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the 15th day of December, in the chamber of the House of Representatives.

nial for his intrepidity, in rescuing from a watery grave, a lad named Jabez Corey, while in the employ of the company, on the 5th ultimo. The pitcher bears the following inscription.

PRESENTED

BY THE MANAGERS OF THE

Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company

TO

5. That a committee of three members of the Senate and three members of the House of Representatives, be appointed to attend the Governor Elect, on Tuesday, the 15th inst. at his lodgings in the borough of Harrisburg, and accompany him to the hall of the House of Representatives, where the members of both Houses are convened, when the Speaker of the Senate, or in his absence, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to show their sense of his humane and intrepid conduct shall administer the usual oaths of office to the Governor elect, which being done, the Governor shall be publicly declared by the reading of a copy of said certificate of lis election by the clerk of the Senate.

ABIEL ABBOTT,

in rescuing a youth from drowning
in the River Lehigh,

Nov. 1829.

6. That a committee of three members of the Senate, FINANCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH. and three members of the House of Representatives, be Summary statement of the receipts and payments appointed to wait on the present Governor, and invite him to attend the inauguration of the Governor elect. at the Treasury for the year commencing 1st DeMr. Hay was appointed teller on the part of the Se-cember, 1828, and ending 30th November, 1829. nate-and Mr. Mallery teller on part of the House. Messrs. Brown, Miller and Blythe were appointed a committee on the part of the Senate, and Messrs. Frick, Alexander and Newhard, on the part of the House, to attend the Governor elect.

Messrs. Reiff, Fullerton and Sullivan were appointed a committee on the part of the Senate, and Messrs. Workman, Riter and Wilkins on the part of the House, to wait on the present Governor, &c.

INDIAN REMAINS.

RECEIPTS.

Lands and land office fees
Auction commissions
Auction duties

Dividends on Bank stock
Dividends on bridge and turnpike
stock

Tax on bank dividends
Tax on offices

Fees secretary of state's office
Tavern licenses

Duties on dealers in foreign mer-
chandize

State maps
Collateral inheritances
Pamphlet laws
Militia and exempt fines
Tin pedlars licenses

Escheats

Commissioners of the internal im-
provement fund

Loans

Old debts and miscellaneous

Balance in the treasury 1st Decem-
ber, 1828

PAYMENTS.

97,290 79

19,000 00

140,518 75

121,289 00

19,640 00

53,184 07

9,245 33

1,779 23

50,031 67

62,607 92

691 36 10,742 191

55 36 3,000 71 210 00 74 24

200,000 00 2,811,238 38 9,738,38

3,610,338 02

We have received from Doctor David Watson, of Bainbridge, in this county, several curiosities discovered in the neighborhood of that place, by the labourers employed on the Pennsylvania canal, among which are a stone tobacco pipe, very neatly formed, a rude tomahawk, a small brass basin, two keys, a small globular bell, and some broken pieces of Indian Pottery; but the greatest curiosity is the scull bone of an Indian, which materially differs in form from any that we have ever seen belonging to the human species. The skull is remarkably large, and of an oblong or oval form; the bones themselves of which it is composed have been very thin, much more so than is usually the case. What is very remarkable in the general outline of the skull is the peculiar manner in which the frontal bone, which forms the forehead, recedes from the root of the nose, & the superciliary ridges on which the eyebrows rest, and rather lies on the top of the head thanjuts over the rest of the face, as is usual. Thus there is no forehead, properly so called; the cranium in this respect presenting rather the appearance of the skull of a dog than a human being. The Choctaw tribe of Indians were formerly in the habit of flattening their heads in this manner, by binding metallic plates on the foreheads of their male children. A chief having this singular appearance was in Philadelphia in the year 1796. Indians inhabiting the source of the Missouri are to this day in the habit of moulding their skulls into this form. The Incas or kings of Peru, and all those partaking of our being within a certain degree of consanguinity to them, (and they orly,) were allowed to enjoy the imperial privilege of having their heads thus modelled. It may be worthy of observation, that this artificial conformation is not known in the slightest degree to impair the mental operation. The skull above mentioned is that of a male, probably about 45 or 50 years of age. The whole have been presented to Mr. Landis, who has since received from John Hamilton, Esq. who resides near Bainbridge, an ornamented tobacco pipe, which Balance in the treasury 1st Dec. 1829, 175,375 98 has a human head rudely carved upon it, also some beads, and a curious bead, apparently made of clay, which is as hard as stone.-Lancaster Gaz.

