In taking a general survey of the concerns of our beloved country, with reference to subjects interesting to the common welfare, the first sentiment which impresses itself upon the mind is of gratitude to the Omnipotent Disposer of All Good for the continuance of the signal blessings of His providence, and especially for that health which to an unusual extent has prevailed within our borders, and for that abundance which in the vicissitudes of the seasons has been scattered with profusion over our land. Nor ought we less to ascribe to Him the glory that we are permitted to enjoy the bounties of His hand in peace and tranquillity -- in peace with all the other nations of the earth, in tranquillity among our selves. There has, indeed, rarely been a period in the history of civilized man in which the general condition of the Christian nations has been marked so extensively by peace and prosperity. Europe, with a few partial and unhappy exceptions, has enjoyed 10 years of peace, during which all her Governments, what ever the theory of their constitutions may have been, are successively taught to feel that the end of their institution is the happiness of the people, and that the exercise of power among men can be justified only by the blessings it confers upon those over whom it is extended. During the same period our intercourse with all those nations has been pacific and friendly; it so continues. Since the close of your last session no material variation has occurred in our relations with any one of them. In the commercial and navigation system of Great Britain important changes of municipal regulation have recently been sanctioned by acts of Parliament, the effect of which upon the interests of other nations, and particularly upon ours, has not yet been fully developed. In the recent renewal of the diplomatic missions on both sides between the two Governments assurances have been given and received of the continuance and increase of the mutual confidence and cordiality by which the adjustment of many points of difference had already been effected, and which affords the surest pledge for the ultimate satisfactory adjustment of those which still remain open or may hereafter arise. The policy of the United States in their commercial intercourse with other nations has always been of the most liberal character. In the mutual exchange of their respective productions they have abstained altogether from prohibitions; they have interdicted themselves the power of laying taxes upon exports, and when ever they have favored their own shipping by special preferences or exclusive privileges in their own ports it has been only with a view to countervail similar favors and exclusions granted by the nations with whom we have been engaged in traffic to their own people or shipping, and to the disadvantage of ours. Immediately after the close of the last war a proposal was fairly made by the act of Congress of 1815-03-03, to all the maritime nations to lay aside the system of retaliating restrictions and exclusions, and to place the shipping of both parties to the common trade on a footing of equality in respect to the duties of tonnage and impost. This offer was partially and successively accepted by Great Britain, Sweden, the Netherlands, the Hanseatic cities, Prussia, Sardinia, the Duke of Oldenburg, and Russia. It was also adopted, under certain modifications, in our late commercial convention with France, and by the act of Congress of 1824-01-08, it has received a new confirmation with all the nations who had acceded to it, and has been offered again to all those who are or may here after be willing to abide in reciprocity by it. But all these regulations, whether established by treaty or by municipal enactments, are still subject to one important restriction. The removal of discriminating duties of tonnage and of impost is limited to articles of the growth, produce, or manufacture of the country to which the vessel belongs or to such articles as are most usually first shipped from her ports. It will deserve the serious consideration of Congress whether even this remnant of restriction may not be safely abandoned, and whether the general tender of equal competition made in the act of 1824-01-08, may not be extended to include all articles of merchandise not prohibited, of what country so ever they may be the produce or manufacture. Propositions of this effect have already been made to us by more than one European Government, and it is probable that if once established by legislation or compact with any distinguished maritime state it would recommend itself by the experience of its advantages to the general accession of all. The convention of commerce and navigation between the United States and France, concluded on 1822-06-24, was, in the understanding and intent of both parties, as appears upon its face, only a temporary arrangement of the points of difference between them of the most immediate and pressing urgency. It was limited in the first instance to two years from 1822-10-01, but with a proviso that it should further continue in force 'til the conclusion of a general and definitive treaty of commerce, unless terminated by a notice, 6 months in advance, of either of the parties to the other. Its operation so far as it extended has been mutually advantageous, and it still continues in force by common consent. But it left unadjusted several objects of great interest to the citizens and subjects of both countries, and particularly a mass of claims to considerable amount of citizens of the United States upon the Government of France of indemnity for property taken or destroyed under circumstances of the most aggravated and outrageous character. In the long period during which continual and earnest appeals have been made to the equity and magnanimity of France in behalf of these claims their justice has not been, as it could not be, denied. It was hoped that the accession of a new Sovereign to the throne would have afforded a favorable opportunity for presenting them to the consideration of his Government. They have been presented and urged hither to without effect. The repeated and earnest representations of our minister at the Court of France remain as yet even without an answer. Were the demands of nations upon the justice of each other susceptible of adjudication by the sentence of an impartial tribunal, those to which I now refer would long since have been settled and adequate indemnity would have been obtained. There are large amounts of similar claims upon the Netherlands, Naples, and Denmark. For those upon Spain prior to 1819 indemnity was, after many years of patient forbearance, obtained; and those upon Sweden have been lately compromised by a private settlement, in which the claimants themselves have acquiesced. The Governments of Denmark and of Naples have been recently reminded of those yet existing against them, nor will any of them be forgotten while a hope may be indulged of obtaining justice by the means within the constitutional power of the Executive, and without resorting to those means of self-redress which, as well as the time, circumstances, and occasion which may require them, are within the exclusive competency of the Legislature. It is with great satisfaction that I am enabled to bear witness to the liberal spirit with which the Republic of Colombia has made satisfaction for well-established claims of a similar character, and among the documents now communicated to Congress will be distinguished a treaty of commerce and navigation with that Republic, the ratifications of which have been exchanged since the last recess of the Legislature. The negotiation of similar treaties with all of the independent South American States has been contemplated and may yet be accomplished. The basis of them all, as proposed by the United States, has been laid in two principles -- the one of entire and unqualified reciprocity, the other the mutual obligation of the parties to place each other permanently upon the footing of the most favored nation. These principles are, indeed, indispensable to the effectual emancipation of the American hemisphere from the thralldom of colonizing monopolies and exclusions, an event rapidly realizing in the progress of human affairs, and which the resistance still opposed in certain parts of Europe to the acknowledgment of the Southern American Republics as independent States will, it is believed, contribute more effectually to accomplish. The time has been, and that not remote, when some of those States might, in their anxious desire to obtain a nominal recognition, have accepted of a nominal independence, clogged with burdensome conditions, and exclusive commercial privileges granted to the nation from which they have separated to the disadvantage of all others. They are all now aware that such concessions to any European nation would be incompatible with that independence which they have declared and maintained. Among the measures which have been suggested to them by the new relations with one another, resulting from the recent changes in their condition, is that of assembling at the Isthmus of Panama a congress, at which each of them should be represented, to deliberate upon objects important to the welfare of all. The Republics of Colombia, of Mexico, and of Central America have already deputed plenipotentiaries to such a meeting, and they have invited the United States to be also represented there by their ministers. The invitation has been accepted, and ministers on the part of the United States will be commissioned to attend at those deliberations, and to take part in them so far as may be compatible with that neutrality from which it is neither our intention nor the desire of the other American States that we should depart. The commissioners under the 7th article of the treaty of Ghent have so nearly completed their arduous labors that, by the report recently received from the agent on the part of the United States, there is reason to expect that the commission will be closed at their next session, appointed for May 22 of the ensuing year. The other commission, appointed to ascertain the indemnities due for slaves carried away from the United States after the close of the late war, have met with some difficulty, which has delayed their progress in the inquiry. A reference has been made to the British Government on the subject, which, it may be hoped, will tend to hasten the decision of the commissioners, or serve as a substitute for it. Among the powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution are those of establishing uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States and of providing for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the services of the United States. The magnitude and complexity of the interests affected by legislation upon these subjects may account for the fact that, long and often as both of them have occupied the attention and animated the debates of Congress, no systems have yet been devised for fulfilling to the satisfaction of the community the duties prescribed by these grants of power. To conciliate the claim of the individual citizen to the enjoyment of personal liberty, with the effective obligation of private contracts, is the difficult problem to be solved by a law of bankruptcy. These are objects of the deepest interest to society, affecting all that is precious in the existence of multitudes of persons, many of them in the classes essentially dependent and helpless, of the age requiring nurture, and of the sex entitled to protection from the free agency of the parent and the husband. The organization of the militia is yet more indispensable to the liberties of the country. It is only by an effective militia that we can at once enjoy the repose of peace and bid defiance to foreign aggression; it is by the militia that we are constituted an armed nation, standing in perpetual panoply of defense in the presence of all the other nations of the earth. To this end it would be necessary, if possible, so to shape its organization as to give it a more united and active energy. There are laws establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States and for arming and equipping its whole body. But it is a body of dislocated members, without the vigor of unity and having little of uniformity but the name. To infuse into this most important institution the power of which it is susceptible and to make it available for the defense of the Union at the shortest notice and at the smallest expense possible of time, of life, and of treasure are among the benefits to be expected from the persevering deliberations of Congress. Among the unequivocal indications of our national prosperity is the flourishing state of our finances. The revenues of the present year, from all their principal sources, will exceed the anticipations of the last. The balance in the Treasury on the first of January last was a little short of $2,000,000, exclusive of $2,500,000, being the moiety of the loan of $5,000,000 authorized by the act of 1824-05-26. The receipts into the Treasury from the first of January to the 30th of September, exclusive of the other moiety of the same loan, are estimated at $16,500,000, and it is expected that those of the current quarter will exceed $5,000,000, forming an aggregate of receipts of nearly $22,000,000, independent of the loan. The expenditures of the year will not exceed that sum more than $2,000,000. By those expenditures nearly $8,000,000 of the principal of the public debt that have been discharged. More than $1,500,000 has been devoted to the debt of gratitude to the warriors of the Revolution; a nearly equal sum to the construction of fortifications and the acquisition of ordnance and other permanent preparations of national defense; $500,000 to the gradual increase of the Navy; an equal sum for purchases of territory from the Indians and payment of annuities to them; and upward of $1,000,000 for objects of internal improvement authorized by special acts of the last Congress. If we add to these $4,000,000 for payment of interest upon the public debt, there remains a sum of $7,000,000, which have defrayed the whole expense of the administration of Government in its legislative, executive, and judiciary departments, including the support of the military and naval establishments and all the occasional contingencies of a government coextensive with the Union. The amount of duties secured on merchandise imported since the commencement of the year is about $25,500,000, and that which will accrue during the current quarter is estimated at $5,500,000; from these $31,000,000, deducting the draw-backs, estimated at less than $7,000,000, a sum exceeding $24,000,000 will constitute the revenue of the year, and will exceed the whole expenditures of the year. The entire amount of the public debt remaining due on the first of January next will be short of $81,000,000. By an act of Congress of the 3d of March last a loan of $12,000,000 was authorized at 4.5%, or an exchange of stock to that amount of 4.5% for a stock of 6%, to create a fund for extinguishing an equal amount of the public debt, bearing an interest of 6%, redeemable in 1826. An account of the measures taken to give effect to this act will be laid before you by the Secretary of the Treasury. As the object which it had in view has been but partially accomplished, it will be for the consideration of Congress whether the power with which it clothed the Executive should not be renewed at an early day of the present session, and under what modifications. The act of Congress of the 3d of March last, directing the Secretary of the Treasury to subscribe, in the name and for the use of the United States, for 1,500 shares of the capital stock of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company, has been executed by the actual subscription for the amount specified; and such other measures have been adopted by that officer, under the act, as the fulfillment of its intentions requires. The latest accounts received of this important undertaking authorize the belief that it is in successful progress. The payments into the Treasury from the proceeds of the sales of the public lands during the present year were estimated at $1,000,000. The actual receipts of the first two quarters have fallen very little short of that sum; it is not expected that the second half of the year will be equally productive, but the income of the year from that source may now be safely estimated at $1,500,000. The act of Congress of 1824-05-18, to provide for the extinguishment of the debt due to the United States by the purchasers of public lands, was limited in its operation of relief to the purchaser to the 10th of April last. Its effect at the end of the quarter during which it expired was to reduce that debt from $10,000,000 to $7,000,000 By the operation of similar prior laws of relief, from and since that of 1821-03-02, the debt had been reduced from upward of $22,000,000 to $10,000,000. It is exceedingly desirable that it should be extinguished altogether; and to facilitate that consummation I recommend to Congress the revival for one year more of the act of 1824-05-18, with such provisional modification as may be necessary to guard the public interests against fraudulent practices in the resale of the relinquished land. The purchasers of public lands are among the most useful of our fellow citizens, and since the system of sales for cash alone has been introduced great indulgence has been justly extended to those who had previously purchased upon credit. The debt which had been contracted under the credit sales had become unwieldy, and its extinction was alike advantageous to the purchaser and to the public. Under the system of sales, matured as it has been by experience, and adapted to the exigencies of the times, the lands will continue as they have become, an abundant source of revenue; and when the pledge of them to the public creditor shall have been redeemed by the entire discharge of the national debt, the swelling tide of wealth with which they replenish the common Treasury may be made to reflow in unfailing streams of improvement from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The condition of the various branches of the public service resorting from the Department of War, and their administration during the current year, will be exhibited in the report of the Secretary of War and the accompanying documents herewith communicated. The organization and discipline of the Army are effective and satisfactory. To counteract the prevalence of desertion among the troops it has been suggested to withhold from the men a small portion of their monthly pay until the period of their discharge; and some expedient appears to be necessary to preserve and maintain among the officers so much of the art of horsemanship as could scarcely fail to be found wanting on the possible sudden eruption of a war, which should take us unprovided with a single corps of cavalry. The Military Academy at West Point, under the restrictions of a severe but paternal superintendence, recommends itself more and more to the patronage of the nation, and the numbers of meritorious officers which it forms and introduces to the public service furnishes the means of multiplying the undertakings of the public improvements to which their acquirements at that institution are peculiarly adapted. The school of artillery practice established at Fortress Monroe Hampton, VA is well suited to the same purpose, and may need the aid of further legislative provision to the same end. The reports of the various officers at the head of the administrative branches of the military service, connected with the quartering, clothing, subsistence, health, and pay of the Army, exhibit the assiduous vigilance of those officers in the performance of their respective duties, and the faithful accountability which has pervaded every part of the system. Our relations with the numerous tribes of aboriginal natives of this country, scattered over its extensive surface and so dependent even for their existence upon our power, have been during the present year highly interesting. An act of Congress of 1824-05-25, made an appropriation to defray the expenses of making treaties of trade and friendship with the Indian tribes beyond the Mississippi. An act of 1825-03-03, authorized treaties to be made with the Indians for their consent to the making of a road from the frontier of Missouri to that of New Mexico, and another act of the same date provided for defraying the expenses of holding treaties with the Sioux, Chippeways, Menomenees, Sauks, Foxes, etc., for the purpose of establishing boundaries and promoting peace between said tribes. The first and last objects of these acts have been accomplished, and the second is yet in a process of execution. The treaties which since the last session of Congress have been concluded with the several tribes will be laid before the Senate for their consideration conformably to the Constitution. They comprise large and valuable acquisitions of territory, and they secure an adjustment of boundaries and give pledges of permanent peace between several tribes which had been long waging bloody wars against each other. On the 12th of February last a treaty was signed at the Indian Springs between commissioners appointed on the part of the United States and certain chiefs and individuals of the Creek Nation of Indians, which was received at the seat of Government only a very few days before the close of the last session of Congress and of the late Administration. The advice and consent of the Senate was given to it on the 3d of March, too late for it to receive the ratification of the then President of the United States; it was ratified on the 7th of March, under the unsuspecting impression that it had been negotiated in good faith and in the confidence inspired by the recommendation of the Senate. The subsequent transactions in relation to this treaty will form the subject of a separate communication. The appropriations made by Congress for public works, as well in the construction of fortifications as for purposes of internal improvement, so far as they have been expended, have been faithfuly applied. Their progress has been delayed by the want of suitable officers for superintending them. An increase of both the corps of engineers, military and topographical, was recommended by my predecessor at the last session of Congress. The reasons upon which that recommendation was founded subsist in all their force and have acquired additional urgency since that time. The Military Academy at West Point will furnish from the cadets there officers well qualified for carrying this measure into effect. The Board of Engineers for Internal Improvement, appointed for carrying into execution the act of Congress of 1824-04-30, "to procure the necessary surveys, plans, and estimates on the subject of roads and canals", have been actively engaged in that service from the close of the last session of Congress. They have completed the surveys necessary for ascertaining the practicability of a canal from the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River, and are preparing a full report on that subject, which, when completed, will be laid before you. The same observation is to be made with regard to the two other objects of national importance upon which the Board have been occupied, namely, the accomplishment of a national road from this city to New Orleans, and the practicability of uniting the waters of Lake Memphramagog with Connecticut River and the improvement of the navigation of that river. The surveys have been made and are nearly completed. The report may be expected at an early period during the present session of Congress. The acts of Congress of the last session relative to the surveying, marking, or laying out roads in the Territories of Florida, Arkansas, and Michigan, from Missouri to Mexico, and for the continuation of the Cumberland road, are, some of them, fully executed, and others in the process of execution. Those for completing or commencing fortifications have been delayed only so far as the Corps of Engineers has been inadequate to furnish officers for the necessary superintendence of the works. Under the act confirming the statutes of Virginia and Maryland incorporating the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, three commissioners on the part of the United States have been appointed for opening books and receiving subscriptions, in concert with a like number of commissioners appointed on the part of each of those States. A meeting of the commissioners has been post-poned, to await the definitive report of the board of engineers. The light-houses and monuments for the safety of our commerce and mariners, the works for the security of Plymouth Beach and for the preservation of the islands in Boston Harbor, have received the attention required by the laws relating to those objects respectively. The continuation of the Cumberland road, the most important of them all, after surmounting no inconsiderable difficulty in fixing upon the direction of the road, has commenced under the most promising of auspices, with the improvements of recent invention in the mode of construction, and with advantage of a great reduction in the comparative cost of the work. The operation of the laws relating to the Revolutionary pensioners may deserve the renewed consideration of Congress. The act of 1818-03-18, while it made provision for many meritorious and indigent citizens who had served in the War of Independence, opened a door to numerous abuses and impositions. To remedy this the act of 1820-05-01, exacted proofs of absolute indigence, which many really in want were unable and all susceptible of that delicacy which is allied to many virtues must be deeply reluctant to give. The result has been that some among the least deserving have been retained, and some in whom the requisites both of worth and want were combined have been stricken from the list. As the numbers of these venerable relics of an age gone by diminish; as the decays of body, mind, and estate of those that survive must in the common course of nature increase, should not a more liberal portion of indulgence be dealt out to them? May not the want in most instances be inferred from the demand when the service can be proved, and may not the last days of human infirmity be spared the mortification of purchasing a pittance of relief only by the exposure of its own necessities? I submit to Congress the expediency of providing for individual cases of this description by special enactment, or of revising the act of 1820-05-01, with a view to mitigate the rigor of its exclusions in favor of persons to whom charity now bestowed can scarcely discharge the debt of justice. The portion of the naval force of the Union in actual service has been chiefly employed on three stations -- the Mediterranean, the coasts of South America bordering on the Pacific Ocean, and the West Indies. An occasional cruiser has been sent to range along the African shores most polluted by the traffic of slaves; one armed vessel has been stationed on the coast of our eastern boundary, to cruise along the fishing grounds in Hudsons Bay and on the coast of Labrador, and the first service of a new frigate has been performed in restoring to his native soil and domestic enjoyments the veteran hero whose youthful blood and treasure had freely flowed in the cause of our country's independence, and whose whole life has been a series of services and sacrifices to the improvement of his fellow men. The visit of General Lafayette, alike honorable to himself and to our country, closed, as it had commenced, with the most affecting testimonials of devoted attachment on his part, and of unbounded gratitude of this people