the facility which may be afforded in the inter- of congress, of the committees, and various offices course between them by means of good roads and belonging to it. It is evident that the other public canals. Never did a country of such vast extent buildings are altogether insufficient for the accomoffer equal inducements to improvements of this modation of the several executive departments; some kind, nor ever were consequences of such magni- of whom are much crowded, and even subject to the tude involved in them. As this subject was acted necessity of obtaining it in private buildings at some on by congress at the last session, and there may be distance from the head of the department, and with a disposition to revive it at present, I have brought inconvenience to the management of the public busi it into view for the purpose of communicating my ness. Most nations have taken an interest and a pride sentiments on a very important circumstance con- in the improvement and ornament of their metropo nected with it, with that freedom and candor which is, and none were more conspicuous in that respect a regard for the public interest and a proper respect than the ancient republics. The policy which dic for congress require-A difference of opinion has tated the establishment of a permanent residence existed, from the first formation of our constitu- for the national government, and the spirit in which tion to the present time, among our most enlight it was commenced and has been prosecuted, show ened and virtuous citizens, respecting the right of that such improvement was thought worthy the atcongress to establish such a system of improve- tention of this nation. Its central position between ment. Taking into view the trust with which I am the northern and southern extremes of our union, Row honored, it would be improper, after what has and its approach to the west, at the head of a great passed, that this discussion should be revived, with navigable river, which interlocks with the western an uncertainty of my opinion respecting the right. waters, prove the wisdom of the councils which Disregarding early impressions, I have bestowed on established it. the subject all the deliberation which its great im- Nothing appears to be more reasonable and proportance, and a just sense of my duty, required-per, than that convenient accommodation should and the result is a settled conviction in my mind, that be provided, on a well digested plan, for the heads congress do not possess the right. It is not con- of the several departments, and for the attorney tained in any of the specified powers granted to general; and it is believed that the pulic ground in congress; nor can I consider it incidental to, or a the city, applied to these objects, will be found am necessary mean, viewed on the most liberal scale, ply sufficient. I submit this subject to the consifor carrying into effect any of the powers which are deration of congress, that such provision may be specifically granted. In communicating this result, made in it, as to them may seem proper. I cannot resist the obligation which I feel to sug. In contemplating the happy situation of the Unit gest to congress the propriety of recommending to ed States, our attention is drawn, with peculiar the states the adoption of an amendment to the interest, to the surviving officers and soldiers of constitution, which shall give to congress the right our revolutionary army, who so eminently contriin question. In cases of doubtful construction, es-buted, by their services, to lay its foundation. pecially of such vital interest, it comports with the Most of those very meritorious citizens have paid nature and origin of our institutions, and will con the debt of nature and gone to repose. It is betribute much to preserve them, to apply to our con- lieved, that among the survivors, there are some stituents for an explicit grant of the power. We not provided for by existing laws, who are reduced may confidently rely, that if it appears to their sa- to indigence, and even to real distress. These tisfaction that the power is necessary, it will be men have a claim on the gratitude of their country, granted. and it will do honor to their country to provide for them.-The lapse of a few years more, and the opportunity will be forever lost; indeed, so long already has been the interval, that the number to be benefitted by any provision which may be made, will not be great. In this case I am happy to observe, that expe rience has afforded the most ample proof of its utility, and that the benign spirit of conciliation and harmony, which now manifests itself through out our union, promises to such a recommendation the most prompt and favorable result. I think proper to suggest also, in case this measure is adopted, that it be recommended to the states to include, in the amendment sought, a right in congress to institute, likewise, semmaries of learning, for the all important purpose of diffusing knowledge among our fellow citizens throughout the United States. It appearing in a satisfactory manner that the revenue arising from imposts and tonnage, and from the sale of the public lands, will be fully adequate to the support of the civil government, of the present military and naval establishments, including the anual augmentation of the latter, to the extent provided for, to the payment of the interest on the public debt, and to the extinguishment of it at the Our manufactories will require the continued at times authorized, without the aid of the internal tention of congress. The capital employed in taxes, I consider it my duty to recommend to conthem is considerable, and the knowledge requiredgress their repeal. To impose taxes, when the in the machinery and fabric of all the most useful public exigences require them, is an obligation of manufactures, is of great value.