Immediately after the adjournment of Congress at their last session in Philadelphia I gave directions, in compliance with the laws, for the removal of the public offices, records, and property. These directions have been executed, and the public officers have since resided and conducted the ordinary business of the Government in this place. I congratulate the people of the United States on the assembling of Congress at the permanent seat of their Government, and I congratulate you, gentlemen, on the prospect of a residence not to be changed. Although there is cause to apprehend that accommodations are not now so complete as might be wished, yet there is great reason to believe that this inconvenience will cease with the present session. It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble for the first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and imploring His blessing. May this territory be the residence of virtue and happiness! In this city may that piety and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that constancy and self-government, which adorned the great character whose name it bears be forever held in veneration! Here and throughout our country may simple manners, pure morals, and true religion flourish forever! It is with you, gentlemen, to consider whether the local powers over the District of Columbia vested by the Constitution in the Congress of the United States shall be immediately exercised. If in your opinion this important trust ought now to be executed, you can not fail while performing it to take into view the future probable situation of the territory for the happiness of which you are about to provide. You will consider it as the capital of a great nation advancing with unexampled rapidity in arts, in commerce, in wealth, and in population, and possessing within itself those energies and resources which, if not thrown away or lamentably misdirected, will secure to it a long course of prosperity and self-government. In compliance with a law of the last session of Congress, the officers and soldiers of the temporary army have been discharged. It affords real pleasure to recollect the honorable testimony they gave of the patriotic motives which brought them into the service of their country, by the readiness and regularity with which they returned to the station of private citizens. It is in every point of view of such primary importance to carry the laws into prompt and faithful execution, and to render that part of the administration of justice which the Constitution and laws devolve on the Federal courts as convenient to the people as may consist with their present circumstances, that I can not omit once more to recommend to your serious consideration the judiciary system of the United States. No subject is more interesting than this to the public happiness, and to none can those improvements which may have been suggested by experience be more beneficially applied. A treaty of amity and commerce with the King of Prussia has been concluded and ratified. The ratifications have been exchanged, and I have directed the treaty to be promulgated by proclamation. The difficulties which suspended the execution of the 6th article of our treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain have not yet been removed. The negotiation on this subject is still depending. As it must be fore the interest and honor of both nations to adjust this difference with good faith, I indulge confidently the expectation that the sincere endeavors of the Government of the United States to bring it to an amicable termination will not be disappointed. The envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary from the United States to France were received by the First Consul with the respect due to their character, and 3 persons with equal powers were appointed to treat with them. Although at the date of the last official intelligence the negotiation had not terminated, yet it is to be hoped that our efforts to effect an accommodation will at length meet with a success proportioned to the sincerity with which they have been so often repeated. While our best endeavors for the preservation of harmony with all nations will continue to be used, the experience of the world and our own experience admonish us of the insecurity of trusting too confidently to their success. We can not, without committing a dangerous imprudence, abandon those measures of self protection which are adapted to our situation and to which, notwithstanding our pacific policy, the violence and injustice of others may again compel us to resort. While our vast extent of sea coast, the commercial and agriculture habits of our people, the great capital they will continue to trust on the ocean, suggest the system of defense which will be most beneficial to ourselves, our distance from Europe and our resources for maritime strength will enable us to employ it with effect. Seasonable and systematic arrangements, so far as our resources will justify, for a navy adapted to defensive war, and which may in case of necessity be quickly brought into use, seem to be as much recommended by a wise and true economy as by a just regard for our future tranquillity, for the safety of our shores, and for the protection of our property committed to the ocean. The present Navy of the United States, called suddenly into existence by a great national exigency, has raised us in our own esteem, and by the protection afforded to our commerce has effected to the extent of our expectations the objects for which it was created. In connection with a navy ought to be contemplated the fortification of some of our principal sea ports and harbors. A variety of considerations, which will readily suggest themselves, urge an attention to this measure of precaution. To give security to our principal ports considerable sums have already been expended, but the works remain incomplete. It is for Congress to determine whether additional appropriations shall be made in order to render competent to the intended purposes the fortifications which have been commenced. The manufacture of arms within the United States still invites the attention of the National Legislature. At a considerable expense to the public this manufacture has been brought to such a state of maturity as, with continued encouragement, will supersede the necessity of future importations from foreign countries. I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the ensuing year, together with an account of the public revenue and expenditure to a late period, to be laid before you. I observe with much satisfaction that the product of the revenue during the present year has been more considerable than during any former equal period. This result affords conclusive evidence of the great resources of this country and of the wisdom and efficiency of the measures which have been adopted by Congress for the protection of commerce and preservation of public credit. As one of the grand community of nations, our attention is irresistibly drawn to the important scenes which surround us. If they have exhibited an uncommon portion of calamity, it is the province of humanity to deplore and of wisdom to avoid the causes which may have produced it. If, turning our eyes homeward, we find reason to rejoice at the prospect which presents itself; if we perceive the interior of our country prosperous, free, and happy; if all enjoy in safety, under the protection of laws emanating only from the general will, the fruits of their own labor, we ought to fortify and cling to those institutions which have been the source of such real felicity and resist with unabating perseverance the progress of those dangerous innovations which may diminish their influence. To your patriotism, gentlemen, has been confided the honorable duty of guarding the public interests; and while the past is to your country a sure pledge that it will be faithfully discharged, permit me to assure you that your labors to promote the general happiness will receive from me the most zealous cooperation.