to him in return. It will form here-after a pleasing incident in the annals of our Union, giving to real history the intense interest of romance and signally marking the unpurchasable tribute of a great nation's social affections to the disinterested champion of the liberties of human-kind. The constant maintenance of a small squadron in the Mediterranean is a necessary substitute for the humiliating alternative of paying tribute for the security of our commerce in that sea, and for a precarious peace, at the mercy of every caprice of four Barbary States, by whom it was liable to be violated. An additional motive for keeping a respectable force stationed there at this time is found in the maritime war raging between the Greeks and the Turks, and in which the neutral navigation of this Union is always in danger of outrage and depredation. A few instances have occurred of such depredations upon our merchant vessels by privateers or pirates wearing the Grecian flag, but without real authority from the Greek or any other Government. The heroic struggles of the Greeks themselves, in which our warmest sympathies as free men and Christians have been engaged, have continued to be maintained with vicissitudes of success adverse and favorable. Similar motives have rendered expedient the keeping of a like force on the coasts of Peru and Chile on the Pacific. The irregular and convulsive character of the war upon the shores has been extended to the conflicts upon the ocean. An active warfare has been kept up for years with alternate success, though generally to the advantage of the American patriots. But their naval forces have not always been under the control of their own Governments. Blockades, unjustifiable upon any acknowledged principles of international law, have been proclaimed by officers in command, and though disavowed by the supreme authorities, the protection of our own commerce against them has been made cause of complaint and erroneous imputations against some of the most gallant officers of our Navy. Complaints equally groundless have been made by the commanders of the Spanish royal forces in those seas; but the most effective protection to our commerce has been the flag and the firmness of our own commanding officers. The cessation of the war by the complete triumph of the patriot cause has removed, it is hoped, all cause of dissension with one party and all vestige of force of the other. But an unsettled coast of many degrees of latitude forming a part of our own territory and a flourishing commerce and fishery extending to the islands of the Pacific and to China still require that the protecting power of the Union should be displayed under its flag as well upon the ocean as upon the land. The objects of the West India Squadron have been to carry into execution the laws for the suppression of the African slave trade; for the protection of our commerce against vessels of piratical character, though bearing commissions from either of the belligerent parties; for its protection against open and unequivocal pirates. These objects during the present year have been accomplished more effectually than at any former period. The African slave trade has long been excluded from the use of our flag, and if some few citizens of our country have continued to set the laws of the Union as well as those of nature and humanity at defiance by persevering in that abominable traffic, it has been only by sheltering themselves under the banners of other nations less earnest for the total extinction of the trade of ours. The active, persevering, and unremitted energy of Captain Warrington and of the officers and men under his command on that trying and perilous service have been crowned with signal success, and are entitled to the approbation of their country. But experience has shown that not even a temporary suspension or relaxation from assiduity can be indulged on that station without reproducing piracy and murder in all their horrors; nor is it probably that for years to come our immensely valuable commerce in those seas can navigate in security without the steady continuance of an armed force devoted to its protection. It were, indeed, a vain and dangerous illusion to believe that in the present or probable condition of human society a commerce so extensive and so rich as ours could exist and be pursued in safety without the continual support of a military marine -- the only arm by which the power of this Confederacy can be estimated or felt by foreign nations, and the only standing military force which can never be dangerous to our own liberties at home. A permanent naval peace establishment, therefore, adapted to our present condition, and adaptable to that gigantic growth with which the nation is advancing in its career, is among the subjects which have already occupied the foresight of the last Congress, and which will deserve your serious deliberations. Our Navy, commenced at an early period of our present political organization upon a scale commensurate with the incipient energies, the scanty resources, and the comparative indigence of our infancy, was even then found adequate to cope with all the powers of Barbary, save the first, and with one of the principle maritime powers of Europe. At a period of further advancement, but with little accession of strength, it not only sustained with honor the most unequal of conflicts, but covered itself and our country with unfading glory. But it is only since the close of the late war that by the numbers and force of the ships of which it was composed it could deserve the name of a navy. Yet it retains nearly the same organization as when it consisted only of 5 frigates. The rules and regulations by which it is governed earnestly call for revision, and the want of a naval school of instruction, corresponding with the Military Academy at West Point, for the formation of scientific and accomplished officers, is felt with daily increasing aggravation. The act of Congress of 1824-05-26, authorizing an examination and survey of the harbor of Charleston, in South Carolina, of St. Marys, in Georgia, and of the coast of Florida, and for other purposes, has been executed so far as the appropriation would admit. Those of the 3d of March last, authorizing the establishment of a navy yard and depot on the coast of Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, and authorizing the building of ten sloops of war, and for other purposes, are in the course of execution, for the particulars of which and other objects connected with this Department I refer to the report of the Secretary of the Navy, herewith communicated. A report from the PostMaster General is also submitted, exhibiting the present flourishing condition of that Department. For the first time for many years the receipts for the year ending on the first of July last exceeded the expenditures during the same period to the amount of more than $45,000. Other facts equally creditable to the administration of this Department are that in two years from 1823-07-01, an improvement of more than $185,000 in its pecuniary affairs has been realized; that in the same interval the increase of the transportation of the mail has exceeded 1,500,000 miles annually, and that 1,040 new post offices have been established. It hence appears that under judicious management the income from this establishment may be relied on as fully adequate to defray its expenses, and that by the discontinuance of post roads altogether unproductive, others of more useful character may be opened, 'til the circulation of the mail shall keep pace with the spread of our population, and the comforts of friendly correspondence, the exchanges of internal traffic, and the lights of the periodical press shall be distributed to the remotest corners of the Union, at a charge scarcely perceptible to any individual, and without the cost of a dollar to the public Treasury. Upon this first occasion of addressing the Legislature of the Union, with which I have been honored, in presenting to their view the execution so far as it has been effected of the measures sanctioned by them for promoting the internal improvement of our country, I can not close the communication without recommending to their calm and persevering consideration the general principle in a more enlarged extent. The great object of the institution of civil government is the improvement of the condition of those who are parties to the social compact, and no government, in what ever form constituted, can accomplish the lawful ends of its institution but in proportion as it improves the condition of those over whom it is established. Roads and canals, by multiplying and facilitating the communications and intercourse between distant regions and multitudes of men, are among the most important means of improvement. But moral, political, intellectual improvement are duties assigned by the Author of Our Existence to social no less than to individual man. For the fulfillment of those duties governments are invested with power, and to the attainment of the end -- the progressive improvement of the condition of the governed -- the exercise of delegated powers is a duty as sacred and indispensable as the usurpation of powers not granted is criminal and odious. Among the first, perhaps the very first, instrument for the improvement of the condition of men is knowledge, and to the acquisition of much of the knowledge adapted to the wants, the comforts, and enjoyments of human life public institutions and seminaries of learning are essential. So convinced of this was the first of my predecessors in this office, now first in the memory, as, living, he was first in the hearts, of our country- men, that once and again in his addresses to the Congresses with whom he cooperated in the public service he earnestly recommended the establishment of seminaries of learning, to prepare for all the emergencies of peace and war -- a national university and a military academy. With respect to the latter, had he lived to the present day, in turning his eyes to the institution at West Point he would have enjoyed the gratification of his most earnest wishes; but in surveying the city which has been honored with his name he would have seen the spot of earth which he had destined and bequeathed to the use and benefit of his country as the site for a university still bare and barren. In assuming her station among the civilized nations of the earth it would seem that our country had contracted the engagement to contribute her share of mind, of labor, and of expense to the improvement of those parts of knowledge which lie beyond the reach of individual acquisition, and particularly to geographical and astronomical science. Looking back to the history only of the half century since the declaration of our independence, and observing the generous emulation with which the Governments of France, Great Britain, and Russia have devoted the genius, the intelligence, the treasures of their respective nations to the common improvement of the species in these branches of science, is it not incumbent upon us to inquire whether we are not bound by obligations of a high and honorable character to contribute our portion of energy and exertion to the common stock? The voyages of discovery prosecuted in the course of that time at the expense of those nations have not only redounded to their glory, but to the improvement of human knowledge. We have been partakers of that improvement and owe for it a sacred debt, not only of gratitude, but of equal or proportional exertion in the same common cause. Of the cost of these undertakings, if the mere expenditures of outfit, equipment, and completion of the expeditions were to be considered the only charges, it would be unworthy of a great and generous nation to take a second thought. One hundred expeditions of circumnavigation like those of Cook and La Prouse would not burden the exchequer of the nation fitting them out so much as the ways and means of defraying a single campaign in war. but if we take into account the lives of those benefactors of man-kind of which their services in the cause of their species were the purchase, how shall the cost of those heroic enterprises be estimated, and what compensation can be made to them or to their countries for them? Is it not by bearing them in affectionate remembrance? Is it not still more by imitating their example -- by enabling country-men of our own to pursue the same career and to hazard their lives in the same cause? In inviting the attention of Congress to the subject of internal improvements upon a view thus enlarged it is not my desire to recommend the equipment of an expedition for circumnavigating the globe for purposes of scientific research and inquiry. We have objects of useful investigation nearer home, and to which our cares may be more beneficially applied. The interior of our own territories has yet been very imperfectly explored. our coasts along many degrees of latitude upon the shores of the Pacific Ocean, though much frequented by our spirited commercial navigators, have been barely visited by our public ships. The River of the West, first fully discovered and navigated by a country-man of our own, still bears the name of the ship in which he ascended its waters, and claims the protection of our armed national flag at its mouth. With the establishment of a military post there or at some other point of that coast, recommended by my predecessor and already matured in the deliberations of the last Congress, I would suggest the expediency of connecting the equipment of a public ship for the exploration of the whole north-west coast of this continent. The establishment of an uniform standard of weights and measures was one of the specific objects contemplated in the formation of our Constitution, and to fix that standard was on of the powers delegated by express terms in that instrument to Congress. The Governments of Great Britain and France have scarcely ceased to be occupied with inquiries and speculations on the same subject since the existence of our Constitution, and with them it has expanded into profound, laborious, and expensive researches into the figure of the earth and the comparative length of the pendulum vibrating seconds in various latitudes from the equator to the pole. These researches have resulted in the composition and publication of several works highly interesting to the cause of science. The experiments are yet in the process of performance. Some of them have recently been made on our own shores, within the walls of one of our own colleges, and partly by one of our own fellow citizens. It would be honorable to our country if the sequel of the same experiments should be countenanced by the patronage of our Government, as they have hitherto been by those of France and Britain. Connected with the establishment of an university, or separate from it, might be undertaken the erection of an astronomical observatory, with provision for the support of an astronomer, to be in constant attendance of observation upon the phenomena of the heavens, and for the periodical publication of his observances. it is with no feeling of pride as an American that the remark may be made that on the comparatively small territorial surface of Europe there are existing upward of 130 of these light-houses of the skies, while throughout the whole American hemisphere there is not one. If we reflect a moment upon the discoveries which in the last four centuries have been made in the physical constitution of the universe by the means of these buildings and of observers stationed in them, shall we doubt of their usefulness to every nation? And while scarcely a year passes over our heads without bringing some new astronomical discovery to light, which we must fain receive at second hand from Europe, are we not cutting ourselves off from the means of returning light for light while we have neither observatory nor observer upon our half of the globe and the earth revolves in perpetual darkness to our unsearching eyes? When, on 1791-10-25, the first President of the United States announced to Congress the result of the first enumeration of the inhabitants of this Union, he informed them that the returns gave the pleasing assurance that the population of the United States bordered on 4,000,000 persons. At the distance of 30 years from that time the last enumeration, 5 years since completed, presented a population bordering on 10,000,000. Perhaps of all the evidence of a prosperous and happy condition of human society the rapidity of the increase of population is the most unequivocal. But the demonstration of our prosperity rests not alone upon this indication. Our commerce, our wealth, and the extent of our territories have increased in corresponding proportions, and the number of independent communities associated in our Federal Union has since that time nearly doubled. The legislative representation of the States and people in the two Houses of Congress has grown with the growth of their constituent bodies. The House, which then consisted of 65 members, now numbers upward of 200. The Senate, which consisted of 26 members, has now 48. But the executive and, still more, the judiciary departments are yet in a great measure confined to their primitive organization, and are now not adequate to the urgent wants of a still growing community. The naval armaments, which at an early period forced themselves upon the necessities of the Union, soon led to the establishment of a Department of the Navy. But the Departments of Foreign Affairs and of the Interior, which early after the formation of the Government had been united in one, continue so united to this time, to the unquestionable detriment of the public service. The multiplication of our relations with the nations and Governments of the Old World has kept pace with that of our population and commerce, while within the last 10 years a new family of nations in our own hemisphere has arisen among the inhabitants of the earth, with whom our intercourse, commercial and political, would of itself furnish occupation to an active and industrious department. The constitution of the judiciary, experimental and imperfect as it was even in the infancy of our existing Government, is yet more inadequate to the administration of national justice at our present maturity. Nine years have elapsed since a predecessor in this office, now not the last, the citizen who, perhaps, of all others throughout the Union contributed most to the formation and establishment of our Constitution, in his valedictory address to Congress, immediately preceding his retirement from public life, urgently recommended the revision of the judiciary and the establishment of an additional executive department. The exigencies of the public service and its unavoidable deficiencies, as now in exercise, have added yearly cumulative weight to the considerations presented by him as persuasive to the measure, and in recommending it to your deliberations I am happy to have the influence of this high authority in aid of the undoubting convictions of my own experience. The laws relating to the administration of the Patent Office are deserving of much consideration and perhaps susceptible of some improvement. The grant of power to regulate the action of Congress upon this subject has specified both the end to be obtained and the means by which it is to be effected, "to promote the progress of science and useful arts by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries". If an honest pride might be indulged in the reflection that on the records of that office are already found inventions the usefulness of which has scarcely been transcended in the annals of human ingenuity, would not its exultation be allayed by the inquiry whether the laws have effectively insured to the inventors the reward destined to them by the Constitution -- even a limited term of exclusive right to their discoveries? On 1799-12-24, it was resolved by Congress that a marble monument should be erected by the United States in the Capitol at the city of Washington; that the family of General Washington should be requested to permit his body to be deposited under it, and that the monument be so designed as to commemorate the great events of his military and political life. In reminding Congress of this resolution and that the monument contemplated by it remains yet without execution, I shall indulge only the remarks that the works at the Capitol are approaching to completion; that the consent of the family, desired by the resolution, was requested and obtained; that a monument has been recently erected in this city over the remains of another distinguished patriot of the Revolution, and that a spot has been reserved within the walls where you are deliberating for the benefit of this and future ages, in which the mortal remains may be deposited of him whose spirit hovers over you and listens with delight to every act of the representatives of his nation which can tend to exalt and adorn his and their country. The Constitution under which you are assembled is a charter of limited powers. After full and solemn deliberation upon all or any of the objects which, urged by an irresistible sense of my own duty, I have recommended to your attention should you come to the conclusion that, however desirable in themselves, the enactment of laws for effecting them would transcend the powers committed to you by that venerable instrument which we are all bound to support, let no consideration induce you to assume the exercise of powers not granted to you by the people. But if the power to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases what so ever over the District of Columbia; if the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; if the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several States and with the Indian tribes, to fix the standard of weights and measures, to establish post offices and post roads, to declare war, to raise and support armies, to provide and maintain a navy, to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States, and to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying these powers into execution -- if these powers and others enumerated in the Constitution may be effectually brought into action by laws promoting the improvement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, the cultivation and encouragement of the mechanic and of the elegant arts, the advancement of literature, and the progress of the sciences, ornamental and profound, to refrain from exercising them for the benefit of the people themselves would be to hide in the earth the talent committed to our charge -- would be treachery to the most sacred of trusts. The spirit of improvement is abroad upon the earth. It stimulates the hearts and sharpens the faculties not of our fellow citizens alone, but of the nations of Europe and of their rulers. While dwelling with pleasing satisfaction upon the superior excellence of our political institutions, let us not be unmindful that liberty is power; that the nation blessed with the largest portion of liberty must in proportion to its numbers be the most powerful nation upon earth, and that the tenure of power by man is, in the moral purposes of his Creator, upon condition that it shall be exercised to ends of beneficence, to improve the condition of himself and his fellow men. While foreign nations less blessed with that freedom which is power than ourselves are advancing with gigantic strides in the career of public improvement, were we to slumber in indolence or fold up our arms and proclaim to the world that we are palsied by the will of our constituents, would it not be to cast away the bounties of Providence and doom ourselves to perpetual inferiority? In the course of the year now drawing to its close we have beheld, under the auspices and at the expense of one State of this Union, a new university unfolding its portals to the sons of science and holding up the torch of human improvement to eyes that seek the light. We have seen under the persevering and enlightened enterprise of another State the waters of our Western lakes mingle with those of the ocean. If undertakings like these have been accomplished in the compass of a few years by the authority of single members of our Confederation, can we, the representative authorities of the whole Union, fall behind our fellow servants in the exercise of the trust committed to us for the benefit of our common sovereign by the accomplishment of works important to the whole and to which neither the authority nor the resources of any one State can be adequate? Finally, fellow citizens, I shall await with cheering hope and faithful cooperation the result of your deliberations, assured that, without encroaching upon the powers reserved to the authorities of the respective States or to the people, you will, with a due sense of your obligations to your country and of the high responsibilities weighing upon yourselves, give efficacy to the means committed to you for the common good. And may He who searches the hearts of the children of men prosper your exertions to secure the blessings of peace and promote the highest welfare of your country.