-Their preserva- the most sacred character, especially with a free tion, which depends on due encouragement, is con-people. The faithful fulfilment of it is among the nected with the high interests of the nation. highest proots of their virtue, and capacity for selfAlthough the progress of the public buildings government. To dispense with taxes, when it may has been as favorable as circumstances have per-be done with perfect safety, is equally the duty of mitted, it is to be regretted the Capitol is not yet their representatives. In this instance we have the in a state to receive you. There is good cause to satisfaction to know that they were imposed when presume, that the two wings, the only parts as yet the demand was imperious, and have been sustaincommenced, will be prepared for that purpose the led with exemplary fidelity. I have to add, that, next session. The time seems now to have arrived, however gratifying it may be to me, regarding the when this subject may be deemed worthy the at- prosperous and happy condition of our country, to tention of congress, on a scale adequate to national recommend the repeal of these taxes at this time, purposes. The completion of the middle building I shall, nevertheless, be attentive to events, and will be necessary to the convenient accommodation should any future emergency occur, be not less prompt to suggest such measures and burt hens, as with "union of wit and sentiment," so as to render it may then be requisite and proper. not unacceptable to his numerous readers. JAMES MONROE. Five thousand copies of the message of the presi dent was then ordered to be printed-and the house adjourned. Berks and Schuylkill Journal, The above has an immediate reference to an anecdote that was published in the REGISTER a few weeks ago. The editor thanks the "seaman" for Wednesday, December 3.-Four other members his compliment, but acknowledges himself incapaattended and were qualified, viz. from Pennsylva- ble of sharpening the point or moulding the sentiment nia, Mr. Sergeant, from Virginia, Goodwyn and T. of the preceding, any better than it is. It is really M. Nelson; from South-Carolina, Mr. Nesbitt. a "good thing," and tends to shew what was the uniThe speaker laid before the house a letter from veral sentiment of Americans-that the way to "get John Gardner, chief clerk in the general land office, 'em out" was always at the option of the enemy, by accompanied by two copies of a map of the bounty leaving before New London an equality of force. land in the Illinois territory, engraved for the use But-"they knew a trick worth two of that." of the soldiers of the late army. On motion of Mr. Smith, of Md. the several standing committees (nineteen in number) were ordered to be appointed. The Speaker appoints them. Mr. Taylor, of N. Y. offered a series of resolutions, relative to subjects mentioned in the president's message, which shall be attended to hereaf ver. Adjourned. "How to get 'em out." Russia. FROM THE SALEM REGISTER. Since the new order of things the Russians have borrowed from Europe not only its higher sciences, but all the familiar means of diffusing just such knowledge as the government might find to be profitable. The Petersburgh Gazette, the oldest in Russia, has been published in Russia, and German, under the academy of sciences, embracing all "It was the fortune" of the editor of this paper, foreign affairs, and such commercial notices as the to be an officer of the navy during the late war.-interest and convenience of commerce might reHe was attached to the squadron under com-quire. The Northport or New Gazette, twice a modore Decatur, at the time he was blockaded in week, began in 1809 under the minister of the intethe harbor of New London. During the blockade rior, for the purpose of the police, and for such frequent communications were held with the enemy, other objects as the tranquility of Russia might sanctioned by flags of truce. At one time his force admit. The Russian Invalid, which had as its first off the harbor consisted of a 74, 2 frigates, and a object military affars, appeared in 1813, continued sloop of war, viz:-the Ramilies, 74, com. Hardy; till 1815, and contained all the military arrangeEndymion, 40, capt. Hope; Statira, 38, capt. Stack-ments and documents of the empire, with such use pole, Loup Cervier, (formerly the American Wasp) of the papers of Hamburg and Berlin as might ful16, capt. Our fleet, in the harbor, con- fil its purpose. To this was added the Patriot, which sisted of the United States, 44, com. Decatur; appeared in 1812, and continued till the end of 1813. Macedoniau, 38, captain Jones, and Hornet 16, Its editor belonged to the Petersburg school estacapt. Biddle. At the close of a conference held blishment, and its object was for political, histori. on board the frigate United States, a British officer, cal and literary information. It contained many arwho had been the bearer of despatches from com. ticles which might assist the history and geography Hardy to com. Decatur, complained very much of of Russia, as well as of the state of the press in that the sedentary duty they were compelled to perform; country. The Spirit of the Times, was also another that his commodore did not know "how to get us paper which appeared weekly in 1815, of which the out," and that they were all tired of the station, object was general, but it is said to have contained as they were deprived of opportunities to signalize interesting original documents. The persons to themselves. "To signalize yourselves!" (replied whom these papers were committed, were persons an American oflicer) "Why sir, your commodore of reputation, and under protection of the governmay have an immediate opportunity, if he is dis-ment, Such publications were not confined to Pe. posed." How so?" asked the British officer.tersburg. At Moscow in 1815, several papers ap"Why, let the Ramilies get under way and put to peared. Already in 1802 had been published the sea, and if you do not have an opportunity, wind and European Herald, from Karamzin, the celebrated weather permitting, in less than 20 glasses after, I poet and traveller, and afterwards by other hands. will forfeit my commission." The British officer,In this work was much literature, history and on his return, communicated the substance of this useful information. Besides this, at the same place conversation to com. Hardy, who immediately was the Russian Herald, under major Clinka, concommunicated it to the commanding officers of the taining much domestic information, with all the ardifferent ships under his command. Capt. Hope dor of national attachment. The Moscow News. was overjoyed at the news; capt. Stackpole said, paper, a common paper, twice a week, was under "pon honour this is the best news I have heard for the direction of the University. In Astracan, twice some time."