Immediately after the adjournment of Congress at their last session in Philadelphia I gave directions, in compliance with the laws, for the removal of the public offices, records, and property. These directions have been executed, and the public officers have since resided and conducted the ordinary business of the Government in this place. I congratulate the people of the United States on the assembling of Congress at the permanent seat of their Government, and I congratulate you, gentlemen, on the prospect of a residence not to be changed. Although there is because to apprehend that accommodations are not now so complete as might be wished, yet there is great reason to believe that this inconvenience will cease with the present session. It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble for the first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and imploring His blessing. May this territory be the residence of virtue and happiness! In this city may that piety and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that constancy and self-government, which adorned the great character whose name it bears be forever held in veneration! Here and throughout our country may simple manners, pure morals, and true religion flourish forever! It is with you, gentlemen, to consider whether the local powers over the District of Columbia vested by the Constitution in the Congress of the United States shall be immediately exercised. If in your opinion this important trust ought now to be executed, you can not fail while performing it to take into view the future probable situation of the territory for the happiness of which you are about to provide. You will consider it as the capital of a great nation advancing with unexampled rapidity in arts, in commerce, in wealth, and in population, and possessing within itself those energies and resources which, if not thrown away or lamentably misdirected, will secure to it a long course of prosperity and self-government. In compliance with a law of the last session of Congress, the officers and soldiers of the temporary army have been discharged. It affords real pleasure to recollect the honorable testimony they gave of the patriotic motives which brought them into the service of their country, by the readiness and regularity with which they returned to the station of private citizens. It is in every point of view of such primary importance to carry the laws into prompt and faithful execution, and to render that part of the administration of justice which the Constitution and laws devolve on the Federal courts as convenient to the people as may consist with their present circumstances, that I can not omit once more to recommend to your serious consideration the judiciary system of the United States. No subject is more interesting than this to the public happiness, and to none can those improvements which may have been suggested by experience be more beneficially applied. A treaty of amity and commerce with the King of Prussia has been concluded and ratified. The ratifications have been exchanged, and I have directed the treaty to be promulgated by proclamation. The difficulties which suspended the execution of the 6th article of our treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain have not yet been removed. The negotiation on this subject is still depending. As it must be fore the interest and honor of both nations to adjust this difference with good faith, I indulge confidently the expectation that the sincere endeavors of the Government of the United States to bring it to an amicable termination will not be disappointed. The envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary from the United States to France were received by the First Consul with the respect due to their character, and 3 persons with equal powers were appointed to treat with them. Although at the date of the last official intelligence the negotiation had not terminated, yet it is to be hoped that our efforts to effect an accommodation will at length meet with a success proportioned to the sincerity with which they have been so often repeated. While our best endeavors for the preservation of harmony with all nations will continue to be used, the experience of the world and our own experience admonish us of the insecurity of trusting too confidently to their success. We can not, without committing a dangerous imprudence, abandon those measures of self protection which are adapted to our situation and to which, notwithstanding our pacific policy, the violence and injustice of others may again compel us to resort. While our vast extent of sea coast, the commercial and agriculture habits of our people, the great capital they will continue to trust on the ocean, suggest the system of defense which will be most beneficial to ourselves, our distance from Europe and our resources for maritime strength will enable us to employ it with effect. Seasonable and systematic arrangements, so far as our resources will justify, for a navy adapted to defensive war, and which may in case of necessity be quickly brought into use, seem to be as much recommended by a wise and true economy as by a just regard for our future tranquillity, for the safety of our shores, and for the protection of our property committed to the ocean. The present Navy of the United States, called suddenly into existence by a great national exigency, has raised us in our own esteem, and by the protection afforded to our commerce has effected to the extent of our expectations the objects for which it was created. In connection with a navy ought to be contemplated the fortification of some of our principal sea ports and harbors. A variety of considerations, which will readily suggest themselves, urge an attention to this measure of precaution. To give security to our principal ports considerable sums have already been expended, but the works remain incomplete. It is for Congress to determine whether additional appropriations shall be made in order to render competent to the intended purposes the fortifications which have been commenced. The manufacture of arms within the United States still invites the attention of the National Legislature. At a considerable expense to the public this manufacture has been brought to such a state of maturity as, with continued encouragement, will supersede the necessity of future importations from foreign countries. I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the ensuing year, together with an account of the public revenue and