciled by that noble spirit of patriotism which prompted conciliation and resulted in harmony. In the same spirit the compromise bill, as it is commonly called, was adopted at the session of 1833. While the people of no portion of the Union will ever hesitate to pay all necessary taxes for the support of Government, yet an innate repugnance exists to the imposition of burthens not really necessary for that object. In imposing duties, however, for the purposes of revenue a right to discriminate as to the articles on which the duty shall be laid, as well as the amount, necessarily and most properly exists; otherwise the Government would be placed in the condition of having to levy the same duties upon all articles, the productive as well as the unproductive. The slightest duty upon some might have the effect of causing their importation to cease, whereas others, entering extensively into the consumption of the country, might bear the heaviest without any sensible diminution in the amount imported. So also the Government may be justified in so discriminating by reference to other considerations of domestic policy connected with our manufactures. So long as the duties shall be laid with distinct reference to the wants of the Treasury no well-rounded objection can exist against them. It might be esteemed desirable that no such augmentation of the taxes should take place as would have the effect of annulling the land-proceeds distribution act of the last session, which act is declared to be inoperative the moment the duties are increased beyond 20 per cent, the maximum rate established by the compromise act. Some of the provisions of the compromise act, which will go into effect on the 30th day of June next, may, however, be found exceedingly inconvenient in practice under any regulations that Congress may adopt. I refer more particularly to that relating to the home valuation. A difference in value of the same articles to some extent will necessarily exist at different ports, but that is altogether insignificant when compared with the conflicts in valuation which are likely to arise from the differences of opinion among the numerous appraisers of merchandise. In many instances the estimates of value must be conjectural, and thus as many different rates of value may be established as there are appraisers. These differences in valuation may also be increased by the inclination which, without the slightest imputation on their honesty, may arise on the part of the appraisers in favor of their respective ports of entry. I recommend this whole subject to the consideration of Congress with a single additional remark. Certainty and permanency in any system of governmental policy are in all respects eminently desirable, but more particularly is this true in all that affects trade and commerce, the operations of which depend much more on the certainty of their returns and calculations which embrace distant periods of time than on high bounties or duties, which are liable to constant fluctuations. At your late session I invited your attention to the condition of the currency and exchanges and urged the necessity of adopting such measures as were consistent with the constitutional competency of the Government in order to correct the unsoundness of the one and, as far as practicable, the inequalities of the other. No country can be in the enjoyment of its full measure of prosperity without the presence of a medium of exchange approximating to uniformity of value. What is necessary as between the different nations of the earth is also important as between the inhabitants of different parts of the same country. With the first the precious metals constitute the chief medium of circulation, and such also would be the case as to the last but for inventions comparatively modern, which have furnished in place of gold and silver a paper circulation. I do not propose to enter into a comparative analysis of the merits of the two systems. Such belonged more properly to the period of the introduction of the paper system. The speculative philosopher might find inducements to prosecute the inquiry, but his researches could only lead him to conclude that the paper system had probably better never have been introduced and that society might have been much happier without it. The practical statesman has a very different task to perform. He has to look at things as they are, to take them as he finds them, to supply deficiencies and to prune excesses as far as in him lies. The task of furnishing a corrective for derangements of the paper medium with us is almost inexpressibly great. The power exerted by the States to charter banking corporations, and which, having been carried to a great excess, has filled the country with, in most of the States, an irredeemable paper medium, is an evil which in some way or other requires a corrective. The rates at which bills of exchange are negotiated between different parts of the country furnish an index of the value of the local substitute for gold and silver, which is in many parts so far depreciated as not to be received except at a large discount in payment of debts or in the purchase of produce. It could earnestly be desired that every bank not possessing the means of resumption should follow the example of the late United States Bank of Pennsylvania and go into liquidation rather than by refusing to do so to continue embarrassments in the way of solvent institutions, thereby augmenting the difficulties incident to the present condition of things. Whether this Government, with due regard to the rights of the States, has any power to constrain the banks either to resume specie payments or to force them into liquidation, is an inquiry which will not fail to claim your consideration. In view of the great advantages which are allowed the corporators, not among the least of which is the authority contained in most of their charters to make loans to three times the amount of their capital, thereby often deriving three times as much interest on the same amount of money as any individual is permitted by law to receive, no sufficient apology can be urged for a long-continued suspension of specie payments. Such suspension is productive of the greatest detriment to the public by expelling from circulation the precious metals and seriously hazarding the success of any effort that this Government can make to increase commercial facilities and to advance the public interests. This is the more to be regretted and the indispensable necessity for a sound currency becomes the more manifest when we reflect on the vast amount of the internal commerce of the country. Of this we have no statistics nor just data for forming adequate opinions. But there can be no doubt but that the amount of transportation coastwise by sea, and the transportation inland by railroads and canals, and by steamboats and other modes of conveyance over the surface of our vast rivers and immense lakes, and the value of property carried and interchanged by these means form a general aggregate to which the foreign commerce of the country, large as it is, makes but a distant approach. In the absence of any controlling power over this subject, which, by forcing a general resumption of specie payments, would at once have the effect of restoring a sound medium of exchange and would leave to the country but little to desire, what measure of relief falling within the limits of our constitutional competency does it become this Government to adopt? It was my painful duty at your last session, under the weight of most solemn obligations, to differ with Congress on the measures which it proposed for my approval, and which it doubtless regarded as corrective of existing evils. Subsequent reflection and events since occurring have only served to confirm me in the opinions then entertained and frankly expressed. I must be permitted to add that no scheme of governmental policy unaided by individual exertions can be available for ameliorating the present condition of things. Commercial modes of exchange and a good currency are but the necessary means of commerce and intercourse, not the direct productive sources of wealth. Wealth can only be accumulated by the earnings of industry and the savings of frugality, and nothing can be more ill judged than to look to facilities in borrowing or to a redundant circulation for the power of discharging pecuniary obligations. The country is full of resources and the people fall of energy, and the great and permanent remedy for present embarrassments must be sought in industry, economy, the observance of good faith, and the favorable influence of time. In pursuance of a pledge given to you in my last message to Congress, which pledge I urge as an apology for adventuring to present you the details of any plan, the Secretary of the Treasury will be ready to submit to you, should you require it, a plan of finance which, while it throws around the public treasure reasonable guards for its protection and rests on powers acknowledged in practice to exist from the origin of the Government, will at the same time furnish to the country a sound paper medium and afford all reasonable facilities for regulating the exchanges. When submitted, you will perceive in it a plan amendatory of the existing laws in relation to the Treasury Department, subordinate in all respects to the will of Congress directly and the will of the people indirectly, self-sustaining should it be found in practice to realize its promises in theory, and repealable at the pleasure of Congress. It proposes by effectual restraints and by invoking the true spirit of our institutions to separate the purse from the sword, or, more properly to speak, denies any other control to the President over the agents who may be selected to carry it into execution but what may be indispensably necessary to secure the fidelity of such agents, and by wise regulations keeps plainly apart from each other private and public funds. It contemplates the establishment of a board of control at the seat of government, with agencies at prominent commercial points or wherever else Congress shall direct, for the safe-keeping and disbursement of the public moneys and a substitution at the option of the public creditor of Treasury notes in lieu of gold and silver. It proposes to limit the issues to an amount not to exceed $15,000,000 without the express sanction of the legislative power. It also authorizes the receipt of individual deposits of gold and silver to a limited amount, and the granting certificates of deposit divided into such sums as may be called for by the depositors. It proceeds a step further and authorizes the purchase and sale of domestic bills and drafts resting on a real and substantial basis, payable at sight or having but a short time to run, and drawn on places not less than 100 miles apart, which authority, except in so far as may be necessary for Government purposes exclusively, is only to be exerted upon the express condition that its exercise shall not be prohibited by the State in which the agency is situated. In order to cover the expenses incident to the plan, it will be authorized to receive moderate premiums for certificates issued on deposits and on bills bought and sold, and thus, as far as its dealings extend, to furnish facilities to commercial intercourse at the lowest possible rates and to subduct from the earnings of industry the least possible sum. It uses the State banks at a distance from the agencies as auxiliaries without imparting any power to trade in its name. It is subjected to such guards and restraints as have appeared to be necessary. It is the creature of law and exists only at the pleasure of the Legislature. It is made to rest on an actual specie basis in order to redeem the notes at the places of issue, produces no dangerous redundancy of circulation, affords no temptation to speculation, is attended by no inflation of prices, is equable in its operation, makes the Treasury notes (which it may use along with the certificates of deposit and the notes of specie-paying banks) convertible at the place where collected, receivable in payment of Government dues, and without violating any principle of the Constitution affords the Government and the people such facilities as are called for by the wants of both. Such, it has appeared to me, are its recommendations, and in view of them it will be submitted, whenever you may require it, to your consideration. I am not able to perceive that any fair and candid objection can be urged against the plan, the principal outlines of which I have thus presented. I can not doubt but that the notes which it proposes to furnish at the voluntary option of the public creditor, issued in lieu of the revenue and its certificates of deposit, will be maintained at an equality with gold and silver everywhere. They are redeemable in gold and silver on demand at the places of issue. They are receivable everywhere in payment of Government dues. The Treasury notes are limited to an amount of one-fourth less than the estimated annual receipts of the Treasury, and in addition they rest upon the faith of the Government for their redemption. If all these assurances are not sufficient to make them available, then the idea, as it seems to me, of furnishing a sound paper medium of exchange may be entirely abandoned. If a fear be indulged that the Government may be tempted to run into excess in its issues at any future day, it seems to me that no such apprehension can reasonably be entertained until all confidence in the representatives of the States and of the people, as well as of the people themselves, shall be lost. The weightiest considerations of policy require that the restraints now proposed to be thrown around the measure should not for light causes be removed. To argue against any proposed plan its liability to possible abuse is to reject every expedient, since everything dependent on human action is liable to abuse. Fifteen millions of Treasury notes may be issued as the maximum, but a discretionary power is to be given to the board of control under that sum, and every consideration will unite in leading them to feel their way with caution. For the first eight years of the existence of the late Bank of the United States its circulation barely exceeded $4,000,000, and for five of its most prosperous years it was about equal to $16,000,000; furthermore, the authority given to receive private deposits to a limited amount and to issue certificates in such sums as may be called for by the depositors may so far fill up the channels of circulation as greatly to diminish the necessity of any considerable issue of Treasury notes. A restraint upon the amount of private deposits has seemed to be indispensably necessary from an apprehension, thought to be well founded, that in any emergency of trade confidence might be so far shaken in the banks as to induce a withdrawal from them of private deposits with a view to insure their unquestionable safety when deposited with the Government, which might prove eminently disastrous to the State banks. Is it objected that it is proposed to authorize the agencies to deal in bills of exchange? It is answered that such dealings are to be carried on at the lowest possible premium, are made to rest on an unquestionably sound basis, are designed to reimburse merely the expenses which would otherwise devolve upon the Treasury, and are in strict subordination to the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of the Bank of Augusta against Earle, and other reported cases, and thereby avoids all conflict with State jurisdiction, which I hold to be indispensably requisite. It leaves the banking privileges of the States without interference, looks to the Treasury and the Union, and while furnishing every facility to the first is careful of the interests of the last. But above all, it is created by law, is amendable by law, and is repealable by law, and, wedded as I am to no theory, but looking solely to the advancement of the public good, I shall be among the very first to urge its repeal if it be found not to subserve the purposes and objects for which it may be created. Nor will the plan be submitted in any overweening confidence in the sufficiency of my own judgment, but with much greater reliance on the wisdom and patriotism of Congress. I can not abandon this subject without urging upon you in the most emphatic manner, whatever may be your action on the suggestions which I have felt it to be my duty to