In taking a general survey of the concerns of our beloved country, with reference to subjects interesting to the common welfare, the first sentiment which impresses itself upon the mind is of gratitude to the Omnipotent Disposer of All Good for the continuance of the signal blessings of His providence, and especially for that health which to an unusual extent has prevailed within our borders, and for that abundance which in the vicissitudes of the seasons has been scattered with profusion over our land. Nor ought we less to ascribe to Him the glory that we are permitted to enjoy the bounties of His hand in peace and tranquillity -- in peace with all the other nations of the earth, in tranquillity among our selves. There has, indeed, rarely been a period in the history of civilized man in which the general condition of the Christian nations has been marked so extensively by peace and prosperity. Europe, with a few partial and unhappy exceptions, has enjoyed 10 years of peace, during which all her Governments, what ever the theory of their constitutions may have been, are successively taught to feel that the end of their institution is the happiness of the people, and that the exercise of power among men can be justified only by the blessings it confers upon those over whom it is extended. During the same period our intercourse with all those nations has been pacific and friendly; it so continues. Since the close of your last session no material variation has occurred in our relations with any one of them. In the commercial and navigation system of Great Britain important changes of municipal regulation have recently been sanctioned by acts of Parliament, the effect of which upon the interests of other nations, and particularly upon ours, has not yet been fully developed. In the recent renewal of the diplomatic missions on both sides between the two Governments assurances have been given and received of the continuance and increase of the mutual confidence and cordiality by which the adjustment of many points of difference had already been effected, and which affords the surest pledge for the ultimate satisfactory adjustment of those which still remain open or may hereafter arise. The policy of the United States in their commercial intercourse with other nations has always been of the most liberal character. In the mutual exchange of their respective productions they have abstained altogether from prohibitions; they have interdicted themselves the power of laying taxes upon exports, and when ever they have favored their own shipping by special preferences or exclusive privileges in their own ports it has been only with a view to countervail similar favors and exclusions granted by the nations with whom we have been engaged in traffic to their own people or shipping, and to the disadvantage of ours. Immediately after the close of the last war a proposal was fairly made by the act of Congress of 1815-03-03, to all the maritime nations to lay aside the system of retaliating restrictions and exclusions, and to place the shipping of both parties to the common trade on a footing of equality in respect to the duties of tonnage and impost. This offer was partially and successively accepted by Great Britain, Sweden, the Netherlands, the Hanseatic cities, Prussia, Sardinia, the Duke of Oldenburg, and Russia. It was also adopted, under certain modifications, in our late commercial convention with France, and by the act of Congress of 1824-01-08, it has received a new confirmation with all the nations who had acceded to it, and has been offered again to all those who are or may here after be willing to abide in reciprocity by it. But all these regulations, whether established by treaty or by municipal enactments, are still subject to one important restriction. The removal of discriminating duties of tonnage and of impost is limited to articles of the growth, produce, or manufacture of the country to which the vessel belongs or to such articles as are most usually first shipped from her ports. It will deserve the serious consideration of Congress whether even this remnant of restriction may not be safely abandoned, and whether the general tender of equal competition made in the act of 1824-01-08, may not be extended to include all articles of merchandise not prohibited, of what country so ever they may be the produce or manufacture. Propositions of this effect have already been made to us by more than one European Government, and it is probable that if once established by legislation or compact with any distinguished maritime state it would recommend itself by the experience of its advantages to the general accession of all. The convention of commerce and navigation between the United States and France, concluded on 1822-06-24, was, in the understanding and intent of both parties, as appears upon its face, only a temporary arrangement of the points of difference between them of the most immediate and pressing urgency. It was limited in the first instance to two years from 1822-10-01, but with a proviso that it should further continue in force 'til the conclusion of a general and definitive treaty of commerce, unless terminated by a notice, 6 months in advance, of either of the parties to the other. Its operation so far as it extended has been mutually advantageous, and it still continues in force by common consent. But it left unadjusted several objects of great interest to the citizens and subjects of both countries, and particularly a mass of claims to considerable amount of citizens of the United States upon the Government of France of indemnity for property taken or destroyed under circumstances of the most aggravated and outrageous character. In the long period during which continual and earnest appeals have been made to the equity and magnanimity of France in behalf of these claims their justice has not been, as it could not be, denied. It was hoped that the accession of a new Sovereign to the throne would have afforded a favorable opportunity for presenting them to the consideration of his Government. They have been presented and urged hither to without effect. The repeated and earnest representations of our minister at the Court of France remain as yet even without an answer. Were the demands of nations upon the justice of each other susceptible of adjudication by the sentence of an impartial tribunal, those to which I now refer would long since have been settled and adequate indemnity would have been obtained. There are large amounts of similar claims upon the Netherlands, Naples, and Denmark. For those upon Spain prior to 1819 indemnity was, after many years of patient forbearance, obtained; and those upon Sweden have been lately compromised by a private settlement, in which the claimants themselves have acquiesced. The Governments of Denmark and of Naples have been recently reminded of those yet existing against them, nor will any of them be forgotten while a hope may be indulged of obtaining justice by the means within the constitutional power of the Executive, and without resorting to those means of self-redress which, as well as the time, circumstances, and occasion which may require them, are within the exclusive competency of the Legislature. It is with great satisfaction that I am enabled to bear witness to the liberal spirit with which the Republic of Colombia has made satisfaction for well-established claims of a similar character, and among the documents now communicated to Congress will be distinguished a treaty of commerce and navigation with that Republic, the ratifications of which have been exchanged since the last recess of the Legislature. The negotiation of similar treaties with all of the independent South American States has been contemplated and may yet be accomplished. The basis of them all, as proposed by the United States, has been laid in two principles -- the one of entire and unqualified reciprocity, the other the mutual obligation of the parties to place each other permanently upon the footing of the most favored nation. These principles are, indeed, indispensable to the effectual emancipation of the American hemisphere from the thralldom of colonizing monopolies and exclusions, an event rapidly realizing in the progress of human affairs, and which the resistance still opposed in certain parts of Europe to the acknowledgment of the Southern American Republics as independent States will, it is believed, contribute more effectually to accomplish. The time has been, and that not remote, when some of those States might, in their anxious desire to obtain a nominal recognition, have accepted of a nominal independence, clogged with burdensome conditions, and exclusive commercial privileges granted to the nation from which they have separated to the disadvantage of all others. They are all now aware that such concessions to any European nation would be incompatible with that independence which they have declared and maintained. Among the measures which have been suggested to them by the new relations with one another, resulting from the recent changes in their condition, is that of assembling at the Isthmus of Panama a congress, at which each of them should be represented, to deliberate upon objects important to the welfare of all. The Republics of Colombia, of Mexico, and of Central America have already deputed plenipotentiaries to such a meeting, and they have invited the United States to be also represented there by their ministers. The invitation has been accepted, and ministers on the part of the United States will be commissioned to attend at those deliberations, and to take part in them so far as may be compatible with that neutrality from which it is neither our intention nor the desire of the other American States that we should depart. The commissioners under the 7th article of the treaty of Ghent have so nearly completed their arduous labors that, by the report recently received from the agent on the part of the United States, there is reason to expect that the commission will be closed at their next session, appointed for May 22 of the ensuing year. The other commission, appointed to ascertain the indemnities due for slaves carried away from the United States after the close of the late war, have met with some difficulty, which has delayed their progress in the inquiry. A reference has been made to the British Government on the subject, which, it may be hoped, will tend to hasten the decision of the commissioners, or serve as a substitute for it. Among the powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution are those of establishing uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States and of providing for organizing, arming, and disciplining the militia and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the services of the United States. The magnitude and complexity of the interests affected by legislation upon these subjects may account for the fact that, long and often as both of them have occupied the attention and animated the debates of Congress, no systems have yet been devised for fulfilling to the satisfaction of the community the duties prescribed by these grants of power. To conciliate the claim of the individual citizen to the enjoyment of personal liberty, with the effective obligation of private contracts, is the difficult problem to be solved by a law of bankruptcy. These are objects of the deepest interest to society, affecting all that is precious in the existence of multitudes of persons, many of them in the classes essentially dependent and helpless, of the age requiring nurture, and of the sex entitled to protection from the free agency of the parent and the husband. The organization of the militia is yet more indispensable to the liberties of the country. It is only by an effective militia that we can at once enjoy the repose of peace and bid defiance to foreign aggression; it is by the militia that we are constituted an armed nation, standing in perpetual panoply of defense in the presence of all the other nations of the earth. To this end it would be necessary, if possible, so to shape its organization as to give it a more united and active energy. There are laws establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States and for arming and equipping its whole body. But it is a body of dislocated members, without the vigor of unity and having little of uniformity but the name. To infuse into this most important institution the power of which it is susceptible and to make it available for the defense of the Union at the shortest notice and at the smallest expense possible of time, of life, and of treasure are among the benefits to be expected from the persevering deliberations of Congress. Among the unequivocal indications of our national prosperity is the flourishing state of our finances. The revenues of the present year, from all their principal sources, will exceed the anticipations of the last. The balance in the Treasury on the first of January last was a little short of $2,000,000, exclusive of $2,500,000, being the moiety of the loan of $5,000,000 authorized by the act of 1824-05-26. The receipts into the Treasury from the first of January to the 30th of September, exclusive of the other moiety of the same loan, are estimated at $16,500,000, and it is expected that those of the current quarter will exceed $5,000,000, forming an aggregate of receipts of nearly $22,000,000, independent of the loan. The expenditures of the year will not exceed that sum more than $2,000,000. By those expenditures nearly $8,000,000 of the principal of the public debt that have been discharged. More than $1,500,000 has been devoted to the debt of gratitude to the warriors of the Revolution; a nearly equal sum to the construction of fortifications and the acquisition of ordnance and other permanent preparations of national defense; $500,000 to the gradual increase of the Navy; an equal sum for purchases of territory from the Indians and payment of annuities to them; and upward of $1,000,000 for objects of internal improvement authorized by special acts of the last Congress. If we add to these $4,000,000 for payment of interest upon the public debt, there remains a sum of $7,000,000, which have defrayed the whole expense of the administration of Government in its legislative, executive, and judiciary departments, including the support of the military and naval establishments and all the occasional contingencies of a government coextensive with the Union. The amount of duties secured on merchandise imported since the commencement of the year is about $25,500,000, and that which will accrue during the current quarter is estimated at $5,500,000; from these $31,000,000, deducting the draw-backs, estimated at less than $7,000,000, a sum exceeding $24,000,000 will constitute the revenue of the year, and will exceed the whole expenditures of the year. The entire amount of the public debt remaining due on the first of January next will be short of $81,000,000. By an act of Congress of the 3d of March last a loan of $12,000,000 was authorized at 4.5%, or an exchange of stock to that amount of 4.5% for a stock of 6%, to create a fund for extinguishing an equal amount of the public debt, bearing an interest of 6%, redeemable in 1826. An account of the measures taken to give effect to this act will be laid before you by the Secretary of the Treasury. As the object which it had in view has been but partially accomplished, it will be for the consideration of Congress whether the power with which it clothed the Executive should not be renewed at an early day of the present session, and under what modifications. The act of Congress of the 3d of March last, directing the Secretary of the Treasury to subscribe, in the name and for the use of the United States, for 1,500 shares of the capital stock of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Company, has been executed by the actual subscription for the amount specified; and such other measures have been adopted by that officer, under the act, as the fulfillment of its intentions requires. The latest accounts received of this important undertaking authorize the belief that it is in successful progress. The payments into the Treasury from the proceeds of the sales of the public lands during the present year were estimated at $1,000,000. The actual receipts of the first two quarters have fallen very little short of that sum; it is not expected that the second half of the year will be equally productive, but the income of the year from that source may now be safely estimated at $1,500,000. The act of Congress of 1824-05-18, to provide for the extinguishment of the debt due to the United States by the purchasers of public lands, was limited in its operation of relief to the purchaser to the 10th of April last. Its effect at the end of the quarter during which it expired was to reduce that debt from $10,000,000 to $7,000,000 By the operation of similar prior laws of relief, from and since that of 1821-03-02, the debt had been reduced from upward of $22,000,000 to $10,000,000. It is exceedingly desirable that it should be extinguished altogether; and to facilitate that consummation I recommend to Congress the revival for one year more of the act of 1824-05-18, with such provisional modification as may be necessary to guard the public interests against fraudulent practices in the resale of the relinquished land. The purchasers of public lands are among the most useful of our fellow citizens, and since the system of sales for cash alone has been introduced great indulgence has been justly extended to those who had previously purchased upon credit. The debt which had been contracted under the credit sales had become unwieldy, and its extinction was alike advantageous to the purchaser and to the public. Under the system of sales, matured as it has been by experience, and adapted to the exigencies of the times, the lands will continue as they have become, an abundant source of revenue; and when the pledge of them to the public creditor shall have been redeemed by the entire discharge of the national debt, the swelling tide of wealth with which they replenish the common Treasury may be made to reflow in unfailing streams of improvement from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The condition of the various branches of the public service resorting from the Department of War, and their administration during the current year, will be exhibited in the report of the Secretary of War and the accompanying documents herewith communicated. The organization and discipline of the Army are effective and satisfactory. To counteract the prevalence of desertion among the troops it has been suggested to withhold from the men a small portion of their monthly pay until the period of their discharge; and some expedient appears to be necessary to preserve and maintain among the officers so much of the art of horsemanship as could scarcely fail to be found wanting on the possible sudden eruption of a war, which should take us unprovided with a single corps of cavalry. The Military Academy at West Point, under the restrictions of a severe but paternal superintendence, recommends itself more and more to the patronage of the nation, and the numbers of meritorious officers which it forms and introduces to the public service furnishes the means of multiplying the undertakings of the public improvements to which their acquirements at that institution are peculiarly adapted. The school of artillery practice established at Fortress Monroe Hampton, VA is well suited to the same purpose, and may need the aid of further legislative provision to the same end. The reports of the various officers at the head of the administrative branches of the military service, connected with the quartering, clothing, subsistence, health, and pay of the Army, exhibit the assiduous vigilance of those officers in the performance of their respective duties, and the faithful accountability which has pervaded every part of the system. Our relations with the numerous tribes of aboriginal natives of this country, scattered over its extensive surface and so dependent even for their existence upon our power, have been during the present year highly interesting. An act of Congress of 1824-05-25, made an appropriation to defray the expenses of making treaties of trade and friendship with the Indian tribes beyond the Mississippi. An act of 1825-03-03, authorized treaties to be made with the Indians for their consent to the making of a road from the frontier of Missouri to that of New Mexico, and another act of the same date provided for defraying the expenses of holding treaties with the Sioux, Chippeways, Menomenees, Sauks, Foxes, etc., for the purpose of establishing boundaries and promoting peace between said tribes. The first and last objects of these acts have been accomplished, and the second is yet in a process of execution. The treaties which since the last session of Congress have been concluded with the several tribes will be laid before the Senate for their consideration conformably to the Constitution. They comprise large and valuable acquisitions of territory, and they secure an adjustment of boundaries and give pledges of permanent peace between several tribes which had been long waging bloody wars against each other. On the 12th of February last a treaty was signed at the Indian Springs between commissioners appointed on the part of the United States and certain chiefs and individuals of the Creek Nation of Indians, which was received at the seat of Government only a very few days before the close of the last session of Congress and of the late Administration. The advice and consent of the Senate was given to it on the 3d of March, too late for it to receive the ratification of the then President of the United States; it was ratified on the 7th of March, under the unsuspecting impression that it had been negotiated in good faith and in the confidence inspired by the recommendation of the Senate. The subsequent transactions in relation to this treaty will form the subject of a separate communication. The appropriations made by Congress for public works, as well in the construction of fortifications as for purposes of internal improvement, so far as they have been expended, have been faithfuly applied. Their progress has been delayed by the want of suitable officers for superintending them. An increase of both the corps of engineers, military and topographical, was recommended by my predecessor at the last session of Congress. The reasons upon which that recommendation was founded subsist in all their force and have acquired additional urgency since that time. The Military Academy at West Point will furnish from the cadets there officers well qualified for carrying this measure into effect. The Board of Engineers for Internal Improvement, appointed for carrying into execution the act of Congress of 1824-04-30, "to procure the necessary surveys, plans, and estimates on the subject of roads and canals", have been actively engaged in that service from the close of the last session of Congress. They have completed the surveys necessary for ascertaining the practicability of a canal from the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River, and are preparing a full report on that subject, which, when completed, will be laid before you. The same observation is to be made with regard to the two other objects of national importance upon which the Board have been occupied, namely, the accomplishment of a national road from this city to New Orleans, and the practicability of uniting the waters of Lake Memphramagog with Connecticut River and the improvement of the navigation of that river. The surveys have been made and are nearly completed. The report may be expected at an early period during the present session of Congress. The acts of Congress of the last session relative to the surveying, marking, or laying out roads in the Territories of Florida, Arkansas, and Michigan, from Missouri to Mexico, and for the continuation of the Cumberland road, are, some of them, fully executed, and others in the process of execution. Those for completing or commencing fortifications have been delayed only so far as the Corps of Engineers has been inadequate to furnish officers for the necessary superintendence of the works. Under the act confirming the statutes of Virginia and Maryland incorporating the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, three commissioners on the part of the United States have been appointed for opening books and receiving subscriptions, in concert with a like number of commissioners appointed on the part of each of those States. A meeting of the commissioners has been post-poned, to await the definitive report of the board of engineers. The light-houses and monuments for the safety of our commerce and mariners, the works for the security of Plymouth Beach and for the preservation of the islands in Boston Harbor, have received the attention required by the laws relating to those objects respectively. The continuation of the Cumberland road, the most important of them all, after surmounting no inconsiderable difficulty in fixing upon the direction of the road, has commenced under the most promising of auspices, with the improvements of recent invention in the mode of construction, and with advantage of a great reduction in the comparative cost of the work. The operation of the laws relating to the Revolutionary pensioners may deserve the renewed consideration of Congress. The act of 1818-03-18, while it made provision for many meritorious and indigent citizens who had served in the War of Independence, opened a door to numerous abuses and impositions. To remedy this the act of 1820-05-01, exacted proofs of absolute indigence, which many really in want were unable and all susceptible of that delicacy which is allied to many virtues must be deeply reluctant to give. The result has been that some among the least deserving have been retained, and some in whom the requisites both of worth and want were combined have been stricken from the list. As the numbers of these venerable relics of an age gone by diminish; as the decays of body, mind, and estate of those that survive must in the common course of nature increase, should not a more liberal portion of indulgence be dealt out to them? May not the want in most instances be inferred from the demand when the service can be proved, and may not the last days of human infirmity be spared the mortification of purchasing a pittance of relief only by the exposure of its own necessities? I submit to Congress the expediency of providing for individual cases of this description by special enactment, or of revising the act of 1820-05-01, with a view to mitigate the rigor of its exclusions in favor of persons to whom charity now bestowed can scarcely discharge the debt of justice. The portion of the naval force of the Union in actual service has been chiefly employed on three stations -- the Mediterranean, the coasts of South America bordering on the Pacific Ocean, and the West Indies. An occasional cruiser has been sent to range along the African shores most polluted by the traffic of slaves; one armed vessel has been stationed on the coast of our eastern boundary, to cruise along the fishing grounds in Hudsons Bay and on the coast of Labrador, and the first service of a new frigate has been performed in restoring to his native soil and domestic enjoyments the veteran hero whose youthful blood and treasure had freely flowed in the because of our country's independence, and whose whole life has been a series of services and sacrifices to the improvement of his fellow men. The visit of General Lafayette, alike honorable to himself and to our country, closed, as it had commenced, with the most affecting testimonials of devoted attachment on his part, and of unbounded gratitude of this people to him in return. It will form here-after a pleasing incident in the annals of our Union, giving to real history the intense interest of romance and signally marking the unpurchasable tribute of a great nation's social affections to the disinterested champion of the liberties of human-kind. The constant maintenance of a small squadron in the Mediterranean is a necessary substitute for the humiliating alternative of paying tribute for the security of our commerce in that sea, and for a precarious peace, at the mercy of every caprice of four Barbary States, by whom it was liable to be violated. An additional motive for keeping a respectable force stationed there at this time is found in the maritime war raging between the Greeks and the Turks, and in which the neutral navigation of this Union is always in danger of outrage and depredation. A few instances have occurred of such depredations upon our merchant vessels by privateers or pirates wearing the Grecian flag, but without real authority from the Greek or any other Government. The heroic struggles of the Greeks themselves, in which our warmest sympathies as free men and Christians have been engaged, have continued to be maintained with vicissitudes of success adverse and favorable. Similar motives have rendered expedient the keeping of a like force on the coasts of Peru and Chile on the Pacific. The irregular and convulsive character of the war upon the shores has been extended to the conflicts upon the ocean. An active warfare has been kept up for years with alternate success, though generally to the advantage of the American patriots. But their naval forces have not always been under the control of their own Governments. Blockades, unjustifiable upon any acknowledged principles of international law, have been proclaimed by officers in command, and though disavowed by the supreme authorities, the protection of our own commerce against them has been made because of complaint and erroneous imputations against some of the most gallant officers of our Navy. Complaints equally groundless have been made by the commanders of the Spanish royal forces in those seas; but the most effective protection to our commerce has been the flag and the firmness of our own commanding officers. The cessation of the war by the complete triumph of the patriot because has removed, it is hoped, all because of dissension with one party and all vestige of force of the other. But an unsettled coast of many degrees of latitude forming a part of our own territory and a flourishing commerce and fishery extending to the