expenditure to a late period, to be laid before you. I observe with much satisfaction that the product of the revenue during the present year has been more considerable than during any former equal period. This result affords conclusive evidence of the great resources of this country and of the wisdom and efficiency of the measures which have been adopted by Congress for the protection of commerce and preservation of public credit. As one of the grand community of nations, our attention is irresistibly drawn to the important scenes which surround us. If they have exhibited an uncommon portion of calamity, it is the province of humanity to deplore and of wisdom to avoid the causes which may have produced it. If, turning our eyes homeward, we find reason to rejoice at the prospect which presents itself; if we perceive the interior of our country prosperous, free, and happy; if all enjoy in safety, under the protection of laws emanating only from the general will, the fruits of their own labor, we ought to fortify and cling to those institutions which have been the source of such real felicity and resist with unabating perseverance the progress of those dangerous innovations which may diminish their influence. To your patriotism, gentlemen, has been confided the honorable duty of guarding the public interests; and while the past is to your country a sure pledge that it will be faithfully discharged, permit me to assure you that your labors to promote the general happiness will receive from me the most zealous cooperation.
immediately after the adjournment of congress at their last session in philadelphia i gave directions in compliance with the laws for the removal of the public offices records and property these directions have been executed and the public officers have since resided and conducted the ordinary business of the government in this place i congratulate the people of the united states on the assembling of congress at the permanent seat of their government and i congratulate you gentlemen on the prospect of a residence not to be changed although there is because to apprehend that accommodations are not now so complete as might be wished yet there is great reason to believe that this inconvenience will cease with the present session it would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble for the first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the supreme ruler of the universe and imploring his blessing may this territory be the residence of virtue and happiness in this city may that piety and virtue that wisdom and magnanimity that constancy and which adorned the great character whose name it bears be forever held in veneration here and throughout our country may simple manners pure morals and true religion flourish forever it is with you gentlemen to consider whether the local powers over the district of columbia vested by the constitution in the congress of the united states shall be immediately exercised if in your opinion this important trust ought now to be executed you can not fail while performing it to take into view the future probable situation of the territory for the happiness of which you are about to provide you will consider it as the capital of a great nation advancing with unexampled rapidity in arts in commerce in wealth and in population and possessing within itself those energies and resources which if not thrown away or lamentably misdirected will secure to it a long course of prosperity and in compliance with a law of the last session of congress the officers and soldiers of the temporary army have been discharged it affords real pleasure to recollect the honorable testimony they gave of the patriotic motives which brought them into the service of their country by the readiness and regularity with which they returned to the station of private citizens it is in every point of view of such primary importance to carry the laws into prompt and faithful execution and to render that part of the administration of justice which the constitution and laws devolve on the federal courts as convenient to the people as may consist with their present circumstances that i can not omit once more to recommend to your serious consideration the judiciary system of the united states no subject is more interesting than this to the public happiness and to none can those improvements which may have been suggested by experience be more beneficially applied a treaty of amity and commerce with the king of prussia has been concluded and ratified the ratifications have been exchanged and i have directed the treaty to be promulgated by proclamation the difficulties which suspended the execution of the 6th article of our treaty of amity commerce and navigation with great britain have not yet been removed the negotiation on this subject is still depending as it must be fore the interest and honor of both nations to adjust this difference with good faith i indulge confidently the expectation that the sincere endeavors of the government of the united states to bring it to an amicable termination will not be disappointed the envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary from the united states to france were received by the first consul with the respect due to their character and 3 persons with equal powers were appointed to treat with them although at the date of the last official intelligence the negotiation had not terminated yet it is to be hoped that our efforts to effect an accommodation will at length meet with a success proportioned to the sincerity with which they have been so often repeated while our best endeavors for the preservation of harmony with all nations will continue to be used the experience of the world and our own experience admonish us of the insecurity of trusting too confidently to their success we can not without committing a dangerous imprudence abandon those measures of self protection which are adapted to our situation and to which notwithstanding our pacific policy the violence and injustice of others may again compel us to resort while our vast extent of sea coast the commercial and agriculture habits of our people the great capital they will continue to trust on the ocean suggest the system of defense which will be most beneficial to ourselves our distance from europe and our resources for maritime strength will enable us to employ it with effect seasonable and systematic arrangements so far as our resources will justify for a navy adapted to defensive war and which may in case of necessity