submit, to relieve the Chief Executive Magistrate, by any and all constitutional means, from a controlling power over the public Treasury. If in the plan proposed, should you deem it worthy of your consideration, that separation is not as complete as you may desire, you will doubtless amend it in that particular. For myself, I disclaim all desire to have any control over the public moneys other than what is indispensably necessary to execute the laws which you may pass. Nor can I fail to advert in this connection to the debts which many of the States of the Union have contracted abroad and under which they continue to labor. That indebtedness amounts to a sum not less than $200,000,000, and which has been retributed to them for the most part in works of internal improvement which are destined to prove of vast importance in ultimately advancing their prosperity and wealth. For the debts thus contracted the States are alone responsible. I can do not more than express the belief that each State will feel itself bound by every consideration of honor as well as of interest to meet its engagements with punctuality. The failure, however, of any one State to do so should in no degree affect the credit of the rest, and the foreign capitalist will have no just because to experience alarm as to all other State stocks because any one or more of the States may neglect to provide with punctuality the means of redeeming their engagements. Even such States, should there be any, considering the great rapidity with which their resources are developing themselves, will not fail to have the means at no very distant day to redeem their obligations to the uttermost farthing; nor will I doubt but that, in view of that honorable conduct which has evermore governed the States and the people of the Union, they will each and all resort to every legitimate expedient before they will forego a faithful compliance with their obligations. From the report of the Secretary of War and other reports accompanying it you will be informed of the progress which has been made in the fortifications designed for the protection of our principal cities, roadsteads, and inland frontier during the present year, together with their true state and condition. They will be prosecuted to completion with all the expedition which the means placed by Congress at the disposal of the Executive will allow. I recommend particularly to your consideration that portion of the Secretary's report which proposes the establishment of a chain of military posts from Council Bluffs to some point on the Pacific Ocean within our limits. The benefit thereby destined to accrue to our citizens engaged in the fur trade over that wilderness region, added to the importance of cultivating friendly relations with savage tribes inhabiting it, and at the same time of giving protection to our frontier settlements and of establishing the means of safe intercourse between the American settlements at the mouth of the Columbia River and those on this side of the Rocky Mountains, would seem to suggest the importance of carrying into effect the recommendations upon this head with as little delay as may be practicable. The report of the Secretary of the Navy will place you in possession of the present condition of that important arm of the national defense. Every effort will be made to add to its efficiency, and I can not too strongly urge upon you liberal appropriations to that branch of the public service. Inducements of the weightiest character exist for the adoption of this course of policy. Our extended and otherwise exposed maritime frontier calls for protection, to the furnishing of which an efficient naval force is indispensable. We look to no foreign conquests, nor do we propose to enter into competition with any other nation for supremacy on the ocean; but it is due not only to the honor but to the security of the people of the United States that no nation should be permitted to invade our waters at pleasure and subject our towns and villages to conflagration or pillage. Economy in all branches of the public service is due from all the public agents to the people, but parsimony alone would suggest the withholding of the necessary means for the protection of our domestic firesides from invasion and our national honor from disgrace. I would most earnestly recommend to Congress to abstain from all appropriations for objects not absolutely necessary; but I take upon myself, without a moment of hesitancy, all the responsibility of recommending the increase and prompt equipment of that gallant Navy which has lighted up every sea with its victories and spread an imperishable glory over the country. The report of the Postmaster-General will claim your particular attention, not only because of the valuable suggestions which it contains, but because of the great importance which at all times attaches to that interesting branch of the public service. The increased expense of transporting the mail along the principal routes necessarily claims the public attention, and has awakened a corresponding solicitude on the part of the Government. The transmission of the mail must keep pace with those facilities of intercommunication which are every day becoming greater through the building of railroads and the application of steam power, but it can not be disguised that in order to do so the Post-Office Department is subjected to heavy exactions. The lines of communication between distant parts of the Union are to a great extent occupied by railroads, which, in the nature of things, possess a complete monopoly, and the Department is therefore liable to heavy and unreasonable charges. This evil is destined to great increase in future, and some timely measure may become necessary to guard against it. I feel it my duty to bring under your consideration a practice which has grown up in the administration of the Government, and which, I am deeply convinced, ought to be corrected. I allude to the exercise of the power which usage rather than reason has vested in the Presidents of removing incumbents from office in order to substitute others more in favor with the dominant party. My own conduct in this respect has been governed by a conscientious purpose to exercise the removing power only in cases of unfaithfulness or inability, or in those in which its exercise appeared necessary in order to discountenance and suppress that spirit of active partisanship on the part of holders of office which not only withdraws them from the steady and impartial discharge of their official duties, but exerts an undue and injurious influence over elections and degrades the character of the Government itself, inasmuch as it exhibits the Chief Magistrate as being a party through his agents in the secret plots or open workings of political parties. In respect to the exercise of this power nothing should be left to discretion which may safely be regulated by law, and it is of high importance to restrain as far as possible the stimulus of personal interests in public elections. Considering the great increase which has been made in public offices in the last quarter of a century and the probability of further increase, we incur the hazard of witnessing violent political contests, directed too often to the single object of retaining office by those who are in or obtaining it by those who are out. Under the influence of these convictions I shall cordially concur in any constitutional measure for regulating and, by regulating, restraining the power of removal. I suggest for your consideration the propriety of making without further delay some specific application of the funds derived under the will of Mr. Smithson, of England, for the diffusion of knowledge, and which have heretofore been vested in public stocks until such time as Congress should think proper to give them a specific direction. Nor will you, I feel confident, permit any abatement of the principal of the legacy to be made should it turn out that the stocks in which the investments have been made have undergone a depreciation. In conclusion I commend to your care the interests of this District, for which you are the exclusive legislators. Considering that this city is the residence of the Government and for a large part of the year of Congress, and considering also the great cost of the public buildings and the propriety of affording them at all times careful protection, it seems not unreasonable that Congress should contribute toward the expense of an efficient police.
in coming together to enter again upon the discharge of the duties with which the people have charged us severally we find great occasion to rejoice in the general prosperity of the country we are in the enjoyment of all the blessings of civil and religious liberty with unexampled means of education knowledge and improvement through the year which is now drawing to a close peace has been in our borders and plenty in our habitations and although disease has visited some few portions of the land with distress and mortality yet in general the health of the people has been preserved and we are all called upon by the highest obligations of duty to renew our thanks and our devotion to our heavenly parent who has continued to vouchsafe to us the eminent blessings which surround us and who has so signally crowned the year with his goodness if we find ourselves increasing beyond example in numbers in strength in wealth in knowledge in everything which promotes human and social happiness let us ever remember our dependence for all these on the protection and merciful dispensations of divine providence since your last adjournment alexander mcleod a british subject who was indicted for the murder of an american citizen and whose case has been the subject of a correspondence heretofore communicated to you has been acquitted by the verdict of an impartial and intelligent jury and has under the judgment of the court been regularly discharged great britain having made known to this government that the expedition which was fitted out from canada for the destruction of the steamboat caroline in the winter of 1837 and which resulted in the destruction of said boat and in the death of an american citizen was undertaken by orders emanating from the authorities of the british government in canada and demanding the discharge of mcleod upon the ground that if engaged in that expedition he did but fulfill the orders of his government has thus been answered in the only way in which she could be answered by a government the powers of which are distributed among its several departments by the fundamental law happily for the people of great britain as well as those of the united states the only mode by which an individual arraigned for a criminal offense before the courts of either can obtain his discharge is by the independent action of the judiciary and by proceedings equally familiar to the courts of both countries if in great britain a power exists in the crown to because to be entered a nolle prosequi which is not the case with the executive power of the united states upon a prosecution pending in a state court yet there no more than here can the chief executive power rescue a prisoner from custody without an order of the proper tribunal directing his discharge the precise stage of the proceedings at which such order may be made is a matter of municipal regulation exclusively and not to be complained of by any other government in cases of this kind a government becomes politically responsible only when its tribunals of last resort are shown to have rendered unjust and injurious judgments in matters not doubtful to the establishment and elucidation of this principle no nation has lent its authority more efficiently than great britain alexander mcleod having his option either to prosecute a writ of error from the decision of the supreme court of new york which had been rendered upon his application for a discharge to the supreme court of the united states or to submit his case to the decision of a jury preferred the latter deeming it the readiest mode of obtaining his liberation and the result has fully sustained the wisdom of his choice the manner in which the issue submitted was tried will satisfy the english government that the principles of justice will never fail to govern the enlightened decision of an american tribunal i can not fail however to suggest to congress the propriety and in some degree the necessity of making such provisions by law so far as they may constitutionally do so for the removal at their commencement and at the option of the party of all such cases as may hereafter arise and which may involve the faithful observance and execution of our international obligations from the state to the federal judiciary this government by our institutions is charged with the maintenance of peace and the preservation of amicable relations with the nations of the earth and ought to possess without question all the reasonable and proper means of maintaining the one and preserving the other while just confidence is felt in the judiciary of the states yet this government ought to be competent in itself for the fulfillment of the high duties which have been devolved upon it under the organic law by the states themselves in the month of september a party of armed men from upper canada invaded the territory of the united states and forcibly seized upon the person of one grogan and under circumstances of great harshness hurriedly carried him beyond the limits of the united states and delivered him np to the authorities of upper canada his immediate discharge was ordered by those authorities upon the facts of the case being brought to their knowledge a course of procedure which was to have been expected from a nation with whom we are at peace and which was not more due to the rights of the united states than to its own regard for justice the correspondence which passed between the department of state and the british envoy fox and with the governor of vermont as soon as the facts had been made known to this department are herewith communicated i regret that it is not in my power to make known to you an equally satisfactory conclusion in the case of the caroline steamer with the circumstances connected with the destruction of which in december 1837 by an armed force fitted out in the province of upper canada you are already made acquainted no such atonement as was due for the public wrong done to the united states by this invasion of her territory so wholly irreconcilable with her rights as an independent power has yet been made in the view taken by this government the inquiry whether the vessel was in the employment of those who were prosecuting an unauthorized war against that province or was engaged by the owner in the business of transporting passengers to and from navy island in hopes of private gain which was most probably the case in no degree alters the real question at issue between the two governments this government can never concede to any foreign government the power except in a case of the most urgent and extreme necessity of invading its territory either to arrest the persons or destroy the property of those who may have violated the municipal laws of such foreign government or have disregarded their obligations arising under the law of nations the territory of the united states must be regarded as sacredly secure against all such invasions until they shall voluntarily acknowledge their inability to acquit themselves of their duties to others and in announcing this sentiment i do but affirm a principle which no nation on earth would be more ready to vindicate at all hazards than the people and government of great britain if upon a full investigation of all the facts it shall appear that the owner of the caroline was governed by a hostile intent or had made common because with those who were in the occupancy of navy island then so far as he is concerned there can be no claim to indemnity for the destruction of his boat which this government would feel itself bound to prosecute since he would have acted not only in derogation of the rights of great britain but in clear violation of the laws of the united states but that is a question which however settled in no manner involves the higher consideration of the violation of territorial sovereignty and jurisdiction to recognize it as an admissible practice that each government in its turn upon any sudden and unauthorized outbreak which on a frontier the extent of which renders it