islands of the Pacific and to China still require that the protecting power of the Union should be displayed under its flag as well upon the ocean as upon the land. The objects of the West India Squadron have been to carry into execution the laws for the suppression of the African slave trade; for the protection of our commerce against vessels of piratical character, though bearing commissions from either of the belligerent parties; for its protection against open and unequivocal pirates. These objects during the present year have been accomplished more effectually than at any former period. The African slave trade has long been excluded from the use of our flag, and if some few citizens of our country have continued to set the laws of the Union as well as those of nature and humanity at defiance by persevering in that abominable traffic, it has been only by sheltering themselves under the banners of other nations less earnest for the total extinction of the trade of ours. The active, persevering, and unremitted energy of Captain Warrington and of the officers and men under his command on that trying and perilous service have been crowned with signal success, and are entitled to the approbation of their country. But experience has shown that not even a temporary suspension or relaxation from assiduity can be indulged on that station without reproducing piracy and murder in all their horrors; nor is it probably that for years to come our immensely valuable commerce in those seas can navigate in security without the steady continuance of an armed force devoted to its protection. It were, indeed, a vain and dangerous illusion to believe that in the present or probable condition of human society a commerce so extensive and so rich as ours could exist and be pursued in safety without the continual support of a military marine -- the only arm by which the power of this Confederacy can be estimated or felt by foreign nations, and the only standing military force which can never be dangerous to our own liberties at home. A permanent naval peace establishment, therefore, adapted to our present condition, and adaptable to that gigantic growth with which the nation is advancing in its career, is among the subjects which have already occupied the foresight of the last Congress, and which will deserve your serious deliberations. Our Navy, commenced at an early period of our present political organization upon a scale commensurate with the incipient energies, the scanty resources, and the comparative indigence of our infancy, was even then found adequate to cope with all the powers of Barbary, save the first, and with one of the principle maritime powers of Europe. At a period of further advancement, but with little accession of strength, it not only sustained with honor the most unequal of conflicts, but covered itself and our country with unfading glory. But it is only since the close of the late war that by the numbers and force of the ships of which it was composed it could deserve the name of a navy. Yet it retains nearly the same organization as when it consisted only of 5 frigates. The rules and regulations by which it is governed earnestly call for revision, and the want of a naval school of instruction, corresponding with the Military Academy at West Point, for the formation of scientific and accomplished officers, is felt with daily increasing aggravation. The act of Congress of 1824-05-26, authorizing an examination and survey of the harbor of Charleston, in South Carolina, of St. Marys, in Georgia, and of the coast of Florida, and for other purposes, has been executed so far as the appropriation would admit. Those of the 3d of March last, authorizing the establishment of a navy yard and depot on the coast of Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico, and authorizing the building of ten sloops of war, and for other purposes, are in the course of execution, for the particulars of which and other objects connected with this Department I refer to the report of the Secretary of the Navy, herewith communicated. A report from the PostMaster General is also submitted, exhibiting the present flourishing condition of that Department. For the first time for many years the receipts for the year ending on the first of July last exceeded the expenditures during the same period to the amount of more than $45,000. Other facts equally creditable to the administration of this Department are that in two years from 1823-07-01, an improvement of more than $185,000 in its pecuniary affairs has been realized; that in the same interval the increase of the transportation of the mail has exceeded 1,500,000 miles annually, and that 1,040 new post offices have been established. It hence appears that under judicious management the income from this establishment may be relied on as fully adequate to defray its expenses, and that by the discontinuance of post roads altogether unproductive, others of more useful character may be opened, 'til the circulation of the mail shall keep pace with the spread of our population, and the comforts of friendly correspondence, the exchanges of internal traffic, and the lights of the periodical press shall be distributed to the remotest corners of the Union, at a charge scarcely perceptible to any individual, and without the cost of a dollar to the public Treasury. Upon this first occasion of addressing the Legislature of the Union, with which I have been honored, in presenting to their view the execution so far as it has been effected of the measures sanctioned by them for promoting the internal improvement of our country, I can not close the communication without recommending to their calm and persevering consideration the general principle in a more enlarged extent. The great object of the institution of civil government is the improvement of the condition of those who are parties to the social compact, and no government, in what ever form constituted, can accomplish the lawful ends of its institution but in proportion as it improves the condition of those over whom it is established. Roads and canals, by multiplying and facilitating the communications and intercourse between distant regions and multitudes of men, are among the most important means of improvement. But moral, political, intellectual improvement are duties assigned by the Author of Our Existence to social no less than to individual man. For the fulfillment of those duties governments are invested with power, and to the attainment of the end -- the progressive improvement of the condition of the governed -- the exercise of delegated powers is a duty as sacred and indispensable as the usurpation of powers not granted is criminal and odious. Among the first, perhaps the very first, instrument for the improvement of the condition of men is knowledge, and to the acquisition of much of the knowledge adapted to the wants, the comforts, and enjoyments of human life public institutions and seminaries of learning are essential. So convinced of this was the first of my predecessors in this office, now first in the memory, as, living, he was first in the hearts, of our country- men, that once and again in his addresses to the Congresses with whom he cooperated in the public service he earnestly recommended the establishment of seminaries of learning, to prepare for all the emergencies of peace and war -- a national university and a military academy. With respect to the latter, had he lived to the present day, in turning his eyes to the institution at West Point he would have enjoyed the gratification of his most earnest wishes; but in surveying the city which has been honored with his name he would have seen the spot of earth which he had destined and bequeathed to the use and benefit of his country as the site for a university still bare and barren. In assuming her station among the civilized nations of the earth it would seem that our country had contracted the engagement to contribute her share of mind, of labor, and of expense to the improvement of those parts of knowledge which lie beyond the reach of individual acquisition, and particularly to geographical and astronomical science. Looking back to the history only of the half century since the declaration of our independence, and observing the generous emulation with which the Governments of France, Great Britain, and Russia have devoted the genius, the intelligence, the treasures of their respective nations to the common improvement of the species in these branches of science, is it not incumbent upon us to inquire whether we are not bound by obligations of a high and honorable character to contribute our portion of energy and exertion to the common stock? The voyages of discovery prosecuted in the course of that time at the expense of those nations have not only redounded to their glory, but to the improvement of human knowledge. We have been partakers of that improvement and owe for it a sacred debt, not only of gratitude, but of equal or proportional exertion in the same common because. Of the cost of these undertakings, if the mere expenditures of outfit, equipment, and completion of the expeditions were to be considered the only charges, it would be unworthy of a great and generous nation to take a second thought. One hundred expeditions of circumnavigation like those of Cook and La Prouse would not burden the exchequer of the nation fitting them out so much as the ways and means of defraying a single campaign in war. but if we take into account the lives of those benefactors of man-kind of which their services in the because of their species were the purchase, how shall the cost of those heroic enterprises be estimated, and what compensation can be made to them or to their countries for them? Is it not by bearing them in affectionate remembrance? Is it not still more by imitating their example -- by enabling country-men of our own to pursue the same career and to hazard their lives in the same because? In inviting the attention of Congress to the subject of internal improvements upon a view thus enlarged it is not my desire to recommend the equipment of an expedition for circumnavigating the globe for purposes of scientific research and inquiry. We have objects of useful investigation nearer home, and to which our cares may be more beneficially applied. The interior of our own territories has yet been very imperfectly explored. our coasts along many degrees of latitude upon the shores of the Pacific Ocean, though much frequented by our spirited commercial navigators, have been barely visited by our public ships. The River of the West, first fully discovered and navigated by a country-man of our own, still bears the name of the ship in which he ascended its waters, and claims the protection of our armed national flag at its mouth. With the establishment of a military post there or at some other point of that coast, recommended by my predecessor and already matured in the deliberations of the last Congress, I would suggest the expediency of connecting the equipment of a public ship for the exploration of the whole north-west coast of this continent. The establishment of an uniform standard of weights and measures was one of the specific objects contemplated in the formation of our Constitution, and to fix that standard was on of the powers delegated by express terms in that instrument to Congress. The Governments of Great Britain and France have scarcely ceased to be occupied with inquiries and speculations on the same subject since the existence of our Constitution, and with them it has expanded into profound, laborious, and expensive researches into the figure of the earth and the comparative length of the pendulum vibrating seconds in various latitudes from the equator to the pole. These researches have resulted in the composition and publication of several works highly interesting to the because of science. The experiments are yet in the process of performance. Some of them have recently been made on our own shores, within the walls of one of our own colleges, and partly by one of our own fellow citizens. It would be honorable to our country if the sequel of the same experiments should be countenanced by the patronage of our Government, as they have hitherto been by those of France and Britain. Connected with the establishment of an university, or separate from it, might be undertaken the erection of an astronomical observatory, with provision for the support of an astronomer, to be in constant attendance of observation upon the phenomena of the heavens, and for the periodical publication of his observances. it is with no feeling of pride as an American that the remark may be made that on the comparatively small territorial surface of Europe there are existing upward of 130 of these light-houses of the skies, while throughout the whole American hemisphere there is not one. If we reflect a moment upon the discoveries which in the last four centuries have been made in the physical constitution of the universe by the means of these buildings and of observers stationed in them, shall we doubt of their usefulness to every nation? And while scarcely a year passes over our heads without bringing some new astronomical discovery to light, which we must fain receive at second hand from Europe, are we not cutting ourselves off from the means of returning light for light while we have neither observatory nor observer upon our half of the globe and the earth revolves in perpetual darkness to our unsearching eyes? When, on 1791-10-25, the first President of the United States announced to Congress the result of the first enumeration of the inhabitants of this Union, he informed them that the returns gave the pleasing assurance that the population of the United States bordered on 4,000,000 persons. At the distance of 30 years from that time the last enumeration, 5 years since completed, presented a population bordering on 10,000,000. Perhaps of all the evidence of a prosperous and happy condition of human society the rapidity of the increase of population is the most unequivocal. But the demonstration of our prosperity rests not alone upon this indication. Our commerce, our wealth, and the extent of our territories have increased in corresponding proportions, and the number of independent communities associated in our Federal Union has since that time nearly doubled. The legislative representation of the States and people in the two Houses of Congress has grown with the growth of their constituent bodies. The House, which then consisted of 65 members, now numbers upward of 200. The Senate, which consisted of 26 members, has now 48. But the executive and, still more, the judiciary departments are yet in a great measure confined to their primitive organization, and are now not adequate to the urgent wants of a still growing community. The naval armaments, which at an early period forced themselves upon the necessities of the Union, soon led to the establishment of a Department of the Navy. But the Departments of Foreign Affairs and of the Interior, which early after the formation of the Government had been united in one, continue so united to this time, to the unquestionable detriment of the public service. The multiplication of our relations with the nations and Governments of the Old World has kept pace with that of our population and commerce, while within the last 10 years a new family of nations in our own hemisphere has arisen among the inhabitants of the earth, with whom our intercourse, commercial and political, would of itself furnish occupation to an active and industrious department. The constitution of the judiciary, experimental and imperfect as it was even in the infancy of our existing Government, is yet more inadequate to the administration of national justice at our present maturity. Nine years have elapsed since a predecessor in this office, now not the last, the citizen who, perhaps, of all others throughout the Union contributed most to the formation and establishment of our Constitution, in his valedictory address to Congress, immediately preceding his retirement from public life, urgently recommended the revision of the judiciary and the establishment of an additional executive department. The exigencies of the public service and its unavoidable deficiencies, as now in exercise, have added yearly cumulative weight to the considerations presented by him as persuasive to the measure, and in recommending it to your deliberations I am happy to have the influence of this high authority in aid of the undoubting convictions of my own experience. The laws relating to the administration of the Patent Office are deserving of much consideration and perhaps susceptible of some improvement. The grant of power to regulate the action of Congress upon this subject has specified both the end to be obtained and the means by which it is to be effected, "to promote the progress of science and useful arts by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries". If an honest pride might be indulged in the reflection that on the records of that office are already found inventions the usefulness of which has scarcely been transcended in the annals of human ingenuity, would not its exultation be allayed by the inquiry whether the laws have effectively insured to the inventors the reward destined to them by the Constitution -- even a limited term of exclusive right to their discoveries? On 1799-12-24, it was resolved by Congress that a marble monument should be erected by the United States in the Capitol at the city of Washington; that the family of General Washington should be requested to permit his body to be deposited under it, and that the monument be so designed as to commemorate the great events of his military and political life. In reminding Congress of this resolution and that the monument contemplated by it remains yet without execution, I shall indulge only the remarks that the works at the Capitol are approaching to completion; that the consent of the family, desired by the resolution, was requested and obtained; that a monument has been recently erected in this city over the remains of another distinguished patriot of the Revolution, and that a spot has been reserved within the walls where you are deliberating for the benefit of this and future ages, in which the mortal remains may be deposited of him whose spirit hovers over you and listens with delight to every act of the representatives of his nation which can tend to exalt and adorn his and their country. The Constitution under which you are assembled is a charter of limited powers. After full and solemn deliberation upon all or any of the objects which, urged by an irresistible sense of my own duty, I have recommended to your attention should you come to the conclusion that, however desirable in themselves, the enactment of laws for effecting them would transcend the powers committed to you by that venerable instrument which we are all bound to support, let no consideration induce you to assume the exercise of powers not granted to you by the people. But if the power to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases what so ever over the District of Columbia; if the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; if the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several States and with the Indian tribes, to fix the standard of weights and measures, to establish post offices and post roads, to declare war, to raise and support armies, to provide and maintain a navy, to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the United States, and to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying these powers into execution -- if these powers and others enumerated in the Constitution may be effectually brought into action by laws promoting the improvement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, the cultivation and encouragement of the mechanic and of the elegant arts, the advancement of literature, and the progress of the sciences, ornamental and profound, to refrain from exercising them for the benefit of the people themselves would be to hide in the earth the talent committed to our charge -- would be treachery to the most sacred of trusts. The spirit of improvement is abroad upon the earth. It stimulates the hearts and sharpens the faculties not of our fellow citizens alone, but of the nations of Europe and of their rulers. While dwelling with pleasing satisfaction upon the superior excellence of our political institutions, let us not be unmindful that liberty is power; that the nation blessed with the largest portion of liberty must in proportion to its numbers be the most powerful nation upon earth, and that the tenure of power by man is, in the moral purposes of his Creator, upon condition that it shall be exercised to ends of beneficence, to improve the condition of himself and his fellow men. While foreign nations less blessed with that freedom which is power than ourselves are advancing with gigantic strides in the career of public improvement, were we to slumber in indolence or fold up our arms and proclaim to the world that we are palsied by the will of our constituents, would it not be to cast away the bounties of Providence and doom ourselves to perpetual inferiority? In the course of the year now drawing to its close we have beheld, under the auspices and at the expense of one State of this Union, a new university unfolding its portals to the sons of science and holding up the torch of human improvement to eyes that seek the light. We have seen under the persevering and enlightened enterprise of another State the waters of our Western lakes mingle with those of the ocean. If undertakings like these have been accomplished in the compass of a few years by the authority of single members of our Confederation, can we, the representative authorities of the whole Union, fall behind our fellow servants in the exercise of the trust committed to us for the benefit of our common sovereign by the accomplishment of works important to the whole and to which neither the authority nor the resources of any one State can be adequate? Finally, fellow citizens, I shall await with cheering hope and faithful cooperation the result of your deliberations, assured that, without encroaching upon the powers reserved to the authorities of the respective States or to the people, you will, with a due sense of your obligations to your country and of the high responsibilities weighing upon yourselves, give efficacy to the means committed to you for the common good. And may He who searches the hearts of the children of men prosper your exertions to secure the blessings of peace and promote the highest welfare of your country.
in taking a general survey of the concerns of our beloved country with reference to subjects interesting to the common welfare the first sentiment which impresses itself upon the mind is of gratitude to the omnipotent disposer of all good for the continuance of the signal blessings of his providence and especially for that health which to an unusual extent has prevailed within our borders and for that abundance which in the vicissitudes of the seasons has been scattered with profusion over our land nor ought we less to ascribe to him the glory that we are permitted to enjoy the bounties of his hand in peace and tranquillity in peace with all the other nations of the earth in tranquillity among our selves there has indeed rarely been a period in the history of civilized man in which the general condition of the christian nations has been marked so extensively by peace and prosperity europe with a few partial and unhappy exceptions has enjoyed 10 years of peace during which all her governments what ever the theory of their constitutions may have been are successively taught to feel that the end of their institution is the happiness of the people and that the exercise of power among men can be justified only by the blessings it confers upon those over whom it is extended during the same period our intercourse with all those nations has been pacific and friendly it so continues since the close of your last session no material variation has occurred in our relations with any one of them in the commercial and navigation system of great britain important changes of municipal regulation have recently been sanctioned by acts of parliament the effect of which upon the interests of other nations and particularly upon ours has not yet been fully developed in the recent renewal of the diplomatic missions on both sides between the two governments assurances have been given and received of the continuance and increase of the mutual confidence and cordiality by which the adjustment of many points of difference had already been effected and which affords the surest pledge for the ultimate satisfactory adjustment of those which still remain open or may hereafter arise the policy of the united states in their commercial intercourse with other nations has always been of the most liberal character in the mutual exchange of their respective productions they have abstained altogether from prohibitions they have interdicted themselves the power of laying taxes upon exports and when ever they have favored their own shipping by special preferences or exclusive privileges in their own ports it has been only with a view to countervail similar favors and exclusions granted by the nations with whom we have been engaged in traffic to their own people or shipping and to the disadvantage of ours immediately after the close of the last war a proposal was fairly made by the act of congress of to all the maritime nations to lay aside the system of retaliating restrictions and exclusions and to place the shipping of both parties to the common trade on a footing of equality in respect to the duties of tonnage and impost this offer was partially and successively accepted by great britain sweden the netherlands the hanseatic cities prussia sardinia the duke of oldenburg and russia it was also adopted under certain modifications in our late commercial convention with france and by the act of congress of it has received a new confirmation with all the nations who had acceded to it and has been offered again to all those who are or may here after be willing to abide in reciprocity by it but all these regulations whether established by treaty or by municipal enactments are still subject to one important restriction the removal of discriminating duties of tonnage and of impost is limited to articles of the growth produce or manufacture of the country to which the vessel belongs or to such articles as are most usually first shipped from her ports it will deserve the serious consideration of congress whether even this remnant of restriction may not be safely abandoned and whether the general tender of equal competition made in the act of may not be extended to include all articles of merchandise not prohibited of what country so ever they may be the produce or manufacture propositions of this effect have already been made to us by more than one european government and it is probable that if once established by legislation or compact with any distinguished maritime state it would recommend itself by the experience of its advantages to the general accession of all the convention of commerce and navigation between the united states and france concluded on was in the understanding and intent of both parties as appears upon its face only a temporary arrangement of the points of difference between them of the most immediate and pressing urgency it was limited in the first instance to two years from but with a proviso that it should further continue in force the conclusion of a general and definitive treaty of commerce unless terminated by a notice 6 months in advance of either of the parties to the other its operation so far as it extended has been mutually