be quickly brought into use seem to be as much recommended by a wise and true economy as by a just regard for our future tranquillity for the safety of our shores and for the protection of our property committed to the ocean the present navy of the united states called suddenly into existence by a great national exigency has raised us in our own esteem and by the protection afforded to our commerce has effected to the extent of our expectations the objects for which it was created in connection with a navy ought to be contemplated the fortification of some of our principal sea ports and harbors a variety of considerations which will readily suggest themselves urge an attention to this measure of precaution to give security to our principal ports considerable sums have already been expended but the works remain incomplete it is for congress to determine whether additional appropriations shall be made in order to render competent to the intended purposes the fortifications which have been commenced the manufacture of arms within the united states still invites the attention of the national legislature at a considerable expense to the public this manufacture has been brought to such a state of maturity as with continued encouragement will supersede the necessity of future importations from foreign countries i shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the ensuing year together with an account of the public revenue and expenditure to a late period to be laid before you i observe with much satisfaction that the product of the revenue during the present year has been more considerable than during any former equal period this result affords conclusive evidence of the great resources of this country and of the wisdom and efficiency of the measures which have been adopted by congress for the protection of commerce and preservation of public credit as one of the grand community of nations our attention is irresistibly drawn to the important scenes which surround us if they have exhibited an uncommon portion of calamity it is the province of humanity to deplore and of wisdom to avoid the causes which may have produced it if turning our eyes homeward we find reason to rejoice at the prospect which presents itself if we perceive the interior of our country prosperous free and happy if all enjoy in safety under the protection of laws emanating only from the general will the fruits of their own labor we ought to fortify and cling to those institutions which have been the source of such real felicity and resist with unabating perseverance the progress of those dangerous innovations which may diminish their influence to your patriotism gentlemen has been confided the honorable duty of guarding the public interests and while the past is to your country a sure pledge that it will be faithfully discharged permit me to assure you that your labors to promote the general happiness will receive from me the most zealous cooperation
immediately adjournment congress last session philadelphia gave directions compliance laws removal public offices records property directions executed public officers since resided conducted ordinary business government place congratulate people united states assembling congress permanent seat government congratulate gentlemen prospect residence changed although apprehend accommodations complete might wished yet great reason believe inconvenience cease present session would unbecoming representatives nation assemble first time solemn temple without looking supreme ruler universe imploring blessing may territory residence virtue happiness city may piety virtue wisdom magnanimity constancy adorned great character whose name bears forever held veneration throughout country may simple manners pure morals true religion flourish forever gentlemen consider whether local powers district columbia vested constitution congress united states shall immediately exercised opinion important trust ought executed fail performing take view future probable situation territory happiness provide consider capital great nation advancing unexampled rapidity arts commerce wealth population possessing within energies resources thrown away lamentably misdirected secure long course prosperity compliance law last session congress officers soldiers temporary army discharged affords real pleasure recollect honorable testimony gave patriotic motives brought service country readiness regularity returned station private citizens every point view primary importance carry laws prompt faithful execution render part administration justice constitution laws devolve federal courts convenient people may consist present circumstances omit recommend serious consideration judiciary system united states subject interesting public happiness none improvements may suggested experience beneficially applied treaty amity commerce king prussia concluded ratified ratifications exchanged directed treaty promulgated proclamation difficulties suspended execution 6th article treaty amity commerce navigation great britain yet removed negotiation subject still depending must fore interest honor nations adjust difference good faith indulge confidently expectation sincere endeavors government united states bring amicable termination disappointed envoys extraordinary ministers plenipotentiary united states france received first consul respect due character 3 persons equal powers appointed treat although date last official intelligence negotiation terminated yet hoped efforts effect accommodation length meet success proportioned sincerity often repeated best endeavors preservation harmony nations continue used experience world experience admonish us insecurity trusting confidently success without committing dangerous imprudence abandon measures self protection adapted situation notwithstanding pacific policy violence injustice others may compel us resort vast extent sea coast commercial agriculture habits people great capital continue trust ocean suggest system defense beneficial distance europe resources maritime strength enable us employ effect seasonable systematic arrangements far resources justify navy adapted defensive war may case necessity quickly brought use seem much recommended wise true economy regard future tranquillity safety shores protection property committed ocean present navy united states called suddenly existence great national exigency raised us esteem protection afforded commerce effected extent expectations objects created connection navy ought contemplated fortification