impossible for either to have an efficient force on every mile of it and which outbreak therefore neither may be able to suppress in a day may take vengeance into its own hands and without even a remonstrance and in the absence of any pressing or overruling necessity may invade the territory of the other would inevitably lead to results equally to be deplored by both when border collisions come to receive the sanction or to be made on the authority of either government general war must be the inevitable result while it is the ardent desire of the united states to cultivate the relations of peace with all nations and to fulfill all the duties of good neighborhood toward those who possess territories adjoining their own that very desire would lead them to deny the right of any foreign power to invade their boundary with an armed force the correspondence between the two governments on this subject will at a future day of your session be submitted to your consideration and in the meantime i can not but indulge the hope that the british government will see the propriety of renouncing as a rule of future action the precedent which has been set in the affair at schlosser i herewith submit the correspondence which has recently taken place between the american minister at the court of james stevenson and the minister of foreign affairs of that government on the right claimed by that government to visit and detain vessels sailing under the american flag and engaged in prosecuting lawful commerce in the african seas our commercial interests in that region have experienced considerable increase and have become an object of much importance and it is the duty of this government to protect them against all improper and vexatious interruption however desirous the united states may be for the suppression of the slave trade they can not consent to interpolations into the maritime code at the mere will and pleasure of other governments we deny the right of any such interpolation to any one or all the nations of the earth without our consent we claim to have a voice in all amendments or alterations of that code and when we are given to understand as in this instance by a foreign government that its treaties with other nations can not be executed without the establishment and enforcement of new principles of maritime police to be applied without our consent we must employ a language neither of equivocal import or susceptible of misconstruction american citizens prosecuting a lawful commerce in the african seas under the flag of their country are not responsible for the abuse or unlawful use of that flag by others nor can they rightfully on account of any such alleged abuses be interrupted molested or detained while on the ocean and if thus molested and detained while pursuing honest voyages in the usual way and violating no law themselves they are unquestionably entitled to indemnity this government has manifested its repugnance to the slave trade in a manner which can not be misunderstood by its fundamental law it prescribed limits in point of time to its continuance and against its own citizens who might so far forget the rights of humanity as to engage in that wicked traffic it has long since by its municipal laws denounced the most condign punishment many of the states composing this union had made appeals to the civilized world for its suppression long before the moral sense of other nations had become shocked by the iniquities of the traffic whether this government should now enter into treaties containing mutual stipulations upon this subject is a question for its mature deliberation certain it is that if the right to detain american ships on the high seas can be justified on the plea of a necessity for such detention arising out of the existence of treaties between other nations the same plea may be extended and enlarged by the new stipulations of new treaties to which the united states may not be a party this government will not cease to urge upon that of great britain full and ample remuneration for all losses whether arising from detention or otherwise to which american citizens have heretofore been or may hereafter be subjected by the exercise of rights which this government can not recognize as legitimate and proper nor will i indulge a doubt but that the sense of justice of great britain will constrain her to make retribution for any wrong or loss which any american citizen engaged in the prosecution of lawful commerce may have experienced at the hands of her cruisers or other public authorities this government at the same time will relax no effort to prevent its citizens if there be any so disposed from prosecuting a traffic so revolting to the feelings of humanity it seeks to do no more than to protect the fair and honest trader from molestation and injury but while the enterprising mariner engaged in the pursuit of an honorable trade is entitled to its protection it will visit with condign punishment others of an opposite character i invite your attention to existing laws for the suppression of the african slave trade and recommend all such alterations as may give to them greater force and efficacy that the american flag is grossly abused by the abandoned and profligate of other nations is but too probable congress has not long since had this subject under its consideration and its importance well justifies renewed and anxious attention i also communicate herewith the copy of a correspondence between stevenson and lord palmerston upon the subject so interesting to several of the southern states of the rice duties which resulted honorably to the justice of great britain and advantageously to the united states at the opening of the last annual session the president informed congress of the progress which had then been made in negotiating a convention between this government and that of england with a view to the final settlement of the question of the boundary between the territorial limits of the two countries i regret to say that little further advancement of the object has been accomplished since last year but this is owing to circumstances no way indicative of any abatement of the desire of both parties to hasten the negotiation to its conclusion and to settle the question in dispute as early as possible in the course of the session it is my hope to be able to announce some further degree of progress toward the accomplishment of this highly desirable end the commission appointed by this government for the exploration and survey of the line of boundary separating the states of maine and new hampshire from the conterminous british provinces is it is believed about to close its field labors and is expected soon to report the results of its examinations to the department of state the report when received will be laid before congress the failure on the part of spain to pay with punctuality the interest due under the convention of 1834 for the settlement of claims between the two countries has made it the duty of the executive to call the particular attention of that government to the subject a disposition has been manifested by it which is believed to be entirely sincere to fulfill its obligations in this respect so soon as its internal condition and the state of its finances will permit an arrangement is in progress from the result of which it is trusted that those of our citizens who have claims under the convention will at no distant day receive the stipulated payments a treaty of commerce and navigation with belgium was concluded and signed at washington on the 29th of march 1840 and was duly sanctioned by the senate of the united states the treaty was ratified by his belgian majesty but did not receive the approbation of the belgian chambers within the time limited by its terms and has therefore become void this occurrence assumes the graver aspect from the consideration that in 1833 a treaty negotiated between the two governments and ratified on the part of the united states failed to be ratified on the part of belgium the representative of that government at washington informs the department of state that he has been instructed to give explanations of the causes which occasioned delay in the approval of the late treaty by the legislature and to express the regret of the king at the occurrence the joint commission under the convention with texas to ascertain the true boundary between the two countries has concluded its labors but the final report of the commissioner of the united states has not been received it is understood however that the meridian line as traced by the commission lies somewhat farther east than the position hitherto generally assigned to it and consequently includes in texas some part of the territory which had been considered as belonging to the states of louisiana and arkansas the united states can not but take a deep interest in whatever relates to this young but growing republic settled principally by emigrants from the united states we have the happiness to know that the great principles of civil liberty are there destined to flourish under wise institutions and wholesome laws and that through its example another evidence is to be afforded of the capacity of popular institutions to advance the prosperity happiness and permanent glory of the human race the great truth that government was made for the people and not the people for government has already been established in the practice and by the example of these united states and we can do no other than contemplate its further exemplification by a sister republic with the deepest interest our relations with the independent states of this hemisphere formerly under the dominion of spain have not undergone any material change within the past year the incessant sanguinary conflicts in or between those countries are to be greatly deplored as necessarily tending to disable them from performing their duty as members of the community of nations and rising to the destiny which the position and natural resources of many of them might lead them justly to anticipate as constantly giving occasion also directly or indirectly for complaints on the part of our citizens who resort thither for purposes of commercial intercourse and as retarding reparation for wrongs already committed some of which are by no means of recent date the failure of the congress of ecuador to hold a session at the time appointed for that purpose in january last will probably render abortive a treaty of commerce with that republic which was signed at quito on the 13th of june 1839 and had been duly ratified on our part but which required the approbation of that body prior to its ratification by the ecuadorian executive a convention which has been concluded with the republic of peru providing for the settlement of certain claims of citizens of the united states upon the government of that republic will be duly submitted to he senate the claims of our citizens against the brazilian government originating from captures and other causes are still unsatisfied the united states have however so uniformly shown a disposition to cultivate relations of amity with that empire that it is hoped the unequivocal tokens of the same spirit toward us which an adjustment of the affairs referred to would afford will be given without further avoidable delay the war with the indian tribes on the peninsula of florida has during the last summer and fall been prosecuted with untiring activity and zeal a summer campaign was resolved upon as the best mode of bringing it to a close our brave officers and men who have been engaged in that service have suffered toils and privations and exhibited an energy which in any other war would have won for them unfading laurels in despite of the sickness incident to the climate they have penetrated the fastnesses of the indians broken up their encampments and harassed them unceasingly numbers have been captured and still greater numbers have surrendered and have been transported to join their brethren on the lands elsewhere allotted to them by the government and a strong hope is entertained that under the conduct of the gallant officer at the head of the troops in florida that troublesome and expensive war is destined to a speedy termination with all the other indian tribes we are enjoying the blessings of peace our duty as well as our best interests prompts us to observe in all our intercourse with them fidelity in fulfilling our engagements the practice of strict justice as well as the constant exercise of acts of benevolence and kindness these are the great instruments of civilization and through the use of them alone can the untutored child of the forest be induced to listen to its teachings the secretary of state on whom the acts of congress have devolved the duty of directing the proceedings for the taking of the sixth census or enumeration of the inhabitants of the united states will report to the two houses the progress of that work the enumeration of persons has been completed and exhibits a grand total of making an increase over the census of 1830 of inhabitants and showing a gain in a ratio exceeding 32 per cent for the last ten years from the report of the secretary of the treasury you will be informed of the condition of the finances the balance in the treasury on the 1st of january last as stated in the report of the secretary of the treasury submitted to congress at the extra session was the receipts into the treasury during the first three quarters of this year from all sources amount to the estimated receipts for the fourth quarter amount to amounting to and making with the balance in the treasury on the 1st of january last the expenditures for the first three quarters of this year amount to the expenditures for the fourth quarter as estimated will amount to thus making a total of and leaving a deficit to be provided for on the 1st of january next of about of the loan of which was authorized by congress at its late session only have been negotiated the shortness of time which it had to run has presented no inconsiderable impediment in the way of its being taken by capitalists at home while the same because would have operated with much greater force in the foreign market for that reason the foreign market has not been resorted to and it is now submitted whether it would not be advisable to amend the law by making what remains undisposed of payable at a more distant day should it be necessary in any view that congress may take of the subject to revise the existing tariff of duties i beg leave to say that in the performance of that most delicate operation moderate counsels would seem to be the wisest the government under which it is our happiness to live owes its existence to the spirit of compromise which prevailed among its framers jarring and discordant opinions could only have been reconciled by that noble spirit of patriotism which prompted conciliation and resulted in harmony in the same spirit the compromise bill as it is commonly called was adopted at the session of 1833 while the people of no portion of the union will ever hesitate to pay all necessary taxes for the support of government yet an innate repugnance exists to the imposition of burthens not really necessary for that object in imposing duties however for the purposes of revenue a right to discriminate as to the articles on which the duty shall be laid as well as the amount necessarily and most properly exists otherwise the government would be placed in the condition of having to levy the same duties upon all articles the productive as well as the unproductive the slightest duty upon some might have the effect of causing their importation to cease whereas others entering extensively into the consumption of the country might bear the heaviest without any sensible diminution in the amount imported so also the government may be justified in so discriminating by reference to other considerations of domestic policy connected with our manufactures so long as the duties shall be laid with distinct reference to the wants of the treasury no objection can exist against them it might be esteemed desirable that no such augmentation of the taxes should take place as would have the effect of annulling the distribution act of the last session which act is declared to be inoperative the moment the duties are increased beyond 20 per cent the maximum rate established by the compromise act some of the provisions of the compromise act which will go into effect on the 30th day of june next may however be