TRIBUTE TO MERIT. The Lehigh Coal and Naviga. tion Company have, through James Sinton, Esq. cashier of the Easton Bank, presented to Mr. Abiel Abbott, of South Easton, a handsome silver pitcher, as a testimo

Internal improvements
Expenses of government
Militia expenses
Pensions and gratuities
Education
Interest on loans
Internal improvement fund
Pennsylvania claimants
State Maps

Penitentiary near Pittsburg
Penitentiary at Philadelphia
Conveying convicts
Conveying fugitives
House of Refuge
Miscellaneous

189,815 461 $3,800,153 49

3,049,893 01

218,393 85

17,738 22

27,800 32

16,702 48

91,725 00

168,787 18

978 92 542 27 6,000 00 5,466 25 411 27 287 58

2,500 00

17,550 16

3,624,777 51

$3,800.153 49

[blocks in formation]

THE

REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.

DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.

VOL. IV.-NO. 25.

EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.

PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 19, 1829.

From the United States' Telegraph-Extra, Dec. 8.
This day, at 12 o'clock the President of the United
States communicated to both Houses of Congress the
following
MESSAGE.

Fellow Citizens of the Senate,

and House of Representatives:

NO. 103.

inspire sentiments of mutual respect, and to carry conviction to the minds of both, that it is their policy to preserve the most cordial relations. Such are my own views, and it is not to be doubted that such are also the prevailing sentiments of our constituents. Although neither time nor opportunity has been afforded for a full development of the policy which the present cabinet of Great Britain designs to pursue towards this country, I indulge the hope that it will be of a just and pacific character; and if this anticipation be realized, we may look with confidence to a speedy and acceptable adjustment of our affairs.

It affords me pleasure to tender my friendly greetings to you on the occasion of your assembling at the Seat of Government, to enter upon the important duties to which you have been called by the voice of our countrymen. The task devolves on me under a provi- Under the Convention for regulating the reference sion of the Constitution, to present to you, as the Feder- to arbitration of the disputed points of boundary unal Legislature of twenty-four sovereign States, and der the 5th article of the treaty of Ghent, the proceedtwelve millions of happy people a view of our affairs:ings have hitherto been conducted in that spirit of canand to propose such measures as in the discharge of my official functions, have suggested themselves as necessary to promote the objects of our Union.

In communicating with you for the first time, it is to me, a source of unfeigned satisfaction, calling for mutual gratulation and devout thanks to a benign Providence, that we are at peace with all mankind, and that our country exhibits the most cheering evidence of general welfare and progressive improvement. Turning our eyes to other nations, our great desire is to see our brethren of the human race secured in the blessings enjoyed by ourselves, and advancing in knowledge, in freedom, and in social happiness.

Our foreign relations, although in their general character pacific and friendly, presents subjects of difference between us and other Powers, of deep interest, as well to the country at large as to many of our citizens. To effect an adjustment of these shall continue to be the object of my earnest endeavours; and notwithstanding the difficulties of the task, I do not allow myself to apprehend unfavourable results. Blessed as our country is with every thing which constitutes national strength, she is fully adequate to the maintenance of all her interests. In discharging the responsible trust confided to the Executive in this respect, it is my settled purpose to ask nothing that is not clearly right, and to submit to nothing that is wrong; and I flatter myself, that, supported by the other branches of the Government, and by the intelligence and patriotism of the People, we shall be able, under the protection of Providence, to cause all our just rights to be respected.

dour and liberality which ought ever to characterize the acts of sovereign states, seeking to adjust, by the most unexceptionable means, important and delicate subjects of contention. The first statements of the parties have been exchanged, and the final replication on our part is in a course of preparation. This subject has recived the attention demanded by its great and peculiar importance to a patriotic member of this confederacy. The exposition of our rights already made is such as, from the high reputation of the commissioners by whom it has been prepared, we had a right to expect. Our interest at the court of the sovereign who has evinced his friendly disposition, by assuming the delicate task of arbitration, have been committed to a citizen of the State of Maine, whose character, talents and intimate acquaintance with the subject eminently qualify him for so responsible a trust. With full confidence in the justice of our cause, and in the probity, intelligence and uncompromising independence of the illustrious arbitrator, we can have nothing to apprehend from the result.

