The progress of our affairs since the last session has been such as may justly be claimed and expected under a Government deriving all its powers from an enlightened people, and under laws formed by their representatives, on great consideration, for the sole purpose of promoting the welfare and happiness of their constituents. In the execution of those laws and of the powers vested by the Constitution in the Executive, unremitted attention has been paid to the great objects to which they extend. In the concerns which are exclusively internal there is good cause to be satisfied with the result. The laws have had their due operation and effect. In those relating to foreign powers, I am happy to state that peace and amity are preserved with all by a strict observance on both sides of the rights of each. In matters touching our commercial intercourse, where a difference of opinion has existed as to the conditions on which it should be placed, each party has pursued its own policy without giving just cause of offense to the other. In this annual communication, especially when it is addressed to a new Congress, the whole scope of our political concerns naturally comes into view, that errors, if such have been committed, may be corrected; that defects which have become manifest may be remedied; and, on the other hand, that measures which were adopted on due deliberation, and which experience has shewn are just in themselves and essential to the public welfare, should be persevered in and supported. In performing this necessary and very important duty I shall endeavor to place before you on its merits every subject that is thought to be entitled to your particular attention in as distinct and clear a light as I may be able. By an act of [1815-03-03], so much of the several acts as imposed higher duties on the tonnage of foreign vessels and on the manufactures and productions of foreign nations when imported into the United States in foreign vessels than when imported in vessels of the United States were repealed so far as respected the manufactures and productions of the nation to which such vessels belonged, on the condition that the repeal should take effect only in favor of any foreign nation when the Executive should be satisfied that such discriminating duties to the disadvantage of the United States had likewise been repealed by such nation. By this act a proposition was made to all nations to place our commerce with each on a basis which it was presumed would be acceptable to all. Every nation was allowed to bring its manufactures and productions into our ports and to take the manufactures and productions of the United States back to their ports in their own vessels on the same conditions that they might be transported in vessels of the United States, and in return it was required that a like accommodation should be granted to the vessels of the United States in the ports of other powers. The articles to be admitted or prohibited on either side formed no part of the proposed arrangement. Each party would retain the right to admit or prohibit such articles from the other as it thought proper, and on its own conditions. When the nature of the commerce between the United States and every other country was taken into view, it was thought that this proposition would be considered fair, and even liberal, by every power. The exports of the United States consist generally of articles of the 1st necessity and of rude materials in demand for foreign manufactories, of great bulk, requiring for their transportation many vessels, the return for which in the manufactures and productions of any foreign country, even when disposed of there to advantage, may be brought in a single vessel. This observation is the more especially applicable to those countries from which manufactures alone are imported, but it applies in great extent to the European dominions of every European power and in a certain extent to all the colonies of those powers. By placing, then, the navigation precisely on the same ground in the transportation of exports and imports between the United States and other countries it was presumed that all was offered which could be desired. It seemed to be the only proposition which could be devised which would retain even the semblance of equality in our favor. Many considerations of great weight gave us a right to expect that this commerce should be extended to the colonies as well as to the European dominions of other powers. With the latter, especially with countries exclusively manufacturing, the advantage was manifestly on their side. An indemnity for that loss was expected from a trade with the colonies, and with the greater reason as it was known that the supplies which the colonies derived from us were of the highest importance to them, their labor being bestowed with so much greater profit in the culture of other articles; and because, likewise, the articles of which those supplies consisted, forming so large a proportion of the exports of the United States, were never admitted into any of the ports of Europe except in cases of great emergency to avert a serious calamity. When no article is admitted which is not required to supply the wants of the party admitting it, and admitted then not in favor of any particular country to the disadvantage of others, but on conditions equally applicable to all, it seems just that the articles thus admitted and invited should be carried thither in the vessels of the country affording such supply and that the reciprocity should be found in a corresponding accommodation on the other side. By allowing each party to participate in the transportation of such supplies on the payment of equal tonnage a strong proof was afforded of an accommodating spirit. To abandon to it the transportation of the whole would be a sacrifice which ought not to be expected. The demand in the present instance would be the more unreasonable in consideration of the great inequality existing in the trade with the parent country. Such was the basis of our system as established by the act of 1815 and such its true character. In the year in which this act was passed a treaty was concluded with Great Britain, in strict conformity with its principles, in regard to her European dominions. to her colonies, however, in the West Indies and on this continent it was not extended, the British Government claiming the exclusive supply of those colonies, and from our own ports, and of the productions of the colonies in return in her own vessels. To this claim the United States could not assent, and in consequence each party suspended the intercourse in the vessels of the other by a prohibition which still exists. The same conditions were offered to France, but not accepted. Her Government has demanded other conditions more favorable to her navigation, and which should also give extraordinary encouragement to her manufactures and productions in ports of the United States. To these it was thought improper to accede, and in consequence the restrictive regulations which had been adopted on her part, being countervailed on the part of the United States, the direct commerce between the 2 countries in the vessels of each party has been in great measure suspended. It is much to be regretted that, although a negotiation has been long pending, such is the diversity of views entertained on the various points which have been brought into discussion that there does not appear to be any reasonable prospect of its early conclusion. It is my duty to state, as a cause of very great regret, that very serious differences have occurred in this negotiation respecting the construction of the 8th article of the treaty of 1803, by which Louisiana was ceded to the United States, and likewise respecting the seizure of the Apollo, in 1820, for a violation of our revenue laws. The claim of the Government of France has excited not less surprise than concern, because there does not appear to be a just foundation for it in either instance. By the 8th article of the treaty referred to it is stipulated that after the expiration of 12 years, during which time it was provided by the 7th or preceding article that the vessels of France and Spain should be admitted into the ports of the ceded territory without paying higher duties on merchandise or tonnage on the vessels than such as were paid by citizens of the United States, the ships of France should forever afterwards be placed on the footing of the most favored nation. By the obvious construction of this article it is presumed that it was intended that no favor should be granted to any power in those ports to which France should not be forthwith entitled, nor should any accommodation be allowed to another power on conditions to which she would not also be entitled on the same conditions. Under this construction no favor or accommodation could be granted to any power to the prejudice of France. By allowing the equivalent allowed by those powers she would always stand in those ports on the footing of the most favored nation. But if this article should be so construed as that France should enjoy, of right, and without paying the equivalent, all the advantages of such conditions as might be allowed to other powers in return for important concessions made by them, then the whole character of the stipulations would be changed. She would not be placed on the footing of the most favored nation, but on a footing held by no other nation. She would enjoy all advantages allowed to them in consideration of like advantages allowed to us, free from every and any condition whatever. As little cause has the Government of France to complain of the seizure of the Apollo and the removal of other vessels from the waters of the St. Marys. It will not be denied that every nation has a right to regulate its commercial system as it thinks fit and to enforce the collection of its revenue, provided it be done without an invasion of the rights of other powers. The violation of its revenue laws is an offense which all nations punish, the punishment of which gives no just cause of complaint to the power to which the offenders belong, provided it be extended to all equally. In this case every circumstance which occurred indicated a fixed purpose to violate our revenue laws. Had the party intended to have pursued a fair trade he would have entered the port of some other power, landed his goods at the custom house according to law, and re-shipped and sent them in the vessel of such power, or of some other power which might lawfully bring them, free from such duties, to a port of the United States. But the conduct of the party in this case was altogether different. He entered the river St. Marys, the boundary line between the United States and Florida, and took his position on the Spanish side, on which in the whole extent of the river there was no town, no port or custom house, and scarcely any settlement. His purpose, therefore, was not to sell his goods to the inhabitants of Florida, but to citizens of the United States, in exchange for their productions, which could not be done without a direct and palpable breach of our laws. It is known that a regular systematic plan had been formed by certain persons for the violation of our revenue system, which made it the more necessary to check the proceeding in its commencement. That the unsettled bank of a river so remote from the Spanish garrisons and population could give no protection to any party in such a practice is believed to be in strict accord with the law of nations. It would not have comported with a friendly policy in Spain herself to have established a custom house there, since it could have subserved no other purpose than to elude our revenue law. But the Government of Spain did not adopt that measure. On the contrary, it is understood that the Captain-General of Cuba, to whom an application to that effect was made by these adventurers, had not acceded to it. The condition of those Provinces for many years before they were ceded to the United States need not now be dwelt on. Inhabited by different tribes of Indians and an inroad for every kind of adventurer, the jurisdiction of Spain may be said to have been almost exclusively confined to her garrisons. It certainly could not extend to places where she had no authority. The rules, therefore, applicable to settled countries governed by laws could not be deemed so to the deserts of Florida and to the occurrences there. It merits attention also that the territory had been ceded to the United States by a treaty the ratification of which had not been refused, and which has since been performed. Under any circumstances, therefore, Spain became less responsible for such acts committed there, and the United States more at liberty to exercise authority to prevent so great a mischief. The conduct of this Government has in every instance been conciliatory and friendly to France. The construction of our revenue law in its application to the cases which have formed the ground of such serious complaint on her part and the order to the collector of St. Marys, in accord with it, were given two years before these cases occurred, and in reference to a breach which was attempted by the subjects of another power. The application, therefore, to the cases in question was inevitable. As soon as the treaty by which these Provinces were ceded to the United States was ratified, and all danger of further breach of our revenue laws ceased, an order was given for the release of the vessel which had been seized and for the dismission of the libel which had been instituted against her. The principles of this system of reciprocity, founded on the law of [1815-03-03], have been since carried into effect with the Kingdoms of the Netherlands, Sweden, Prussia, and with Hamburg, Lubeck, and Oldenburg, with a provision made by subsequent laws in regard to the Netherlands, Prussia, Hamburg, and Bremen that such produce and manufactures as could only be, or most usually were, 1st shipped from the ports of those countries, the same being imported in vessels wholly belonging to their subjects, should be considered and admitted as their own manufactures and productions. The Government of Norway has by an ordinance opened the ports of that part of the dominions of the King of Sweden to the vessels of the United States upon the payment of no other or higher duties than are paid by Norwegian vessels, from whatever place arriving and with whatever articles laden. They have requested the reciprocal allowance for the vessels of Norway in the ports of the United States. As this privilege is not within the scope of the act of [1815-03-03], and can only be granted by Congress, and as it may involve the commercial relations of the United States with other nations, the subject is submitted to the wisdom of Congress. I have presented thus fully to your view our commercial relations with other powers, that, seeing them in detail with each power, and knowing the basis on which they rest, Congress may in its wisdom decide whether any change ought to be made, and, if any, in what respect. If this basis is unjust or unreasonable, surely it ought to be abandoned; but if it be just and reasonable, and any change in it will make concessions subversive of equality and tending in its consequences to sap the foundations of our prosperity, then the reasons are equally strong for adhering to the ground already taken, and supporting it by such further regulations as may appear to be proper, should any additional support be found necessary. The question concerning the construction of the first article of the treaty of Ghent has been, by a joint act of the representatives of the United States and of Great Britain at the Court of St. Petersburg, submitted to the decision of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia. The result of that submission has not yet been received. The commissioners under the 5th article of that treaty not having been able to agree upon their decision, their reports to the two Governments, according to the provisions of the treaty, may be expected at an early day. With Spain the treaty of [1819-02-22], has been partly carried into execution. Possession of E and W FL has been given to the United States, but the officers charged with that service by an order from His Catholic Majesty, delivered by his minister to the Sec of State, and transmitted by a special agent to the Captain-General of Cuba, to whom it was directed and in whom the Government of those Provinces was vested, have not only omitted, in contravention of the order of their Sovereign, the performance of the express stipulation to deliver over the archives and documents relating to the property and sovereignty of those Provinces, all of which it was expected would have been delivered either before or when the troops were withdrawn, but defeated since every effort of the United States to obtain them, especially those of the greatest importance. This omission has given rise to several incidents of a painful nature, the character of which will be fully disclosed by the documents which will be hereafter communicated. In every other circumstance of the law of the 3rd of March last, for carrying into effect that treaty, has been duly attended to. For the execution of that part which preserved in force, for the Government of the inhabitants for the term specified, all the civil, military, and judicial powers exercised by the existing Government of those Provinces an adequate # of officers, as was presumed, were appointed, and ordered to their respective stations. Both Provinces were formed into 1 