found exceedingly inconvenient in practice under any regulations that congress may adopt i refer more particularly to that relating to the home valuation a difference in value of the same articles to some extent will necessarily exist at different ports but that is altogether insignificant when compared with the conflicts in valuation which are likely to arise from the differences of opinion among the numerous appraisers of merchandise in many instances the estimates of value must be conjectural and thus as many different rates of value may be established as there are appraisers these differences in valuation may also be increased by the inclination which without the slightest imputation on their honesty may arise on the part of the appraisers in favor of their respective ports of entry i recommend this whole subject to the consideration of congress with a single additional remark certainty and permanency in any system of governmental policy are in all respects eminently desirable but more particularly is this true in all that affects trade and commerce the operations of which depend much more on the certainty of their returns and calculations which embrace distant periods of time than on high bounties or duties which are liable to constant fluctuations at your late session i invited your attention to the condition of the currency and exchanges and urged the necessity of adopting such measures as were consistent with the constitutional competency of the government in order to correct the unsoundness of the one and as far as practicable the inequalities of the other no country can be in the enjoyment of its full measure of prosperity without the presence of a medium of exchange approximating to uniformity of value what is necessary as between the different nations of the earth is also important as between the inhabitants of different parts of the same country with the first the precious metals constitute the chief medium of circulation and such also would be the case as to the last but for inventions comparatively modern which have furnished in place of gold and silver a paper circulation i do not propose to enter into a comparative analysis of the merits of the two systems such belonged more properly to the period of the introduction of the paper system the speculative philosopher might find inducements to prosecute the inquiry but his researches could only lead him to conclude that the paper system had probably better never have been introduced and that society might have been much happier without it the practical statesman has a very different task to perform he has to look at things as they are to take them as he finds them to supply deficiencies and to prune excesses as far as in him lies the task of furnishing a corrective for derangements of the paper medium with us is almost inexpressibly great the power exerted by the states to charter banking corporations and which having been carried to a great excess has filled the country with in most of the states an irredeemable paper medium is an evil which in some way or other requires a corrective the rates at which bills of exchange are negotiated between different parts of the country furnish an index of the value of the local substitute for gold and silver which is in many parts so far depreciated as not to be received except at a large discount in payment of debts or in the purchase of produce it could earnestly be desired that every bank not possessing the means of resumption should follow the example of the late united states bank of pennsylvania and go into liquidation rather than by refusing to do so to continue embarrassments in the way of solvent institutions thereby augmenting the difficulties incident to the present condition of things whether this government with due regard to the rights of the states has any power to constrain the banks either to resume specie payments or to force them into liquidation is an inquiry which will not fail to claim your consideration in view of the great advantages which are allowed the corporators not among the least of which is the authority contained in most of their charters to make loans to three times the amount of their capital thereby often deriving three times as much interest on the same amount of money as any individual is permitted by law to receive no sufficient apology can be urged for a suspension of specie payments such suspension is productive of the greatest detriment to the public by expelling from circulation the precious metals and seriously hazarding the success of any effort that this government can make to increase commercial facilities and to advance the public interests this is the more to be regretted and the indispensable necessity for a sound currency becomes the more manifest when we reflect on the vast amount of the internal commerce of the country of this we have no statistics nor just data for forming adequate opinions but there can be no doubt but that the amount of transportation coastwise by sea and the transportation inland by railroads and canals and by steamboats and other modes of conveyance over the surface of our vast rivers and immense lakes and the value of property carried and interchanged by these means form a general aggregate to which the foreign commerce of the country large as it is makes but a distant approach in the absence of any controlling power over this subject which by forcing a general resumption of specie payments would at once have the effect of restoring a sound medium of exchange and would leave to the country but little to desire what measure of relief falling within the limits of our constitutional competency does it become this government to adopt it was my painful duty at your last session under the weight of most solemn obligations to differ with congress on the measures which it proposed for my approval and which it doubtless regarded as corrective of existing evils subsequent reflection and events since occurring have only served to confirm me in the opinions then entertained and frankly expressed i must be permitted to add that no scheme of governmental policy unaided by individual exertions can be available for ameliorating the present condition of things commercial modes of exchange and a good currency are but the necessary means of commerce and intercourse not the direct productive sources of wealth wealth can only be accumulated by the earnings of industry and the savings of frugality and nothing can be more ill judged than to look to facilities in borrowing or to a redundant circulation for the power of discharging pecuniary obligations the country is full of resources and the people fall of energy and the great and permanent remedy for present embarrassments must be sought in industry economy the observance of good faith and the favorable influence of time in pursuance of a pledge given to you in my last message to congress which pledge i urge as an apology for adventuring to present you the details of any plan the secretary of the treasury will be ready to submit to you should you require it a plan of finance which while it throws around the public treasure reasonable guards for its protection and rests on powers acknowledged in practice to exist from the origin of the government will at the same time furnish to the country a sound paper medium and afford all reasonable facilities for regulating the exchanges when submitted you will perceive in it a plan amendatory of the existing laws in relation to the treasury department subordinate in all respects to the will of congress directly and the will of the people indirectly should it be found in practice to realize its promises in theory and repealable at the pleasure of congress it proposes by effectual restraints and by invoking the true spirit of our institutions to separate the purse from the sword or more properly to speak denies any other control to the president over the agents who may be selected to carry it into execution but what may be indispensably necessary to secure the fidelity of such agents and by wise regulations keeps plainly apart from each other private and public funds it contemplates the establishment of a board of control at the seat of government with agencies at prominent commercial points or wherever else congress shall direct for the and disbursement of the public moneys and a substitution at the option of the public creditor of treasury notes in lieu of gold and silver it proposes to limit the issues to an amount not to exceed without the express sanction of the legislative power it also authorizes the receipt of individual deposits of gold and silver to a limited amount and the granting certificates of deposit divided into such sums as may be called for by the depositors it proceeds a step further and authorizes the purchase and sale of domestic bills and drafts resting on a real and substantial basis payable at sight or having but a short time to run and drawn on places not less than 100 miles apart which authority except in so far as may be necessary for government purposes exclusively is only to be exerted upon the express condition that its exercise shall not be prohibited by the state in which the agency is situated in order to cover the expenses incident to the plan it will be authorized to receive moderate premiums for certificates issued on deposits and on bills bought and sold and thus as far as its dealings extend to furnish facilities to commercial intercourse at the lowest possible rates and to subduct from the earnings of industry the least possible sum it uses the state banks at a distance from the agencies as auxiliaries without imparting any power to trade in its name it is subjected to such guards and restraints as have appeared to be necessary it is the creature of law and exists only at the pleasure of the legislature it is made to rest on an actual specie basis in order to redeem the notes at the places of issue produces no dangerous redundancy of circulation affords no temptation to speculation is attended by no inflation of prices is equable in its operation makes the treasury notes which it may use along with the certificates of deposit and the notes of banks convertible at the place where collected receivable in payment of government dues and without violating any principle of the constitution affords the government and the people such facilities as are called for by the wants of both such it has appeared to me are its recommendations and in view of them it will be submitted whenever you may require it to your consideration i am not able to perceive that any fair and candid objection can be urged against the plan the principal outlines of which i have thus presented i can not doubt but that the notes which it proposes to furnish at the voluntary option of the public creditor issued in lieu of the revenue and its certificates of deposit will be maintained at an equality with gold and silver everywhere they are redeemable in gold and silver on demand at the places of issue they are receivable everywhere in payment of government dues the treasury notes are limited to an amount of less than the estimated annual receipts of the treasury and in addition they rest upon the faith of the government for their redemption if all these assurances are not sufficient to make them available then the idea as it seems to me of furnishing a sound paper medium of exchange may be entirely abandoned if a fear be indulged that the government may be tempted to run into excess in its issues at any future day it seems to me that no such apprehension can reasonably be entertained until all confidence in the representatives of the states and of the people as well as of the people themselves shall be lost the weightiest considerations of policy require that the restraints now proposed to be thrown around the measure should not for light causes be removed to argue against any proposed plan its liability to possible abuse is to reject every expedient since everything dependent on human action is liable to abuse fifteen millions of treasury notes may be issued as the maximum but a discretionary power is to be given to the board of control under that sum and every consideration will unite in leading them to feel their way with caution for the first eight years of the existence of the late bank of the united states its circulation barely exceeded and for five of its most prosperous years it was about equal to furthermore the authority given to receive private deposits to a limited amount and to issue certificates in such sums as may be called for by the depositors may so far fill up the channels of circulation as greatly to diminish the necessity of any considerable issue of treasury notes a restraint upon the amount of private deposits has seemed to be indispensably necessary from an apprehension thought to be well founded that in any emergency of trade confidence might be so far shaken in the banks as to induce a withdrawal from them of private deposits with a view to insure their unquestionable safety when deposited with the government which might prove eminently disastrous to the state banks is it objected that it is proposed to authorize the agencies to deal in bills of exchange it is answered that such dealings are to be carried on at the lowest possible premium are made to rest on an unquestionably sound basis are designed to reimburse merely the expenses which would otherwise devolve upon the treasury and are in strict subordination to the decision of the supreme court in the case of the bank of augusta against earle and other reported cases and thereby avoids all conflict with state jurisdiction which i hold to be indispensably requisite it leaves the banking privileges of the states without interference looks to the treasury and the union and while furnishing every facility to the first is careful of the interests of the last but above all it is created by law is amendable by law and is repealable by law and wedded as i am to no theory but looking solely to the advancement of the public good i shall be among the very first to urge its repeal if it be found not to subserve the purposes and objects for which it may be created nor will the plan be submitted in any overweening confidence in the sufficiency of my own judgment but with much greater reliance on the wisdom and patriotism of congress i can not abandon this subject without urging upon you in the most emphatic manner whatever may be your action on the suggestions which i have felt it to be my duty to submit to relieve the chief executive magistrate by any and all constitutional means from a controlling power over the public treasury if in the plan proposed should you deem it worthy of your consideration that separation is not as complete as you may desire you will doubtless amend it in that particular for myself i disclaim all desire to have any control over the public moneys other than what is indispensably necessary to execute the laws which you may pass nor can i fail to advert in this connection to the debts which many of the states of the union have contracted abroad and under which they continue to labor that indebtedness amounts to a sum not less than and which has been retributed to them for the most part in works of internal improvement which are destined to prove of vast importance in ultimately advancing their prosperity and wealth for the debts thus contracted the states are alone responsible i can do not more than express the belief that each state will feel itself bound by every consideration of honor as well as of interest to meet its engagements with punctuality the failure however of any one state to do so should in no degree affect the credit of the rest and the foreign capitalist will have no just because to experience alarm as to all other state stocks because any one or more of the states may neglect to provide with punctuality the means of redeeming their engagements even such states should there be any considering the great rapidity with which their resources are developing themselves will not fail to have the means at no very distant day to redeem their obligations to the uttermost farthing nor will i doubt but that in view of that honorable conduct which has evermore governed the states and the people of the union they will each and all resort to every legitimate expedient before they will forego a faithful compliance with their obligations from the report of the secretary of war and other reports accompanying it you will be informed of the progress which has been made in the