From France, our ancient ally, we have a right to expect that justice which becomes the Sovereign of a powerful, intelligent, and magnanimous People. The beneficial effects produced by the commercial convention of 1822, limited as are its provisions, are too obvi ous not to make a salutary impression upon the minds of those who are charged with the administration of her Government. Should this result induce a disposition to embrace, to their full extent, the wholesome principles which constitute our commercial policy, our Minister to that Court will be found instructed to cherish such a disposition, and to aid in conducting it to useful prac tical conclusions. The claims of our citizens for depredations upon their property, long since committed under the authority, and in many instances, by the express direction of the then existing Government of France, remain unsatisfied; and must therefore continue to furnish a subject of unpleasant discussion and possible collision between the two Governments. I cherish however a lively hope, founded, as well on the validity of those claims, and the established policy of all enlightened Governments, as on the known integrity of the French monarch, that the injurious delays of the past, With Great Britain, alike distinguished in peace and will find redress in the equity of the future. Our Minwar, we may look forward to years of peaceful, honor-ister has been instructed to press these demands on the able and elevated competition. Every thing in the condition and history of the two nations is calculated to VOL. IV.

Of the unsettled matters between the Uuited States and other Powers, the most prominent are those which have for years been the subject of negociation with England, France and Spain. The late periods at which our Ministers to those Governments left the United States, render it impossible at this early day, to inform you of what has been done on the subjects with which they have been respectively charged. Relying upon the justice of our views in relation to the points committed to negociation, and the reciprocal good feeling which characterizes our intercourse with those nations, we have the best reason to hope for a satisfactory adjustment of existing differences.

49

French Government, with all the earnestness which is called for by their importance and irrefutable justice,

and in a spirit that will evince the respect which is due have not yet realized all the advantages for which they to the feelings of those from whom ihe satisfaction is have been so long struggling. We trust, however, required.

that the day is not distant, when the restoration of peace Our minister recently appointed to Spain bas been and internal quiet, under permanent systems of governauthorized to assist in removing evils alike injurious to ment, securing the liberty, and promoting the happiness both countries, either by concluding a Commercial Con- of the citizens, will crown, with complete success, their vention upon liberal and reciprocal terms, or by urging long and arduous efforts, in the cause of self governthe acceptance, in their full extent, of the mutually ben- ment, and enable us to salute them as friendly rivals in eficial provisions of our navigation acts. He has also all that is truly great and glorious. been instructed to make a further appeal to the justice The recent invasion of Mexico, and the effect thereof Spain, in behalf of our citizens, for indemnity for spo- by produced upon her domestic policy must bave a conliations upon our commerce, committed under her au- trolling influerce upon the great question of South Athority-an appeal which the pacific and liberal course merican emancipation. We have seen the fell spirit of observed on our part, and a due confidence in the hon- civil dissension rebuked, and, perhaps, forever, stified or of that Government, authorize us to expect will not in that republic, by the love of independence. If it be be made in vain.