-In the ecstacy of joy it was agreed a week appeared the Oriental Advertiser, a politithat the Ramilies should put to sea immediately.-cal and literary paper in the Russ and Armenian. The commodore, however, thought proper to give The Casan Advertiser was well conducted, and apthe contemplated enterprize a few days considera. peared once a week, and was under the authority of tion, when it was ultimately agreed upon not to the University at Petersburg. In Charkow was the hazard a rencontre, as the United States was a line Ukraine Herald, a literary paper from the youth of of battic ship! the Macedonian, a 44 gun frigate! the University. Another paper also appeared in and the Hornet a sloop of war of the largest class' this place called Democritus in Charkow, a month. Thus were frustrated their ardent hopes of “signa-ly satirical paper from a teacher in that place. in lizing themselves." Riga was a Riss weekly paper, under the direction The foregoing, from the pen of an uncouth sea. of some distinguished persons in that place, directman, "little bless'd with the set phrase of peace" may,ed to all the objects of the common newspapers in with Mr. Niles' masterly pen, very easily be imbued uther parts of Europe. NEW SERIES. No. 16-VoL. I] BALTIMORE, DECEM. 13, 1817. [No. 16-VOL. XIII. WHOLE No. 328. THE PAST THE PRESENT-FOR THE FUTURE. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY H. Niles, at $5 PER ANNUM, PAYABLE IN ADVANCE. The congress of the United States appears It is ascertained that the gross amount of duties really to have met for the "despatch of business."- on merchandize and tonnage, which have accrued Never before, perhaps, at so early a period of the during the three first quarters of the present year, session, and in such a time as the present, were exceed 17,000,000; and that the revenue arising their proceedings so interesting as now. We shall from internal duties and from the public lands, durtake care to keep a correct journal of affairs trans-ing the same period, exceed that of the corres acted at Washington. ponding quarters of the year 1816. first day of January, 1817, exclusive The momentary pressure of documentary arti-The balance in the treasury, on the cles, with the proceedings of congress, messages of governors of states, &c. excludes several things of our own manufacture, and a very considerable mass of miscellaneous matter. But, it is our first purpose to preserve such articles; and, assisted by a supplement or two, we shall soon relieve our files of them, and find room for those alluded to. Treasury Report. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECHETARY OF THE TREASURY, Treasury Department, Dec. 5th, 1817. SIR-I have the honor to enclose a report, prepared in obedience to the act, entitled "an act to establish the treasury department." I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient servant, WM. H. CRAWFORD. The hon, the president of the senate. REPORT. The payments in the treasury during Public lands exclusive of state of Missisthose in the sippi and the Alabama 1,326,077 44 Postage and In obedience to the directions of the "act, supple-incidental rementary to an act to establish the Treasury depart-ceipts ment," the secretary of the treasury respectfully Repayments submits the following report and estimates: into the treasu REVENUE. ry 26,913 93 530,751 16 The net revenue arising from duties upon im-And the payments into ports and tonnage, internal duties, direct tax, pub. lic lands, postage, and incidental receipts, during the year 1815, amounted to $49,552,852 02 the treasury, during the same sources, are 11,295,592 86 5,980,000 On the first day of January, 1817, there was added to the above amount, including seven millions dollars of five per cent. stock, subscribed to the bank, and including, also, a temporary loan from the bank of 500 50,000 108,745,818 29: GO dolls: the sum of 7,877,471 61 From which deduct the amount of the old six per cent. and deferred Since the 30th September, 333,235 16 And there will be reimburs Making, together 709,513 70 Which, being deducted from the ag- amounts to 99,911,845 41 1,042, 748 85 98,869,096 55 18,036,023 72 In this sum is included all the funded debt held by the bank of the United States. The old six per cent. stock will be redeemed in the course of the year 1818. The first instalment of the Louisiana debt falls due on the 21st day of October of that year. According to the terms of the convention, this debt is to be discharged by annual instalments of not less than three millions each. It is therefore presumed that, consistently with the letter of the convention, the whole debt cannot be discharged in one payment. But for this obstacle, in the present state of the treasury, and under 26,574,431 8,623,400 36,133,794 the existing provisions of the sinking fund, the $3,500,000; if, therefore, it is intended to redeem whole amount of the stock might be redeemed on that stock, the surplus in the sinking fund may be the 21st day of October next. It is believed that legitimately applied to that object, during the year neither the letter or spirit of the convention for- 1820 and 1821. bids the redemption of that stock in two annual By statement (8) it appears that the instalments, by which the whole debt will be re-treasury notes which have issued under deemed on the 21st