Territory, and a governor appointed for it; but in consideration of the pre-existing division and of the distance and difficulty of communication between Pensacola, the residence of the governor of West Florida, and St. Augustine, that of the governor of East Florida, at which places the inconsiderable population of each Province was principally collected, two secretaries were appointed, the one to reside at Pensacola and the other at St. Augustine. Due attention was likewise paid to the execution of the laws of the United States relating to the revenue and the slave trade, which were extended to these Provinces. The whole Territory was divided into three collection districts, that part lying between the river St. Marys and Cape Florida forming one, that from the Cape to the Apalachicola another, and that from the Apalachicola to the Perdido the third. To these districts the usual number of revenue officers were appointed; and to secure the due operation of these laws one judge and a district attorney were appointed to reside at Pensacola, and likewise one judge and a district attorney to reside at St. Augustine, with a specified boundary between them; and one marshal for the whole, with authority to appoint a deputy. In carrying this law into effect, and especially that part relating to the powers of the existing Government of those Provinces, it was thought important, in consideration of the short term for which it was to operate and the radical change which would be made at the approaching session of Congress, to avoid expense, to make no appointment which should not be absolutely necessary to give effect to those powers, to withdraw none of our citizens from their pursuits, whereby to subject the Government to claims which could not be gratified and the parties to losses which it would be painful to witness. It has been seen with much concern that in the performance of these duties a collision arose between the governor of the Territory and the judge appointed for the western district. It was presumed that the law under which this transitory Government was organized, and the commissions which were granted to the officers who were appointed to execute each branch of the system, and to which the commissions were adapted, would have been understood in the same sense by them in which they were understood by the Executive. Much allowance is due to officers employed in each branch of this system, and the more so as there is good cause to believe that each acted under the conviction that he possessed the power which he undertook to exercise. Of the officer holding the principal station, I think it proper to observe that he accepted it with reluctance, in compliance with the invitation given him, and from a high sense of duty to his country, being willing to contribute to the consummation of an event which would insure complete protection to an important part of our Union, which had suffered much from incursion and invasion, and to the defense of which his very gallant and patriotic services had been so signally and usefully devoted. From the intrinsic difficulty of executing laws deriving their origin from different sources, and so essentially different in many important circumstances, the advantage, and indeed the necessity, of establishing as soon as practicable a well-organized Government over that Territory on the principles of our system is apparent. This subject is therefore recommended to the early consideration of Congress. In compliance with an injunction of the law of the 3rd of March last, three commissioners have also been appointed and a board organized for carrying into effect the 11th article of the treaty above recited, making provision for the payment of such of our citizens as have well-founded claims on Spain of the character specified by that treaty. This board has entered on its duties and made some progress therein. The commissioner and surveyor of His Catholic Majesty, provided for by the 4th article of the treaty, have not yet arrived in the United States, but are soon expected. As soon as they do arrive corresponding appointments will be made and every facility be afforded for the due execution of this service. The Government of His Most Faithful Majesty since the termination of the last session of Congress has been removed from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon, where a revolution similar to that which had occurred in the neighboring Kingdom of Spain had in like manner been sanctioned by the accepted and pledged faith of the reigning monarch. The diplomatic intercourse between the United States and the Portuguese dominions, interrupted by this important event, has not yet been resumed, but the change of internal administration having already materially affected the commercial intercourse of the United States with the Portuguese dominions, the renewal of the public missions between the two countries appears to be desirable at an early day. It is understood that the colonies in South America have had great success during the present year in the struggle for their independence. The new Government of Colombia has extended its territories and considerably augmented its strength, and at Buenos Ayres, where civil dissensions had for some time before prevailed, greater harmony and better order appear to have been established. Equal success has attended their efforts in the Provinces on the Pacific. It has long been manifest that it would be impossible for Spain to reduce these colonies by force, and equally so that no conditions short of their independence would be satisfactory to them. It may therefore be presumed, and it is earnestly hoped, that the Government of Spain, guided by enlightened and liberal councils, will find it to comport with its interests and due to its magnanimity to terminate this exhausting controversy on that basis. To promote this result by friendly counsel with the Government of Spain will be the object of the Government of the United States. In conducting the fiscal operations of the year it has been found necessary to carry into full effect the act of the last session of Congress authorizing a loan of $5M. This sum has been raised at an average premium of $5.59 per centum upon stock bearing an interest at the rate of 5% per annum, redeemable at the option of the Government after [1835-01-01]. There has been issued under the provisions of this act $4,735,296.30 of 5% stock, and there has been or will be redeemed during the year $3,197,030.71 of Louisiana 6% deferred stock and Mississippi stock. There has therefore been an actual increase of the public debt contracted during the year of $1,538,266.69. The receipts into the Treasury from the first of January to the 30th of September last have amounted to $16,219,197.70, which, with the balance of $1,198,461.21 in the Treasury on the former day, make the aggregate sum of $17,417,658.91. The payments from the Treasury during the same period have amounted to $15,655,288.47, leaving in the Treasury on the last-mentioned day the sum of $1,762,370.44. It is estimated that the receipts of the 4th quarter of the year will exceed the demands which will be made on the Treasury during the same period, and that the amount in the Treasury on the 30th of September last will be increased on the first day of January next. At the close of the last session it was anticipated that the progressive diminution of the public revenue in 1819 and 1820, which had been the result of the languid state of our foreign commerce in those years, had in the latter year reached its extreme point of depression. It has, however, been ascertained that that point was reached only at the termination of the first quarter of the present year. From that time until the 30th of September last the duties secured have exceeded those of the corresponding quarters of the last year $1.172M, whilst the amount of debentures issued during the three first quarters of this year is $952,000 less than that of the same quarters of the last year. There are just grounds to believe that the improvement which has occurred in the revenue during the last-mentioned period will not only be maintained, but that it will progressively increase through the next and several succeeding years, so as to realize the results which were presented upon that subject by the official reports of the Treasury at the commencement of the last session of Congress. Under the influence of the most unfavorable circumstances the revenue for the next and subsequent years to the year 1825 will exceed the demands at present authorized by law. It may fairly be presumed that under the protection given to domestic manufactures by the existing laws we shall become at no distant period a manufacturing country on an extensive scale. Possessing as we do the raw materials in such vast amount, with a capacity to augment them to an indefinite extent; raising within the country aliment of every kind to an amount far exceeding the demand for home consumption, even in the most unfavorable years, and to be obtained always at a very moderate price; skilled also, as our people are, in the mechanic arts and in every improvement calculated to lessen the demand for and the price of labor, it is manifest that their success in every branch of domestic industry may and will be carried, under the encouragement given by the present duties, to an extent to meet any demand which under a fair competition may be made upon it. A considerable increase of domestic manufactures, by diminishing the importation of foreign, will probably tend to lessen the amount of the public revenue. As, however, a large proportion of the revenue which is derived from duties is raised from other articles than manufactures, the demand for which will increase with our population, it is believed that a fund will still be raised from that source adequate to the greater part of the public expenditures, especially as those expenditures, should we continue to be blessed with peace, will be diminished by the completion of the fortifications, dock yards, and other public works, by the augmentation of the Navy to the point to which it is proposed to carry it, and by the payment of the public debt, including pensions for military services. It can not be doubted that the more complete our internal resources and the less dependent we are on foreign powers for every national as well as domestic purpose the greater and more stable will be the public felicity. By the increase of domestic manufactures will the demand for the rude materials at home be increased, and thus will the dependence of the several parts of our Union on each other and the strength of the Union itself be proportionably augmented. In this process, which is very desirable, and inevitable under the existing duties, the resources which obviously present themselves to supply a deficiency in the revenue, should it occur, are the interests which may derive the principal benefit from the change. If domestic manufactures are raised by duties on foreign, the deficiency in the fund necessary for public purposes should be supplied by duties on the former. At the last session it seemed doubtful whether the revenue derived from the present sources would be adequate to all the great purposes of our Union, including the construction of our fortifications, the augmentation of the Navy, and the protection of our commerce against the dangers to which it is exposed. had the deficiency been such as to subject us to the necessity either to abandon those measures of defense or to resort to the other means for adequate funds, the course presented to the adoption of a virtuous and enlightened people appeared to be a plain one. It must be gratifying to all to know that this necessity does not exist. Nothing, however, in contemplation of such important objects, which can be easily provided for, should be left to hazard. It is thought that the revenue may receive an augmentation from the existing sources, and in a manner to aid our manufactures, without hastening prematurely the result which has been suggested. It is believed that a moderate additional duty on certain articles would have that effect, without being liable to any serious objection. The examination of the whole coast, for the construction of permanent fortifications, from St. Croix to the Sabine, with the exception of part of the territory lately acquired, will be completed in the present year, as will be the survey of the Mississippi, under the resolution of the House of Representatives, from the mouth of the Ohio to the ocean, and likewise of the Ohio from Louisville to the Mississippi. A progress corresponding with the sums appropriated has also been made in the construction of these fortifications at the ports designated. As they will form a system of defense for the whole maritime frontier, and in consequence for the interior, and are to last for ages, the greatest care has been taken to fix the position of each work and to form it on such a scale as will be adequate to the purpose intended by it. All the inlets and assailable parts of our Union have been minutely examined, and positions taken with a view to the best effect, observing in every instance a just regard for economy. Doubts, however, being entertained as to the propriety of the position and extent of the work at Dauphine Island, further progress in it was suspended soon after the last session of Congress, and an order given to the Board of Engineers and Naval Commissioners to make a further and more minute examination of it in both respects, and to report the result without delay. Due progress has been made in the construction of vessels of war according to the law providing for the gradual augmentation of the Navy, and to the extent of existing appropriations. The vessels authorized by the act of 1820 have all been completed and are now in actual service. None of the larger ships have been or will be launched for the present, the object being to protect all which may not be required for immediate service from decay by suitable buildings erected over them. A squadron has been maintained, as heretofore, in the Mediterranean, by means whereof peace has been preserved with the Barbary Powers. This squadron has been reduced the present year to as small a force as is compatible with the fulfillment of the object intended by it. From past experience and the best information respecting the views of those powers it is distinctly understood that should our squadron be withdrawn they would soon recommence their hostilities and depredations upon our commerce. Their fortifications have lately been rebuilt and their maritime force increased. It has also been found necessary to maintain a naval force on the Pacific for the protection of the very important interests of our citizens engaged in commerce and the fisheries in that sea. Vessels have likewise been employed in cruising along the Atlantic coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, on the coast of Africa, and in the neighboring seas. In the latter many piracies have been committed on our commerce, and so extensive was becoming the range of those unprincipled adventurers that there was cause to apprehend, without a timely and decisive effort to suppress them, the worst consequences would ensue. Fortunately, a considerable check has been given to that spirit by our cruisers, who have succeeded in capturing and destroying several of their vessels. Nevertheless, it is considered an object of high importance to continue these cruises until the practice is entirely suppressed. Like success has attended our efforts to suppress the slave trade. Under the flag of the United States and the sanction of their papers the trade may be considered as entire suppressed, and if any of our citizens are engaged in it under the flags and papers of other powers, it is only from a respect of those powers that these offenders are not seized and brought home to receive the punishment which the laws inflict. If every other power should adopt the same policy and pursue the same vigorous means for carrying it into effect, the trade could no longer exist. Deeply impressed with the blessings which we enjoy, and of which we have such manifold proofs, my mind is irresistibly drawn to that Almighty Being, the great source from whence they proceed and to whom our most grateful acknowledgments are due.
