Speech Transcript:

Fellow Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
Many important subjects will claim your attention during the present
session, of which I shall endeavor to give, in aid of your
deliberations, a just idea in this communication. I undertake this
duty with diffidence, from the vast extent of the interests on which
I have to treat and of their great importance to every portion of our
Union. I enter on it with zeal from a thorough conviction that there
never was a period since the establishment of our Revolution when,
regarding the condition of the civilized world and its bearing on us,
there was greater necessity for devotion in the public servants to
their respective duties, or for virtue, patriotism, and union in our
constituents.

Meeting in you a new Congress, I deem it proper to present this view
of public affairs in greater detail than might otherwise be
necessary. I do it, however, with peculiar satisfaction, from a
knowledge that in this respect I shall comply more fully with the
sound principles of our Government.

The people being with us exclusively the sovereign, it is
indispensable that full information be laid before them on all
important subjects, to enable them to exercise that high power with
complete effect. If kept in the dark, they must be incompetent to it.
We are all liable to error, and those who are engaged in the
management of public affairs are more subject to excitement and to be
led astray by their particular interests and passions than the great
body of our constituents, who, living at home in the pursuit of their
ordinary avocations, are calm but deeply interested spectators of
events and of the conduct of those who are parties to them.

To the people every department of the Government and every individual
in each are responsible, and the more full their information the
better they can judge of the wisdom of the policy pursued and of the
conduct of each in regard to it. From their dispassionate judgment
much aid may always be obtained, while their approbation will form
the greatest incentive and most gratifying reward for virtuous
actions, and the dread of their censure the best security against the
abuse of their confidence. Their interests in all vital questions are
the same, and the bond, by sentiment as well as by interest, will be
proportionably strengthened as they are better informed of the real
state of public affairs, especially in difficult conjunctures. It is
by such knowledge that local prejudices and jealousies are
surmounted, and that a national policy extending its fostering care
and protection to all the great interests of our Union, is formed and
steadily adhered to.

A precise knowledge of our relations with foreign powers as respects
our negotiations and transactions with each is thought to be
particularly necessary. Equally necessary is it that we should for a
just estimate of our resources, revenue, and progress in every kind
of improvement connected with the national prosperity and public
defense. It is by rendering justice to other nations that we may
expect it from them. It is by our ability to resent injuries and
redress wrongs that we may avoid them.

The commissioners under the 5th article of the treaty of Ghent,
having disagreed in their opinions respecting that portion of the
boundary between the Territories of the United States and of Great
Britain the establishment of which had been submitted to them, have
made their respective reports in compliance with that article, that
the same might be referred to the decision of a friendly power. It
being manifest, however, that it would be difficult, if not
impossible, for any power to perform that office without great delay
and much inconvenience to itself, a proposal has been made by this
Government, and acceded to by that of Great Britain, to endeavor to
establish that boundary by amicable negotiation.

It appearing from long experience that no satisfactory arrangement
could be formed of the commercial intercourse between the United
States and the British colonies in this hemisphere by legislative
acts while each party pursued its own course without agreement or
concert with the other, a proposal has been made to the British
Government to regulate this commerce by treaty, as it has been to
arrange in like manner the just claim of the citizens of the United
States inhabiting the States and Territories bordering on the lakes
and rivers which empty into the St. Lawrence to the navigation of
that river to the ocean. For these and other objects of high
importance to the interests of both parties a negotiation has been
opened with the British Government which it is hoped will have a
satisfactory result.

The commissioners under the 6th and 7th articles of the treaty of
Ghent having successfully closed their labors in relation to the 6th,
have proceeded to the discharge of those relating to the 7th. Their
progress in the extensive survey required for the performance of
their duties justifies the presumption that it will be completed in
the ensuing year.

The negotiation which had been long depending with the French
Government on several important subjects, and particularly for a just
indemnity for losses sustained in the late wars by the citizens of the
United States under unjustifiable seizures and confiscations of their
property, has not as yet had the desired effect. As this claim rests
on the same principle with others which have been admitted by the
French Government, it is not perceived on what just ground it can be
rejected. A minister will be immediately appointed to proceed to
France and resume the negotiation on this and other subjects which
may arise between the two nations.