advantageous and it still continues in force by common consent but it left unadjusted several objects of great interest to the citizens and subjects of both countries and particularly a mass of claims to considerable amount of citizens of the united states upon the government of france of indemnity for property taken or destroyed under circumstances of the most aggravated and outrageous character in the long period during which continual and earnest appeals have been made to the equity and magnanimity of france in behalf of these claims their justice has not been as it could not be denied it was hoped that the accession of a new sovereign to the throne would have afforded a favorable opportunity for presenting them to the consideration of his government they have been presented and urged hither to without effect the repeated and earnest representations of our minister at the court of france remain as yet even without an answer were the demands of nations upon the justice of each other susceptible of adjudication by the sentence of an impartial tribunal those to which i now refer would long since have been settled and adequate indemnity would have been obtained there are large amounts of similar claims upon the netherlands naples and denmark for those upon spain prior to 1819 indemnity was after many years of patient forbearance obtained and those upon sweden have been lately compromised by a private settlement in which the claimants themselves have acquiesced the governments of denmark and of naples have been recently reminded of those yet existing against them nor will any of them be forgotten while a hope may be indulged of obtaining justice by the means within the constitutional power of the executive and without resorting to those means of which as well as the time circumstances and occasion which may require them are within the exclusive competency of the legislature it is with great satisfaction that i am enabled to bear witness to the liberal spirit with which the republic of colombia has made satisfaction for claims of a similar character and among the documents now communicated to congress will be distinguished a treaty of commerce and navigation with that republic the ratifications of which have been exchanged since the last recess of the legislature the negotiation of similar treaties with all of the independent south american states has been contemplated and may yet be accomplished the basis of them all as proposed by the united states has been laid in two principles the one of entire and unqualified reciprocity the other the mutual obligation of the parties to place each other permanently upon the footing of the most favored nation these principles are indeed indispensable to the effectual emancipation of the american hemisphere from the thralldom of colonizing monopolies and exclusions an event rapidly realizing in the progress of human affairs and which the resistance still opposed in certain parts of europe to the acknowledgment of the southern american republics as independent states will it is believed contribute more effectually to accomplish the time has been and that not remote when some of those states might in their anxious desire to obtain a nominal recognition have accepted of a nominal independence clogged with burdensome conditions and exclusive commercial privileges granted to the nation from which they have separated to the disadvantage of all others they are all now aware that such concessions to any european nation would be incompatible with that independence which they have declared and maintained among the measures which have been suggested to them by the new relations with one another resulting from the recent changes in their condition is that of assembling at the isthmus of panama a congress at which each of them should be represented to deliberate upon objects important to the welfare of all the republics of colombia of mexico and of central america have already deputed plenipotentiaries to such a meeting and they have invited the united states to be also represented there by their ministers the invitation has been accepted and ministers on the part of the united states will be commissioned to attend at those deliberations and to take part in them so far as may be compatible with that neutrality from which it is neither our intention nor the desire of the other american states that we should depart the commissioners under the 7th article of the treaty of ghent have so nearly completed their arduous labors that by the report recently received from the agent on the part of the united states there is reason to expect that the commission will be closed at their next session appointed for may 22 of the ensuing year the other commission appointed to ascertain the indemnities due for slaves carried away from the united states after the close of the late war have met with some difficulty which has delayed their progress in the inquiry a reference has been made to the british government on the subject which it may be hoped will tend to hasten the decision of the commissioners or serve as a substitute for it among the powers specifically granted to congress by the constitution are those of establishing uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the united states and of providing for organizing arming and disciplining the militia and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the services of the united states the magnitude and complexity of the interests affected by legislation upon these subjects may account for the fact that long and often as both of them have occupied the attention and animated the debates of congress no systems have yet been devised for fulfilling to the satisfaction of the community the duties prescribed by these grants of power to conciliate the claim of the individual citizen to the enjoyment of personal liberty with the effective obligation of private contracts is the difficult problem to be solved by a law of bankruptcy these are objects of the deepest interest to society affecting all that is precious in the existence of multitudes of persons many of them in the classes essentially dependent and helpless of the age requiring nurture and of the sex entitled to protection from the free agency of the parent and the husband the organization of the militia is yet more indispensable to the liberties of the country it is only by an effective militia that we can at once enjoy the repose of peace and bid defiance to foreign aggression it is by the militia that we are constituted an armed nation standing in perpetual panoply of defense in the presence of all the other nations of the earth to this end it would be necessary if possible so to shape its organization as to give it a more united and active energy there are laws establishing an uniform militia throughout the united states and for arming and equipping its whole body but it is a body of dislocated members without the vigor of unity and having little of uniformity but the name to infuse into this most important institution the power of which it is susceptible and to make it available for the defense of the union at the shortest notice and at the smallest expense possible of time of life and of treasure are among the benefits to be expected from the persevering deliberations of congress among the unequivocal indications of our national prosperity is the flourishing state of our finances the revenues of the present year from all their principal sources will exceed the anticipations of the last the balance in the treasury on the first of january last was a little short of exclusive of being the moiety of the loan of authorized by the act of the receipts into the treasury from the first of january to the 30th of september exclusive of the other moiety of the same loan are estimated at and it is expected that those of the current quarter will exceed forming an aggregate of receipts of nearly independent of the loan the expenditures of the year will not exceed that sum more than by those expenditures nearly of the principal of the public debt that have been discharged more than has been devoted to the debt of gratitude to the warriors of the revolution a nearly equal sum to the construction of fortifications and the acquisition of ordnance and other permanent preparations of national defense to the gradual increase of the navy an equal sum for purchases of territory from the indians and payment of annuities to them and upward of for objects of internal improvement authorized by special acts of the last congress if we add to these for payment of interest upon the public debt there remains a sum of which have defrayed the whole expense of the administration of government in its legislative executive and judiciary departments including the support of the military and naval establishments and all the occasional contingencies of a government coextensive with the union the amount of duties secured on merchandise imported since the commencement of the year is about and that which will accrue during the current quarter is estimated at from these deducting the estimated at less than a sum exceeding will constitute the revenue of the year and will exceed the whole expenditures of the year the entire amount of the public debt remaining due on the first of january next will be short of by an act of congress of the 3d of march last a loan of was authorized at or an exchange of stock to that amount of for a stock of 6 to create a fund for extinguishing an equal amount of the public debt bearing an interest of 6 redeemable in 1826 an account of the measures taken to give effect to this act will be laid before you by the secretary of the treasury as the object which it had in view has been but partially accomplished it will be for the consideration of congress whether the power with which it clothed the executive should not be renewed at an early day of the present session and under what modifications the act of congress of the 3d of march last directing the secretary of the treasury to subscribe in the name and for the use of the united states for shares of the capital stock of the chesapeake and delaware canal company has been executed by the actual subscription for the amount specified and such other measures have been adopted by that officer under the act as the fulfillment of its intentions requires the latest accounts received of this important undertaking authorize the belief that it is in successful progress the payments into the treasury from the proceeds of the sales of the public lands during the present year were estimated at the actual receipts of the first two quarters have fallen very little short of that sum it is not expected that the second half of the year will be equally productive but the income of the year from that source may now be safely estimated at the act of congress of to provide for the extinguishment of the debt due to the united states by the purchasers of public lands was limited in its operation of relief to the purchaser to the 10th of april last its effect at the end of the quarter during which it expired was to reduce that debt from to by the operation of similar prior laws of relief from and since that of the debt had been reduced from upward of to it is exceedingly desirable that it should be extinguished altogether and to facilitate that consummation i recommend to congress the revival for one year more of the act of with such provisional modification as may be necessary to guard the public interests against fraudulent practices in the resale of the relinquished land the purchasers of public lands are among the most useful of our fellow citizens and since the system of sales for cash alone has been introduced great indulgence has been justly extended to those who had previously purchased upon credit the debt which had been contracted under the credit sales had become unwieldy and its extinction was alike advantageous to the purchaser and to the public under the system of sales matured as it has been by experience and adapted to the exigencies of the times the lands will continue as they have become an abundant source of revenue and when the pledge of them to the public creditor shall have been redeemed by the entire discharge of the national debt the swelling tide of wealth with which they replenish the common treasury may be made to reflow in unfailing streams of improvement from the atlantic to the pacific ocean the condition of the various branches of the public service resorting from the department of war and their administration during the current year will be exhibited in the report of the secretary of war and the accompanying documents herewith communicated the organization and discipline of the army are effective and satisfactory to counteract the prevalence of desertion among the troops it has been suggested to withhold from the men a small portion of their monthly pay until the period of their discharge and some expedient appears to be necessary to preserve and maintain among the officers so much of the art of horsemanship as could scarcely fail to be found wanting on the possible sudden eruption of a war which should take us unprovided with a single corps of cavalry the military academy at west point under the restrictions of a severe but paternal superintendence recommends itself more and more to the patronage of the nation and the numbers of meritorious officers which it forms and introduces to the public service furnishes the means of multiplying the undertakings of the public improvements to which their acquirements at that institution are peculiarly adapted the school of artillery practice established at fortress monroe hampton va is well suited to the same purpose and may need the aid of further legislative provision to the same end the reports of the various officers at the head of the administrative branches of the military service connected with the quartering clothing subsistence health and pay of the army exhibit the assiduous vigilance of those officers in the performance of their respective duties and the faithful accountability which has pervaded every part of the system our relations with the numerous tribes of aboriginal natives of this country scattered over its extensive surface and so dependent even for their existence upon our power have been during the present year highly interesting an act of congress of made an appropriation to defray the expenses of making treaties of trade and friendship with the indian tribes beyond the mississippi an act of authorized treaties to be made with the indians for their consent to the making of a road from the frontier of missouri to that of new mexico and another act of the same date provided for defraying the expenses of holding treaties with the sioux chippeways menomenees sauks foxes for the purpose of establishing boundaries and promoting peace between said tribes the first and last objects of these acts have been accomplished and the second is yet in a process of execution the treaties which since the last session of congress have been concluded with the several tribes will be laid before the senate for their consideration conformably to the constitution they comprise large and valuable acquisitions of territory and they secure an adjustment of boundaries and give pledges of permanent peace between several tribes which had been long waging bloody wars against each other on the 12th of february last a treaty was signed at the indian springs between commissioners appointed on the part of the united states and certain chiefs and individuals of the creek nation of indians which was received at the seat of government only a very few days before the close of the last session of congress and of the late administration the advice and consent of the senate was given to it on the 3d of march too late for it to receive the ratification of the then president of the united states it was ratified on the 7th of march under the unsuspecting impression that it had been negotiated in good faith and in the confidence inspired by the recommendation of the senate the subsequent transactions in relation to this treaty will form the subject of a separate communication the appropriations made by congress for public works as well in the construction of fortifications as for purposes of internal improvement so far as they have been expended have been faithfuly applied their progress has been delayed by the want of suitable officers for superintending them an increase of both the corps of engineers military and topographical was recommended by my predecessor at the last session of congress the reasons upon which that recommendation was founded subsist in all their force and have acquired additional urgency since that time the military academy at west point will furnish from the cadets there officers well qualified for carrying this measure into effect the board of engineers for internal improvement appointed for carrying into execution the act of congress of to procure the necessary surveys plans and estimates on the subject of roads and canals have been actively engaged in that service from the close of the last session of congress they have completed the surveys necessary for ascertaining the practicability of a canal from the chesapeake bay to the ohio river and are preparing a full report on that subject which when completed will be laid before you the same observation is to be made with regard to the two other objects of national importance upon which the board have been occupied namely the accomplishment of a national road from this city to new orleans and the practicability of uniting the waters of lake memphramagog with connecticut river and the improvement of the navigation of that river the surveys have been made and are nearly completed the report may be expected at an early period during the present session of congress the acts of congress of the last session relative to the surveying marking or laying out roads in the territories of florida arkansas and michigan from missouri to mexico and for the continuation of the cumberland road are some of them fully executed and others in the process of execution those for completing or commencing fortifications have been delayed only so far as the corps of engineers has been inadequate to furnish officers for the necessary superintendence of the works under the act confirming the statutes of virginia and maryland incorporating the chesapeake and ohio canal company three commissioners on the part of the united states have been appointed for opening books and receiving subscriptions in concert with a like number of commissioners appointed on the part of each of those states a meeting of the commissioners has been to await the definitive report of the board of engineers the and monuments for the safety of our commerce and mariners the works for the security of plymouth beach and for the preservation of the islands in boston harbor have received the attention required by the laws relating to those objects respectively the continuation of the cumberland road the most important of them all after surmounting no inconsiderable difficulty in fixing upon the direction of the road has commenced under the most promising of auspices with the improvements of recent invention in the mode of construction and with advantage of a great reduction in the comparative cost of the work the operation of the laws relating to the revolutionary pensioners may deserve the renewed consideration of congress the act of while it made provision for many meritorious and indigent citizens who had served in the war of independence opened a door to numerous abuses and impositions to remedy this the act of exacted proofs of absolute indigence which many really in want were unable and all susceptible of that delicacy which is allied to many virtues must be deeply reluctant to give the result has been that some among the least deserving have been retained and some in whom the requisites both of worth and want were combined have been stricken from the list as the numbers of these venerable relics of an age gone by diminish as the decays of body mind and estate of those that survive must in the common course of nature increase should not a more liberal portion of indulgence be dealt out to them may not the want in most instances be inferred from the demand when the service can be proved and may not the last days of human infirmity be spared the mortification of purchasing a pittance of relief only by the exposure of its own necessities i submit to congress the expediency of providing for individual cases of this description by special enactment or of revising the act of with a view to mitigate the rigor of its exclusions in favor of persons to whom charity now bestowed can scarcely discharge the debt of justice the portion of the naval force of the union in actual service has been chiefly employed on three stations the mediterranean the coasts of south america bordering on the pacific ocean and the west indies an occasional cruiser has been sent to range along the african shores most polluted by the traffic of slaves one armed vessel has been stationed on the coast of our eastern boundary to cruise along the fishing grounds in hudsons bay and on the coast of labrador and the first service of a new frigate has been performed in restoring to his native soil and domestic enjoyments the veteran hero whose youthful blood and treasure had freely flowed in the because of our country independence and whose whole life has been a series of services and sacrifices to the improvement of his fellow men the visit of general lafayette alike honorable to himself and to our country closed as it had commenced with the most affecting testimonials of devoted attachment on his part and of unbounded gratitude of this people to him in return it will form a pleasing incident in the annals of our union giving to real history the intense interest of romance and signally marking the unpurchasable tribute of a great nation social affections to the disinterested champion of the liberties of the constant maintenance of a small squadron in the mediterranean is a necessary substitute for the humiliating alternative of paying tribute for the security of our commerce in that sea and for a precarious peace at the mercy of every caprice of four barbary states by whom it was liable to be violated an additional motive for keeping a respectable force stationed there at this time is found in the maritime war raging between the greeks and the turks and in which the neutral navigation of this union is always in danger of outrage and depredation a few instances have occurred of such depredations upon our merchant vessels by privateers or pirates wearing the grecian flag but without real authority from the greek or any other government the heroic struggles of the greeks themselves in which our warmest sympathies as free men and christians have been engaged have continued to be maintained with vicissitudes of success adverse and favorable similar motives have rendered expedient the keeping of a like force on the coasts of peru and chile on the pacific the irregular and convulsive character of the war upon the shores has been extended to the conflicts upon the ocean an active warfare has been kept up for years with alternate success though generally to the advantage of the american patriots but their naval forces have not always been under the control of their own governments blockades unjustifiable upon any acknowledged principles of international law have been proclaimed by officers in command and though disavowed by the supreme authorities the protection of our own commerce against them has been made because of complaint and erroneous imputations against some of the most gallant officers of our navy complaints equally groundless have been made by the commanders of the spanish royal forces in those seas but the most effective protection to our commerce has been the flag and the firmness of our own commanding officers the cessation of the war by the complete triumph of the patriot because has removed it is hoped all because of dissension with one party and all vestige of force of the other but an unsettled coast of many degrees of latitude forming a part of our own territory and a flourishing commerce and fishery extending to the islands of the pacific and to china still require that the protecting power of the union should be displayed under its flag as well upon the ocean as upon the land the objects of the west india squadron have been to carry into execution the laws for the suppression of the african slave trade for the protection of our commerce against vessels of piratical character though bearing commissions from either of the belligerent parties for its protection against open and unequivocal pirates these objects during the present year have been accomplished more effectually than at any former period the african slave trade has long been excluded from the use of our flag and if some few citizens of our country have continued to set the laws of the union as well as those of nature and humanity at defiance by persevering in that abominable traffic it has been only by sheltering themselves under the banners of other nations less earnest for the total extinction of the trade of ours the active persevering and unremitted energy of captain warrington and of the officers and men under his command on that trying and perilous service have been crowned with signal success and are entitled to the approbation of their country but experience has shown that not even a temporary suspension or relaxation from assiduity can be indulged on that station without reproducing piracy and murder in all their horrors nor is it probably that for years to come our immensely valuable commerce in those seas can navigate in security without the steady continuance of an armed force devoted to its protection it were indeed a vain and dangerous illusion to believe that in the present or probable condition of human society a commerce so extensive and so rich as ours could exist and be pursued in safety without the continual support of a military marine the only arm by which the power of this confederacy can be estimated or felt by foreign nations and the only standing military force which can never be dangerous to our own liberties at home a permanent naval peace establishment therefore adapted to our present condition and adaptable to that gigantic growth with which the nation is advancing in its career is among the subjects which have already occupied the foresight of the last congress and which will deserve your serious deliberations our navy commenced at an early period of our present political organization upon a scale commensurate with the incipient energies the scanty resources and the comparative indigence of our infancy was even then found adequate to cope with all the powers of barbary save the first and with one of the principle maritime powers of europe at a period of further advancement but with little accession of strength it not only sustained with honor the most unequal of conflicts but covered itself and our country with unfading glory but it is only since the close of the late war that by the numbers and force of the ships of which it was composed it could deserve the name of a navy yet it retains nearly the same organization as when it consisted only of 5 frigates the rules and regulations by which it is governed earnestly call for revision and the want of a naval school of instruction corresponding with the military academy at west point for the formation of scientific and accomplished officers is felt with daily increasing aggravation the act of congress of authorizing an examination and survey of the harbor of charleston in south carolina of marys in georgia and of the coast of florida and for other purposes has been executed so far as the appropriation would admit those of the 3d of march last