The progress of our affairs since the last session has been such as may justly be claimed and expected under a Government deriving all its powers from an enlightened people, and under laws formed by their representatives, on great consideration, for the sole purpose of promoting the welfare and happiness of their constituents. In the execution of those laws and of the powers vested by the Constitution in the Executive, unremitted attention has been paid to the great objects to which they extend. In the concerns which are exclusively internal there is good because to be satisfied with the result. The laws have had their due operation and effect. In those relating to foreign powers, I am happy to state that peace and amity are preserved with all by a strict observance on both sides of the rights of each. In matters touching our commercial intercourse, where a difference of opinion has existed as to the conditions on which it should be placed, each party has pursued its own policy without giving just because of offense to the other. In this annual communication, especially when it is addressed to a new Congress, the whole scope of our political concerns naturally comes into view, that errors, if such have been committed, may be corrected; that defects which have become manifest may be remedied; and, on the other hand, that measures which were adopted on due deliberation, and which experience has shewn are just in themselves and essential to the public welfare, should be persevered in and supported. In performing this necessary and very important duty I shall endeavor to place before you on its merits every subject that is thought to be entitled to your particular attention in as distinct and clear a light as I may be able. By an act of [1815-03-03], so much of the several acts as imposed higher duties on the tonnage of foreign vessels and on the manufactures and productions of foreign nations when imported into the United States in foreign vessels than when imported in vessels of the United States were repealed so far as respected the manufactures and productions of the nation to which such vessels belonged, on the condition that the repeal should take effect only in favor of any foreign nation when the Executive should be satisfied that such discriminating duties to the disadvantage of the United States had likewise been repealed by such nation. By this act a proposition was made to all nations to place our commerce with each on a basis which it was presumed would be acceptable to all. Every nation was allowed to bring its manufactures and productions into our ports and to take the manufactures and productions of the United States back to their ports in their own vessels on the same conditions that they might be transported in vessels of the United States, and in return it was required that a like accommodation should be granted to the vessels of the United States in the ports of other powers. The articles to be admitted or prohibited on either side formed no part of the proposed arrangement. Each party would retain the right to admit or prohibit such articles from the other as it thought proper, and on its own conditions. When the nature of the commerce between the United States and every other country was taken into view, it was thought that this proposition would be considered fair, and even liberal, by every power. The exports of the United States consist generally of articles of the 1st necessity and of rude materials in demand for foreign manufactories, of great bulk, requiring for their transportation many vessels, the return for which in the manufactures and productions of any foreign country, even when disposed of there to advantage, may be brought in a single vessel. This observation is the more especially applicable to those countries from which manufactures alone are imported, but it applies in great extent to the European dominions of every European power and in a certain extent to all the colonies of those powers. By placing, then, the navigation precisely on the same ground in the transportation of exports and imports between the United States and other countries it was presumed that all was offered which could be desired. It seemed to be the only proposition which could be devised which would retain even the semblance of equality in our favor. Many considerations of great weight gave us a right to expect that this commerce should be extended to the colonies as well as to the European dominions of other powers. With the latter, especially with countries exclusively manufacturing, the advantage was manifestly on their side. An indemnity for that loss was expected from a trade with the colonies, and with the greater reason as it was known that the supplies which the colonies derived from us were of the highest importance to them, their labor being bestowed with so much greater profit in the culture of other articles; and because, likewise, the articles of which those supplies consisted, forming so large a proportion of the exports of the United States, were never admitted into any of the ports of Europe except in cases of great emergency to avert a serious calamity. When no article is admitted which is not required to supply the wants of the party admitting it, and admitted then not in favor of any particular country to the disadvantage of others, but on conditions equally applicable to all, it seems just that the articles thus admitted and invited should be carried thither in the vessels of the country affording such supply and that the reciprocity should be found in a corresponding accommodation on the other side. By allowing each party to participate in the transportation of such supplies on the payment of equal tonnage a strong proof was afforded of an accommodating spirit. To abandon to it the transportation of the whole would be a sacrifice which ought not to be expected. The demand in the present instance would be the more unreasonable in consideration of the great inequality existing in the trade with the parent country. Such was the basis of our system as established by the act of 1815 and such its true character. In the year in which this act was passed a treaty was concluded with Great Britain, in strict conformity with its principles, in regard to her European dominions. to her colonies, however, in the West Indies and on this continent it was not extended, the British Government claiming the exclusive supply of those colonies, and from our own ports, and of the productions of the colonies in return in her own vessels. To this claim the United States could not assent, and in consequence each party suspended the intercourse in the vessels of the other by a prohibition which still exists. The same conditions were offered to France, but not accepted. Her Government has demanded other conditions more favorable to her navigation, and which should also give extraordinary encouragement to her manufactures and productions in ports of the United States. To these it was thought improper to accede, and in consequence the restrictive regulations which had been adopted on her part, being countervailed on the part of the United States, the direct commerce between the 2 countries in the vessels of each party has been in great measure suspended. It is much to be regretted that, although a negotiation has been long pending, such is the diversity of views entertained on the various points which have been brought into discussion that there does not appear to be any reasonable prospect of its early conclusion. It is my duty to state, as a because of very great regret, that very serious differences have occurred in this negotiation respecting the construction of the 8th article of the treaty of 1803, by which Louisiana was ceded to the United States, and likewise respecting the seizure of the Apollo, in 1820, for a violation of our revenue laws. The claim of the Government of France has excited not less surprise than concern, because there does not appear to be a just foundation for it in either instance. By the 8th article of the treaty referred to it is stipulated that after the expiration of 12 years, during which time it was provided by the 7th or preceding article that the vessels of France and Spain should be admitted into the ports of the ceded territory without paying higher duties on merchandise or tonnage on the vessels than such as were paid by citizens of the United States, the ships of France should forever afterwards be placed on the footing of the most favored nation. By the obvious construction of this article it is presumed that it was intended that no favor should be granted to any power in those ports to which France should not be forthwith entitled, nor should any accommodation be allowed to another power on conditions to which she would not also be entitled on the same conditions. Under this construction no favor or accommodation could be granted to any power to the prejudice of France. By allowing the equivalent allowed by those powers she would always stand in those ports on the footing of the most favored nation. But if this article should be so construed as that France should enjoy, of right, and without paying the equivalent, all the advantages of such conditions as might be allowed to other powers in return for important concessions made by them, then the whole character of the stipulations would be changed. She would not be placed on the footing of the most favored nation, but on a footing held by no other nation. She would enjoy all advantages allowed to them in consideration of like advantages allowed to us, free from every and any condition whatever. As little because has the Government of France to complain of the seizure of the Apollo and the removal of other vessels from the waters of the St. Marys. It will not be denied that every nation has a right to regulate its commercial system as it thinks fit and to enforce the collection of its revenue, provided it be done without an invasion of the rights of other powers. The violation of its revenue laws is an offense which all nations punish, the punishment of which gives no just because of complaint to the power to which the offenders belong, provided it be extended to all equally. In this case every circumstance which occurred indicated a fixed purpose to violate our revenue laws. Had the party intended to have pursued a fair trade he would have entered the port of some other power, landed his goods at the custom house according to law, and re-shipped and sent them in the vessel of such power, or of some other power which might lawfully bring them, free from such duties, to a port of the United States. But the conduct of the party in this case was altogether different. He entered the river St. Marys, the boundary line between the United States and Florida, and took his position on the Spanish side, on which in the whole extent of the river there was no town, no port or custom house, and scarcely any settlement. His purpose, therefore, was not to sell his goods to the inhabitants of Florida, but to citizens of the United States, in exchange for their productions, which could not be done without a direct and palpable breach of our laws. It is known that a regular systematic plan had been formed by certain persons for the violation of our revenue system, which made it the more necessary to check the proceeding in its commencement. That the unsettled bank of a river so remote from the Spanish garrisons and population could give no protection to any party in such a practice is believed to be in strict accord with the law of nations. It would not have comported with a friendly policy in Spain herself to have established a custom house there, since it could have subserved no other purpose than to elude our revenue law. But the Government of Spain did not adopt that measure. On the contrary, it is understood that the Captain-General of Cuba, to whom an application to that effect was made by these adventurers, had not acceded to it. The condition of those Provinces for many years before they were ceded to the United States need not now be dwelt on. Inhabited by different tribes of Indians and an inroad for every kind of adventurer, the jurisdiction of Spain may be said to have been almost exclusively confined to her garrisons. It certainly could not extend to places where she had no authority. The rules, therefore, applicable to settled countries governed by laws could not be deemed so to the deserts of Florida and to the occurrences there. It merits attention also that the territory had been ceded to the United States by a treaty the ratification of which had not been refused, and which has since been performed. Under any circumstances, therefore, Spain became less responsible for such acts committed there, and the United States more at liberty to exercise authority to prevent so great a mischief. The conduct of this Government has in every instance been conciliatory and friendly to France. The construction of our revenue law in its application to the cases which have formed the ground of such serious complaint on her part and the order to the collector of St. Marys, in accord with it, were given two years before these cases occurred, and in reference to a breach which was attempted by the subjects of another power. The application, therefore, to the cases in question was inevitable. As soon as the treaty by which these Provinces were ceded to the United States was ratified, and all danger of further breach of our revenue laws ceased, an order was given for the release of the vessel which had been seized and for the dismission of the libel which had been instituted against her. The principles of this system of reciprocity, founded on the law of [1815-03-03], have been since carried into effect with the Kingdoms of the Netherlands, Sweden, Prussia, and with Hamburg, Lubeck, and Oldenburg, with a provision made by subsequent laws in regard to the Netherlands, Prussia, Hamburg, and Bremen that such produce and manufactures as could only be, or most usually were, 1st shipped from the ports of those countries, the same being imported in vessels wholly belonging to their subjects, should be considered and admitted as their own manufactures and productions. The Government of Norway has by an ordinance opened the ports of that part of the dominions of the King of Sweden to the vessels of the United States upon the payment of no other or higher duties than are paid by Norwegian vessels, from whatever place arriving and with whatever articles laden. They have requested the reciprocal allowance for the vessels of Norway in the ports of the United States. As this privilege is not within the scope of the act of [1815-03-03], and can only be granted by Congress, and as it may involve the commercial relations of the United States with other nations, the subject is submitted to the wisdom of Congress. I have presented thus fully to your view our commercial relations with other powers, that, seeing them in detail with each power, and knowing the basis on which they rest, Congress may in its wisdom decide whether any change ought to be made, and, if any, in what respect. If this basis is unjust or unreasonable, surely it ought to be abandoned; but if it be just and reasonable, and any change in it will make concessions subversive of equality and tending in its consequences to sap the foundations of our prosperity, then the reasons are equally strong for adhering to the ground already taken, and supporting it by such further regulations as may appear to be proper, should any additional support be found necessary. The question concerning the construction of the first article of the treaty of Ghent has been, by a joint act of the representatives of the United States and of Great Britain at the Court of St. Petersburg, submitted to the decision of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia. The result of that submission has not yet been received. The commissioners under the 5th article of that treaty not having been able to agree upon their decision, their reports to the two Governments, according to the provisions of the treaty, may be expected at an early day. With Spain the treaty of [1819-02-22], has been partly carried into execution. Possession of E and W FL has been given to the United States, but the officers charged with that service by an order from His Catholic Majesty, delivered by his minister to the Sec of State, and transmitted by a special agent to the Captain-General of Cuba, to whom it was directed and in whom the Government of those Provinces was vested, have not only omitted, in contravention of the order of their Sovereign, the performance of the express stipulation to deliver over the archives and documents relating to the property and sovereignty of those Provinces, all of which it was expected would have been delivered either before or when the troops were withdrawn, but defeated since every effort of the United States to obtain them, especially those of the greatest importance. This omission has given rise to several incidents of a painful nature, the character of which will be fully disclosed by the documents which will be hereafter communicated. In every other circumstance of the law of the 3rd of March last, for carrying into effect that treaty, has been duly attended to. For the execution of that part which preserved in force, for the Government of the inhabitants for the term specified, all the civil, military, and judicial powers exercised by the existing Government of those Provinces an adequate # of officers, as was presumed, were appointed, and ordered to their respective stations. Both Provinces were formed into 1 Territory, and a governor appointed for it; but in consideration of the pre-existing division and of the distance and difficulty of communication between Pensacola, the residence of the governor of West Florida, and St. Augustine, that of the governor of East Florida, at which places the inconsiderable population of each Province was principally collected, two secretaries were appointed, the one to reside at Pensacola and the other at St. Augustine. Due attention was likewise paid to the execution of the laws of the United States relating to the revenue and the slave trade, which were extended to these Provinces. The whole Territory was divided into three collection districts, that part lying between the river St. Marys and Cape Florida forming one, that from the Cape to the Apalachicola another, and that from the Apalachicola to the Perdido the third. To these districts the usual number of revenue officers were appointed; and to secure the due operation of these laws one judge and a district attorney were appointed to reside at Pensacola, and likewise one judge and a district attorney to reside at St. Augustine, with a specified boundary between them; and one marshal for the whole, with authority to appoint a deputy. In carrying this law into effect, and especially