At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government, made through the
minister of the Emperor residing here, a full power and instructions
have been transmitted to the minister of the United States at St.
Petersburg to arrange by amicable negotiation the respective rights
and interests of the two nations on the North West coast of this
continent. A similar proposal had been made by His Imperial Majesty
to the Government of Great Britain, which has likewise been acceded
to. The Government of the United States has been desirous by this
friendly proceeding of manifesting the great value which they have
invariably attached to the friendship of the Emperor and their
solicitude to cultivate the best understanding with his Government.
In the discussions to which this interest has given rise and in the
arrangements by which they may terminate the occasion has been judged
proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests
of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by
the free and independent condition which they have assumed and
maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future
colonization by any European powers.

Since the close of the last session of Congress the commissioners and
arbitrators for ascertaining and determining the amount of
indemnification which may be due to citizens of the United States
under the decision of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia, in
conformity to the convention concluded at St. Petersburg on
[1822-07-12], have assembled in this city, and organized themselves
as a board for the performance of the duties assigned to them by that
treaty. The commission constituted under the 11th article of the
treaty of [1819-02-22], between the United States and Spain is also
in session here, and as the term of three years limited by the treaty
for the execution of the trust will expire before the period of the
next regular meeting of Congress, the attention of the Legislature
will be drawn to the measures which may be necessary to accomplish
the objects for which the commission was instituted.

In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives
adopted at their last session, instructions have been given to all
the ministers of the United States accredited to the powers of Europe
and America to propose the proscription of the African slave trade by
classing it under the denomination, and inflicting on its
perpetrators the punishment, of piracy. Should this proposal be
acceded to, it is not doubted that this odious and criminal practice
will be promptly and entirely suppressed. It is earnestly hoped that
it will be acceded to, from the firm belief that it is the most
effectual expedient that can be adopted for the purpose.

At the commencement of the recent war between France and Spain it was
declared by the French Government that it would grant no commissions
to privateers, and that neither the commerce of Spain herself nor of
neutral nations should be molested by the naval force of France,
except in the breach of a lawful blockade. This declaration, which
appears to have been faithfully carried into effect, concurring with
principles proclaimed and cherished by the United States from the
first establishment of their independence, suggested the hope that
the time had arrived when the proposal for adopting it as a permanent
and invariable rule in all future maritime wars might meet the
favorable consideration of the great European powers. Instructions
have accordingly been given to our ministers with France, Russia, and
Great Britain to make those proposals to their respective Governments,
and when the friends of humanity reflect on the essential amelioration
to the condition of the human race which would result from the
abolition of private war on the sea and on the great facility by
which it might be accomplished, requiring only the consent of a few
sovereigns, an earnest hope is indulged that these overtures will
meet with an attention animated by the spirit in which they were
made, and that they will ultimately be successful.

The ministers who were appointed to the Republics of Colombia and
Buenos Ayres during the last session of Congress proceeded shortly
afterwards to their destinations. Of their arrival there official
intelligence has not yet been received. The minister appointed to the
Republic of Chile will sail in a few days. An early appointment will
also be made to Mexico. A minister has been received from Colombia,
and the other Governments have been informed that ministers, or
diplomatic agents of inferior grade, would be received from each,
accordingly as they might prefer the one or the other.

The minister appointed to Spain proceeded soon after his appointment
for Cadiz, the residence of the Sovereign to whom he was accredited.
In approaching that port the frigate which conveyed him was warned
off by the commander of the French squadron by which it was blockaded
and not permitted to enter, although apprised by the captain of the
frigate of the public character of the person whom he had on board,
the landing of whom was the sole object of his proposed entry. This
act, being considered an infringement of the rights of ambassadors
and of nations, will form a just cause of complaint to the Government
of France against the officer by whom it was committed.