authorizing the establishment of a navy yard and depot on the coast of florida in the gulf of mexico and authorizing the building of ten sloops of war and for other purposes are in the course of execution for the particulars of which and other objects connected with this department i refer to the report of the secretary of the navy herewith communicated a report from the postmaster general is also submitted exhibiting the present flourishing condition of that department for the first time for many years the receipts for the year ending on the first of july last exceeded the expenditures during the same period to the amount of more than other facts equally creditable to the administration of this department are that in two years from an improvement of more than in its pecuniary affairs has been realized that in the same interval the increase of the transportation of the mail has exceeded miles annually and that new post offices have been established it hence appears that under judicious management the income from this establishment may be relied on as fully adequate to defray its expenses and that by the discontinuance of post roads altogether unproductive others of more useful character may be opened the circulation of the mail shall keep pace with the spread of our population and the comforts of friendly correspondence the exchanges of internal traffic and the lights of the periodical press shall be distributed to the remotest corners of the union at a charge scarcely perceptible to any individual and without the cost of a dollar to the public treasury upon this first occasion of addressing the legislature of the union with which i have been honored in presenting to their view the execution so far as it has been effected of the measures sanctioned by them for promoting the internal improvement of our country i can not close the communication without recommending to their calm and persevering consideration the general principle in a more enlarged extent the great object of the institution of civil government is the improvement of the condition of those who are parties to the social compact and no government in what ever form constituted can accomplish the lawful ends of its institution but in proportion as it improves the condition of those over whom it is established roads and canals by multiplying and facilitating the communications and intercourse between distant regions and multitudes of men are among the most important means of improvement but moral political intellectual improvement are duties assigned by the author of our existence to social no less than to individual man for the fulfillment of those duties governments are invested with power and to the attainment of the end the progressive improvement of the condition of the governed the exercise of delegated powers is a duty as sacred and indispensable as the usurpation of powers not granted is criminal and odious among the first perhaps the very first instrument for the improvement of the condition of men is knowledge and to the acquisition of much of the knowledge adapted to the wants the comforts and enjoyments of human life public institutions and seminaries of learning are essential so convinced of this was the first of my predecessors in this office now first in the memory as living he was first in the hearts of our men that once and again in his addresses to the congresses with whom he cooperated in the public service he earnestly recommended the establishment of seminaries of learning to prepare for all the emergencies of peace and war a national university and a military academy with respect to the latter had he lived to the present day in turning his eyes to the institution at west point he would have enjoyed the gratification of his most earnest wishes but in surveying the city which has been honored with his name he would have seen the spot of earth which he had destined and bequeathed to the use and benefit of his country as the site for a university still bare and barren in assuming her station among the civilized nations of the earth it would seem that our country had contracted the engagement to contribute her share of mind of labor and of expense to the improvement of those parts of knowledge which lie beyond the reach of individual acquisition and particularly to geographical and astronomical science looking back to the history only of the half century since the declaration of our independence and observing the generous emulation with which the governments of france great britain and russia have devoted the genius the intelligence the treasures of their respective nations to the common improvement of the species in these branches of science is it not incumbent upon us to inquire whether we are not bound by obligations of a high and honorable character to contribute our portion of energy and exertion to the common stock the voyages of discovery prosecuted in the course of that time at the expense of those nations have not only redounded to their glory but to the improvement of human knowledge we have been partakers of that improvement and owe for it a sacred debt not only of gratitude but of equal or proportional exertion in the same common because of the cost of these undertakings if the mere expenditures of outfit equipment and completion of the expeditions were to be considered the only charges it would be unworthy of a great and generous nation to take a second thought one hundred expeditions of circumnavigation like those of cook and la prouse would not burden the exchequer of the nation fitting them out so much as the ways and means of defraying a single campaign in war but if we take into account the lives of those benefactors of of which their services in the because of their species were the purchase how shall the cost of those heroic enterprises be estimated and what compensation can be made to them or to their countries for them is it not by bearing them in affectionate remembrance is it not still more by imitating their example by enabling of our own to pursue the same career and to hazard their lives in the same because in inviting the attention of congress to the subject of internal improvements upon a view thus enlarged it is not my desire to recommend the equipment of an expedition for circumnavigating the globe for purposes of scientific research and inquiry we have objects of useful investigation nearer home and to which our cares may be more beneficially applied the interior of our own territories has yet been very imperfectly explored our coasts along many degrees of latitude upon the shores of the pacific ocean though much frequented by our spirited commercial navigators have been barely visited by our public ships the river of the west first fully discovered and navigated by a of our own still bears the name of the ship in which he ascended its waters and claims the protection of our armed national flag at its mouth with the establishment of a military post there or at some other point of that coast recommended by my predecessor and already matured in the deliberations of the last congress i would suggest the expediency of connecting the equipment of a public ship for the exploration of the whole coast of this continent the establishment of an uniform standard of weights and measures was one of the specific objects contemplated in the formation of our constitution and to fix that standard was on of the powers delegated by express terms in that instrument to congress the governments of great britain and france have scarcely ceased to be occupied with inquiries and speculations on the same subject since the existence of our constitution and with them it has expanded into profound laborious and expensive researches into the figure of the earth and the comparative length of the pendulum vibrating seconds in various latitudes from the equator to the pole these researches have resulted in the composition and publication of several works highly interesting to the because of science the experiments are yet in the process of performance some of them have recently been made on our own shores within the walls of one of our own colleges and partly by one of our own fellow citizens it would be honorable to our country if the sequel of the same experiments should be countenanced by the patronage of our government as they have hitherto been by those of france and britain connected with the establishment of an university or separate from it might be undertaken the erection of an astronomical observatory with provision for the support of an astronomer to be in constant attendance of observation upon the phenomena of the heavens and for the periodical publication of his observances it is with no feeling of pride as an american that the remark may be made that on the comparatively small territorial surface of europe there are existing upward of 130 of these of the skies while throughout the whole american hemisphere there is not one if we reflect a moment upon the discoveries which in the last four centuries have been made in the physical constitution of the universe by the means of these buildings and of observers stationed in them shall we doubt of their usefulness to every nation and while scarcely a year passes over our heads without bringing some new astronomical discovery to light which we must fain receive at second hand from europe are we not cutting ourselves off from the means of returning light for light while we have neither observatory nor observer upon our half of the globe and the earth revolves in perpetual darkness to our unsearching eyes when on the first president of the united states announced to congress the result of the first enumeration of the inhabitants of this union he informed them that the returns gave the pleasing assurance that the population of the united states bordered on persons at the distance of 30 years from that time the last enumeration 5 years since completed presented a population bordering on perhaps of all the evidence of a prosperous and happy condition of human society the rapidity of the increase of population is the most unequivocal but the demonstration of our prosperity rests not alone upon this indication our commerce our wealth and the extent of our territories have increased in corresponding proportions and the number of independent communities associated in our federal union has since that time nearly doubled the legislative representation of the states and people in the two houses of congress has grown with the growth of their constituent bodies the house which then consisted of 65 members now numbers upward of 200 the senate which consisted of 26 members has now 48 but the executive and still more the judiciary departments are yet in a great measure confined to their primitive organization and are now not adequate to the urgent wants of a still growing community the naval armaments which at an early period forced themselves upon the necessities of the union soon led to the establishment of a department of the navy but the departments of foreign affairs and of the interior which early after the formation of the government had been united in one continue so united to this time to the unquestionable detriment of the public service the multiplication of our relations with the nations and governments of the old world has kept pace with that of our population and commerce while within the last 10 years a new family of nations in our own hemisphere has arisen among the inhabitants of the earth with whom our intercourse commercial and political would of itself furnish occupation to an active and industrious department the constitution of the judiciary experimental and imperfect as it was even in the infancy of our existing government is yet more inadequate to the administration of national justice at our present maturity nine years have elapsed since a predecessor in this office now not the last the citizen who perhaps of all others throughout the union contributed most to the formation and establishment of our constitution in his valedictory address to congress immediately preceding his retirement from public life urgently recommended the revision of the judiciary and the establishment of an additional executive department the exigencies of the public service and its unavoidable deficiencies as now in exercise have added yearly cumulative weight to the considerations presented by him as persuasive to the measure and in recommending it to your deliberations i am happy to have the influence of this high authority in aid of the undoubting convictions of my own experience the laws relating to the administration of the patent office are deserving of much consideration and perhaps susceptible of some improvement the grant of power to regulate the action of congress upon this subject has specified both the end to be obtained and the means by which it is to be effected to promote the progress of science and useful arts by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries if an honest pride might be indulged in the reflection that on the records of that office are already found inventions the usefulness of which has scarcely been transcended in the annals of human ingenuity would not its exultation be allayed by the inquiry whether the laws have effectively insured to the inventors the reward destined to them by the constitution even a limited term of exclusive right to their discoveries on it was resolved by congress that a marble monument should be erected by the united states in the capitol at the city of washington that the family of general washington should be requested to permit his body to be deposited under it and that the monument be so designed as to commemorate the great events of his military and political life in reminding congress of this resolution and that the monument contemplated by it remains yet without execution i shall indulge only the remarks that the works at the capitol are approaching to completion that the consent of the family desired by the resolution was requested and obtained that a monument has been recently erected in this city over the remains of another distinguished patriot of the revolution and that a spot has been reserved within the walls where you are deliberating for the benefit of this and future ages in which the mortal remains may be deposited of him whose spirit hovers over you and listens with delight to every act of the representatives of his nation which can tend to exalt and adorn his and their country the constitution under which you are assembled is a charter of limited powers after full and solemn deliberation upon all or any of the objects which urged by an irresistible sense of my own duty i have recommended to your attention should you come to the conclusion that however desirable in themselves the enactment of laws for effecting them would transcend the powers committed to you by that venerable instrument which we are all bound to support let no consideration induce you to assume the exercise of powers not granted to you by the people but if the power to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases what so ever over the district of columbia if the power to lay and collect taxes duties imposts and excises to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the united states if the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states and with the indian tribes to fix the standard of weights and measures to establish post offices and post roads to declare war to raise and support armies to provide and maintain a navy to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the territory or other property belonging to the united states and to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying these powers into execution if these powers and others enumerated in the constitution may be effectually brought into action by laws promoting the improvement of agriculture commerce and manufactures the cultivation and encouragement of the mechanic and of the elegant arts the advancement of literature and the progress of the sciences ornamental and profound to refrain from exercising them for the benefit of the people themselves would be to hide in the earth the talent committed to our charge would be treachery to the most sacred of trusts the spirit of improvement is abroad upon the earth it stimulates the hearts and sharpens the faculties not of our fellow citizens alone but of the nations of europe and of their rulers while dwelling with pleasing satisfaction upon the superior excellence of our political institutions let us not be unmindful that liberty is power that the nation blessed with the largest portion of liberty must in proportion to its numbers be the most powerful nation upon earth and that the tenure of power by man is in the moral purposes of his creator upon condition that it shall be exercised to ends of beneficence to improve the condition of himself and his fellow men while foreign nations less blessed with that freedom which is power than ourselves are advancing with gigantic strides in the career of public improvement were we to slumber in indolence or fold up our arms and proclaim to the world that we are palsied by the will of our constituents would it not be to cast away the bounties of providence and doom ourselves to perpetual inferiority in the course of the year now drawing to its close we have beheld under the auspices and at the expense of one state of this union a new university unfolding its portals to the sons of science and holding up the torch of human improvement to eyes that seek the light we have seen under the persevering and enlightened enterprise of another state the waters of our western lakes mingle with those of the ocean if undertakings like these have been accomplished in the compass of a few years by the authority of single members of our confederation can we the representative authorities of the whole union fall behind our fellow servants in the exercise of the trust committed to us for the benefit of our common sovereign by the accomplishment of works important to the whole and to which neither the authority nor the resources of any one state can be adequate finally fellow citizens i shall await with cheering hope and faithful cooperation the result of your deliberations assured that without encroaching upon the powers reserved to the authorities of the respective states or to the people you will with a due sense of your obligations to your country and of the high responsibilities weighing upon yourselves give efficacy to the means committed to you for the common good and may he who searches the hearts of the children of men prosper your exertions to secure the blessings of peace and promote the highest welfare of your country
taking general survey concerns beloved country reference subjects interesting common welfare first sentiment impresses upon mind gratitude omnipotent disposer good continuance signal blessings providence especially health unusual extent prevailed within borders abundance vicissitudes seasons scattered profusion land ought less ascribe glory permitted enjoy bounties hand peace tranquillity peace nations earth tranquillity among selves indeed rarely period history civilized man general condition christian nations marked extensively peace prosperity europe partial unhappy exceptions enjoyed 10 years peace governments ever theory constitutions may successively taught feel end institution happiness people exercise power among men justified blessings confers upon extended period intercourse nations pacific friendly continues since close last session material variation occurred relations one commercial navigation system great britain important changes municipal regulation recently sanctioned acts parliament effect upon interests nations particularly upon yet fully developed recent renewal diplomatic missions sides two governments assurances given received continuance increase mutual confidence cordiality adjustment many points difference already effected affords surest pledge ultimate satisfactory adjustment still remain open may hereafter arise policy united states commercial intercourse nations always liberal character mutual exchange respective productions abstained altogether prohibitions interdicted power laying taxes upon exports ever favored shipping special preferences exclusive privileges ports view countervail similar favors exclusions granted nations engaged traffic people shipping disadvantage immediately close last war proposal fairly made act congress maritime nations lay aside system retaliating restrictions exclusions place shipping parties common trade footing equality respect duties tonnage impost offer partially successively accepted great britain sweden netherlands hanseatic cities prussia sardinia duke oldenburg russia also adopted certain modifications late commercial convention france act congress received new confirmation nations acceded offered may willing abide reciprocity regulations whether established treaty municipal enactments still subject one important restriction removal discriminating duties tonnage impost limited articles growth produce manufacture country vessel belongs articles usually first shipped ports deserve serious consideration congress whether even remnant restriction may safely abandoned whether general tender equal competition made act may extended include articles merchandise prohibited country ever may produce manufacture propositions effect already made us one european government probable established legislation compact distinguished maritime state would recommend experience advantages general accession convention commerce navigation united states france concluded understanding intent parties appears upon face temporary arrangement points difference immediate pressing urgency limited first instance two years proviso continue force conclusion general definitive treaty commerce unless terminated notice 6 months advance either parties operation far extended mutually advantageous still continues force common consent left unadjusted several objects great interest citizens subjects countries particularly mass claims considerable amount citizens united states upon government france indemnity property taken destroyed circumstances aggravated outrageous character long period continual earnest appeals made equity magnanimity france behalf claims justice could denied hoped accession new sovereign throne would afforded favorable opportunity presenting consideration government presented urged hither without effect repeated earnest representations minister court france remain yet even without answer demands nations upon justice susceptible adjudication sentence impartial tribunal refer would long since settled adequate indemnity would obtained large amounts similar claims upon netherlands naples denmark upon spain prior 1819 indemnity many years patient forbearance obtained upon sweden lately compromised private settlement claimants acquiesced governments denmark naples recently reminded yet existing forgotten hope may indulged obtaining justice means within constitutional power executive without resorting means well time circumstances occasion may require within exclusive competency legislature great satisfaction enabled bear witness liberal spirit republic colombia made satisfaction claims similar character among documents communicated congress distinguished treaty commerce navigation republic ratifications exchanged since last recess legislature negotiation similar treaties independent south american states contemplated may yet accomplished basis proposed united states laid two principles one entire unqualified reciprocity mutual obligation parties place permanently upon footing favored nation principles indeed indispensable effectual emancipation american hemisphere thralldom colonizing monopolies exclusions event rapidly realizing progress human affairs resistance still opposed certain parts europe acknowledgment southern american republics independent states believed contribute effectually accomplish time remote states might anxious desire obtain nominal recognition accepted nominal independence clogged burdensome conditions exclusive commercial privileges granted nation separated disadvantage others aware concessions european nation would incompatible independence declared maintained among measures suggested new relations one another resulting recent changes condition assembling isthmus panama congress represented deliberate upon objects important welfare republics colombia mexico central america already deputed plenipotentiaries meeting invited united states also represented ministers invitation accepted ministers part united states commissioned attend deliberations take part far may compatible neutrality neither intention desire american states depart commissioners 7th article treaty ghent nearly completed arduous labors report recently received agent part united states reason expect commission closed next session appointed may 22 ensuing year commission appointed ascertain indemnities due slaves carried away united states close late war met difficulty delayed progress inquiry reference made british government subject may hoped tend hasten decision commissioners serve substitute among powers specifically granted congress constitution establishing uniform laws subject bankruptcies throughout united states providing organizing arming disciplining militia governing part may employed services united states magnitude complexity interests affected legislation upon subjects may account fact long often occupied attention animated debates congress systems yet devised fulfilling satisfaction community duties prescribed grants power conciliate claim individual citizen enjoyment personal liberty effective obligation private contracts difficult problem solved law bankruptcy objects deepest interest society affecting precious existence multitudes persons many classes essentially dependent helpless age requiring nurture sex entitled protection free agency parent husband organization militia yet indispensable liberties country effective militia enjoy repose peace bid defiance foreign aggression militia constituted armed nation standing perpetual panoply defense presence nations earth end would necessary possible shape organization give united active energy laws establishing uniform militia throughout united states arming equipping whole body body dislocated members without vigor unity little uniformity name infuse important institution power susceptible make available defense union shortest notice smallest expense possible time life treasure among benefits expected persevering deliberations congress among unequivocal indications national prosperity flourishing state finances revenues present year principal sources exceed anticipations last balance treasury first january last little short exclusive moiety loan authorized act receipts treasury first january 30th september exclusive moiety loan estimated expected current quarter exceed forming aggregate receipts nearly independent loan expenditures year exceed sum expenditures nearly principal public debt discharged devoted debt gratitude warriors revolution nearly equal sum construction fortifications acquisition ordnance permanent preparations national defense gradual increase navy equal sum purchases territory indians payment annuities upward objects internal improvement authorized special acts last congress add payment interest upon public debt remains sum defrayed whole expense administration government legislative executive judiciary departments including support military naval establishments occasional contingencies government coextensive union amount duties secured merchandise imported since commencement year accrue current quarter estimated deducting estimated less sum exceeding constitute revenue year exceed whole expenditures year entire amount public debt remaining due first january next short act