fortifications designed for the protection of our principal cities roadsteads and inland frontier during the present year together with their true state and condition they will be prosecuted to completion with all the expedition which the means placed by congress at the disposal of the executive will allow i recommend particularly to your consideration that portion of the secretary report which proposes the establishment of a chain of military posts from council bluffs to some point on the pacific ocean within our limits the benefit thereby destined to accrue to our citizens engaged in the fur trade over that wilderness region added to the importance of cultivating friendly relations with savage tribes inhabiting it and at the same time of giving protection to our frontier settlements and of establishing the means of safe intercourse between the american settlements at the mouth of the columbia river and those on this side of the rocky mountains would seem to suggest the importance of carrying into effect the recommendations upon this head with as little delay as may be practicable the report of the secretary of the navy will place you in possession of the present condition of that important arm of the national defense every effort will be made to add to its efficiency and i can not too strongly urge upon you liberal appropriations to that branch of the public service inducements of the weightiest character exist for the adoption of this course of policy our extended and otherwise exposed maritime frontier calls for protection to the furnishing of which an efficient naval force is indispensable we look to no foreign conquests nor do we propose to enter into competition with any other nation for supremacy on the ocean but it is due not only to the honor but to the security of the people of the united states that no nation should be permitted to invade our waters at pleasure and subject our towns and villages to conflagration or pillage economy in all branches of the public service is due from all the public agents to the people but parsimony alone would suggest the withholding of the necessary means for the protection of our domestic firesides from invasion and our national honor from disgrace i would most earnestly recommend to congress to abstain from all appropriations for objects not absolutely necessary but i take upon myself without a moment of hesitancy all the responsibility of recommending the increase and prompt equipment of that gallant navy which has lighted up every sea with its victories and spread an imperishable glory over the country the report of the will claim your particular attention not only because of the valuable suggestions which it contains but because of the great importance which at all times attaches to that interesting branch of the public service the increased expense of transporting the mail along the principal routes necessarily claims the public attention and has awakened a corresponding solicitude on the part of the government the transmission of the mail must keep pace with those facilities of intercommunication which are every day becoming greater through the building of railroads and the application of steam power but it can not be disguised that in order to do so the department is subjected to heavy exactions the lines of communication between distant parts of the union are to a great extent occupied by railroads which in the nature of things possess a complete monopoly and the department is therefore liable to heavy and unreasonable charges this evil is destined to great increase in future and some timely measure may become necessary to guard against it i feel it my duty to bring under your consideration a practice which has grown up in the administration of the government and which i am deeply convinced ought to be corrected i allude to the exercise of the power which usage rather than reason has vested in the presidents of removing incumbents from office in order to substitute others more in favor with the dominant party my own conduct in this respect has been governed by a conscientious purpose to exercise the removing power only in cases of unfaithfulness or inability or in those in which its exercise appeared necessary in order to discountenance and suppress that spirit of active partisanship on the part of holders of office which not only withdraws them from the steady and impartial discharge of their official duties but exerts an undue and injurious influence over elections and degrades the character of the government itself inasmuch as it exhibits the chief magistrate as being a party through his agents in the secret plots or open workings of political parties in respect to the exercise of this power nothing should be left to discretion which may safely be regulated by law and it is of high importance to restrain as far as possible the stimulus of personal interests in public elections considering the great increase which has been made in public offices in the last quarter of a century and the probability of further increase we incur the hazard of witnessing violent political contests directed too often to the single object of retaining office by those who are in or obtaining it by those who are out under the influence of these convictions i shall cordially concur in any constitutional measure for regulating and by regulating restraining the power of removal i suggest for your consideration the propriety of making without further delay some specific application of the funds derived under the will of smithson of england for the diffusion of knowledge and which have heretofore been vested in public stocks until such time as congress should think proper to give them a specific direction nor will you i feel confident permit any abatement of the principal of the legacy to be made should it turn out that the stocks in which the investments have been made have undergone a depreciation in conclusion i commend to your care the interests of this district for which you are the exclusive legislators considering that this city is the residence of the government and for a large part of the year of congress and considering also the great cost of the public buildings and the propriety of affording them at all times careful protection it seems not unreasonable that congress should contribute toward the expense of an efficient police
coming together enter upon discharge duties people charged us severally find great occasion rejoice general prosperity country enjoyment blessings civil religious liberty unexampled means education knowledge improvement year drawing close peace borders plenty habitations although disease visited portions land distress mortality yet general health people preserved called upon highest obligations duty renew thanks devotion heavenly parent continued vouchsafe us eminent blessings surround us signally crowned year goodness find increasing beyond example numbers strength wealth knowledge everything promotes human social happiness let us ever remember dependence protection merciful dispensations divine providence since last adjournment alexander mcleod british subject indicted murder american citizen whose case subject correspondence heretofore communicated acquitted verdict impartial intelligent jury judgment court regularly discharged great britain made known government expedition fitted canada destruction steamboat caroline winter 1837 resulted destruction said boat death american citizen undertaken orders emanating authorities british government canada demanding discharge mcleod upon ground engaged expedition fulfill orders government thus answered way could answered government powers distributed among several departments fundamental law happily people great britain well united states mode individual arraigned criminal offense courts either obtain discharge independent action judiciary proceedings equally familiar courts countries great britain power exists crown entered nolle prosequi case executive power united states upon prosecution pending state court yet chief executive power rescue prisoner custody without order proper tribunal directing discharge precise stage proceedings order may made matter municipal regulation exclusively complained government cases kind government becomes politically responsible tribunals last resort shown rendered unjust injurious judgments matters doubtful establishment elucidation principle nation lent authority efficiently great britain alexander mcleod option either prosecute writ error decision supreme court new york rendered upon application discharge supreme court united states submit case decision jury preferred latter deeming readiest mode obtaining liberation result fully sustained wisdom choice manner issue submitted tried satisfy english government principles justice never fail govern enlightened decision american tribunal fail however suggest congress propriety degree necessity making provisions law far may constitutionally removal commencement option party cases may hereafter arise may involve faithful observance execution international obligations state federal judiciary government institutions charged maintenance peace preservation amicable relations nations earth ought possess without question reasonable proper means maintaining one preserving confidence felt judiciary states yet government ought competent fulfillment high duties devolved upon organic law states month september party armed men upper canada invaded territory united states forcibly seized upon person one grogan circumstances great harshness hurriedly carried beyond limits united states delivered np authorities upper canada immediate discharge ordered authorities upon facts case brought knowledge course procedure expected nation peace due rights united states regard justice correspondence passed department state british envoy fox governor vermont soon facts made known department herewith communicated regret power make known equally satisfactory conclusion case caroline steamer circumstances connected destruction december 1837 armed force fitted province upper canada already made acquainted atonement due public wrong done united states invasion territory wholly irreconcilable rights independent power yet made view taken government inquiry whether vessel employment prosecuting unauthorized war province engaged owner business transporting passengers navy island hopes private gain probably case degree alters real question issue two governments government never concede foreign government power except case urgent extreme necessity invading territory either arrest persons destroy property may violated municipal laws foreign government disregarded obligations arising law nations territory united states must regarded sacredly secure invasions shall voluntarily acknowledge inability acquit duties others announcing sentiment affirm principle nation earth would ready vindicate hazards people government great britain upon full investigation facts shall appear owner caroline governed hostile intent made common occupancy navy island far concerned claim indemnity destruction boat government would feel bound prosecute since would acted derogation rights great britain clear violation laws united states question however settled manner involves higher consideration violation territorial sovereignty jurisdiction recognize admissible practice government turn upon sudden unauthorized outbreak frontier extent renders impossible either efficient force every mile outbreak therefore neither may able suppress day may take vengeance hands without even remonstrance absence pressing overruling necessity may invade territory would inevitably lead results equally deplored border collisions come receive sanction made authority either government general war must inevitable result ardent desire united states cultivate relations peace nations fulfill duties good neighborhood toward possess territories adjoining desire would lead deny right foreign power invade boundary armed force correspondence two governments subject future day session submitted consideration meantime indulge hope british government see propriety renouncing rule future action precedent set affair schlosser herewith submit correspondence recently taken place american minister court james stevenson minister foreign affairs government right claimed government visit detain vessels sailing american flag engaged prosecuting lawful commerce african seas commercial interests region experienced considerable increase become object much importance duty government protect improper vexatious interruption however desirous united states may suppression slave trade consent interpolations maritime code mere pleasure governments deny right interpolation one nations earth without consent claim voice amendments alterations code given understand instance foreign government treaties nations executed without establishment enforcement new principles maritime police applied without consent must employ language neither equivocal import susceptible misconstruction american citizens prosecuting lawful commerce african seas flag country responsible abuse unlawful use flag others rightfully account alleged abuses interrupted molested detained ocean thus molested detained pursuing honest voyages usual way violating law unquestionably entitled indemnity government manifested repugnance slave trade manner misunderstood fundamental law prescribed limits point time continuance citizens might far forget rights humanity engage wicked traffic long since municipal laws denounced condign punishment many states composing union made appeals civilized world suppression long moral sense nations become shocked iniquities traffic whether government enter treaties containing mutual stipulations upon subject question mature deliberation certain right detain american ships high seas justified plea necessity detention arising existence treaties nations plea may extended enlarged new stipulations new treaties united states may party government cease urge upon great britain full ample remuneration losses whether arising detention otherwise american citizens heretofore may hereafter subjected exercise rights government recognize legitimate proper indulge doubt sense justice great britain constrain make retribution wrong loss american citizen engaged prosecution lawful commerce may experienced hands cruisers public authorities government time relax effort prevent citizens disposed prosecuting traffic revolting feelings humanity seeks protect fair honest trader molestation injury enterprising mariner engaged pursuit honorable trade entitled protection visit condign punishment others opposite character invite attention existing laws suppression african slave trade recommend alterations may give greater force efficacy american flag grossly abused abandoned profligate nations probable congress long since subject consideration importance well justifies renewed anxious attention also communicate herewith copy correspondence stevenson lord palmerston upon subject interesting several southern states rice duties resulted honorably justice great britain advantageously united states opening last annual session president informed congress progress made negotiating convention government england view final settlement question boundary territorial limits two countries regret say little advancement object accomplished since last year owing circumstances way indicative abatement desire parties hasten negotiation conclusion settle question dispute early possible course session hope able announce degree progress toward accomplishment highly desirable end commission appointed government exploration survey line boundary separating states maine new hampshire conterminous british provinces believed close field labors expected soon report results examinations department state report received laid congress failure part spain pay punctuality interest due convention 1834 settlement claims two countries made duty executive call particular attention government subject disposition manifested believed entirely sincere fulfill obligations respect soon internal condition state finances permit arrangement progress result trusted citizens claims convention distant day receive stipulated payments treaty commerce navigation belgium concluded signed washington 29th march 1840 duly sanctioned senate united states treaty ratified belgian majesty receive approbation belgian chambers within time limited terms therefore become void occurrence assumes graver aspect consideration 1833 treaty negotiated two governments