true, as appearances strongly indicate, that the spirWith other European Powers, our intercourse is on it of Independence is the master spirit, and if a corresthe most friendly footing. In Russia; placed by her ponding sentiment prevails in the other States, this deterritorial limits, extensive population, and great pow. votion to liberty cannot be without a proper effect uper, high in the rank of nations, the United States have on the councils of the mother country. The adoption, always found a steadfast friend. Although her recent by Spain, of a pacific policy towards her former colonies invasion of Turkey awakened a lively sympathy for i-an event consoling to humanity, and a blessing to those who were exposed to the desolations of war, we the world, in which she herself cannot fail largely to cannot but anticipate that the result will prove favoura- participate—may be most reasonably expected. ble to the cause of civilization & to the progress of human The claims of our citizens upon the South American happiness. The treaty ofpeace between these powers hav- Governments, generally, are in a train of settlement; ing been ratified, we cannot be insensible to the greatben- while the principal part of those upon Brazil have been efit to be derived to the commerce of the U. S. from un. adjusted, and a Decree in Council, ordering bonds to locking the navigation of the Black Sea;a free passage in- be issued by the Minister of the Treasury for their ato which is secured to all merchant vessels bound to ports mouni, has received the sanction of his Imperial Majesof Russia under a flag at peace with the Porte. This ty. This event, together with the exchange of the ratadvantage, enjoyed upon conditions, by most of the ifications of the treaty negociated and concluded in Powers of Europe, has hitherto been witheld froni us. 1828, happily terminates all serious causes of difference During the past summer, an antecedent, but unsuccess with that Power. ful attempt to attain it, was renewed, unde!' circumstan- Measures have been taken to place our commercial ces which promised the most favourable results. Al relations with Peru upon a better footing than that upon though these results have fortunately been thus in part which they have hitherto rested; and if met by a propattained, further facilities to the enjoyment of this new er disposition on the part of that government, importfield for the enterprise of our citizens are, in my opin- ant benefits may be secured to both countries. ion, sufficiently desirable to ensure to them our most Deeply interested as we are in the prosperity of our zealous attention.

sister republics, and more particularly in that of our imOur trade with Austria, although of secondary impor- mediate neighbour, it would be most gratifying to me, tance, has been gradually increasing, and is now so ex- were I permitted to say that the treatment which we tended, as to deserve the fostering care of the Govern- have received at her har.ds has been as universally friend

A negociation commenced and nearly complet- ly as the early and constant solicitude manifested by the ed with that Power, by the late Administration, has been the United States for her success, gave us a right to exconsummated by a treaty of amity, navigation, and com- pect. But it becomes my duty to inform you that premerce, which will be laid before the Senate.

judices, long indulged by a portion of the inhabitants of During the recess of Congress, our diplomatic rela. Mexico against the Envoy Extraordinary and the Minlions with Portugal have been resumed. The peculiar ister Plenipotentiary of the United States, have had an state of things in that country caused a suspension of the unfortunate influence upon the affairs of the two counrecognition of the Representative who presented him. tries, and have diminished that usefulness to his own self, until an opportunity was bad to obtain from our which was justly to be expected from his talents and official organ there, information regarding the actual, zeal. To this cause, in a great degree, is to be imputed and as far as practicable, prospective condition of the the failure of several measures equally interesting to authority by which the representative in question was both parties; but particularly that of the Mexican Gov. appointed. This information being received, the ap- ernment to ratify a Treaty negociated and concluded plication of the established rule of our Government, in in its own capital and under its own eye. Under these like cases, was no longer withheld.

circumstances, it appeared expedient to give to Mr. Considerable advances have been made during the Poinsett the option either to return or not, as, in his present year, in the adjustment of claims of our citizens judgment, the interest of his country might require, and upon Denmark for spoliations; but all that we have a instructions to that end were prepared; but, before they right to demand from that government in their behalf, coald be despatched, a communication was received has not yet been conceded. From the liberal footing, from the government of Mexico, through its Charge however, upon which the subject has, with the appro- d'Affairs here, requesting the recall of our Minister. bation of the claimants, been placed by the government This was promptly complied with; and a representative together with the uniformly just and friendly disposition of rank corresponding with that of the Mexican diplowhich has been evinced by his Danish Majesty, there is matic agent near this Government was appointed. Our a reasonable ground to hope that this single subject of conduct towards the Republic has been uniformly of difference will speedily be removed.

the most friendly character; and having thus removed Our relations with the Barbary powers continue, as the only alledged obstacle to harmonious intercourse, I they have long been, of the most favourable character. cannot but hope that an advantageous change will occur The policy of keeping an adequate force in the Medit- in our affairs. erranean, as security for the continuance of this tranquil. In justice to Mr. Poinsett, it is proper to say, that my lity, will be persevered in, as well as a similar one for immediate compliance with the application for his recall

, the protection ofour commerce & fisheries in the Pacific. and the appoiniment of a successor, are not to be ascrib.