that part relating to the powers of the existing Government of those Provinces, it was thought important, in consideration of the short term for which it was to operate and the radical change which would be made at the approaching session of Congress, to avoid expense, to make no appointment which should not be absolutely necessary to give effect to those powers, to withdraw none of our citizens from their pursuits, whereby to subject the Government to claims which could not be gratified and the parties to losses which it would be painful to witness. It has been seen with much concern that in the performance of these duties a collision arose between the governor of the Territory and the judge appointed for the western district. It was presumed that the law under which this transitory Government was organized, and the commissions which were granted to the officers who were appointed to execute each branch of the system, and to which the commissions were adapted, would have been understood in the same sense by them in which they were understood by the Executive. Much allowance is due to officers employed in each branch of this system, and the more so as there is good because to believe that each acted under the conviction that he possessed the power which he undertook to exercise. Of the officer holding the principal station, I think it proper to observe that he accepted it with reluctance, in compliance with the invitation given him, and from a high sense of duty to his country, being willing to contribute to the consummation of an event which would insure complete protection to an important part of our Union, which had suffered much from incursion and invasion, and to the defense of which his very gallant and patriotic services had been so signally and usefully devoted. From the intrinsic difficulty of executing laws deriving their origin from different sources, and so essentially different in many important circumstances, the advantage, and indeed the necessity, of establishing as soon as practicable a well-organized Government over that Territory on the principles of our system is apparent. This subject is therefore recommended to the early consideration of Congress. In compliance with an injunction of the law of the 3rd of March last, three commissioners have also been appointed and a board organized for carrying into effect the 11th article of the treaty above recited, making provision for the payment of such of our citizens as have well-founded claims on Spain of the character specified by that treaty. This board has entered on its duties and made some progress therein. The commissioner and surveyor of His Catholic Majesty, provided for by the 4th article of the treaty, have not yet arrived in the United States, but are soon expected. As soon as they do arrive corresponding appointments will be made and every facility be afforded for the due execution of this service. The Government of His Most Faithful Majesty since the termination of the last session of Congress has been removed from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon, where a revolution similar to that which had occurred in the neighboring Kingdom of Spain had in like manner been sanctioned by the accepted and pledged faith of the reigning monarch. The diplomatic intercourse between the United States and the Portuguese dominions, interrupted by this important event, has not yet been resumed, but the change of internal administration having already materially affected the commercial intercourse of the United States with the Portuguese dominions, the renewal of the public missions between the two countries appears to be desirable at an early day. It is understood that the colonies in South America have had great success during the present year in the struggle for their independence. The new Government of Colombia has extended its territories and considerably augmented its strength, and at Buenos Ayres, where civil dissensions had for some time before prevailed, greater harmony and better order appear to have been established. Equal success has attended their efforts in the Provinces on the Pacific. It has long been manifest that it would be impossible for Spain to reduce these colonies by force, and equally so that no conditions short of their independence would be satisfactory to them. It may therefore be presumed, and it is earnestly hoped, that the Government of Spain, guided by enlightened and liberal councils, will find it to comport with its interests and due to its magnanimity to terminate this exhausting controversy on that basis. To promote this result by friendly counsel with the Government of Spain will be the object of the Government of the United States. In conducting the fiscal operations of the year it has been found necessary to carry into full effect the act of the last session of Congress authorizing a loan of $5M. This sum has been raised at an average premium of $5.59 per centum upon stock bearing an interest at the rate of 5% per annum, redeemable at the option of the Government after [1835-01-01]. There has been issued under the provisions of this act $4,735,296.30 of 5% stock, and there has been or will be redeemed during the year $3,197,030.71 of Louisiana 6% deferred stock and Mississippi stock. There has therefore been an actual increase of the public debt contracted during the year of $1,538,266.69. The receipts into the Treasury from the first of January to the 30th of September last have amounted to $16,219,197.70, which, with the balance of $1,198,461.21 in the Treasury on the former day, make the aggregate sum of $17,417,658.91. The payments from the Treasury during the same period have amounted to $15,655,288.47, leaving in the Treasury on the last-mentioned day the sum of $1,762,370.44. It is estimated that the receipts of the 4th quarter of the year will exceed the demands which will be made on the Treasury during the same period, and that the amount in the Treasury on the 30th of September last will be increased on the first day of January next. At the close of the last session it was anticipated that the progressive diminution of the public revenue in 1819 and 1820, which had been the result of the languid state of our foreign commerce in those years, had in the latter year reached its extreme point of depression. It has, however, been ascertained that that point was reached only at the termination of the first quarter of the present year. From that time until the 30th of September last the duties secured have exceeded those of the corresponding quarters of the last year $1.172M, whilst the amount of debentures issued during the three first quarters of this year is $952,000 less than that of the same quarters of the last year. There are just grounds to believe that the improvement which has occurred in the revenue during the last-mentioned period will not only be maintained, but that it will progressively increase through the next and several succeeding years, so as to realize the results which were presented upon that subject by the official reports of the Treasury at the commencement of the last session of Congress. Under the influence of the most unfavorable circumstances the revenue for the next and subsequent years to the year 1825 will exceed the demands at present authorized by law. It may fairly be presumed that under the protection given to domestic manufactures by the existing laws we shall become at no distant period a manufacturing country on an extensive scale. Possessing as we do the raw materials in such vast amount, with a capacity to augment them to an indefinite extent; raising within the country aliment of every kind to an amount far exceeding the demand for home consumption, even in the most unfavorable years, and to be obtained always at a very moderate price; skilled also, as our people are, in the mechanic arts and in every improvement calculated to lessen the demand for and the price of labor, it is manifest that their success in every branch of domestic industry may and will be carried, under the encouragement given by the present duties, to an extent to meet any demand which under a fair competition may be made upon it. A considerable increase of domestic manufactures, by diminishing the importation of foreign, will probably tend to lessen the amount of the public revenue. As, however, a large proportion of the revenue which is derived from duties is raised from other articles than manufactures, the demand for which will increase with our population, it is believed that a fund will still be raised from that source adequate to the greater part of the public expenditures, especially as those expenditures, should we continue to be blessed with peace, will be diminished by the completion of the fortifications, dock yards, and other public works, by the augmentation of the Navy to the point to which it is proposed to carry it, and by the payment of the public debt, including pensions for military services. It can not be doubted that the more complete our internal resources and the less dependent we are on foreign powers for every national as well as domestic purpose the greater and more stable will be the public felicity. By the increase of domestic manufactures will the demand for the rude materials at home be increased, and thus will the dependence of the several parts of our Union on each other and the strength of the Union itself be proportionably augmented. In this process, which is very desirable, and inevitable under the existing duties, the resources which obviously present themselves to supply a deficiency in the revenue, should it occur, are the interests which may derive the principal benefit from the change. If domestic manufactures are raised by duties on foreign, the deficiency in the fund necessary for public purposes should be supplied by duties on the former. At the last session it seemed doubtful whether the revenue derived from the present sources would be adequate to all the great purposes of our Union, including the construction of our fortifications, the augmentation of the Navy, and the protection of our commerce against the dangers to which it is exposed. had the deficiency been such as to subject us to the necessity either to abandon those measures of defense or to resort to the other means for adequate funds, the course presented to the adoption of a virtuous and enlightened people appeared to be a plain one. It must be gratifying to all to know that this necessity does not exist. Nothing, however, in contemplation of such important objects, which can be easily provided for, should be left to hazard. It is thought that the revenue may receive an augmentation from the existing sources, and in a manner to aid our manufactures, without hastening prematurely the result which has been suggested. It is believed that a moderate additional duty on certain articles would have that effect, without being liable to any serious objection. The examination of the whole coast, for the construction of permanent fortifications, from St. Croix to the Sabine, with the exception of part of the territory lately acquired, will be completed in the present year, as will be the survey of the Mississippi, under the resolution of the House of Representatives, from the mouth of the Ohio to the ocean, and likewise of the Ohio from Louisville to the Mississippi. A progress corresponding with the sums appropriated has also been made in the construction of these fortifications at the ports designated. As they will form a system of defense for the whole maritime frontier, and in consequence for the interior, and are to last for ages, the greatest care has been taken to fix the position of each work and to form it on such a scale as will be adequate to the purpose intended by it. All the inlets and assailable parts of our Union have been minutely examined, and positions taken with a view to the best effect, observing in every instance a just regard for economy. Doubts, however, being entertained as to the propriety of the position and extent of the work at Dauphine Island, further progress in it was suspended soon after the last session of Congress, and an order given to the Board of Engineers and Naval Commissioners to make a further and more minute examination of it in both respects, and to report the result without delay. Due progress has been made in the construction of vessels of war according to the law providing for the gradual augmentation of the Navy, and to the extent of existing appropriations. The vessels authorized by the act of 1820 have all been completed and are now in actual service. None of the larger ships have been or will be launched for the present, the object being to protect all which may not be required for immediate service from decay by suitable buildings erected over them. A squadron has been maintained, as heretofore, in the Mediterranean, by means whereof peace has been preserved with the Barbary Powers. This squadron has been reduced the present year to as small a force as is compatible with the fulfillment of the object intended by it. From past experience and the best information respecting the views of those powers it is distinctly understood that should our squadron be withdrawn they would soon recommence their hostilities and depredations upon our commerce. Their fortifications have lately been rebuilt and their maritime force increased. It has also been found necessary to maintain a naval force on the Pacific for the protection of the very important interests of our citizens engaged in commerce and the fisheries in that sea. Vessels have likewise been employed in cruising along the Atlantic coast, in the Gulf of Mexico, on the coast of Africa, and in the neighboring seas. In the latter many piracies have been committed on our commerce, and so extensive was becoming the range of those unprincipled adventurers that there was because to apprehend, without a timely and decisive effort to suppress them, the worst consequences would ensue. Fortunately, a considerable check has been given to that spirit by our cruisers, who have succeeded in capturing and destroying several of their vessels. Nevertheless, it is considered an object of high importance to continue these cruises until the practice is entirely suppressed. Like success has attended our efforts to suppress the slave trade. Under the flag of the United States and the sanction of their papers the trade may be considered as entire suppressed, and if any of our citizens are engaged in it under the flags and papers of other powers, it is only from a respect of those powers that these offenders are not seized and brought home to receive the punishment which the laws inflict. If every other power should adopt the same policy and pursue the same vigorous means for carrying it into effect, the trade could no longer exist. Deeply impressed with the blessings which we enjoy, and of which we have such manifold proofs, my mind is irresistibly drawn to that Almighty Being, the great source from whence they proceed and to whom our most grateful acknowledgments are due.