principal sea ports harbors variety considerations readily suggest urge attention measure precaution give security principal ports considerable sums already expended works remain incomplete congress determine whether additional appropriations shall made order render competent intended purposes fortifications commenced manufacture arms within united states still invites attention national legislature considerable expense public manufacture brought state maturity continued encouragement supersede necessity future importations foreign countries shall direct estimates appropriations necessary ensuing year together account public revenue expenditure late period laid observe much satisfaction product revenue present year considerable former equal period result affords conclusive evidence great resources country wisdom efficiency measures adopted congress protection commerce preservation public credit one grand community nations attention irresistibly drawn important scenes surround us exhibited uncommon portion calamity province humanity deplore wisdom avoid causes may produced turning eyes homeward find reason rejoice prospect presents perceive interior country prosperous free happy enjoy safety protection laws emanating general fruits labor ought fortify cling institutions source real felicity resist unabating perseverance progress dangerous innovations may diminish influence patriotism gentlemen confided honorable duty guarding public interests past country sure pledge faithfully discharged permit assure labors promote general happiness receive zealous cooperation
immediately adjournment congress last session philadelphia give direction compliance law removal public office record property direction execute public officer since reside conduct ordinary business government place congratulate people united state assemble congress permanent seat government congratulate gentleman prospect residence change although apprehend accommodation complete might wish yet great reason believe inconvenience cease present session would unbecoming representative nation assemble first time solemn temple without look supreme ruler universe implore blessing may territory residence virtue happiness city may piety virtue wisdom magnanimity constancy adorn great character whose name bear forever hold veneration throughout country may simple manner pure moral true religion flourish forever gentleman consider whether local power district columbia vest constitution congress united state shall immediately exercised opinion important trust ought execute fail perform take view future probable situation territory happiness provide consider capital great nation advance unexampled rapidity art commerce wealth population possess within energy resource thrown away lamentably misdirected secure long course prosperity compliance law last session congress officer soldier temporary army discharge affords real pleasure recollect honorable testimony give patriotic motif bring service country readiness regularity return station private citizen every point view primary importance carry law prompt faithful execution render part administration justice constitution law devolve federal court convenient people may consist present circumstance omit recommend serious consideration judiciary system united state subject interesting public happiness none improvement may suggest experience beneficially apply treaty amity commerce king prussia conclude ratified ratification exchange direct treaty promulgate proclamation difficulty suspend execution 6th article treaty amity commerce navigation great britain yet remove negotiation subject still depend must fore interest honor nation adjust difference good faith indulge confidently expectation sincere endeavor government unite state bring amicable termination disappoint envoys extraordinary minister plenipotentiary united state france receive first consul respect due character 3 person equal power appoint treat although date last official intelligence negotiation terminate yet hop effort effect accommodation length meet success proportion sincerity often repeat best endeavor preservation harmony nation continue use experience world experience admonish u insecurity trust confidently success without commit dangerous imprudence abandon measure self protection adapt situation notwithstanding pacific policy violence injustice others may compel u resort vast extent sea coast commercial agriculture habit people great capital continue trust ocean suggest system defense beneficial distance europe resource maritime strength enable u employ effect seasonable systematic arrangement far resource justify navy adapt defensive war may case necessity quickly bring use seem much recommend wise true economy regard future tranquillity safety shore protection property commit ocean present navy united state call suddenly existence great national exigency raise u esteem protection afford commerce effect extent expectation object create connection navy ought contemplate fortification principal sea port harbor variety consideration readily suggest urge attention measure precaution give security principal port considerable sum already expend work remain incomplete congress determine whether additional appropriation shall make order render competent intend purpose fortification commence manufacture arm within united state still invite attention national legislature considerable expense public manufacture bring state maturity continue encouragement supersede necessity future importation foreign country shall direct estimate appropriation necessary ensue year together account public revenue expenditure late period lay observe much satisfaction product revenue present year considerable former equal period result affords conclusive evidence great resource country wisdom efficiency measure adopt congress protection commerce preservation public credit one grand community nation attention irresistibly draw important scene surround u exhibit uncommon portion calamity province humanity deplore wisdom avoid cause may produce turn eye homeward find reason rejoice prospect present perceive interior country prosperous free happy enjoy safety protection law emanate general fruit labor ought fortify cling institution source real felicity resist unabating perseverance progress dangerous innovation may diminish influence patriotism gentleman confide honorable duty guard public interest past country sure pledge faithfully discharge permit assure labor promote general happiness receive zealous cooperation