ratified part united states failed ratified part belgium representative government washington informs department state instructed give explanations causes occasioned delay approval late treaty legislature express regret king occurrence joint commission convention texas ascertain true boundary two countries concluded labors final report commissioner united states received understood however meridian line traced commission lies somewhat farther east position hitherto generally assigned consequently includes texas part territory considered belonging states louisiana arkansas united states take deep interest whatever relates young growing republic settled principally emigrants united states happiness know great principles civil liberty destined flourish wise institutions wholesome laws example another evidence afforded capacity popular institutions advance prosperity happiness permanent glory human race great truth government made people people government already established practice example united states contemplate exemplification sister republic deepest interest relations independent states hemisphere formerly dominion spain undergone material change within past year incessant sanguinary conflicts countries greatly deplored necessarily tending disable performing duty members community nations rising destiny position natural resources many might lead justly anticipate constantly giving occasion also directly indirectly complaints part citizens resort thither purposes commercial intercourse retarding reparation wrongs already committed means recent date failure congress ecuador hold session time appointed purpose january last probably render abortive treaty commerce republic signed quito 13th june 1839 duly ratified part required approbation body prior ratification ecuadorian executive convention concluded republic peru providing settlement certain claims citizens united states upon government republic duly submitted senate claims citizens brazilian government originating captures causes still unsatisfied united states however uniformly shown disposition cultivate relations amity empire hoped unequivocal tokens spirit toward us adjustment affairs referred would afford given without avoidable delay war indian tribes peninsula florida last summer fall prosecuted untiring activity zeal summer campaign resolved upon best mode bringing close brave officers men engaged service suffered toils privations exhibited energy war would unfading laurels despite sickness incident climate penetrated fastnesses indians broken encampments harassed unceasingly numbers captured still greater numbers surrendered transported join brethren lands elsewhere allotted government strong hope entertained conduct gallant officer head troops florida troublesome expensive war destined speedy termination indian tribes enjoying blessings peace duty well best interests prompts us observe intercourse fidelity fulfilling engagements practice strict justice well constant exercise acts benevolence kindness great instruments civilization use alone untutored child forest induced listen teachings secretary state acts congress devolved duty directing proceedings taking sixth census enumeration inhabitants united states report two houses progress work enumeration persons completed exhibits grand total making increase census 1830 inhabitants showing gain ratio exceeding 32 per cent last ten years report secretary treasury informed condition finances balance treasury 1st january last stated report secretary treasury submitted congress extra session receipts treasury first three quarters year sources amount estimated receipts fourth quarter amount amounting making balance treasury 1st january last expenditures first three quarters year amount expenditures fourth quarter estimated amount thus making total leaving deficit provided 1st january next loan authorized congress late session negotiated shortness time run presented inconsiderable impediment way taken capitalists home would operated much greater force foreign market reason foreign market resorted submitted whether would advisable amend law making remains undisposed payable distant day necessary view congress may take subject revise existing tariff duties beg leave say performance delicate operation moderate counsels would seem wisest government happiness live owes existence spirit compromise prevailed among framers jarring discordant opinions could reconciled noble spirit patriotism prompted conciliation resulted harmony spirit compromise bill commonly called adopted session 1833 people portion union ever hesitate pay necessary taxes support government yet innate repugnance exists imposition burthens really necessary object imposing duties however purposes revenue right discriminate articles duty shall laid well amount necessarily properly exists otherwise government would placed condition levy duties upon articles productive well unproductive slightest duty upon might effect causing importation cease whereas others entering extensively consumption country might bear heaviest without sensible diminution amount imported also government may justified discriminating reference considerations domestic policy connected manufactures long duties shall laid distinct reference wants treasury objection exist might esteemed desirable augmentation taxes take place would effect annulling distribution act last session act declared inoperative moment duties increased beyond 20 per cent maximum rate established compromise act provisions compromise act go effect 30th day june next may however found exceedingly inconvenient practice regulations congress may adopt refer particularly relating home valuation difference value articles extent necessarily exist different ports altogether insignificant compared conflicts valuation likely arise differences opinion among numerous appraisers merchandise many instances estimates value must conjectural thus many different rates value may established appraisers differences valuation may also increased inclination without slightest imputation honesty may arise part appraisers favor respective ports entry recommend whole subject consideration congress single additional remark certainty permanency system governmental policy respects eminently desirable particularly true affects trade commerce operations depend much certainty returns calculations embrace distant periods time high bounties duties liable constant fluctuations late session invited attention condition currency exchanges urged necessity adopting measures consistent constitutional competency government order correct unsoundness one far practicable inequalities country enjoyment full measure prosperity without presence medium exchange approximating uniformity value necessary different nations earth also important inhabitants different parts country first precious metals constitute chief medium circulation also would case last inventions comparatively modern furnished place gold silver paper circulation propose enter comparative analysis merits two systems belonged properly period introduction paper system speculative philosopher might find inducements prosecute inquiry researches could lead conclude paper system probably better never introduced society might much happier without practical statesman different task perform look things take finds supply deficiencies prune excesses far lies task furnishing corrective derangements paper medium us almost inexpressibly great power exerted states charter banking corporations carried great excess filled country states irredeemable paper medium evil way requires corrective rates bills exchange negotiated different parts country furnish index value local substitute gold silver many parts far depreciated received except large discount payment debts purchase produce could earnestly desired every bank possessing means resumption follow example late united states bank pennsylvania go liquidation rather refusing continue embarrassments way solvent institutions thereby augmenting difficulties incident present condition things whether government due regard rights states power constrain banks either resume specie payments force liquidation inquiry fail claim consideration view great advantages allowed corporators among least authority contained charters make loans three times amount capital thereby often deriving three times much interest amount money individual permitted law receive sufficient apology urged suspension specie payments suspension productive greatest detriment public expelling circulation precious metals seriously hazarding success effort government make increase commercial facilities advance public interests regretted indispensable necessity sound currency becomes manifest reflect vast amount internal commerce country statistics data forming adequate opinions doubt amount transportation coastwise sea transportation inland railroads canals steamboats modes conveyance surface vast rivers immense lakes value property carried interchanged means form general aggregate foreign commerce country large makes distant approach absence controlling power subject forcing general resumption specie payments would effect restoring sound medium exchange would leave country little desire measure relief falling within limits constitutional competency become government adopt painful duty last session weight solemn obligations differ congress measures proposed approval doubtless regarded corrective existing evils subsequent reflection events since occurring served confirm opinions entertained frankly expressed must permitted add scheme governmental policy unaided individual exertions available ameliorating present condition things commercial modes exchange good currency necessary means commerce intercourse direct productive sources wealth wealth accumulated earnings industry savings frugality nothing ill judged look facilities borrowing redundant circulation power discharging pecuniary obligations country full resources people fall energy great permanent remedy present embarrassments must sought industry economy observance good faith favorable influence time pursuance pledge given last message congress pledge urge apology adventuring present details plan secretary treasury ready submit require plan finance throws around public treasure reasonable guards protection rests powers acknowledged practice exist origin government time furnish country sound paper medium afford reasonable facilities regulating exchanges submitted perceive plan amendatory existing laws relation treasury department subordinate respects congress directly people indirectly found practice realize promises theory repealable pleasure congress proposes effectual restraints invoking true spirit institutions separate purse sword properly speak denies control president agents may selected carry execution may indispensably necessary secure fidelity agents wise regulations keeps plainly apart private public funds contemplates establishment board control seat government agencies prominent commercial points wherever else congress shall direct disbursement public moneys substitution option public creditor treasury notes lieu gold silver proposes limit issues amount exceed without express sanction legislative power also authorizes receipt individual deposits gold silver limited amount granting certificates deposit divided sums may called depositors proceeds step authorizes purchase sale domestic bills drafts resting real substantial basis payable sight short time run drawn places less 100 miles apart authority except far may necessary government purposes exclusively exerted upon express condition exercise shall prohibited state agency situated order cover expenses incident plan authorized receive moderate premiums certificates issued deposits bills bought sold thus far dealings extend furnish facilities commercial intercourse lowest possible rates subduct earnings industry least possible sum uses state banks distance agencies auxiliaries without imparting power trade name subjected guards restraints appeared necessary creature law exists pleasure legislature made rest actual specie basis order redeem notes places issue produces dangerous redundancy circulation affords temptation speculation attended inflation prices equable operation makes treasury notes may use along certificates deposit notes banks convertible place collected receivable payment government dues without violating principle constitution affords government people facilities called wants appeared recommendations view submitted whenever may require consideration able perceive fair candid objection urged plan principal outlines thus presented doubt notes proposes furnish voluntary option public creditor issued lieu revenue certificates deposit maintained equality gold silver everywhere redeemable gold silver demand places issue receivable everywhere payment government dues treasury notes limited amount less estimated annual receipts treasury addition rest upon faith government redemption assurances sufficient make available idea seems furnishing sound paper medium exchange may entirely abandoned fear indulged government may tempted run excess issues future day seems apprehension reasonably entertained confidence representatives states people well people shall lost weightiest considerations policy require restraints proposed thrown around measure light causes removed argue proposed plan liability possible abuse reject every expedient since everything dependent human action liable abuse fifteen millions treasury notes may issued maximum discretionary power given board control sum every consideration unite leading feel way caution first eight years existence late bank united states circulation barely exceeded five prosperous years equal furthermore authority given receive private deposits limited amount issue certificates sums may called depositors may far fill channels circulation greatly diminish necessity considerable issue treasury notes restraint upon amount private deposits seemed indispensably necessary apprehension thought well founded emergency trade confidence might far shaken banks induce withdrawal private deposits view insure unquestionable safety deposited government might prove eminently disastrous state banks objected proposed authorize agencies deal bills exchange answered dealings carried lowest possible premium made rest unquestionably sound basis designed reimburse merely expenses would otherwise devolve upon treasury strict subordination decision supreme court case bank augusta earle reported cases thereby avoids conflict state jurisdiction hold indispensably requisite leaves banking privileges states without interference looks treasury union furnishing every facility first careful interests last created law amendable law repealable law wedded theory looking solely advancement public good shall among first urge repeal found subserve purposes objects may created plan submitted overweening confidence sufficiency judgment much greater reliance wisdom patriotism congress abandon subject without urging upon emphatic manner whatever may action suggestions felt duty submit relieve chief executive magistrate constitutional means controlling power public treasury plan proposed deem worthy consideration separation complete may desire doubtless amend particular disclaim desire control public moneys indispensably necessary execute laws may pass fail advert connection debts many states union contracted abroad continue labor indebtedness amounts sum less retributed part works internal improvement destined prove vast importance ultimately advancing prosperity wealth debts thus contracted states alone responsible express belief state feel bound every consideration honor well interest meet engagements punctuality failure however one state degree affect credit rest foreign capitalist experience alarm state stocks one states may neglect provide punctuality means redeeming engagements even states considering great rapidity resources developing fail means distant day redeem obligations uttermost farthing doubt view honorable conduct evermore governed states people union resort every legitimate expedient forego faithful compliance obligations report secretary war reports accompanying informed progress made fortifications designed protection principal cities roadsteads inland frontier present year together true state condition prosecuted completion expedition means placed congress disposal executive allow recommend particularly consideration portion secretary report proposes establishment