the progress of our affairs since the last session has been such as may justly be claimed and expected under a government deriving all its powers from an enlightened people and under laws formed by their representatives on great consideration for the sole purpose of promoting the welfare and happiness of their constituents in the execution of those laws and of the powers vested by the constitution in the executive unremitted attention has been paid to the great objects to which they extend in the concerns which are exclusively internal there is good because to be satisfied with the result the laws have had their due operation and effect in those relating to foreign powers i am happy to state that peace and amity are preserved with all by a strict observance on both sides of the rights of each in matters touching our commercial intercourse where a difference of opinion has existed as to the conditions on which it should be placed each party has pursued its own policy without giving just because of offense to the other in this annual communication especially when it is addressed to a new congress the whole scope of our political concerns naturally comes into view that errors if such have been committed may be corrected that defects which have become manifest may be remedied and on the other hand that measures which were adopted on due deliberation and which experience has shewn are just in themselves and essential to the public welfare should be persevered in and supported in performing this necessary and very important duty i shall endeavor to place before you on its merits every subject that is thought to be entitled to your particular attention in as distinct and clear a light as i may be able by an act of so much of the several acts as imposed higher duties on the tonnage of foreign vessels and on the manufactures and productions of foreign nations when imported into the united states in foreign vessels than when imported in vessels of the united states were repealed so far as respected the manufactures and productions of the nation to which such vessels belonged on the condition that the repeal should take effect only in favor of any foreign nation when the executive should be satisfied that such discriminating duties to the disadvantage of the united states had likewise been repealed by such nation by this act a proposition was made to all nations to place our commerce with each on a basis which it was presumed would be acceptable to all every nation was allowed to bring its manufactures and productions into our ports and to take the manufactures and productions of the united states back to their ports in their own vessels on the same conditions that they might be transported in vessels of the united states and in return it was required that a like accommodation should be granted to the vessels of the united states in the ports of other powers the articles to be admitted or prohibited on either side formed no part of the proposed arrangement each party would retain the right to admit or prohibit such articles from the other as it thought proper and on its own conditions when the nature of the commerce between the united states and every other country was taken into view it was thought that this proposition would be considered fair and even liberal by every power the exports of the united states consist generally of articles of the 1st necessity and of rude materials in demand for foreign manufactories of great bulk requiring for their transportation many vessels the return for which in the manufactures and productions of any foreign country even when disposed of there to advantage may be brought in a single vessel this observation is the more especially applicable to those countries from which manufactures alone are imported but it applies in great extent to the european dominions of every european power and in a certain extent to all the colonies of those powers by placing then the navigation precisely on the same ground in the transportation of exports and imports between the united states and other countries it was presumed that all was offered which could be desired it seemed to be the only proposition which could be devised which would retain even the semblance of equality in our favor many considerations of great weight gave us a right to expect that this commerce should be extended to the colonies as well as to the european dominions of other powers with the latter especially with countries exclusively manufacturing the advantage was manifestly on their side an indemnity for that loss was expected from a trade with the colonies and with the greater reason as it was known that the supplies which the colonies derived from us were of the highest importance to them their labor being bestowed with so much greater profit in the culture of other articles and because likewise the articles of which those supplies consisted forming so large a proportion of the exports of the united states were never admitted into any of the ports of europe except in cases of great emergency to avert a serious calamity when no article is admitted which is not required to supply the wants of the party admitting it and admitted then not in favor of any particular country to the disadvantage of others but on conditions equally applicable to all it seems just that the articles thus admitted and invited should be carried thither in the vessels of the country affording such supply and that the reciprocity should be found in a corresponding accommodation on the other side by allowing each party to participate in the transportation of such supplies on the payment of equal tonnage a strong proof was afforded of an accommodating spirit to abandon to it the transportation of the whole would be a sacrifice which ought not to be expected the demand in the present instance would be the more unreasonable in consideration of the great inequality existing in the trade with the parent country such was the basis of our system as established by the act of 1815 and such its true character in the year in which this act was passed a treaty was concluded with great britain in strict conformity with its principles in regard to her european dominions to her colonies however in the west indies and on this continent it was not extended the british government claiming the exclusive supply of those colonies and from our own ports and of the productions of the colonies in return in her own vessels to this claim the united states could not assent and in consequence each party suspended the intercourse in the vessels of the other by a prohibition which still exists the same conditions were offered to france but not accepted her government has demanded other conditions more favorable to her navigation and which should also give extraordinary encouragement to her manufactures and productions in ports of the united states to these it was thought improper to accede and in consequence the restrictive regulations which had been adopted on her part being countervailed on the part of the united states the direct commerce between the 2 countries in the vessels of each party has been in great measure suspended it is much to be regretted that although a negotiation has been long pending such is the diversity of views entertained on the various points which have been brought into discussion that there does not appear to be any reasonable prospect of its early conclusion it is my duty to state as a because of very great regret that very serious differences have occurred in this negotiation respecting the construction of the 8th article of the treaty of 1803 by which louisiana was ceded to the united states and likewise respecting the seizure of the apollo in 1820 for a violation of our revenue laws the claim of the government of france has excited not less surprise than concern because there does not appear to be a just foundation for it in either instance by the 8th article of the treaty referred to it is stipulated that after the expiration of 12 years during which time it was provided by the 7th or preceding article that the vessels of france and spain should be admitted into the ports of the ceded territory without paying higher duties on merchandise or tonnage on the vessels than such as were paid by citizens of the united states the ships of france should forever afterwards be placed on the footing of the most favored nation by the obvious construction of this article it is presumed that it was intended that no favor should be granted to any power in those ports to which france should not be forthwith entitled nor should any accommodation be allowed to another power on conditions to which she would not also be entitled on the same conditions under this construction no favor or accommodation could be granted to any power to the prejudice of france by allowing the equivalent allowed by those powers she would always stand in those ports on the footing of the most favored nation but if this article should be so construed as that france should enjoy of right and without paying the equivalent all the advantages of such conditions as might be allowed to other powers in return for important concessions made by them then the whole character of the stipulations would be changed she would not be placed on the footing of the most favored nation but on a footing held by no other nation she would enjoy all advantages allowed to them in consideration of like advantages allowed to us free from every and any condition whatever as little because has the government of france to complain of the seizure of the apollo and the removal of other vessels from the waters of the marys it will not be denied that every nation has a right to regulate its commercial system as it thinks fit and to enforce the collection of its revenue provided it be done without an invasion of the rights of other powers the violation of its revenue laws is an offense which all nations punish the punishment of which gives no just because of complaint to the power to which the offenders belong provided it be extended to all equally in this case every circumstance which occurred indicated a fixed purpose to violate our revenue laws had the party intended to have pursued a fair trade he would have entered the port of some other power landed his goods at the custom house according to law and and sent them in the vessel of such power or of some other power which might lawfully bring them free from such duties to a port of the united states but the conduct of the party in this case was altogether different he entered the river marys the boundary line between the united states and florida and took his position on the spanish side on which in the whole extent of the river there was no town no port or custom house and scarcely any settlement his purpose therefore was not to sell his goods to the inhabitants of florida but to citizens of the united states in exchange for their productions which could not be done without a direct and palpable breach of our laws it is known that a regular systematic plan had been formed by certain persons for the violation of our revenue system which made it the more necessary to check the proceeding in its commencement that the unsettled bank of a river so remote from the spanish garrisons and population could give no protection to any party in such a practice is believed to be in strict accord with the law of nations it would not have comported with a friendly policy in spain herself to have established a custom house there since it could have subserved no other purpose than to elude our revenue law but the government of spain did not adopt that measure on the contrary it is understood that the of cuba to whom an application to that effect was made by these adventurers had not acceded to it the condition of those provinces for many years before they were ceded to the united states need not now be dwelt on inhabited by different tribes of indians and an inroad for every kind of adventurer the jurisdiction of spain may be said to have been almost exclusively confined to her garrisons it certainly could not extend to places where she had no authority the rules therefore applicable to settled countries governed by laws could not be deemed so to the deserts of florida and to the occurrences there it merits attention also that the territory had been ceded to the united states by a treaty the ratification of which had not been refused and which has since been performed under any circumstances therefore spain became less responsible for such acts committed there and the united states more at liberty to exercise authority to prevent so great a mischief the conduct of this government has in every instance been conciliatory and friendly to france the construction of our revenue law in its application to the cases which have formed the ground of such serious complaint on her part and the order to the collector of marys in accord with it were given two years before these cases occurred and in reference to a breach which was attempted by the subjects of another power the application therefore to the cases in question was inevitable as soon as the treaty by which these provinces were ceded to the united states was ratified and all danger of further breach of our revenue laws ceased an order was given for the release of the vessel which had been seized and for the dismission of the libel which had been instituted against her the principles of this system of reciprocity founded on the law of have been since carried into effect with the kingdoms of the netherlands sweden prussia and with hamburg lubeck and oldenburg with a provision made by subsequent laws in regard to the netherlands prussia hamburg and bremen that such produce and manufactures as could only be or most usually were 1st shipped from the ports of those countries the same being imported in vessels wholly belonging to their subjects should be considered and admitted as their own manufactures and productions the government of norway has by an ordinance opened the ports of that part of the dominions of the king of sweden to the vessels of the united states upon the payment of no other or higher duties than are paid by norwegian vessels from whatever place arriving and with whatever articles laden they have requested the reciprocal allowance for the vessels of norway in the ports of the united states as this privilege is not within the scope of the act of and can only be granted by congress and as it may involve the commercial relations of the united states with other nations the subject is submitted to the wisdom of congress i have presented thus fully to your view our commercial relations with other powers that seeing them in detail with each power and knowing the basis on which they rest congress may in its wisdom decide whether any change ought to be made and if any in what respect if this basis is unjust or unreasonable surely it ought to be abandoned but if it be just and reasonable and any change in it will make concessions subversive of equality and tending in its consequences to sap the foundations of our prosperity then the reasons are equally strong for adhering to the ground already taken and supporting it by such further regulations as may appear to be proper should any additional support be found necessary the question concerning the construction of the first article of the treaty of ghent has been by a joint act of the representatives of the united states and of great britain at the court of petersburg submitted to the decision of his imperial majesty the emperor of russia the result of that submission has not yet been received the commissioners under the 5th article of that treaty not having been able to agree upon their decision their reports to the two governments according to the provisions of the treaty may be expected at an early day with spain the treaty of has been partly carried into execution possession of e and w fl has been given to the united states but the officers charged with that service by an order from his catholic majesty delivered by his minister to the sec of state and transmitted by a special agent to the of cuba to whom it was directed and in whom the government of those provinces was vested have not only omitted in contravention of the order of their sovereign the performance of the express stipulation to deliver over the archives and documents relating to the property and sovereignty of those provinces all of which it was expected would have been delivered either before or when the troops were withdrawn but defeated since every effort of the united states to obtain them especially those of the greatest importance this omission has given rise to several incidents of a painful nature the character of which will be fully disclosed by the documents which will be hereafter communicated in every other circumstance of the law of the 3rd of march last for carrying into effect that treaty has been duly attended to for the execution of that part which preserved in force for the government of the inhabitants for the term specified all the civil military and judicial powers exercised by the existing government of those provinces an adequate of officers as was presumed were appointed and ordered to their respective stations both provinces were formed into 1 territory and a governor appointed for it but in consideration of the division and of the distance and difficulty of communication between pensacola the residence of the governor of west florida and augustine that of the governor of east florida at which places the inconsiderable population of each province was principally collected two secretaries were appointed the one to reside at pensacola and the other at augustine due attention was likewise paid to the execution of the laws of the united states relating to the revenue and the slave trade which were extended to these provinces the whole territory was divided into three collection districts that part lying between the river marys and cape florida forming one that from the cape to the apalachicola another and that from the apalachicola to the perdido the third to these districts the usual number of revenue officers were appointed and to secure the due operation of these laws one judge and a district attorney were appointed to reside at pensacola and likewise one judge and a district attorney to reside at augustine with a specified boundary between them and one marshal for the whole with authority to appoint a deputy in carrying this law into effect and especially that part relating to the powers of the existing government of those provinces it was thought important in consideration of the short term for which it was to operate and the radical change which would be made at the approaching session of congress to avoid expense to make no appointment which should not be absolutely necessary to give effect to those powers to withdraw none of our citizens from their pursuits whereby to subject the government to claims which could not be gratified and the parties to losses which it would be painful to witness it has been seen with much concern that in the performance of these duties a collision arose between the governor of the territory and the judge appointed for the western district it was presumed that the law under which this transitory government was organized and the commissions which were granted to the officers who were appointed to execute each branch of the system and to which the commissions were adapted would have been understood in the same sense by them in which they were understood by the executive much allowance is due to officers employed in each branch of this system and the more so as there is good because to believe that each acted under the conviction that he possessed the power which he undertook to exercise of the officer holding the principal station i think it proper to observe that he accepted it with reluctance in compliance with the invitation given him and from a high sense of duty to his country being willing to contribute to the consummation of an event which would insure complete protection to an important part of our union which had suffered much from incursion and invasion and to the defense of which his very gallant and patriotic