The actual condition of the public finances more than realizes the
favorable anticipations that were entertained of it at the opening of
the last session of Congress. On the first of January there was a
balance in the Treasury of $4,237,427.55. From that time to the 30th
of September the receipts amounted to upward of $16.1M, and the
expenditures to $11.4M. During the 4th quarter of the year it is
estimated that the receipts will at least equal the expenditures, and
that there will remain in the Treasury on the first day of January
next a surplus of nearly $9M.

On [1825-01-01], a large amount of the war debt and a part of the
Revolutionary debt become redeemable. Additional portions of the
former will continue to become redeemable annually until the year
1835. it is believed, however, that if the United States remain at
peace the whole of that debt may be redeemed by the ordinary revenue
of those years during that period under the provision of the act of
[1817-03-03], creating the sinking fund, and in that case the only
part of the debt that will remain after the year 1835 will be the $7M
of 5% stock subscribed to the Bank of the United States, and the 3%
Revolutionary debt, amounting to $13,296,099.06, both of which are
redeemable at the pleasure of the Government.

The state of the Army in its organization and discipline has been
gradually improving for several years, and has now attained a high
degree of perfection. The military disbursements have been regularly
made and the accounts regularly and promptly rendered for settlement.
The supplies of various descriptions have been of good quality, and
regularly issued at all of the posts. A system of economy and
accountability has been introduced into every branch of the service
which admits of little additional improvement. This desirable state
has been attained by the act reorganizing the staff of the Army,
passed on [1818-04-14].

The moneys appropriated for fortifications have been regularly and
economically applied, and all the works advanced as rapidly as the
amount appropriated would admit. Three important works will be
completed in the course of this year -- that is, Fort Washington,
Fort Delaware, and the fort at the Rigolets, in Louisiana.

The Board of Engineers and the Topographical Corps have been in
constant and active service in surveying the coast and projecting the
works necessary for its defense.

The Military Academy has attained a degree of perfection in its
discipline and instruction equal, as is believed, to any institution
of its kind in any country.

The money appropriated for the use of the Ordnance Department has
been regularly and economically applied. The fabrication of arms at
the national armories and by contract with the Department has been
gradually improving in quality and cheapness. It is believed that
their quality is now such as to admit of but little improvement.

The completion of the fortifications renders it necessary that there
should be a suitable appropriation for the purpose of fabricating the
cannon and carriages necessary for those works.

Under the appropriation of $5,000 for exploring the Western waters
for the location of a site for a Western armory, a commission was
constituted, consisting of Colonel McRee, Colonel Lee, and Captain
Talcott, who have been engaged in exploring the country. They have
not yet reported the result of their labors, but it is believed that
they will be prepared to do it at an early part of the session of
Congress.

During the month of June last General Ashley and his party, who were
trading under a license from the Government, were attacked by the
Ricarees while peaceably trading with the Indians at their request.
Several of the party were killed and wounded and their property taken
or destroyed.

Colonel Leavenworth, who commanded Fort Atkinson, at the Council
Bluffs, the most western post, apprehending that the hostile spirit
of the Ricarees would extend to other tribes in that quarter, and
that thereby the lives of the traders on the Missouri and the peace
of the frontier would be endangered, took immediate measures to check
the evil.

With a detachment of the regiment stationed at the Bluffs he
successfully attacked the Ricaree village, and it is hoped that such
an impression has been made on them as well as on the other tribes on
the Missouri as will prevent a recurrence of future hostility.

The report of the Secretary of War, which is herewith transmitted,
will exhibit in greater detail the condition of the Department in its
various branches, and the progress which has been made in its
administration during the three first quarters of the year.

I transmit a return of the militia of the several States according to
the last reports which have been made by the proper officers in each
to the Department of War. by reference to this return it will be seen
that it is not complete, although great exertions have been made to
make it so. As the defense and even the liberties of the country must
depend in times of imminent danger on the militia, it is of the
highest importance that it be well organized, armed, and disciplined
throughout the Union.

The report of the Secretary of War shews the progress made during the
three first quarters of the present year by the application of the
fund appropriated for arming the militia. Much difficulty is found in
distributing the arms according to the act of Congress providing for
it from the failure of the proper departments in many of the States
to make regular returns. The act of [1820-05-12] provides that the
system of tactics and regulations of the various corps of the Regular
Army shall be extended to the militia. This act has been very
imperfectly executed from the want of uniformity in the organization
of the militia, proceeding from the defects of the system itself, and
especially in its application to that main arm of the public defense.
It is thought that this important subject in all its branches merits
the attention of Congress.