day of October 1819. the several acts of congress on that subAfter the redemption of the Louisiana stock,there ject, have amounted to is no part of the principal of the public debt re- Of which there has been deemable at the will of the government until the cancelled at the treasury, 1st day of January, 1825, except the five per cent. There is now in the treastock subscribed to the bank of the United States. sury, which will be cancelled As the commissioners of the sinking fund are not when settled, exclusive of authorized to redeem the five per cent. stock, the 422,519 77, the estimated inpermanent annual appropriation of 10,000,000 of dol-terest upon them, the amount lars, from the year 1819 to 1825, under the existing of laws, can only be applied to the payment of the interest of the public debt, and to the gradual reimbursement of the principal of the six per cent. deferred stock; and will leave during that period, an annual surplus of nearly five millions of dollars. balance of, During the year 1835, the exchanged six per cent. stock, the six per cent. of 1812, and the stock cre- As the outstanding treasury notes are convertaated by funding treasury notes, amounting toge-ble into funded debt, which is considerably above ther to 18,895,456 23, will be redeemable. To the par, it is presumed that such portion of them as redemption of the whole of this stock within that are not lost or destroyed, will be funded, instead year, the sinking fund, by the aid of its surpluses, of being paid into the treasury in discharge of will not only be entirely adequate, but will be am- duties and taxes. It is, therefore, probable that ply sufficient to redeem the remainder of the pub-an addition to the public debt will be made during lic debt, at the several periods at which the different the year 1818, nearly equal to the treasury notes stocks of which it is composed become redeemable. estimated to be outstanding. The whole debt, including the five per cent. stock, Statement (E) presents the state of the land-offi. will be extinguished during the year 1830, except ces in the state of Mississippi, and in the Alabama the three per cent. stock, which is not redeemable territory, from which it appears the receipts into at the will of the government. the treasury have amounted to $1,124,100 81, of which 431,120 were in Mississippi stock. Making together the sum of 35,497,831 635,963 It is not presumed that taxes will be imposed, and collected, for the express purpose of purchas- From the proceeds of the sales of these lands, ing the funded debt above its nominal value. It is, there has been paid to the state of Georgia the sum however, believed to be unsafe to reduce the reve- of 688,441 33, and there has been transferred to nue below the permanent annual expenditure as now the state, by the commissioners of the U. States, authorized by law, including the appropriation con-under the act compromising the Yazoo claims, that stituting the sinking fund. A reduction below that part of the original purchase money remaining in amount would postpone the redemption of the pub. the state treasury, amounting to 184,515 94, maklic debt beyond the periods when the several loans ing together the sum of 872,957 27, and leaving of which it is composed become redeemable, or still due to the state the sum of 377,042 73, which impose upon the legislature the duty of resorting is now ready to be paid under the provisions of the to them anew for that object. act of the 31 of March last. By statement (7) it appears that the Mississippi stock awarded by the commissioners, amounts to 4,278,434 431,120 3,747,314 If, then, the revenue shall, until the year 1825, be equal to the present annual expenditure, it is respectfully suggested whether the public interest will not be promoted, by authorising the commis From which deduct the amount receivsioners of the sinking fund to purchase the funded into the treasury, ed debt at such rates above par, as in their judg ment will be for the interest of the nation, rather Leaves outstanding the sum of than to suffer the annual surplus of the sinking fund Which it is estimated will be received into the to remain in the treasury unapplied, for five suc- treasury during the two succeeding years, in paycessive years. Should such an authority be given to ment of the public lands in the state of Mississippi, the commissioners of the sinking fund, it is proba-and in the Alabama territory, or will be discharged ble that the different species of stock would ad- by payments from the treasury out of the proceeds vance in price above their present current value; of the sales of those lands. for the year 1818. but as the authority would be permissive, not im- Of the estimates of the public revenue and expenditures posing the obligation to purchase, it is probable that the surplus of the sinking fund might be more beneficially employed in purchasing the public debt than by remaining idle in the treasury, until the year 1825. If that surplus could be annually in vested early in each year, at the present prices of the different species of stock, it would produce a saving to the nation of not less than four millions of dollars, between the first days of January, 1820, and 1825. The interest which will accrue on the 5 per cent. stock, between the first days of January, 1820, and 1825, when it is estimated that the whole redeemable debt will be discharged, will amount to The importations of foreign merchandize during the years 1815 and 1816, so greatly exceeded what was presumed to be equal to the annual average consumption, that a general impression was produced that the importations during the present year would fall greatly below that demand. Under this impression the revenue accruing from that source, for the year 1817, was, in the annual report of the treasury of the 16th of December, 1816, estimated at 12,000,000. But it is ascertained that the gross revenue arising from that source, during the three first quarters of the year, have exceeded 17,009,000, |