The Sputl.ern Republics, of our own hemisphere ed to any evidence that the imputation of an improper

ment.

1829.]

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

387

interference by him, in the local politics of Mexico, was While members of Congress can be constitutionally well founded; nor to a want of confidence in his talents appointed to offices of trust and profit, it will be the and integrity; and to add, that the truth of that charge practice, even under the inost conscientious adherence has never been affirmed by the Federal Government of to duty, to select them for such stations as they are beMexico, in its communications with this.

lieved to be better qualified to fill than other citizens; I consider it one of the most urgent of my duties to but the purity of our Government would doubtless be bring to your attention the propriety of amending that promoted by their exclusion from all appointments in part of our Constitution which relates to the election of the gift of the President in whose election they may President and Vice President. Our system of govern have been officially concerned. The nature of the ju. ment was, by its framers, deemed an experiment; and dicial office, and the necessity of securing in the Cabinet they, therefore, consistently provided a mode of reme- and in diplomatic stations of the highest rank, the best dying its defects.

talents and political experience, should, perhaps, except To the People belong the right of electing their these from ihe exclusion. Chief Magistrate; it was never designed that their choice There are perhaps few men who can, for any great should, in any case, be defeated, either by the interven- length of time, enjoy office and power, without being tion of electoral colleges, or by the agency confided, un- more or less under the influence of feelings unfavorable der certain contingencies, to the House of Representato a faithful discharge of their public duties. Their intives. Experience proves, that, in proportion as agents tegrity may be proof against improper considerations to execute the will of the People are multiplied, there immediately addressed to themselves; but they are apt is danger of their wishes being frustrated. Some may to acquire a habit of looking with indifference upon the be unfaithful: all are liable to err. So far, therefore, as public interests, and of tolerating conduct from which the People can, with convenience, speak, it is safer for an unpractised man would revolt. Office is considered them to express their own will.

as a species of property; and Government rather as a The number of aspirants to the Presidency, and the means of promoting individual interests, than as an indiversity of the inierests wbich may influence their strument created solely for the service of the People.claims, leave little reason to expect a choice in the first Corruption in some, and in others, a perversion of corinstance; and, in that event, the election must devolve rect feelings and principles, divert Government from its on the House of Representatives, where, it is obvious, legitimate ends, and make it an engine for the support the will of the People may not be always ascertained, of the few at the expense of the many: The duties of or, if ascertained, may not be regarded. From the all public officers are, or at least, admit of being made, mode of voting by States, the choice is to be made by so plain and simple, that intelligence may readily qualitwenty-four votes; and it may often occur, that one of fy themselves for their performance, and I cannot but these may be controlled by an individual Representa believe that more is lost by the long continuance of men tive. Honors and offices are at the disposal of the suc. in office than is generally to be gained by their expecessful candidate. Repeated ballotings may make it rience. I submit, therefore, to your consideration whethapparent that a single individual holds the cast in his er the efficiency of the government would not be prohand. May be not be tempted to name his reward?- moted, and official industry and integrity better secuBut even without corruption-supposing the probity of red, by a general extension of the law which limits apthe Representative to be proof against the powerful pointments to four years. motives by which he may be assailed-the will of the In a country where officers are created solely for the People is still constantly liable to be misrepresented.- benefit of the People, no one man has any more intrin. One may err from ignorance of the wishes of his constit- sic right to official station than another. Offices were uents; another, from a conviction that it is his duty to be not established to give support to particular men at the governed by his own judgment of the fitness of the can public expense. No individual wrong is therefore done didates; finally, although all were inflexibly honest-all by removal, since neither appointment to, nor continuaccurately informed of the wishes of their constituents ance in office is matter of right. The incumbent be-yet, under the present mode of election, a minority came an officer with a view to public benefits: and when may often eléct the President; and when this happens, these require his removal