congress 3d march last loan authorized exchange stock amount stock 6 create fund extinguishing equal amount public debt bearing interest 6 redeemable 1826 account measures taken give effect act laid secretary treasury object view partially accomplished consideration congress whether power clothed executive renewed early day present session modifications act congress 3d march last directing secretary treasury subscribe name use united states shares capital stock chesapeake delaware canal company executed actual subscription amount specified measures adopted officer act fulfillment intentions requires latest accounts received important undertaking authorize belief successful progress payments treasury proceeds sales public lands present year estimated actual receipts first two quarters fallen little short sum expected second half year equally productive income year source may safely estimated act congress provide extinguishment debt due united states purchasers public lands limited operation relief purchaser 10th april last effect end quarter expired reduce debt operation similar prior laws relief since debt reduced upward exceedingly desirable extinguished altogether facilitate consummation recommend congress revival one year act provisional modification may necessary guard public interests fraudulent practices resale relinquished land purchasers public lands among useful fellow citizens since system sales cash alone introduced great indulgence justly extended previously purchased upon credit debt contracted credit sales become unwieldy extinction alike advantageous purchaser public system sales matured experience adapted exigencies times lands continue become abundant source revenue pledge public creditor shall redeemed entire discharge national debt swelling tide wealth replenish common treasury may made reflow unfailing streams improvement atlantic pacific ocean condition various branches public service resorting department war administration current year exhibited report secretary war accompanying documents herewith communicated organization discipline army effective satisfactory counteract prevalence desertion among troops suggested withhold men small portion monthly pay period discharge expedient appears necessary preserve maintain among officers much art horsemanship could scarcely fail found wanting possible sudden eruption war take us unprovided single corps cavalry military academy west point restrictions severe paternal superintendence recommends patronage nation numbers meritorious officers forms introduces public service furnishes means multiplying undertakings public improvements acquirements institution peculiarly adapted school artillery practice established fortress monroe hampton va well suited purpose may need aid legislative provision end reports various officers head administrative branches military service connected quartering clothing subsistence health pay army exhibit assiduous vigilance officers performance respective duties faithful accountability pervaded every part system relations numerous tribes aboriginal natives country scattered extensive surface dependent even existence upon power present year highly interesting act congress made appropriation defray expenses making treaties trade friendship indian tribes beyond mississippi act authorized treaties made indians consent making road frontier missouri new mexico another act date provided defraying expenses holding treaties sioux chippeways menomenees sauks foxes purpose establishing boundaries promoting peace said tribes first last objects acts accomplished second yet process execution treaties since last session congress concluded several tribes laid senate consideration conformably constitution comprise large valuable acquisitions territory secure adjustment boundaries give pledges permanent peace several tribes long waging bloody wars 12th february last treaty signed indian springs commissioners appointed part united states certain chiefs individuals creek nation indians received seat government days close last session congress late administration advice consent senate given 3d march late receive ratification president united states ratified 7th march unsuspecting impression negotiated good faith confidence inspired recommendation senate subsequent transactions relation treaty form subject separate communication appropriations made congress public works well construction fortifications purposes internal improvement far expended faithfuly applied progress delayed want suitable officers superintending increase corps engineers military topographical recommended predecessor last session congress reasons upon recommendation founded subsist force acquired additional urgency since time military academy west point furnish cadets officers well qualified carrying measure effect board engineers internal improvement appointed carrying execution act congress procure necessary surveys plans estimates subject roads canals actively engaged service close last session congress completed surveys necessary ascertaining practicability canal chesapeake bay ohio river preparing full report subject completed laid observation made regard two objects national importance upon board occupied namely accomplishment national road city new orleans practicability uniting waters lake memphramagog connecticut river improvement navigation river surveys made nearly completed report may expected early period present session congress acts congress last session relative surveying marking laying roads territories florida arkansas michigan missouri mexico continuation cumberland road fully executed others process execution completing commencing fortifications delayed far corps engineers inadequate furnish officers necessary superintendence works act confirming statutes virginia maryland incorporating chesapeake ohio canal company three commissioners part united states appointed opening books receiving subscriptions concert like number commissioners appointed part states meeting commissioners await definitive report board engineers monuments safety commerce mariners works security plymouth beach preservation islands boston harbor received attention required laws relating objects respectively continuation cumberland road important surmounting inconsiderable difficulty fixing upon direction road commenced promising auspices improvements recent invention mode construction advantage great reduction comparative cost work operation laws relating revolutionary pensioners may deserve renewed consideration congress act made provision many meritorious indigent citizens served war independence opened door numerous abuses impositions remedy act exacted proofs absolute indigence many really want unable susceptible delicacy allied many virtues must deeply reluctant give result among least deserving retained requisites worth want combined stricken list numbers venerable relics age gone diminish decays body mind estate survive must common course nature increase liberal portion indulgence dealt may want instances inferred demand service proved may last days human infirmity spared mortification purchasing pittance relief exposure necessities submit congress expediency providing individual cases description special enactment revising act view mitigate rigor exclusions favor persons charity bestowed scarcely discharge debt justice portion naval force union actual service chiefly employed three stations mediterranean coasts south america bordering pacific ocean west indies occasional cruiser sent range along african shores polluted traffic slaves one armed vessel stationed coast eastern boundary cruise along fishing grounds hudsons bay coast labrador first service new frigate performed restoring native soil domestic enjoyments veteran hero whose youthful blood treasure freely flowed country independence whose whole life series services sacrifices improvement fellow men visit general lafayette alike honorable country closed commenced affecting testimonials devoted attachment part unbounded gratitude people return form pleasing incident annals union giving real history intense interest romance signally marking unpurchasable tribute great nation social affections disinterested champion liberties constant maintenance small squadron mediterranean necessary substitute humiliating alternative paying tribute security commerce sea precarious peace mercy every caprice four barbary states liable violated additional motive keeping respectable force stationed time found maritime war raging greeks turks neutral navigation union always danger outrage depredation instances occurred depredations upon merchant vessels privateers pirates wearing grecian flag without real authority greek government heroic struggles greeks warmest sympathies free men christians engaged continued maintained vicissitudes success adverse favorable similar motives rendered expedient keeping like force coasts peru chile pacific irregular convulsive character war upon shores extended conflicts upon ocean active warfare kept years alternate success though generally advantage american patriots naval forces always control governments blockades unjustifiable upon acknowledged principles international law proclaimed officers command though disavowed supreme authorities protection commerce made complaint erroneous imputations gallant officers navy complaints equally groundless made commanders spanish royal forces seas effective protection commerce flag firmness commanding officers cessation war complete triumph patriot removed hoped dissension one party vestige force unsettled coast many degrees latitude forming part territory flourishing commerce fishery extending islands pacific china still require protecting power union displayed flag well upon ocean upon land objects west india squadron carry execution laws suppression african slave trade protection commerce vessels piratical character though bearing commissions either belligerent parties protection open unequivocal pirates objects present year accomplished effectually former period african slave trade long excluded use flag citizens country continued set laws union well nature humanity defiance persevering abominable traffic sheltering banners nations less earnest total extinction trade active persevering unremitted energy captain warrington officers men command trying perilous service crowned signal success entitled approbation country experience shown even temporary suspension relaxation assiduity indulged station without reproducing piracy murder horrors probably years come immensely valuable commerce seas navigate security without steady continuance armed force devoted protection indeed vain dangerous illusion believe present probable condition human society commerce extensive rich could exist pursued safety without continual support military marine arm power confederacy estimated felt foreign nations standing military force never dangerous liberties home permanent naval peace establishment therefore adapted present condition adaptable gigantic growth nation advancing career among subjects already occupied foresight last congress deserve serious deliberations navy commenced early period present political organization upon scale commensurate incipient energies scanty resources comparative indigence infancy even found adequate cope powers barbary save first one principle maritime powers europe period advancement little accession strength sustained honor unequal conflicts covered country unfading glory since close late war numbers force ships composed could deserve name navy yet retains nearly organization consisted 5 frigates rules regulations governed earnestly call revision want naval school instruction corresponding military academy west point formation scientific accomplished officers felt daily increasing aggravation act congress authorizing examination survey harbor charleston south carolina marys georgia coast florida purposes executed far appropriation would admit 3d march last authorizing establishment navy yard depot coast florida gulf mexico authorizing building ten sloops war purposes course execution particulars objects connected department refer report secretary navy herewith communicated report postmaster general also submitted exhibiting present flourishing condition department first time many years receipts year ending first july last exceeded expenditures period amount facts equally creditable administration department two years improvement pecuniary affairs realized interval increase transportation mail exceeded miles annually new post offices established hence appears judicious management income establishment may relied fully adequate defray expenses discontinuance post roads altogether unproductive others useful character may opened circulation mail shall keep pace spread population comforts friendly correspondence exchanges internal traffic lights periodical press shall distributed remotest corners union charge scarcely perceptible individual without cost dollar public treasury upon first occasion addressing legislature union honored presenting view execution far effected measures sanctioned promoting internal improvement country close communication without recommending calm persevering consideration general principle enlarged extent great object institution civil government improvement condition parties social compact government ever form constituted accomplish lawful ends institution proportion improves condition established roads canals multiplying facilitating communications intercourse distant regions multitudes men among important means improvement moral political intellectual improvement duties assigned author existence social less individual man fulfillment duties governments invested power attainment end progressive improvement condition governed exercise delegated powers duty sacred indispensable usurpation powers granted criminal odious among first perhaps first instrument improvement condition men knowledge acquisition much knowledge adapted wants comforts enjoyments human life public institutions seminaries learning essential convinced first predecessors office first memory living first hearts men addresses congresses cooperated public service earnestly recommended establishment seminaries learning prepare emergencies peace war national university military academy respect latter lived present day turning eyes institution west point would enjoyed gratification earnest wishes surveying city honored name would seen spot earth destined bequeathed use benefit country site university still bare barren assuming station among civilized nations earth would seem country contracted engagement contribute share mind labor expense improvement parts knowledge lie beyond reach individual acquisition particularly geographical astronomical science looking back history half century since declaration independence observing generous emulation governments france great britain russia devoted genius intelligence treasures respective nations common improvement species branches science incumbent upon us inquire whether bound obligations high honorable character contribute portion energy exertion common stock voyages discovery prosecuted course time expense nations redounded glory improvement human knowledge partakers improvement owe sacred debt gratitude equal proportional exertion common cost undertakings mere expenditures outfit equipment completion expeditions considered charges would unworthy great generous nation take second thought one hundred expeditions circumnavigation like cook la prouse would burden exchequer nation fitting much ways means defraying single campaign war take account lives benefactors services species purchase shall cost heroic enterprises estimated compensation made countries bearing affectionate remembrance still imitating example enabling pursue career hazard lives inviting attention congress subject internal improvements upon view thus enlarged desire recommend equipment expedition circumnavigating globe purposes scientific research inquiry objects useful investigation nearer home cares may beneficially applied interior territories yet imperfectly explored coasts along many degrees latitude upon shores pacific ocean though much frequented spirited commercial navigators barely visited public ships river west first fully discovered navigated still bears name ship ascended waters claims protection armed national flag mouth establishment military post point coast recommended predecessor already matured deliberations last congress would suggest expediency connecting equipment public ship exploration whole coast continent establishment uniform standard weights measures one specific objects contemplated formation constitution fix standard powers delegated express terms instrument congress governments great britain france scarcely ceased occupied inquiries speculations subject since existence constitution expanded profound laborious expensive researches figure earth comparative length pendulum vibrating seconds various latitudes equator pole researches resulted composition publication several works highly interesting science experiments yet process performance recently made shores within walls one colleges partly one fellow citizens would honorable country sequel experiments countenanced patronage government hitherto france britain connected establishment university separate might undertaken erection astronomical observatory provision support astronomer constant attendance observation upon phenomena heavens periodical publication observances feeling pride american remark may made comparatively small territorial surface europe existing upward 130 skies throughout whole american hemisphere one reflect moment upon discoveries last four centuries made physical constitution universe means buildings observers stationed shall doubt usefulness every nation scarcely year passes heads without bringing new astronomical discovery light must fain receive second hand europe cutting means returning light light neither observatory observer upon half globe earth revolves perpetual darkness unsearching eyes first president united states announced congress result first enumeration inhabitants union informed returns gave pleasing assurance population united states bordered persons distance 30 years time last enumeration 5 years since completed presented population bordering perhaps evidence prosperous happy condition human society rapidity increase population unequivocal demonstration prosperity rests alone upon indication commerce wealth extent territories increased corresponding proportions number independent communities associated federal union since time nearly doubled legislative representation states people two houses congress grown growth constituent bodies house consisted 65 members numbers upward 200 senate consisted 26 members 48 executive still judiciary departments yet great measure confined primitive organization adequate urgent wants still growing community naval armaments early period forced upon necessities union soon led establishment department navy departments foreign affairs interior early formation government united one continue united time unquestionable detriment public service multiplication relations nations governments old world kept pace population commerce within last 10 years new family nations hemisphere arisen among inhabitants earth intercourse commercial political would furnish occupation active industrious department constitution judiciary experimental imperfect even infancy existing government yet inadequate administration national justice present maturity nine years elapsed since predecessor office last citizen perhaps others throughout union contributed formation establishment constitution valedictory address congress immediately preceding retirement public life urgently recommended revision judiciary establishment additional executive department exigencies public service unavoidable deficiencies exercise added yearly cumulative weight considerations presented persuasive measure recommending deliberations happy influence high authority aid undoubting convictions experience laws relating administration patent office deserving much consideration perhaps susceptible improvement grant power regulate action congress upon subject specified end obtained means effected promote progress science useful arts securing limited times authors inventors exclusive right respective writings discoveries honest pride might indulged reflection records office already found inventions usefulness scarcely transcended annals human ingenuity would exultation allayed inquiry whether laws effectively insured inventors reward destined constitution even limited term exclusive right discoveries resolved congress marble monument erected united states capitol city washington family general washington requested permit body deposited monument designed commemorate great events military political life reminding congress resolution monument contemplated remains yet without execution shall indulge remarks works capitol approaching completion consent family desired resolution requested obtained monument recently erected city remains another distinguished patriot revolution spot reserved within walls deliberating benefit future ages mortal remains may deposited whose spirit hovers listens delight every act representatives nation tend exalt adorn country constitution assembled charter limited powers full solemn deliberation upon objects urged irresistible sense duty recommended attention come conclusion however desirable enactment laws effecting would transcend powers committed venerable instrument bound support let consideration induce assume exercise powers granted people power exercise exclusive legislation cases ever district columbia power lay collect taxes duties imposts excises pay debts provide common defense general welfare united states power regulate commerce foreign nations among several states indian tribes fix standard weights measures establish post offices post roads declare war raise support armies provide maintain navy dispose make needful rules regulations respecting territory property belonging united states make laws shall necessary proper carrying powers execution powers others enumerated constitution may effectually brought action laws promoting improvement agriculture commerce manufactures cultivation encouragement mechanic elegant arts advancement literature progress sciences ornamental profound refrain exercising benefit people would hide earth talent committed charge would treachery sacred trusts spirit improvement abroad upon earth stimulates hearts sharpens faculties fellow citizens alone nations europe rulers dwelling pleasing satisfaction upon superior excellence political institutions let us unmindful liberty power nation blessed largest portion liberty must proportion numbers powerful nation upon earth tenure power man moral purposes creator upon condition shall exercised ends beneficence improve condition fellow men foreign nations less blessed freedom power advancing gigantic strides career public improvement slumber indolence fold arms proclaim world palsied constituents would cast away bounties providence doom perpetual inferiority course year drawing close beheld auspices expense one state union new university unfolding portals sons science holding torch human improvement eyes seek light seen persevering enlightened enterprise another state waters western lakes mingle ocean undertakings like accomplished compass years authority single members confederation representative authorities whole union fall behind fellow servants exercise trust committed us benefit common sovereign accomplishment works important whole neither authority resources one state adequate finally fellow citizens shall await cheering hope faithful cooperation result deliberations assured without encroaching upon powers reserved authorities respective states people due sense obligations country high responsibilities weighing upon give efficacy means committed common good may searches hearts children men prosper exertions secure blessings peace promote highest welfare country