chain military posts council bluffs point pacific ocean within limits benefit thereby destined accrue citizens engaged fur trade wilderness region added importance cultivating friendly relations savage tribes inhabiting time giving protection frontier settlements establishing means safe intercourse american settlements mouth columbia river side rocky mountains would seem suggest importance carrying effect recommendations upon head little delay may practicable report secretary navy place possession present condition important arm national defense every effort made add efficiency strongly urge upon liberal appropriations branch public service inducements weightiest character exist adoption course policy extended otherwise exposed maritime frontier calls protection furnishing efficient naval force indispensable look foreign conquests propose enter competition nation supremacy ocean due honor security people united states nation permitted invade waters pleasure subject towns villages conflagration pillage economy branches public service due public agents people parsimony alone would suggest withholding necessary means protection domestic firesides invasion national honor disgrace would earnestly recommend congress abstain appropriations objects absolutely necessary take upon without moment hesitancy responsibility recommending increase prompt equipment gallant navy lighted every sea victories spread imperishable glory country report claim particular attention valuable suggestions contains great importance times attaches interesting branch public service increased expense transporting mail along principal routes necessarily claims public attention awakened corresponding solicitude part government transmission mail must keep pace facilities intercommunication every day becoming greater building railroads application steam power disguised order department subjected heavy exactions lines communication distant parts union great extent occupied railroads nature things possess complete monopoly department therefore liable heavy unreasonable charges evil destined great increase future timely measure may become necessary guard feel duty bring consideration practice grown administration government deeply convinced ought corrected allude exercise power usage rather reason vested presidents removing incumbents office order substitute others favor dominant party conduct respect governed conscientious purpose exercise removing power cases unfaithfulness inability exercise appeared necessary order discountenance suppress spirit active partisanship part holders office withdraws steady impartial discharge official duties exerts undue injurious influence elections degrades character government inasmuch exhibits chief magistrate party agents secret plots open workings political parties respect exercise power nothing left discretion may safely regulated law high importance restrain far possible stimulus personal interests public elections considering great increase made public offices last quarter century probability increase incur hazard witnessing violent political contests directed often single object retaining office obtaining influence convictions shall cordially concur constitutional measure regulating regulating restraining power removal suggest consideration propriety making without delay specific application funds derived smithson england diffusion knowledge heretofore vested public stocks time congress think proper give specific direction feel confident permit abatement principal legacy made turn stocks investments made undergone depreciation conclusion commend care interests district exclusive legislators considering city residence government large part year congress considering also great cost public buildings propriety affording times careful protection seems unreasonable congress contribute toward expense efficient police
come together enter upon discharge duty people charge u severally find great occasion rejoice general prosperity country enjoyment blessing civil religious liberty unexampled mean education knowledge improvement year draw close peace border plenty habitation although disease visit portion land distress mortality yet general health people preserve call upon high obligation duty renew thanks devotion heavenly parent continue vouchsafe u eminent blessing surround u signally crown year goodness find increase beyond example number strength wealth knowledge everything promote human social happiness let u ever remember dependence protection merciful dispensation divine providence since last adjournment alexander mcleod british subject indict murder american citizen whose case subject correspondence heretofore communicate acquitted verdict impartial intelligent jury judgment court regularly discharge great britain make known government expedition fit canada destruction steamboat caroline winter 1837 result destruction say boat death american citizen undertaken order emanate authority british government canada demand discharge mcleod upon ground engage expedition fulfill order government thus answer way could answer government power distribute among several department fundamental law happily people great britain well united state mode individual arraign criminal offense court either obtain discharge independent action judiciary proceeding equally familiar court country great britain power exists crown enter nolle prosequi case executive power united state upon prosecution pending state court yet chief executive power rescue prisoner custody without order proper tribunal direct discharge precise stage proceeding order may make matter municipal regulation exclusively complained government case kind government become politically responsible tribunal last resort show rendered unjust injurious judgment matter doubtful establishment elucidation principle nation lent authority efficiently great britain alexander mcleod option either prosecute writ error decision supreme court new york render upon application discharge supreme court unite state submit case decision jury prefer latter deem ready mode obtain liberation result fully sustain wisdom choice manner issue submit tried satisfy english government principle justice never fail govern enlighten decision american tribunal fail however suggest congress propriety degree necessity making provision law far may constitutionally removal commencement option party case may hereafter arise may involve faithful observance execution international obligation state federal judiciary government institution charge maintenance peace preservation amicable relation nation earth ought possess without question reasonable proper mean maintain one preserve confidence felt judiciary state yet government ought competent fulfillment high duty devolve upon organic law state month september party arm men upper canada invade territory united state forcibly seize upon person one grogan circumstance great harshness hurriedly carry beyond limit united state deliver np authority upper canada immediate discharge order authority upon fact case bring knowledge course procedure expect nation peace due right united state regard justice correspondence pass department state british envoy fox governor vermont soon fact make know department herewith communicate regret power make know equally satisfactory conclusion case caroline steamer circumstance connect destruction december 1837 arm force fit province upper canada already make acquainted atonement due public wrong do united state invasion territory wholly irreconcilable right independent power yet make view take government inquiry whether vessel employment prosecute unauthorized war province engage owner business transport passenger navy island hope private gain probably case degree alters real question issue two government government never concede foreign government power except case urgent extreme necessity invade territory either arrest person destroy property may violate municipal law foreign government disregard obligation arise law nation territory united state must regard sacredly secure invasion shall voluntarily acknowledge inability acquit duties others announce sentiment affirm principle nation earth would ready vindicate hazard people government great britain upon full investigation fact shall appear owner caroline govern hostile intent make common occupancy navy island far concerned claim indemnity destruction boat government would feel bound prosecute since would act derogation right great britain clear violation law united state question however settle manner involve high consideration violation territorial sovereignty jurisdiction recognize admissible practice government turn upon sudden unauthorized outbreak frontier extent render impossible either efficient force every mile outbreak therefore neither may able suppress day may take vengeance hand without even remonstrance absence press overrule necessity may invade territory would inevitably lead result equally deplored border collision come receive sanction make authority either government general war must inevitable result ardent desire united state cultivate relation peace nation fulfill duty good neighborhood toward possess territory adjoin desire would lead deny right foreign power invade boundary arm force correspondence two government subject future day session submit consideration meantime indulge hope british government see propriety renounce rule future action precedent set affair schlosser herewith submit correspondence recently take place american minister court jam stevenson minister foreign affair government right claim government visit detain vessel sail american flag engage prosecute lawful commerce african sea commercial interest region experience considerable increase become object much importance duty government protect improper vexatious interruption however desirous united state may suppression slave trade consent interpolation maritime code mere pleasure government deny right interpolation one nation earth without consent claim voice amendment alteration code give understand instance foreign government treaty nation execute without establishment enforcement new principle maritime police apply without consent must employ language neither equivocal import susceptible misconstruction american citizen prosecute lawful commerce african sea flag country responsible abuse unlawful use flag others rightfully account alleged abuse interrupt molest detained ocean thus molest detain pursue honest voyage usual way violate law unquestionably entitle indemnity government manifest repugnance slave trade manner misunderstand fundamental law prescribe limit point time continuance citizen might far forget right humanity engage wicked traffic long since municipal law denounce condign punishment many state compose union make appeal civilized world suppression long moral sense nation become shocked iniquity traffic whether government enter treaty contain mutual stipulation upon subject question mature deliberation certain right detain american ship high sea justify plea necessity detention arise existence treaty nation plea may extend enlarge new stipulation new treaty unite state may party government cease urge upon great britain full ample remuneration loss whether arise detention otherwise american citizen heretofore may hereafter subject exercise right government recognize legitimate proper indulge doubt sense justice great britain constrain make retribution wrong loss american citizen engage prosecution lawful commerce may experience hand cruiser public authority government time relax effort prevent citizen dispose prosecute traffic revolt feeling humanity seek protect fair honest trader molestation injury enterprising mariner engage pursuit honorable trade entitle protection visit condign punishment others opposite character invite attention exist law suppression african slave trade recommend alteration may give great force efficacy american flag grossly abuse abandon profligate nation probable congress long since subject consideration importance well justifies renew anxious attention also communicate herewith copy correspondence stevenson lord palmerston upon subject interesting several southern state rice duty result honorably justice great britain advantageously united state open last annual session president inform congress progress make negotiate convention government england view final settlement question boundary territorial limit two country regret say little advancement object accomplish since last year owe circumstance way indicative abatement desire party hasten negotiation conclusion settle question dispute early possible course session hope able announce degree progress toward accomplishment highly desirable end commission appoint government exploration survey line boundary separate state maine new hampshire conterminous british province believe close field labor expect soon report result examination department state report receive laid congress failure part spain pay punctuality interest due convention 1834 settlement claim two country make duty executive call particular attention government subject disposition manifest believe entirely sincere fulfill obligation respect soon internal condition state finance permit arrangement progress result trust citizen claim convention distant day receive stipulate payment treaty commerce navigation belgium conclude sign washington 29th march 1840 duly sanction senate united state treaty ratified belgian majesty receive approbation belgian chamber within time limited term therefore become void occurrence assume graver aspect consideration 1833 treaty negotiate two government ratified part united state fail ratified part belgium representative government washington inform department state instruct give explanation cause occasion delay approval late treaty legislature express regret king occurrence joint commission convention texas ascertain true boundary two country conclude labor final report commissioner united state receive understood however meridian line trace commission lie somewhat farther east position hitherto generally assign consequently include texas part territory consider belong state louisiana arkansas united state take deep interest whatever relate young grow republic settle principally emigrant united state happiness know great principle civil liberty destine flourish wise institution wholesome law example another evidence afford capacity popular institution advance prosperity happiness permanent glory human race great truth government make people people government already establish practice example united state contemplate exemplification sister republic deepest interest relation independent state hemisphere formerly dominion spain undergone material change within past year incessant sanguinary conflict country greatly deplore necessarily tend disable perform duty member community nation rise destiny position natural resource many might lead justly anticipate constantly give occasion also directly indirectly complaint part citizens resort thither purpose commercial intercourse retard reparation wrong already commit mean recent date failure congress ecuador hold session time appoint purpose january last probably render abortive treaty commerce republic sign quito 13th june 1839 duly ratify part require approbation body prior ratification ecuadorian executive convention conclude republic peru provide settlement certain claim citizen united state upon government republic duly submit senate claim citizen brazilian government originate capture cause still unsatisfied united state however uniformly show disposition cultivate relation amity empire hop unequivocal token spirit toward u adjustment affair refer would afford give without avoidable delay war indian tribe peninsula florida last summer fall prosecute untiring activity zeal summer campaign resolve upon best mode bring close brave officer men engage service suffer toils privation exhibit energy war would unfading laurel despite sickness incident climate penetrate fastness indians broken encampment harass unceasingly number capture still great number surrender transported join brother land elsewhere allotted government strong hope entertain conduct gallant officer head troop florida troublesome expensive war destine speedy termination indian tribe enjoy blessing peace duty well best interest prompt u observe intercourse fidelity fulfilling engagement practice strict justice well constant exercise act benevolence kindness great instrument civilization use