services had been so signally and usefully devoted from the intrinsic difficulty of executing laws deriving their origin from different sources and so essentially different in many important circumstances the advantage and indeed the necessity of establishing as soon as practicable a government over that territory on the principles of our system is apparent this subject is therefore recommended to the early consideration of congress in compliance with an injunction of the law of the 3rd of march last three commissioners have also been appointed and a board organized for carrying into effect the 11th article of the treaty above recited making provision for the payment of such of our citizens as have claims on spain of the character specified by that treaty this board has entered on its duties and made some progress therein the commissioner and surveyor of his catholic majesty provided for by the 4th article of the treaty have not yet arrived in the united states but are soon expected as soon as they do arrive corresponding appointments will be made and every facility be afforded for the due execution of this service the government of his most faithful majesty since the termination of the last session of congress has been removed from rio de janeiro to lisbon where a revolution similar to that which had occurred in the neighboring kingdom of spain had in like manner been sanctioned by the accepted and pledged faith of the reigning monarch the diplomatic intercourse between the united states and the portuguese dominions interrupted by this important event has not yet been resumed but the change of internal administration having already materially affected the commercial intercourse of the united states with the portuguese dominions the renewal of the public missions between the two countries appears to be desirable at an early day it is understood that the colonies in south america have had great success during the present year in the struggle for their independence the new government of colombia has extended its territories and considerably augmented its strength and at buenos ayres where civil dissensions had for some time before prevailed greater harmony and better order appear to have been established equal success has attended their efforts in the provinces on the pacific it has long been manifest that it would be impossible for spain to reduce these colonies by force and equally so that no conditions short of their independence would be satisfactory to them it may therefore be presumed and it is earnestly hoped that the government of spain guided by enlightened and liberal councils will find it to comport with its interests and due to its magnanimity to terminate this exhausting controversy on that basis to promote this result by friendly counsel with the government of spain will be the object of the government of the united states in conducting the fiscal operations of the year it has been found necessary to carry into full effect the act of the last session of congress authorizing a loan of 5m this sum has been raised at an average premium of per centum upon stock bearing an interest at the rate of 5 per annum redeemable at the option of the government after there has been issued under the provisions of this act of 5 stock and there has been or will be redeemed during the year of louisiana 6 deferred stock and mississippi stock there has therefore been an actual increase of the public debt contracted during the year of the receipts into the treasury from the first of january to the 30th of september last have amounted to which with the balance of in the treasury on the former day make the aggregate sum of the payments from the treasury during the same period have amounted to leaving in the treasury on the day the sum of it is estimated that the receipts of the 4th quarter of the year will exceed the demands which will be made on the treasury during the same period and that the amount in the treasury on the 30th of september last will be increased on the first day of january next at the close of the last session it was anticipated that the progressive diminution of the public revenue in 1819 and 1820 which had been the result of the languid state of our foreign commerce in those years had in the latter year reached its extreme point of depression it has however been ascertained that that point was reached only at the termination of the first quarter of the present year from that time until the 30th of september last the duties secured have exceeded those of the corresponding quarters of the last year whilst the amount of debentures issued during the three first quarters of this year is less than that of the same quarters of the last year there are just grounds to believe that the improvement which has occurred in the revenue during the period will not only be maintained but that it will progressively increase through the next and several succeeding years so as to realize the results which were presented upon that subject by the official reports of the treasury at the commencement of the last session of congress under the influence of the most unfavorable circumstances the revenue for the next and subsequent years to the year 1825 will exceed the demands at present authorized by law it may fairly be presumed that under the protection given to domestic manufactures by the existing laws we shall become at no distant period a manufacturing country on an extensive scale possessing as we do the raw materials in such vast amount with a capacity to augment them to an indefinite extent raising within the country aliment of every kind to an amount far exceeding the demand for home consumption even in the most unfavorable years and to be obtained always at a very moderate price skilled also as our people are in the mechanic arts and in every improvement calculated to lessen the demand for and the price of labor it is manifest that their success in every branch of domestic industry may and will be carried under the encouragement given by the present duties to an extent to meet any demand which under a fair competition may be made upon it a considerable increase of domestic manufactures by diminishing the importation of foreign will probably tend to lessen the amount of the public revenue as however a large proportion of the revenue which is derived from duties is raised from other articles than manufactures the demand for which will increase with our population it is believed that a fund will still be raised from that source adequate to the greater part of the public expenditures especially as those expenditures should we continue to be blessed with peace will be diminished by the completion of the fortifications dock yards and other public works by the augmentation of the navy to the point to which it is proposed to carry it and by the payment of the public debt including pensions for military services it can not be doubted that the more complete our internal resources and the less dependent we are on foreign powers for every national as well as domestic purpose the greater and more stable will be the public felicity by the increase of domestic manufactures will the demand for the rude materials at home be increased and thus will the dependence of the several parts of our union on each other and the strength of the union itself be proportionably augmented in this process which is very desirable and inevitable under the existing duties the resources which obviously present themselves to supply a deficiency in the revenue should it occur are the interests which may derive the principal benefit from the change if domestic manufactures are raised by duties on foreign the deficiency in the fund necessary for public purposes should be supplied by duties on the former at the last session it seemed doubtful whether the revenue derived from the present sources would be adequate to all the great purposes of our union including the construction of our fortifications the augmentation of the navy and the protection of our commerce against the dangers to which it is exposed had the deficiency been such as to subject us to the necessity either to abandon those measures of defense or to resort to the other means for adequate funds the course presented to the adoption of a virtuous and enlightened people appeared to be a plain one it must be gratifying to all to know that this necessity does not exist nothing however in contemplation of such important objects which can be easily provided for should be left to hazard it is thought that the revenue may receive an augmentation from the existing sources and in a manner to aid our manufactures without hastening prematurely the result which has been suggested it is believed that a moderate additional duty on certain articles would have that effect without being liable to any serious objection the examination of the whole coast for the construction of permanent fortifications from croix to the sabine with the exception of part of the territory lately acquired will be completed in the present year as will be the survey of the mississippi under the resolution of the house of representatives from the mouth of the ohio to the ocean and likewise of the ohio from louisville to the mississippi a progress corresponding with the sums appropriated has also been made in the construction of these fortifications at the ports designated as they will form a system of defense for the whole maritime frontier and in consequence for the interior and are to last for ages the greatest care has been taken to fix the position of each work and to form it on such a scale as will be adequate to the purpose intended by it all the inlets and assailable parts of our union have been minutely examined and positions taken with a view to the best effect observing in every instance a just regard for economy doubts however being entertained as to the propriety of the position and extent of the work at dauphine island further progress in it was suspended soon after the last session of congress and an order given to the board of engineers and naval commissioners to make a further and more minute examination of it in both respects and to report the result without delay due progress has been made in the construction of vessels of war according to the law providing for the gradual augmentation of the navy and to the extent of existing appropriations the vessels authorized by the act of 1820 have all been completed and are now in actual service none of the larger ships have been or will be launched for the present the object being to protect all which may not be required for immediate service from decay by suitable buildings erected over them a squadron has been maintained as heretofore in the mediterranean by means whereof peace has been preserved with the barbary powers this squadron has been reduced the present year to as small a force as is compatible with the fulfillment of the object intended by it from past experience and the best information respecting the views of those powers it is distinctly understood that should our squadron be withdrawn they would soon recommence their hostilities and depredations upon our commerce their fortifications have lately been rebuilt and their maritime force increased it has also been found necessary to maintain a naval force on the pacific for the protection of the very important interests of our citizens engaged in commerce and the fisheries in that sea vessels have likewise been employed in cruising along the atlantic coast in the gulf of mexico on the coast of africa and in the neighboring seas in the latter many piracies have been committed on our commerce and so extensive was becoming the range of those unprincipled adventurers that there was because to apprehend without a timely and decisive effort to suppress them the worst consequences would ensue fortunately a considerable check has been given to that spirit by our cruisers who have succeeded in capturing and destroying several of their vessels nevertheless it is considered an object of high importance to continue these cruises until the practice is entirely suppressed like success has attended our efforts to suppress the slave trade under the flag of the united states and the sanction of their papers the trade may be considered as entire suppressed and if any of our citizens are engaged in it under the flags and papers of other powers it is only from a respect of those powers that these offenders are not seized and brought home to receive the punishment which the laws inflict if every other power should adopt the same policy and pursue the same vigorous means for carrying it into effect the trade could no longer exist deeply impressed with the blessings which we enjoy and of which we have such manifold proofs my mind is irresistibly drawn to that almighty being the great source from whence they proceed and to whom our most grateful acknowledgments are due
progress affairs since last session may justly claimed expected government deriving powers enlightened people laws formed representatives great consideration sole purpose promoting welfare happiness constituents execution laws powers vested constitution executive unremitted attention paid great objects extend concerns exclusively internal good satisfied result laws due operation effect relating foreign powers happy state peace amity preserved strict observance sides rights matters touching commercial intercourse difference opinion existed conditions placed party pursued policy without giving offense annual communication especially addressed new congress whole scope political concerns naturally comes view errors committed may corrected defects become manifest may remedied hand measures adopted due deliberation experience shewn essential public welfare persevered supported performing necessary important duty shall endeavor place merits every subject thought entitled particular attention distinct clear light may able act much several acts imposed higher duties tonnage foreign vessels manufactures productions foreign nations imported united states foreign vessels imported vessels united states repealed far respected manufactures productions nation vessels belonged condition repeal take effect favor foreign nation executive satisfied discriminating duties disadvantage united states likewise repealed nation act proposition made nations place commerce basis presumed would acceptable every nation allowed bring manufactures productions ports take manufactures productions united states back ports vessels conditions might transported vessels united states return required like accommodation granted vessels united states ports powers articles admitted prohibited either side formed part proposed arrangement party would retain right admit prohibit articles thought proper conditions nature commerce united states every country taken view thought proposition would considered fair even liberal every power exports united states consist generally articles 1st necessity rude materials demand foreign manufactories great bulk requiring transportation many vessels return manufactures productions foreign country even disposed advantage may brought single vessel observation especially applicable countries manufactures alone imported applies great extent european dominions every european power certain extent colonies powers placing navigation precisely ground transportation exports imports united states countries presumed offered could desired seemed proposition could devised would retain even semblance equality favor many considerations great weight gave us right expect commerce extended colonies well european dominions powers latter especially countries exclusively manufacturing advantage manifestly side indemnity loss expected trade colonies greater reason known supplies colonies derived us highest importance labor bestowed much greater profit culture articles likewise articles supplies consisted forming large proportion exports united states never admitted ports europe except cases great emergency avert serious calamity article admitted required supply wants party admitting admitted favor particular country disadvantage others conditions equally applicable seems articles thus admitted invited carried thither vessels country affording supply reciprocity found corresponding accommodation side allowing party participate transportation supplies payment equal tonnage strong proof afforded accommodating spirit abandon transportation whole would sacrifice ought expected demand present instance would unreasonable consideration great inequality existing trade parent country basis system established act 1815 true character year act passed treaty concluded great britain strict conformity principles regard european dominions colonies however west indies continent extended british government claiming exclusive supply colonies ports productions colonies return vessels claim united states could assent consequence party suspended intercourse vessels prohibition still exists conditions offered france accepted government demanded conditions favorable navigation also give extraordinary encouragement manufactures productions ports united states thought improper accede consequence restrictive regulations adopted part countervailed part united states direct commerce 2 countries vessels party great measure suspended much regretted although negotiation long pending diversity views entertained various points brought discussion appear reasonable prospect early conclusion duty state great regret serious differences occurred negotiation respecting construction 8th article treaty 1803 louisiana ceded united states likewise respecting