, they are not to be sacrificed it may reasonably be expecied that efforts will be made to private interests. It is the People, and they alone, on the part of the majority, to rectify this injurious ope- who have a right to complain, when a bad officer is subration of their institutions. But altiough no evil of this stituted for a good one. He who is removed has the character should result from such a perversion of the same means of obtaining a living that are enjoyed by the first principle of our systemThat the majority ought to inillions who never held office. The proposed limitagovern-it must be very certain that a President elected tion would destroy the idea of property now so generalby a minority, cannot enjoy the confidence necessary to ly connected with official station; and although individuthe successful discharge of his duties.

al distress may be sometimes produced, it would, by In this, as in all other matters of public concern, poli- promoting that rotation which constitutes a leading prin. cy requires that as few impediments as possible should ciple in the republican creed, give healthful action to exist to the free operation of the public will. Let us, the system. then, endeavour so to amend our system that the office No very considerable change has occurred, during of Chief Magistrate may not be conferred upon any cit. the recess of Congress, in the condition of either our Ag. izen but in pursuance of a fair expression of the will of riculture, Commerce, or Manufactures. The operation the majority.

of the Tariff' has not proved so injurious to the iwo forI would therefore recommend such an amendment of mer, nor as beneficial to the latter, as was anticipated. the Constitution as may remove all intermediate agency Importations of foreign goods have not been sensibly diin the election of President and Vice President. The minished; while domestic competition, under an illusive mode may be so regulated as to preserve to each State excitement, has increased the production much beyond its present relative weight in the election; and a failure the demand for home consumption. The consequences in the first attempt may be provided for, by confining have been low prices, temporary embarrassment, and the second to a choice between the two highest candi- partial loss. That such of our manufacturing establishdates. In connexion with such an amendment, it would ments as are based upon capital, and are prudently manseem advisable to limit the service of the Chief Magis- aged, will survive the shock, and be ultimately profitatrate to a single term, of either four or six years. If, ble, there is no good reason to doubt. however, it should not be adopted, it is worthy of con. To regulate its conduct, so as to promote equally the sideration whether a provision disqualifying for office prosperity of these three cardinal interests is one of the the Representatives in Congress on whoin such an elec. | most difficult tasks of Government; and it may be retion may have devolved, would not be proper.

gretted that the complicated restrictions which now

a

a

embarrass the intercourse of nations, could not by common consent be abolished, and commerce allowed to flow in those channels to which individual enterprise— always its surest guide-might direct it. But we must ever expect selfish legislation in other nation, and are therefore compelled to adapt our own to their regulations, in the manner best calculated to avoid serious injury, and to harmonize the conflicting interests of our agriculture, our commerce, and our manufactures. Under these impressions, I invite your attention to the existing Tariff, believing that some of its provisions require modification.

January next, of four millions four hundred and ten thousand and seventy dollars and eighty one cents.

There will have been paid, on account of the public debt, during the present year, the sum of twelve millions four hundred and five thousand and five dollars & eighty cents; reducing the whole debt of the government, on the 1st of January next, to forty-eight millions five bundred and sixty-five thousand four hundred and six dollars and fifty cents, including seven millions of five per cent. stock, subscribed to the Bank of the U. States — The payment on account of the public debt, made on the first of July last, was eight millions seven hundred and ifteen thousand four hundred and sixty-two dollars and eighty-seven cents. It was apprehended that the sudden withdrawal of so large a surn from the banks in which it was deposited, at a time of unusual pressure in the money market, might cause much injury to the interests dependent upon bank accommodations. But this evil was wholly averted by an early anticipation of it at the Treasury, aided by the judicious arrangements of the officers of the Bank of the U. States.

The general rule to be applied in graduating the duties upon articles of foreign growth or manufacture, is that which will place our own in fair competition with those of other countries; and the inducements to advance even a step beyond this point, are controlling in regard to those articles which are of primary necessity in time of war. When we reflect upon the difficulty and delicacy of this operation, it is important that it should never be attempted but with the utmost caution. Frequent legislation in regard to any branch of industry, affecting its value, and by which its capital may be transferred to new channels, must always be productive of hazardous speculation and loss. In deliberating, therefore, on these interesting subjects, local feelings and prejudices should be merged in the patriotic determination to promote the great interests of the whole. All attempts to connect them with the party conflicts of the day, are necessarily injurious, and should be discountenanced. Our action upon them should be under the control of higher and purer motives. Legislation, subjected to such influences, can never be just, and will not long retain the sanction of a Feople, whose active patriotism is not bounded by sectional limits, nor insensible to that spirit of concession and forbear-able that any adjustment of the tarif, upon principles ance, which gave life to our political compact, and still sustains it. Discarding all calculations of political ascendancy, the north, the south, the east, and the west, should un'te in diminishing any burthen of which either may justly complain.

