Gambar halaman
PDF
ePub

dent's speech

CHAP. IX. and dignified. In presenting a full and clear view 1796. of the situation of the United States, and in reThe presi- commending those great national measures in the to congress. utility of which he felt a confidence, no personal considerations could induce the omission of those to which open and extensive hostility had been avowed.

After congratulating congress on the internal situation of the United States, on the progress of that humane system which had been adopted for the preservation of peace with their Indian neighbours; after stating the measures which had been taken in execution of the treaties with Great Britain, Spain, and Algiers, and the negotiations which were pending with Tunis and Tripoli; he proceeded to say:

"To an active external commerce, the protection of a naval force is indispensable....this is manifest with regard to wars in which a state is itself a party....but besides this, it is in our own experience, that the most sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag requires a naval force, organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression....this may even prevent the necessity of going to war, by discouraging belligerent powers from committing such violations of the rights of the neutral party, as may first or last, leave no other option. From the best information I have been able to obtain, it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean, without a protecting force, will always be insecure; and our citizens exposed to

the calamities from which numbers of them have CHAP. IX. but just been relieved.

"These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and to set about the gradual creation of a navy. The increasing progress of their navigation promises them, at no distant period, the requisite supply of seamen ; and their means, in other respects, favour the undertaking. It is an encouragement likewise, that their particular situation will give weight and influence to a moderate naval force in their hands. Will it not then be advisable, to begin without delay, to provide and lay up the materials for the building and equipping of ships of war; and to proceed in the work by degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it practicable without inconvenience; so that a future war of Europe may not find our commerce in the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present?"

The speech next proceeded earnestly to recommend the establishment of national works for manufacturing such articles as were necessary for the defence of the country; and also of an institution which should grow up under the patronage of the public, and be devoted to the improvement of agriculture. The advantages of a military academy,* and of a national university, were also urged; and the necessity of augmenting

* The constitutional power of congress to appropriate money to objects of the description here recommended was denied by the opposition.

1796.

716

CHAP. IX. the compensations to the officers of the United 1796. States, in various instances, was explicitly stated. Adverting to the dissatisfaction which had been expressed by one of the great powers of Europe, the president said "while in our external* relations some serious inconveniences and embarrassments have been overcome, and others lessened, it is with much pain and deep regret I mention, that circumstances of a very unwelcome nature have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered, and is suffering, extensive injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French repub. lic; and communications have been received from its minister here, which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its authority; and which are in other respects far from agreeable.

"It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with that of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony, and a perfectly friendly understanding with that republic. This wish remains unabated; and I shall persevere in the endeavour to fulfill it to the utmost extent of what shall be consistent with a just, and indispensable regard to the rights and honour of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation, that a spirit of justice, candour, and

A short time previous to the declaration that his minis terial functions were suspended, Mr. Adet had notified to the American government, a decision of the directory to treat neutral vessels as they should be treated by the English,

friendship, on the part of the republic, will CHAP. IX. eventually ensure success.

"In pursuing this course, however, I cannot forget what is due to the character of our government and nation; or to a full and entire confidence in the good sense, patriotism, self respect, and fortitude of my countrymen.

"I reserve for a special message, a more particular communication on this interesting sub. ject."

The flourishing state of the revenue, the expectation that the system for the gradual extinction of the national debt would be completed at this session, the anxiety which he felt respecting the militia, were successively mentioned, and the speech was concluded in the following terms.

"The situation in which I now stand, for the last time, in the midst of the representatives of the people of the United States, naturally recalls the period when the administration of the present form of government commenced; and I cannot omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country on the success of the experiment; nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, and sovereign arbiter of nations, that his providential care may still be extended to the United States;...that the virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the government, which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties, may be perpetual.

The answer of the senate embraced the various topics of the speech, and approved every senti

1796.

CHAP. IX. ment it contained. That part of it which related 1796. to the discontents of the French republic, and to the depredations of their cruisers on the commerce of the United States, excited most atten. tion. In adverting to this subject, after expressing their regrets that such a state of things should exist, and their confidence that the conduct of the American government had been uniformly regulated by a spirit of justice and of conciliation, the senate proceeded to say; "we are not unmindful of the situation in which events may place us, nor unprepared to adopt that system of conduct, which, compatible with the dignity of a respectable nation, necessity may compel us to pursue.”

To the view of the prosperous situation of the interior of the United States, the senate subjoined...

"Whilst contemplating the causes that produce this auspicious result, we must acknowledge the excellence of the constitutional system, and the wisdom of the legislative provisions;...but we should be deficient in gratitude and justice, did we not attribute a great portion of these advantages, to the virtue, firmness, and talents of your administration; which have been conspicuously displayed, in the most trying times, and on the most critical occasions....it is therefore, with the sincerest regrets, that we now receive an official notification of your intentions to retire from the public employments of your country.

"When we review the various scenes of your public life, so long and so successfully devoted to the most arduous services, civil and military;

« SebelumnyaLanjutkan »