seizure apollo 1820 violation revenue laws claim government france excited less surprise concern appear foundation either instance 8th article treaty referred stipulated expiration 12 years time provided 7th preceding article vessels france spain admitted ports ceded territory without paying higher duties merchandise tonnage vessels paid citizens united states ships france forever afterwards placed footing favored nation obvious construction article presumed intended favor granted power ports france forthwith entitled accommodation allowed another power conditions would also entitled conditions construction favor accommodation could granted power prejudice france allowing equivalent allowed powers would always stand ports footing favored nation article construed france enjoy right without paying equivalent advantages conditions might allowed powers return important concessions made whole character stipulations would changed would placed footing favored nation footing held nation would enjoy advantages allowed consideration like advantages allowed us free every condition whatever little government france complain seizure apollo removal vessels waters marys denied every nation right regulate commercial system thinks fit enforce collection revenue provided done without invasion rights powers violation revenue laws offense nations punish punishment gives complaint power offenders belong provided extended equally case every circumstance occurred indicated fixed purpose violate revenue laws party intended pursued fair trade would entered port power landed goods custom house according law sent vessel power power might lawfully bring free duties port united states conduct party case altogether different entered river marys boundary line united states florida took position spanish side whole extent river town port custom house scarcely settlement purpose therefore sell goods inhabitants florida citizens united states exchange productions could done without direct palpable breach laws known regular systematic plan formed certain persons violation revenue system made necessary check proceeding commencement unsettled bank river remote spanish garrisons population could give protection party practice believed strict accord law nations would comported friendly policy spain established custom house since could subserved purpose elude revenue law government spain adopt measure contrary understood cuba application effect made adventurers acceded condition provinces many years ceded united states need dwelt inhabited different tribes indians inroad every kind adventurer jurisdiction spain may said almost exclusively confined garrisons certainly could extend places authority rules therefore applicable settled countries governed laws could deemed deserts florida occurrences merits attention also territory ceded united states treaty ratification refused since performed circumstances therefore spain became less responsible acts committed united states liberty exercise authority prevent great mischief conduct government every instance conciliatory friendly france construction revenue law application cases formed ground serious complaint part order collector marys accord given two years cases occurred reference breach attempted subjects another power application therefore cases question inevitable soon treaty provinces ceded united states ratified danger breach revenue laws ceased order given release vessel seized dismission libel instituted principles system reciprocity founded law since carried effect kingdoms netherlands sweden prussia hamburg lubeck oldenburg provision made subsequent laws regard netherlands prussia hamburg bremen produce manufactures could usually 1st shipped ports countries imported vessels wholly belonging subjects considered admitted manufactures productions government norway ordinance opened ports part dominions king sweden vessels united states upon payment higher duties paid norwegian vessels whatever place arriving whatever articles laden requested reciprocal allowance vessels norway ports united states privilege within scope act granted congress may involve commercial relations united states nations subject submitted wisdom congress presented thus fully view commercial relations powers seeing detail power knowing basis rest congress may wisdom decide whether change ought made respect basis unjust unreasonable surely ought abandoned reasonable change make concessions subversive equality tending consequences sap foundations prosperity reasons equally strong adhering ground already taken supporting regulations may appear proper additional support found necessary question concerning construction first article treaty ghent joint act representatives united states great britain court petersburg submitted decision imperial majesty emperor russia result submission yet received commissioners 5th article treaty able agree upon decision reports two governments according provisions treaty may expected early day spain treaty partly carried execution possession e w fl given united states officers charged service order catholic majesty delivered minister sec state transmitted special agent cuba directed government provinces vested omitted contravention order sovereign performance express stipulation deliver archives documents relating property sovereignty provinces expected would delivered either troops withdrawn defeated since every effort united states obtain especially greatest importance omission given rise several incidents painful nature character fully disclosed documents hereafter communicated every circumstance law 3rd march last carrying effect treaty duly attended execution part preserved force government inhabitants term specified civil military judicial powers exercised existing government provinces adequate officers presumed appointed ordered respective stations provinces formed 1 territory governor appointed consideration division distance difficulty communication pensacola residence governor west florida augustine governor east florida places inconsiderable population province principally collected two secretaries appointed one reside pensacola augustine due attention likewise paid execution laws united states relating revenue slave trade extended provinces whole territory divided three collection districts part lying river marys cape florida forming one cape apalachicola another apalachicola perdido third districts usual number revenue officers appointed secure due operation laws one judge district attorney appointed reside pensacola likewise one judge district attorney reside augustine specified boundary one marshal whole authority appoint deputy carrying law effect especially part relating powers existing government provinces thought important consideration short term operate radical change would made approaching session congress avoid expense make appointment absolutely necessary give effect powers withdraw none citizens pursuits whereby subject government claims could gratified parties losses would painful witness seen much concern performance duties collision arose governor territory judge appointed western district presumed law transitory government organized commissions granted officers appointed execute branch system commissions adapted would understood sense understood executive much allowance due officers employed branch system good believe acted conviction possessed power undertook exercise officer holding principal station think proper observe accepted reluctance compliance invitation given high sense duty country willing contribute consummation event would insure complete protection important part union suffered much incursion invasion defense gallant patriotic services signally usefully devoted intrinsic difficulty executing laws deriving origin different sources essentially different many important circumstances advantage indeed necessity establishing soon practicable government territory principles system apparent subject therefore recommended early consideration congress compliance injunction law 3rd march last three commissioners also appointed board organized carrying effect 11th article treaty recited making provision payment citizens claims spain character specified treaty board entered duties made progress therein commissioner surveyor catholic majesty provided 4th article treaty yet arrived united states soon expected soon arrive corresponding appointments made every facility afforded due execution service government faithful majesty since termination last session congress removed rio de janeiro lisbon revolution similar occurred neighboring kingdom spain like manner sanctioned accepted pledged faith reigning monarch diplomatic intercourse united states portuguese dominions interrupted important event yet resumed change internal administration already materially affected commercial intercourse united states portuguese dominions renewal public missions two countries appears desirable early day understood colonies south america great success present year struggle independence new government colombia extended territories considerably augmented strength buenos ayres civil dissensions time prevailed greater harmony better order appear established equal success attended efforts provinces pacific long manifest would impossible spain reduce colonies force equally conditions short independence would satisfactory may therefore presumed earnestly hoped government spain guided enlightened liberal councils find comport interests due magnanimity terminate exhausting controversy basis promote result friendly counsel government spain object government united states conducting fiscal operations year found necessary carry full effect act last session congress authorizing loan 5m sum raised average premium per centum upon stock bearing interest rate 5 per annum redeemable option government issued provisions act 5 stock redeemed year louisiana 6 deferred stock mississippi stock therefore actual increase public debt contracted year receipts treasury first january 30th september last amounted balance treasury former day make aggregate sum payments treasury period amounted leaving treasury day sum estimated receipts 4th quarter year exceed demands made treasury period amount treasury 30th september last increased first day january next close last session anticipated progressive diminution public revenue 1819 1820 result languid state foreign commerce years latter year reached extreme point depression however ascertained point reached termination first quarter present year time 30th september last duties secured exceeded corresponding quarters last year whilst amount debentures issued three first quarters year less quarters last year grounds believe improvement occurred revenue period maintained progressively increase next several succeeding years realize results presented upon subject official reports treasury commencement last session congress influence unfavorable circumstances revenue next subsequent years year 1825 exceed demands present authorized law may fairly presumed protection given domestic manufactures existing laws shall become distant period manufacturing country extensive scale possessing raw materials vast amount capacity augment indefinite extent raising within country aliment every kind amount far exceeding demand home consumption even unfavorable years obtained always moderate price skilled also people mechanic arts every improvement calculated lessen demand price labor manifest success every branch domestic industry may carried encouragement given present duties extent meet demand fair competition may made upon considerable increase domestic manufactures diminishing importation foreign probably tend lessen amount public revenue however large proportion revenue derived duties raised articles manufactures demand increase population believed fund still raised source adequate greater part public expenditures especially expenditures continue blessed peace diminished completion fortifications dock yards public works augmentation navy point proposed carry payment public debt including pensions military services doubted complete internal resources less dependent foreign powers every national well domestic purpose greater stable public felicity increase domestic manufactures demand rude materials home increased thus dependence several parts union strength union proportionably augmented process desirable inevitable existing duties resources obviously present supply deficiency revenue occur interests may derive principal benefit change domestic manufactures raised duties foreign deficiency fund necessary public purposes supplied duties former last session seemed doubtful whether revenue derived present sources would adequate great purposes union including construction fortifications augmentation navy protection commerce dangers exposed deficiency subject us necessity either abandon measures defense resort means adequate funds course presented adoption virtuous enlightened people appeared plain one must gratifying know necessity exist nothing however contemplation important objects easily provided left hazard thought revenue may receive augmentation existing sources manner aid manufactures without hastening prematurely result suggested believed moderate additional duty certain articles would effect without liable serious objection examination whole coast construction permanent fortifications croix sabine exception part territory lately acquired completed present year survey mississippi resolution house representatives mouth ohio ocean likewise ohio louisville mississippi progress corresponding sums appropriated also made construction fortifications ports designated form system defense whole maritime frontier consequence interior last ages greatest care taken fix position work form scale adequate purpose intended inlets assailable parts union minutely examined positions taken view best effect observing every instance regard economy doubts however entertained propriety position extent work dauphine island progress suspended soon last session congress order given board engineers naval commissioners make minute examination respects report result without delay due progress made construction vessels war according law providing gradual augmentation navy extent existing appropriations vessels authorized act 1820 completed actual service none larger ships launched present object protect may required immediate service decay suitable buildings erected squadron maintained heretofore mediterranean means whereof peace preserved barbary powers squadron reduced present year small force compatible fulfillment object intended past experience best information respecting views powers distinctly understood squadron withdrawn would soon recommence hostilities depredations upon commerce fortifications lately rebuilt maritime force increased also found necessary maintain naval force pacific protection important interests citizens engaged commerce fisheries sea vessels likewise employed cruising along atlantic coast gulf mexico coast africa neighboring seas latter many piracies committed commerce extensive becoming range unprincipled adventurers apprehend without timely decisive effort suppress worst consequences would ensue fortunately considerable check given spirit cruisers succeeded capturing destroying several vessels nevertheless considered object high importance continue cruises practice entirely suppressed like success attended efforts suppress slave trade flag united states sanction papers trade may considered entire suppressed citizens engaged flags papers powers respect powers offenders seized brought home receive punishment laws inflict every power adopt policy pursue vigorous means carrying effect trade could longer exist deeply impressed blessings enjoy manifold proofs mind irresistibly drawn almighty great source whence proceed grateful acknowledgments due