take general survey concern beloved country reference subject interesting common welfare first sentiment impress upon mind gratitude omnipotent disposer good continuance signal blessing providence especially health unusual extent prevail within border abundance vicissitude season scatter profusion land ought less ascribe glory permit enjoy bounty hand peace tranquillity peace nation earth tranquillity among self indeed rarely period history civilize man general condition christian nation mark extensively peace prosperity europe partial unhappy exception enjoy 10 year peace government ever theory constitution may successively teach feel end institution happiness people exercise power among men justify blessing confers upon extended period intercourse nation pacific friendly continue since close last session material variation occur relation one commercial navigation system great britain important change municipal regulation recently sanction act parliament effect upon interest nation particularly upon yet fully developed recent renewal diplomatic mission side two government assurance give receive continuance increase mutual confidence cordiality adjustment many point difference already effect affords sure pledge ultimate satisfactory adjustment still remain open may hereafter arise policy united state commercial intercourse nation always liberal character mutual exchange respective production abstain altogether prohibition interdicted power laying tax upon export ever favor ship special preference exclusive privilege port view countervail similar favor exclusion grant nation engage traffic people ship disadvantage immediately close last war proposal fairly make act congress maritime nation lay aside system retaliate restriction exclusion place ship party common trade foot equality respect duty tonnage impost offer partially successively accepted great britain sweden netherlands hanseatic city prussia sardinia duke oldenburg russia also adopt certain modification late commercial convention france act congress receive new confirmation nation accede offer may willing abide reciprocity regulation whether establish treaty municipal enactment still subject one important restriction removal discriminate duty tonnage impost limited article growth produce manufacture country vessel belongs article usually first ship port deserve serious consideration congress whether even remnant restriction may safely abandon whether general tender equal competition make act may extend include article merchandise prohibit country ever may produce manufacture proposition effect already make u one european government probable establish legislation compact distinguish maritime state would recommend experience advantage general accession convention commerce navigation united state france conclude understanding intent party appear upon face temporary arrangement point difference immediate pressing urgency limit first instance two year proviso continue force conclusion general definitive treaty commerce unless terminate notice 6 month advance either party operation far extend mutually advantageous still continue force common consent leave unadjusted several object great interest citizen subject country particularly mass claim considerable amount citizen united state upon government france indemnity property take destroyed circumstance aggravate outrageous character long period continual earnest appeal make equity magnanimity france behalf claim justice could deny hop accession new sovereign throne would afford favorable opportunity present consideration government present urge hither without effect repeat earnest representation minister court france remain yet even without answer demand nation upon justice susceptible adjudication sentence impartial tribunal refer would long since settle adequate indemnity would obtain large amount similar claim upon netherlands naples denmark upon spain prior 1819 indemnity many year patient forbearance obtain upon sweden lately compromised private settlement claimant acquiesce government denmark naples recently remind yet exist forget hope may indulge obtain justice mean within constitutional power executive without resort mean well time circumstance occasion may require within exclusive competency legislature great satisfaction enable bear witness liberal spirit republic colombia make satisfaction claim similar character among document communicate congress distinguish treaty commerce navigation republic ratification exchange since last recess legislature negotiation similar treaty independent south american state contemplate may yet accomplish basis propose united state lay two principle one entire unqualified reciprocity mutual obligation party place permanently upon foot favored nation principle indeed indispensable effectual emancipation american hemisphere thralldom colonize monopoly exclusion event rapidly realize progress human affair resistance still oppose certain part europe acknowledgment southern american republic independent state believe contribute effectually accomplish time remote state might anxious desire obtain nominal recognition accept nominal independence clog burdensome condition exclusive commercial privilege grant nation separate disadvantage others aware concession european nation would incompatible independence declare maintain among measure suggest new relation one another result recent change condition assemble isthmus panama congress represent deliberate upon object important welfare republic colombia mexico central america already depute plenipotentiary meet invited united state also represent minister invitation accept minister part united state commission attend deliberation take part far may compatible neutrality neither intention desire american state depart commissioner 7th article treaty ghent nearly complete arduous labor report recently receive agent part united state reason expect commission close next session appoint may 22 ensue year commission appoint ascertain indemnity due slave carry away united state close late war meet difficulty delay progress inquiry reference make british government subject may hop tend hasten decision commissioner serve substitute among power specifically grant congress constitution establish uniform law subject bankruptcy throughout united state provide organize arm discipline militia govern part may employ service united state magnitude complexity interest affect legislation upon subject may account fact long often occupied attention animate debate congress system yet devise fulfilling satisfaction community duty prescribe grant power conciliate claim individual citizen enjoyment personal liberty effective obligation private contract difficult problem solve law bankruptcy object deep interest society affect precious existence multitude person many class essentially dependent helpless age require nurture sex entitle protection free agency parent husband organization militia yet indispensable liberty country effective militia enjoy repose peace bid defiance foreign aggression militia constitute armed nation stand perpetual panoply defense presence nation earth end would necessary possible shape organization give united active energy law establish uniform militia throughout united state arm equip whole body body dislocate member without vigor unity little uniformity name infuse important institution power susceptible make available defense union short notice small expense possible time life treasure among benefit expect persevere deliberation congress among unequivocal indication national prosperity flourish state finance revenue present year principal source exceed anticipation last balance treasury first january last little short exclusive moiety loan authorize act receipt treasury first january 30th september exclusive moiety loan estimate expected current quarter exceed form aggregate receipt nearly independent loan expenditure year exceed sum expenditure nearly principal public debt discharge devoted debt gratitude warrior revolution nearly equal sum construction fortification acquisition ordnance permanent preparation national defense gradual increase navy equal sum purchase territory indian payment annuity upward object internal improvement authorize special act last congress add payment interest upon public debt remain sum defrayed whole expense administration government legislative executive judiciary department include support military naval establishment occasional contingency government coextensive union amount duty secure merchandise import since commencement year accrue current quarter estimate deduct estimate less sum exceed constitute revenue year exceed whole expenditure year entire amount public debt remain due first january next short act congress 3d march last loan authorize exchange stock amount stock 6 create fund extinguish equal amount public debt bearing interest 6 redeemable 1826 account measure take give effect act lay secretary treasury object view partially accomplish consideration congress whether power clothe executive renew early day present session modification act congress 3d march last directing secretary treasury subscribe name use united state share capital stock chesapeake delaware canal company execute actual subscription amount specify measure adopt officer act fulfillment intention require late account receive important undertaking authorize belief successful progress payment treasury proceeds sale public land present year estimate actual receipt first two quarter fall little short sum expect second half year equally productive income year source may safely estimate act congress provide extinguishment debt due united state purchaser public land limited operation relief purchaser 10th april last effect end quarter expire reduce debt operation similar prior law relief since debt reduce upward exceedingly desirable extinguish altogether facilitate consummation recommend congress revival one year act provisional modification may necessary guard public interest fraudulent practice resale relinquish land purchaser public land among useful fellow citizen since system sale cash alone introduce great indulgence justly extend previously purchase upon credit debt contract credit sale become unwieldy extinction alike advantageous purchaser public system sale mature experience adapt exigency time land continue become abundant source revenue pledge public creditor shall redeem entire discharge national debt swell tide wealth replenish common treasury may make reflow unfailing stream improvement atlantic pacific ocean condition various branch public service resort department war administration current year exhibit report secretary war accompany document herewith communicated organization discipline army effective satisfactory counteract prevalence desertion among troop suggest withhold men small portion monthly pay period discharge expedient appear necessary preserve maintain among officer much art horsemanship could scarcely fail found want possible sudden eruption war take u unprovided single corp cavalry military academy west point restriction severe paternal superintendence recommend patronage nation number meritorious officer form introduces public service furnishes mean multiplying undertaking public improvement acquirement institution peculiarly adapt school artillery practice establish fortress monroe hampton va well suit purpose may need aid legislative provision end report various officer head administrative branch military service connect quarter clothe subsistence health pay army exhibit assiduous vigilance officer performance respective duty faithful accountability pervade every part system relation numerous tribe aboriginal native country scatter extensive surface dependent even existence upon power present year highly interesting act congress make appropriation defray expense make treaty trade friendship indian tribes beyond mississippi act authorize treaty make indian consent make road frontier missouri new mexico another act date provide defraying expense hold treaty sioux chippeways menomenees sauks fox purpose establish boundary promote peace say tribe first last object act accomplish second yet process execution treaty since last session congress conclude several tribe lay senate consideration conformably constitution comprise large valuable acquisition territory secure adjustment boundary give pledge permanent peace several tribe long wag bloody war 12th february last treaty sign indian spring commissioner appoint part united state certain chiefs individual creek nation indian receive seat government day close last session congress late administration advice consent senate give 3d march late receive ratification president united state ratify 7th march unsuspecting impression negotiate good faith confidence inspire recommendation senate subsequent transaction relation treaty form subject separate communication appropriation make congress public work well construction fortification purpose internal improvement far expend faithfuly applied progress delay want suitable officer superintend increase corp engineer military topographical recommend predecessor last session congress reason upon recommendation found subsist force acquire additional urgency since time military academy west point furnish cadet officer well qualify carry measure effect board engineer internal improvement appoint carry execution act congress procure necessary survey plan estimate subject road canal actively engage service close last session congress complete survey necessary ascertain practicability canal chesapeake bay ohio river prepare full report subject complete laid observation make regard two object national importance upon board occupy namely accomplishment national road city new orleans practicability unite water lake memphramagog connecticut river improvement navigation river survey make nearly complete report may expect early period present session congress act congress last session relative surveying mark lay road territory florida arkansas michigan missouri mexico continuation cumberland road fully execute others process execution complete commence fortification delay far corps engineer inadequate furnish officer necessary superintendence work act confirm statute virginia maryland incorporate chesapeake ohio canal company three commissioner part united state appoint open book receive subscription concert like number commissioner appoint part state meet commissioner await definitive report board engineer monument safety commerce mariner work security plymouth beach preservation islands boston harbor receive attention require law relate object respectively continuation cumberland road important surmount inconsiderable difficulty fix upon direction road commence promising auspex improvement recent invention mode construction advantage great reduction comparative cost work operation law relate revolutionary pensioner may deserve renew consideration congress act make provision many meritorious indigent citizen serve war independence open door numerous abuse imposition remedy act exact proofs absolute indigence many really want unable susceptible delicacy ally many virtue must deeply reluctant give result among least deserve retain requisite worth want combine stricken list number venerable relic age go diminish decay body mind estate survive must common course nature increase liberal portion indulgence dealt may want instance inferred demand service prove may last day human infirmity spar mortification purchase pittance relief exposure necessity submit congress expediency provide individual case description special enactment revise act view mitigate rigor exclusion favor person charity bestow scarcely discharge debt justice portion naval force union actual service chiefly employ three station mediterranean coast south america border pacific ocean west indie occasional cruiser send range along african shore pollute traffic slave one armed vessel station coast eastern boundary cruise along fish ground hudson bay coast labrador first service new frigate perform restore native soil domestic enjoyment veteran hero whose youthful blood treasure freely flow country independence whose whole life series service sacrifice improvement fellow men visit general lafayette alike honorable country close commenced affecting testimonial devote attachment part unbounded gratitude people return form pleasing incident annals union give real history intense interest romance signally mark unpurchasable tribute great nation social affection disinterested champion liberty constant maintenance small squadron mediterranean necessary substitute humiliate alternative pay tribute security commerce sea precarious peace mercy every caprice four barbary state liable violate additional motive keep respectable force station time find maritime war rag greek turks neutral navigation union always danger outrage depredation instance occur depredation upon merchant vessel privateer pirate wear grecian flag without real authority greek government heroic struggle greeks warm sympathy free men christian engage continue maintained vicissitude success adverse favorable similar motif render expedient keep like force coast peru chile pacific irregular convulsive character war upon shore extend conflict upon ocean active warfare keep year alternate success though generally advantage american patriot naval force always control government blockade unjustifiable upon acknowledged principle international law proclaim officer command though disavowed supreme authority protection commerce make complaint erroneous imputation gallant officer navy complaint equally groundless make commander spanish royal force seas effective protection commerce flag firmness command officer cessation war complete triumph patriot remove hoped dissension one party vestige force unsettle coast many degree latitude form part territory flourish commerce fishery extend island pacific china still require protect power union display flag well upon ocean upon land object west india squadron carry execution law suppression african slave trade protection commerce vessel piratical character though bearing commission either belligerent party protection open unequivocal pirate object present year accomplish effectually former period african slave trade long exclude use flag citizen country continue set law union well nature humanity defiance persevere abominable traffic shelter banner nation less earnest total extinction trade active persevering unremitted energy captain warrington officer men command try perilous service crown signal success entitle approbation country experience show even temporary suspension relaxation assiduity indulge station without reproduce piracy murder horror probably year come immensely valuable commerce sea navigate security without steady continuance arm force devote protection indeed vain dangerous illusion believe present probable condition human society commerce extensive rich could exist pursue safety without continual support military marine arm power confederacy estimate felt foreign nation stand military force never dangerous liberty home permanent naval peace establishment therefore adapt present condition adaptable gigantic growth nation advance career among subject already occupy foresight last congress deserve serious deliberation navy commence early period present political organization upon scale commensurate incipient energy scanty resource comparative indigence infancy even find adequate cope power barbary save first one principle maritime power europe period advancement little accession strength sustain honor unequal conflict cover country unfading glory since close late war number force ship compose could deserve name navy yet retain nearly organization consist 5 frigate rule regulation govern earnestly call revision want naval school instruction correspond military academy west point formation scientific accomplish officer felt daily increase aggravation act congress authorize examination survey harbor charleston south carolina mary georgia coast florida purpose execute far appropriation would admit 3d march last authorizing establishment navy yard depot coast florida gulf mexico authorize building ten sloops war purpose course execution particular object connect department refer report secretary navy herewith communicated report postmaster general also submit exhibit present flourish condition department first time many year receipt year end first july last exceeded expenditure period amount fact equally creditable administration department two year improvement pecuniary affair realize interval increase transportation mail exceed mile annually new post office establish hence appear judicious management income establishment may rely fully adequate defray expense discontinuance post roads altogether unproductive others useful character may open circulation mail shall keep pace spread population comfort friendly correspondence exchange internal traffic light periodical press shall distribute remote corner union charge scarcely perceptible individual without cost dollar public treasury upon first occasion address legislature union honor present view execution far effected measure sanction promote internal improvement country close communication without recommend calm persevere consideration general principle enlarge extent great object institution civil government improvement condition party social compact government ever form constituted accomplish lawful end institution proportion improve condition establish road canal multiply facilitate communication intercourse distant region multitude men among important mean improvement moral political intellectual improvement duty assign author existence social less individual man fulfillment duty government invest power attainment end progressive improvement condition govern exercise delegate power duty sacred indispensable usurpation power grant criminal odious among first perhaps first instrument improvement condition men knowledge acquisition much knowledge adapt want comfort enjoyment human life public institution seminary learn essential convince first predecessor office first memory living first heart men address congress cooperate public service earnestly recommend establishment seminary learn prepare emergency peace war national university military academy respect latter lived present day turn eye institution west point would enjoy gratification earnest wish survey city honor name would see spot earth destine bequeath use benefit country site university still bare barren assume station among civilized nation earth would seem country contract engagement contribute share mind labor expense improvement part knowledge lie beyond reach individual acquisition particularly geographical astronomical science look back history half century since declaration independence observe generous emulation government france great britain russia devote genius intelligence treasure respective nation common improvement specie branch science incumbent upon u inquire whether bound obligation high honorable character contribute portion energy exertion common stock voyage discovery prosecute course time expense nation redound glory improvement human knowledge partaker improvement owe sacred debt gratitude equal proportional exertion common cost undertaking mere expenditures outfit equipment completion expedition consider charge would unworthy great generous nation take second think one hundred expedition circumnavigation like cook la prouse would burden exchequer nation fit much way mean defray single campaign war take account life benefactor service specie purchase shall cost heroic enterprise estimate compensation make country bear affectionate remembrance still imitate example enable pursue career hazard live invite attention congress subject internal improvement upon view thus enlarge desire recommend equipment expedition circumnavigate globe purpose scientific research inquiry object useful investigation nearer home care may beneficially apply interior territory yet imperfectly explored coast along many degree latitude upon shore pacific ocean though much frequent spirited commercial navigator barely visit public ship river west first fully discover navigate still bear name ship ascend water claim protection arm national flag mouth establishment military post point coast recommend predecessor already mature deliberation last congress would suggest expediency connect equipment public ship exploration whole coast continent establishment uniform standard weight measure one specific object contemplate formation constitution fix standard power delegate express term instrument congress government great britain france scarcely cease occupied inquiry speculation subject since existence constitution expand profound laborious expensive research figure earth comparative length pendulum vibrate second various latitude equator pole research result composition publication several work highly interesting science experiment yet process performance recently make shore within wall one colleges partly one fellow citizen would honorable country sequel experiment countenance patronage government hitherto france britain connect establishment university separate might undertake erection astronomical observatory provision support astronomer constant attendance observation upon phenomenon heaven periodical publication observance feel pride american remark may make comparatively small territorial surface europe exist upward 130 sky throughout whole american hemisphere one reflect moment upon discovery last four century make physical constitution universe mean building observer station shall doubt usefulness every nation scarcely year pass head without bring new astronomical discovery light must fain receive second hand europe cutting mean return light light neither observatory observer upon half globe earth revolve perpetual darkness unsearching eye first president united state announce congress result first enumeration inhabitant union inform return give please assurance population unite state border person distance 30 year time last enumeration 5 year since complete presented population border perhaps evidence prosperous happy condition human society rapidity increase population unequivocal demonstration prosperity rest alone upon indication commerce wealth extent territory increase correspond proportion number independent community associate federal union since time nearly double legislative representation state people two house congress grown growth constituent body house consist 65 member number upward 200 senate consist 26 member 48 executive still judiciary department yet great measure confine primitive organization adequate urgent want still grow community naval armament early period force upon necessity union soon lead establishment department navy department foreign affair interior early formation government unite one continue united time unquestionable detriment public service multiplication relation nation government old world keep pace population commerce within last 10 year new family nation hemisphere arise among inhabitant earth intercourse commercial political would furnish occupation active industrious department constitution judiciary experimental imperfect even infancy exist government yet inadequate administration national justice present maturity nine year elapse since predecessor office last citizen perhaps others throughout union contribute formation establishment constitution valedictory address congress immediately precede retirement public life urgently recommend revision judiciary establishment additional executive department exigencies public service unavoidable deficiency exercise add yearly cumulative weight consideration present persuasive measure recommend deliberation happy influence high authority aid undoubting conviction experience law relate administration patent office deserve much consideration perhaps susceptible improvement grant power regulate action congress upon subject specified end obtain mean effected promote progress science useful art secure limited time author inventor exclusive right respective writing discovery honest pride might indulge reflection record office already find invention usefulness scarcely transcended annals human ingenuity would exultation allayed inquiry whether law effectively insured inventor reward destine constitution even limited term exclusive right discovery resolve congress marble monument erect united state capitol city washington family general washington request permit body deposit monument design commemorate great event military political life remind congress resolution monument contemplate remain yet without execution shall indulge remark work capitol approach completion consent family desire resolution request obtain monument recently erect city remain another distinguish patriot revolution spot reserve within wall deliberate benefit future age mortal remains may deposit whose spirit hovers listen delight every act representative nation tend exalt adorn country constitution assemble charter limited power full solemn deliberation upon object urge irresistible sense duty recommend attention come conclusion however desirable enactment law effect would transcend power commit venerable instrument bound support let consideration induce assume exercise power grant people power exercise exclusive legislation case ever district columbia power lay collect tax duty imposts excise pay debt provide common defense general welfare united state power regulate commerce foreign nation among several state indian tribe fix standard weight measure establish post office post road declare war raise support army provide maintain navy dispose make needful rule regulation respect territory property belonging united state make law shall necessary proper carry power execution power others enumerate constitution may effectually bring action law promote improvement agriculture commerce manufacture cultivation encouragement mechanic elegant art advancement literature progress science ornamental profound refrain exercising benefit people would hide earth talent commit charge would treachery sacred trust spirit improvement abroad upon earth stimulates hearts sharpens faculty fellow citizen alone nation europe ruler dwell please satisfaction upon superior excellence political institution let u unmindful liberty power nation bless large portion liberty must proportion number powerful nation upon earth tenure power man moral purpose creator upon condition shall exercise end beneficence improve condition fellow men foreign nation less bless freedom power advance gigantic stride career public improvement slumber indolence fold arm proclaim world palsy constituent would cast away bounty providence doom perpetual inferiority course year draw close beheld auspex expense one state union new university unfolding portal son science hold torch human improvement eye seek light see persevere enlightened enterprise another state water western lake mingle ocean undertaking like accomplished compass year authority single member confederation representative authority whole union fall behind fellow servant exercise trust commit u benefit common sovereign accomplishment work important whole neither authority resource one state adequate finally fellow citizen shall await cheer hope faithful cooperation result deliberation assure without encroach upon power reserve authority respective state people due sense obligation country high responsibility weigh upon give efficacy mean committed common good may search heart child men prosper exertion secure blessing peace promote high welfare country