The agricultural interest of our country is so essential ly connected with every other, and so superior in importance to them all, that it is scarcely necessary to invite to it your particular attention. It is principally as manufactures and commerce tend to increase the value of agricultural productions, and to extend their application to the wants and comforts of society, that they deserve the fostering care of Government.

Looking forward to the period, not far distant, when a sinking fund will no longer be required, the duties on those articles of importation which cannot come in competition with our own productions, are the first that should engage the attention of Congress in the modification of the tariff. Of these, tea and coffee are the most prominent: they enter largely into the consump tion of the country, and have become articles of neces sity of all classes. A reduction, therefore, of the existing duties, will be felt as a common benefit; but, like all other legislation connected with commerce, to be efficacious, and not injurious, it should be gradual and certain

The public prosperity is evinced in the increased revenue arising from the sales of the public lands, and in the steady maintenance of that produced by imposts and tonnage, notwithstanding the additional duties imposed by the act of 19th May, 1828, and the unusual importations in the early part of that year.

The balance in the Treasury on 1st of January 1829, was five millions nine hundred and seventy-two thousand four hundred and thirty-five dollars and eighty-one cents. The receipts of the current year are estimated at twenty-four millions six hundred and two thousand two hundred and thirty dollars; and the expenditures for the same time at twenty-six millions one hundred and sixty-four thousand five hundred and ninety-five dollars; leaving a balance in the Treasury on the 1st of

This state of the finances exhibits the resources of the nation in an aspect highly flattering to its industry, and auspicious of the ability of Government, in a very short time, to extinguish the public debt. When this shall be done, our population wil! be relieved from a considerable portion of its present burthens; and will find, not only new motives to patriotic affection, but additional means for the display of individual enterprise. The fiscal power of the States will also be increased, and may be more extensively exerted in favour of education and other public objects; while ample means will remain in the Federal Government to promote the general weal, in all the modes permitted to its authority.

After the extinction of the public debt, it is not probsatisfactory to the People of the Union, will, until a remote period, if ever, leave the Government without a considerable surplus in the Treasury, beyond what may be required for its current service. As then the period approaches when the application of the revenue to the payment of the debt will cease, the disposition of the surplus will present a subject for the serious delibera│tion of Congress; and it may be fortunate for the country that it is yet to be decided. Considered in connexion with the difficulties which have heretofore attended appropriations for purposes of internal improvement, and with those which this experience tells us will certainly arise, whenever power over such subjects may be exercised by the General Government, it is hoped that it may lead to the adoption of some plan which will reconcile the diversified interests of the States, and strengthen the bonds which unite them. Every member of the Union, in peace and in war, will be benefitted by the improvement of inland navigation and the construction of highways in the several States. Let us then endeav

or to attain this benefit in a mode which will be satisfactory to all. That hitherto adopted has, by many of our fellow-citizens, been deprecated as an infraction of the Constitution, while by others it has been viewed as inexpedient. All feel that it has been employed at the expense of harmony in the legislative councils.

To avoid these evils, it appears to me that the most safe, just,and federal disposition which could be made of the surplus revenue, would be its apportionment among the several States according to their ratio of representation; and should this measure not be found warranted by the Constitution, that it would be expedient to propose to the States an amendment authorizing it. I regard an appeal to the source of power, in cases of real doubt, and where its exercise is deemed indispensable to the general welfare, as among the most sacred of all our obligations. Upon this country, more than any other has, in the providence of God, been cast the special guardianship of the great principle of adherence to written constitutions If it fail here, all hope in regard to it will be extinguished. That this was intended to be a

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