progress affair since last session may justly claim expected government derive power enlighten people law form representative great consideration sole purpose promote welfare happiness constituent execution law power vested constitution executive unremitted attention pay great object extend concern exclusively internal good satisfied result law due operation effect relate foreign power happy state peace amity preserve strict observance side right matter touch commercial intercourse difference opinion exist condition place party pursued policy without give offense annual communication especially address new congress whole scope political concern naturally come view error commit may correct defect become manifest may remedied hand measure adopt due deliberation experience shewn essential public welfare persevere support perform necessary important duty shall endeavor place merit every subject think entitle particular attention distinct clear light may able act much several act impose high duty tonnage foreign vessel manufacture production foreign nation import united state foreign vessel import vessel united state repeal far respect manufacture production nation vessel belong condition repeal take effect favor foreign nation executive satisfy discriminate duty disadvantage united state likewise repeal nation act proposition make nation place commerce basis presume would acceptable every nation allow bring manufacture production port take manufacture production unite state back port vessel condition might transport vessel united state return require like accommodation grant vessel united state port power article admit prohibit either side form part propose arrangement party would retain right admit prohibit article think proper condition nature commerce united state every country take view think proposition would consider fair even liberal every power export unite state consist generally article 1st necessity rude material demand foreign manufactory great bulk require transportation many vessel return manufacture production foreign country even dispose advantage may bring single vessel observation especially applicable country manufacture alone import applies great extent european dominion every european power certain extent colony power place navigation precisely ground transportation export import unite states country presume offer could desire seemed proposition could devise would retain even semblance equality favor many consideration great weight give u right expect commerce extended colony well european dominion power latter especially country exclusively manufacture advantage manifestly side indemnity loss expect trade colony great reason know supply colony derive u high importance labor bestow much great profit culture article likewise article supply consist form large proportion export unite state never admit port europe except case great emergency avert serious calamity article admit require supply want party admit admit favor particular country disadvantage others condition equally applicable seem article thus admit invited carry thither vessel country afford supply reciprocity find corresponding accommodation side allow party participate transportation supply payment equal tonnage strong proof afford accommodate spirit abandon transportation whole would sacrifice ought expect demand present instance would unreasonable consideration great inequality exist trade parent country basis system establish act 1815 true character year act pass treaty conclude great britain strict conformity principle regard european dominion colony however west indie continent extend british government claim exclusive supply colony port production colony return vessel claim united state could assent consequence party suspend intercourse vessel prohibition still exist condition offer france accepted government demand condition favorable navigation also give extraordinary encouragement manufacture production port unite state think improper accede consequence restrictive regulation adopt part countervail part united state direct commerce 2 country vessel party great measure suspend much regret although negotiation long pending diversity view entertain various point bring discussion appear reasonable prospect early conclusion duty state great regret serious difference occur negotiation respect construction 8th article treaty 1803 louisiana cede united state likewise respect seizure apollo 1820 violation revenue law claim government france excite less surprise concern appear foundation either instance 8th article treaty refer stipulated expiration 12 year time provide 7th precede article vessel france spain admit port cede territory without pay high duty merchandise tonnage vessel pay citizen united state ship france forever afterwards place foot favored nation obvious construction article presume intend favor grant power port france forthwith entitle accommodation allow another power condition would also entitle condition construction favor accommodation could grant power prejudice france allow equivalent allow power would always stand port foot favored nation article construe france enjoy right without pay equivalent advantage condition might allow power return important concession make whole character stipulation would change would place footing favored nation foot hold nation would enjoy advantage allow consideration like advantage allow u free every condition whatever little government france complain seizure apollo removal vessel water marys deny every nation right regulate commercial system think fit enforce collection revenue provide do without invasion right power violation revenue law offense nation punish punishment give complaint power offender belong provide extend equally case every circumstance occur indicated fix purpose violate revenue law party intend pursue fair trade would enter port power land good custom house accord law send vessel power power might lawfully bring free duty port united state conduct party case altogether different enter river mary boundary line unite state florida take position spanish side whole extent river town port custom house scarcely settlement purpose therefore sell good inhabitant florida citizen united state exchange production could do without direct palpable breach law know regular systematic plan form certain person violation revenue system make necessary check proceed commencement unsettle bank river remote spanish garrison population could give protection party practice believe strict accord law nation would comport friendly policy spain establish custom house since could subserve purpose elude revenue law government spain adopt measure contrary understood cuba application effect make adventurer acceded condition province many year cede united state need dwelt inhabit different tribe indian inroad every kind adventurer jurisdiction spain may say almost exclusively confined garrison certainly could extend place authority rule therefore applicable settled country govern law could deem desert florida occurrence merit attention also territory cede united state treaty ratification refuse since perform circumstance therefore spain become less responsible act commit united state liberty exercise authority prevent great mischief conduct government every instance conciliatory friendly france construction revenue law application case form ground serious complaint part order collector mary accord give two year case occur reference breach attempt subject another power application therefore case question inevitable soon treaty province cede united state ratify danger breach revenue law cease order give release vessel seize dismission libel institute principle system reciprocity found law since carry effect kingdom netherlands sweden prussia hamburg lubeck oldenburg provision make subsequent law regard netherlands prussia hamburg bremen produce manufacture could usually 1st ship port country import vessel wholly belong subject consider admitted manufacture production government norway ordinance open port part dominion king sweden vessel unite state upon payment high duty pay norwegian vessel whatever place arrive whatever article laden request reciprocal allowance vessel norway port unite state privilege within scope act grant congress may involve commercial relation united state nation subject submit wisdom congress present thus fully view commercial relation power see detail power know basis rest congress may wisdom decide whether change ought make respect basis unjust unreasonable surely ought abandon reasonable change make concession subversive equality tend consequence sap foundation prosperity reason equally strong adhere ground already take support regulation may appear proper additional support find necessary question concern construction first article treaty ghent joint act representative united state great britain court petersburg submit decision imperial majesty emperor russia result submission yet receive commissioner 5th article treaty able agree upon decision report two government accord provision treaty may expect early day spain treaty partly carry execution possession e w fl give united state officer charge service order catholic majesty deliver minister sec state transmit special agent cuba direct government province vest omitted contravention order sovereign performance express stipulation deliver archive document relate property sovereignty province expect would deliver either troop withdrawn defeat since every effort united state obtain especially great importance omission give rise several incident painful nature character fully disclose document hereafter communicate every circumstance law 3rd march last carry effect treaty duly attend execution part preserve force government inhabitant term specify civil military judicial power exercise exist government province adequate officer presume appoint ordered respective station province form 1 territory governor appoint consideration division distance difficulty communication pensacola residence governor west florida augustine governor east florida place inconsiderable population province principally collect two secretary appoint one reside pensacola augustine due attention likewise pay execution law united state relate revenue slave trade extend province whole territory divide three collection district part lie river mary cape florida form one cape apalachicola another apalachicola perdido third district usual number revenue officer appoint secure due operation law one judge district attorney appoint reside pensacola likewise one judge district attorney reside augustine specify boundary one marshal whole authority appoint deputy carry law effect especially part relate power exist government province think important consideration short term operate radical change would make approach session congress avoid expense make appointment absolutely necessary give effect power withdraw none citizen pursuits whereby subject government claim could gratify party loss would painful witness see much concern performance duty collision arose governor territory judge appoint western district presume law transitory government organize commission grant officer appoint execute branch system commission adapt would understand sense understood executive much allowance due officer employ branch system good believe act conviction possess power undertook exercise officer hold principal station think proper observe accept reluctance compliance invitation give high sense duty country willing contribute consummation event would insure complete protection important part union suffer much incursion invasion defense gallant patriotic service signally usefully devote intrinsic difficulty execute law derive origin different source essentially different many important circumstance advantage indeed necessity establish soon practicable government territory principle system apparent subject therefore recommend early consideration congress compliance injunction law 3rd march last three commissioner also appoint board organize carry effect 11th article treaty recite make provision payment citizen claim spain character specify treaty board enter duty make progress therein commissioner surveyor catholic majesty provide 4th article treaty yet arrive united state soon expect soon arrive correspond appointment make every facility afford due execution service government faithful majesty since termination last session congress remove rio de janeiro lisbon revolution similar occur neighboring kingdom spain like manner sanction accept pledge faith reign monarch diplomatic intercourse united state portuguese dominion interrupt important event yet resume change internal administration already materially affected commercial intercourse united state portuguese dominion renewal public mission two country appear desirable early day understood colony south america great success present year struggle independence new government colombia extend territory considerably augment strength buenos ayres civil dissension time prevail great harmony well order appear establish equal success attend effort province pacific long manifest would impossible spain reduce colony force equally condition short independence would satisfactory may therefore presume earnestly hoped government spain guide enlightened liberal council find comport interest due magnanimity terminate exhaust controversy basis promote result friendly counsel government spain object government unite state conduct fiscal operation year find necessary carry full effect act last session congress authorize loan 5m sum raise average premium per centum upon stock bearing interest rate 5 per annum redeemable option government issue provision act 5 stock redeem year louisiana 6 deferred stock mississippi stock therefore actual increase public debt contract year receipt treasury first january 30th september last amounted balance treasury former day make aggregate sum payment treasury period amount leaving treasury day sum estimate receipt 4th quarter year exceed demand make treasury period amount treasury 30th september last increase first day january next close last session anticipate progressive diminution public revenue 1819 1820 result languid state foreign commerce year latter year reach extreme point depression however ascertain point reach termination first quarter present year time 30th september last duty secure exceeded corresponding quarter last year whilst amount debenture issue three first quarter year less quarter last year ground believe improvement occur revenue period maintain progressively increase next several succeed year realize result present upon subject official report treasury commencement last session congress influence unfavorable circumstance revenue next subsequent year year 1825 exceed demand present authorized law may fairly presume protection give domestic manufacture exist law shall become distant period manufacture country extensive scale possess raw material vast amount capacity augment indefinite extent raise within country aliment every kind amount far exceed demand home consumption even unfavorable year obtain always moderate price skilled also people mechanic art every improvement calculate lessen demand price labor manifest success every branch domestic industry may carry encouragement give present duty extent meet demand fair competition may make upon considerable increase domestic manufacture diminish importation foreign probably tend lessen amount public revenue however large proportion revenue derive duty raise article manufacture demand increase population believe fund still raise source adequate great part public expenditures especially expenditure continue bless peace diminish completion fortification dock yard public work augmentation navy point propose carry payment public debt include pension military service doubt complete internal resource less dependent foreign power every national well domestic purpose great stable public felicity increase domestic manufacture demand rude material home increase thus dependence several part union strength union proportionably augment process desirable inevitable exist duty resource obviously present supply deficiency revenue occur interest may derive principal benefit change domestic manufacture raise duty foreign deficiency fund necessary public purpose supply duty former last session seem doubtful whether revenue derive present source would adequate great purpose union include construction fortification augmentation navy protection commerce danger expose deficiency subject u necessity either abandon measure defense resort mean adequate fund course present adoption virtuous enlightened people appear plain one must gratify know necessity exist nothing however contemplation important object easily provide left hazard think revenue may receive augmentation exist source manner aid manufacture without hasten prematurely result suggest believe moderate additional duty certain article would effect without liable serious objection examination whole coast construction permanent fortification croix sabine exception part territory lately acquire complete present year survey mississippi resolution house representative mouth ohio ocean likewise ohio louisville mississippi progress correspond sum appropriate also make construction fortification port designate form system defense whole maritime frontier consequence interior last age great care take fix position work form scale adequate purpose intend inlet assailable part union minutely examine position take view best effect observe every instance regard economy doubt however entertain propriety position extent work dauphine island progress suspend soon last session congress order give board engineer naval commissioner make minute examination respect report result without delay due progress make construction vessel war accord law provide gradual augmentation navy extent exist appropriation vessel authorize act 1820 complete actual service none large ship launch present object protect may require immediate service decay suitable building erect squadron maintain heretofore mediterranean mean whereof peace preserve barbary power squadron reduce present year small force compatible fulfillment object intend past experience best information respect view power distinctly understood squadron withdrawn would soon recommence hostility depredation upon commerce fortification lately rebuild maritime force increase also find necessary maintain naval force pacific protection important interest citizen engage commerce fishery sea vessel likewise employ cruise along atlantic coast gulf mexico coast africa neighbor seas latter many piracy commit commerce extensive become range unprincipled adventurer apprehend without timely decisive effort suppress bad consequence would ensue fortunately considerable check give spirit cruiser succeed capture destroy several vessel nevertheless consider object high importance continue cruise practice entirely suppress like success attend effort suppress slave trade flag united state sanction paper trade may consider entire suppress citizen engage flags paper power respect power offender seize brought home receive punishment law inflict every power adopt policy pursue vigorous mean carry effect trade could longer exist deeply impressed blessing enjoy manifold proof mind irresistibly draw almighty great source whence proceed grateful acknowledgment due