alone untutored child forest induced listen teaching secretary state act congress devolve duty directing proceeding take sixth census enumeration inhabitant united state report two house progress work enumeration person complete exhibit grand total make increase census 1830 inhabitant show gain ratio exceed 32 per cent last ten year report secretary treasury inform condition finance balance treasury 1st january last stated report secretary treasury submit congress extra session receipt treasury first three quarter year source amount estimate receipt fourth quarter amount amount make balance treasury 1st january last expenditure first three quarter year amount expenditures fourth quarter estimate amount thus make total leave deficit provide 1st january next loan authorize congress late session negotiate shortness time run present inconsiderable impediment way take capitalist home would operate much great force foreign market reason foreign market resort submit whether would advisable amend law making remain undisposed payable distant day necessary view congress may take subject revise exist tariff duty beg leave say performance delicate operation moderate counsel would seem wise government happiness live owes existence spirit compromise prevail among framer jar discordant opinion could reconcile noble spirit patriotism prompt conciliation result harmony spirit compromise bill commonly call adopt session 1833 people portion union ever hesitate pay necessary tax support government yet innate repugnance exist imposition burthen really necessary object impose duty however purpose revenue right discriminate article duty shall laid well amount necessarily properly exist otherwise government would place condition levy duty upon article productive well unproductive slight duty upon might effect cause importation cease whereas others enter extensively consumption country might bear heavy without sensible diminution amount import also government may justify discriminate reference consideration domestic policy connect manufacture long duty shall lay distinct reference want treasury objection exist might esteem desirable augmentation tax take place would effect annul distribution act last session act declare inoperative moment duty increase beyond 20 per cent maximum rate establish compromise act provision compromise act go effect 30th day june next may however find exceedingly inconvenient practice regulation congress may adopt refer particularly relate home valuation difference value article extent necessarily exist different port altogether insignificant compare conflict valuation likely arise difference opinion among numerous appraiser merchandise many instance estimate value must conjectural thus many different rate value may establish appraiser difference valuation may also increase inclination without slight imputation honesty may arise part appraiser favor respective port entry recommend whole subject consideration congress single additional remark certainty permanency system governmental policy respect eminently desirable particularly true affect trade commerce operation depend much certainty return calculation embrace distant period time high bounty duty liable constant fluctuation late session invite attention condition currency exchange urge necessity adopt measure consistent constitutional competency government order correct unsoundness one far practicable inequality country enjoyment full measure prosperity without presence medium exchange approximate uniformity value necessary different nation earth also important inhabitant different part country first precious metal constitute chief medium circulation also would case last invention comparatively modern furnished place gold silver paper circulation propose enter comparative analysis merit two system belong properly period introduction paper system speculative philosopher might find inducement prosecute inquiry research could lead conclude paper system probably well never introduce society might much happier without practical statesman different task perform look thing take find supply deficiency prune excess far lie task furnish corrective derangement paper medium u almost inexpressibly great power exert state charter bank corporation carry great excess fill country state irredeemable paper medium evil way require corrective rate bill exchange negotiate different part country furnish index value local substitute gold silver many part far depreciate receive except large discount payment debt purchase produce could earnestly desire every bank possess mean resumption follow example late united state bank pennsylvania go liquidation rather refuse continue embarrassment way solvent institution thereby augment difficulty incident present condition thing whether government due regard right state power constrain bank either resume specie payment force liquidation inquiry fail claim consideration view great advantage allow corporators among least authority contain charter make loan three time amount capital thereby often derive three time much interest amount money individual permit law receive sufficient apology urge suspension specie payment suspension productive great detriment public expel circulation precious metal seriously hazard success effort government make increase commercial facility advance public interest regret indispensable necessity sound currency become manifest reflect vast amount internal commerce country statistic data form adequate opinion doubt amount transportation coastwise sea transportation inland railroad canal steamboat mode conveyance surface vast river immense lakes value property carry interchanged mean form general aggregate foreign commerce country large make distant approach absence control power subject force general resumption specie payment would effect restore sound medium exchange would leave country little desire measure relief fall within limit constitutional competency become government adopt painful duty last session weight solemn obligation differ congress measure propose approval doubtless regard corrective exist evils subsequent reflection event since occur serve confirm opinion entertain frankly express must permit add scheme governmental policy unaided individual exertion available ameliorate present condition thing commercial mode exchange good currency necessary mean commerce intercourse direct productive source wealth wealth accumulate earnings industry saving frugality nothing ill judge look facility borrow redundant circulation power discharge pecuniary obligation country full resource people fall energy great permanent remedy present embarrassment must seek industry economy observance good faith favorable influence time pursuance pledge give last message congress pledge urge apology adventure present detail plan secretary treasury ready submit require plan finance throw around public treasure reasonable guard protection rest power acknowledge practice exist origin government time furnish country sound paper medium afford reasonable facility regulate exchange submit perceive plan amendatory exist law relation treasury department subordinate respect congress directly people indirectly find practice realize promise theory repealable pleasure congress propose effectual restraint invoke true spirit institution separate purse sword properly speak denies control president agent may select carry execution may indispensably necessary secure fidelity agent wise regulation keep plainly apart private public fund contemplate establishment board control seat government agency prominent commercial point wherever else congress shall direct disbursement public money substitution option public creditor treasury note lieu gold silver propose limit issue amount exceed without express sanction legislative power also authorize receipt individual deposit gold silver limited amount grant certificate deposit divide sum may call depositor proceeds step authorize purchase sale domestic bill draft rest real substantial basis payable sight short time run draw place less 100 mile apart authority except far may necessary government purpose exclusively exert upon express condition exercise shall prohibit state agency situate order cover expense incident plan authorize receive moderate premium certificate issue deposit bill buy sell thus far dealing extend furnish facility commercial intercourse low possible rate subduct earnings industry least possible sum use state bank distance agency auxiliaries without impart power trade name subject guard restraint appear necessary creature law exist pleasure legislature make rest actual specie basis order redeem note place issue produce dangerous redundancy circulation affords temptation speculation attend inflation price equable operation make treasury note may use along certificate deposit note bank convertible place collect receivable payment government due without violate principle constitution affords government people facility call want appeared recommendation view submit whenever may require consideration able perceive fair candid objection urge plan principal outline thus present doubt note propose furnish voluntary option public creditor issue lieu revenue certificate deposit maintain equality gold silver everywhere redeemable gold silver demand place issue receivable everywhere payment government dues treasury note limit amount less estimated annual receipt treasury addition rest upon faith government redemption assurance sufficient make available idea seem furnish sound paper medium exchange may entirely abandon fear indulged government may tempt run excess issue future day seem apprehension reasonably entertain confidence representative state people well people shall lose weighty consideration policy require restraint propose thrown around measure light cause remove argue propose plan liability possible abuse reject every expedient since everything dependent human action liable abuse fifteen million treasury note may issue maximum discretionary power give board control sum every consideration unite lead feel way caution first eight year existence late bank united state circulation barely exceed five prosperous year equal furthermore authority give receive private deposit limit amount issue certificate sum may call depositor may far fill channel circulation greatly diminish necessity considerable issue treasury note restraint upon amount private deposit seem indispensably necessary apprehension think well founded emergency trade confidence might far shake bank induce withdrawal private deposit view insure unquestionable safety deposit government might prove eminently disastrous state bank object proposed authorize agency deal bill exchange answer dealing carry low possible premium make rest unquestionably sound basis design reimburse merely expense would otherwise devolve upon treasury strict subordination decision supreme court case bank augusta earle report case thereby avoids conflict state jurisdiction hold indispensably requisite leaf bank privilege state without interference look treasury union furnishing every facility first careful interest last create law amendable law repealable law wed theory look solely advancement public good shall among first urge repeal find subserve purpose object may create plan submit overweening confidence sufficiency judgment much great reliance wisdom patriotism congress abandon subject without urge upon emphatic manner whatever may action suggestion felt duty submit relieve chief executive magistrate constitutional mean control power public treasury plan propose deem worthy consideration separation complete may desire doubtless amend particular disclaim desire control public money indispensably necessary execute law may pass fail advert connection debt many state union contract abroad continue labor indebtedness amount sum less retributed part work internal improvement destine prove vast importance ultimately advance prosperity wealth debt thus contract state alone responsible express belief state feel bound every consideration honor well interest meet engagement punctuality failure however one state degree affect credit rest foreign capitalist experience alarm state stock one state may neglect provide punctuality mean redeeming engagement even state consider great rapidity resource develop fail mean distant day redeem obligation uttermost farthing doubt view honorable conduct evermore govern state people union resort every legitimate expedient forego faithful compliance obligation report secretary war report accompany informed progress make fortification design protection principal city roadstead inland frontier present year together true state condition prosecute completion expedition mean place congress disposal executive allow recommend particularly consideration portion secretary report propose establishment chain military post council bluff point pacific ocean within limit benefit thereby destine accrue citizen engage fur trade wilderness region add importance cultivate friendly relation savage tribes inhabiting time give protection frontier settlement establish mean safe intercourse american settlement mouth columbia river side rocky mountain would seem suggest importance carry effect recommendation upon head little delay may practicable report secretary navy place possession present condition important arm national defense every effort make add efficiency strongly urge upon liberal appropriation branch public service inducement weightiest character exist adoption course policy extend otherwise expose maritime frontier call protection furnish efficient naval force indispensable look foreign conquest propose enter competition nation supremacy ocean due honor security people united state nation permit invade water pleasure subject town village conflagration pillage economy branch public service due public agent people parsimony alone would suggest withhold necessary mean protection domestic fireside invasion national honor disgrace would earnestly recommend congress abstain appropriation object absolutely necessary take upon without moment hesitancy responsibility recommend increase prompt equipment gallant navy light every sea victory spread imperishable glory country report claim particular attention valuable suggestion contain great importance time attach interesting branch public service increase expense transport mail along principal route necessarily claim public attention awaken correspond solicitude part government transmission mail must keep pace facility intercommunication every day become great building railroad application steam power disguise order department subject heavy exaction line communication distant part union great extent occupy railroad nature thing possess complete monopoly department therefore liable heavy unreasonable charge evil destine great increase future timely measure may become necessary guard feel duty bring consideration practice grow administration government deeply convince ought correct allude exercise power usage rather reason vested president remove incumbent office order substitute others favor dominant party conduct respect govern conscientious purpose exercise remove power case unfaithfulness inability exercise appear necessary order discountenance suppress spirit active partisanship part holder office withdraw steady impartial discharge official duty exerts undue injurious influence election degrade character government inasmuch exhibit chief magistrate party agent secret plot open working political party respect exercise power nothing leave discretion may safely regulate law high importance restrain far possible stimulus personal interest public election consider great increase make public office last quarter century probability increase incur hazard witness violent political contest direct often single object retain office obtain influence conviction shall cordially concur constitutional measure regulate regulate restrain power removal suggest consideration propriety make without delay specific application fund derive smithson england diffusion knowledge heretofore vested public stock time congress think proper give specific direction feel confident permit abatement principal legacy make turn stock investment make undergone depreciation conclusion commend care interest district exclusive legislator consider city residence government large part year congress consider also great cost public building propriety afford time careful protection seem unreasonable congress contribute toward expense efficient police