The report of the Secretary of the Navy, which is now communicated,
furnishes an account of the administration of that Department for the
three first quarters of the present year, with the progress made in
augmenting the Navy, and the manner in which the vessels in
commission have been employed.

The usual force has been maintained in the Mediterranean Sea, the
Pacific Ocean, and along the Atlantic coast, and has afforded the
necessary protection to our commerce in those seas.

In the West Indies and the Gulf of Mexico our naval force has been
augmented by the addition of several small vessels provided for by
the "act authorizing an additional naval force for the suppression of
piracy", passed by Congress at their last session. That armament has
been eminently successful in the accomplishment of its object. The
piracies by which our commerce in the neighborhood of the island of
Cuba had been afflicted have been repressed and the confidence of our
merchants in a great measure restored.

The patriotic zeal and enterprise of Commodore Porter, to whom the
command of the expedition was confided, has been fully seconded by
the officers and men under his command. And in reflecting with high
satisfaction on the honorable manner in which they have sustained the
reputation of their country and its Navy, the sentiment is alloyed
only by a concern that in the fulfillment of that arduous service the
diseases incident to the season and to the climate in which it was
discharged have deprived the nation of many useful lives, and among
them of several officers of great promise.

In the month of August a very malignant fever made its appearance at
Thompsons Island, which threatened the destruction of our station
there. Many perished, and the commanding officer was severely
attacked. Uncertain as to his fate and knowing that most of the
medical officers had been rendered incapable of discharging their
duties, it was thought expedient to send to that post an officer of
rank and experience, with several skilled surgeons, to ascertain the
origin of the fever and the probability of its recurrence there in
future seasons; to furnish every assistance to those who were
suffering, and, if practicable, to avoid the necessity of abandoning
so important a station. Commodore Rodgers, with a promptitude which
did him honor, cheerfully accepted that trust, and has discharged it
in the manner anticipated from his skill and patriotism. Before his
arrival Commodore Porter, with the greater part of the squadron, had
removed from the island and returned to the United States in
consequence of the prevailing sickness. Much useful information has,
however, been obtained as to the state of the island and great relief
afforded to those who had been necessarily left there.

Although our expedition, cooperating with an invigorated
administration of the government of the island of Cuba, and with the
corresponding active exertions of a British naval force in the same
seas, have almost entirely destroyed the unlicensed piracies from
that island, the success of our exertions has not been equally
effectual to suppress the same crime, under other pretenses and
colors, in the neighboring island of Porto Rico. They have been
committed there under the abusive issue of Spanish commissions.

At an early period of the present year remonstrances were made to the
governor of that island, by an agent who was sent for the purpose,
against those outrages on the peaceful commerce of the United States,
of which many had occurred. That officer, professing his own want of
authority to make satisfaction for our just complaints, answered only
by a reference of them to the Government of Spain. The minister of the
United States to that court was specially instructed to urge the
necessity of immediate and effectual interposition of that
Government, directing restitution and indemnity for wrongs already
committed and interdicting the repetition of them. The minister, as
has been seen, was debarred access to the Spanish Government, and in
the mean time several new cases of flagrant outrage have occurred,
and citizens of the United States in the island of Porto Rico have
suffered, and others been threatened with assassination for asserting
their unquestionable rights even before the lawful tribunals of the
country.

The usual orders have been given to all our public ships to seize
American vessels in the slave trade and bring them in for
adjudication, and I have the gratification to state that not one so
employed has been discovered, and there is good reason to believe
that our flag is now seldom, if at all, disgraced by that traffic.

It is a source of great satisfaction that we are always enabled to
recur to the conduct of our Navy with price and commendation. As a
means of national defense it enjoys the public confidence, and is
steadily assuming additional importance. It is submitted whether a
more efficient and equally economical organization of it might not in
several respects be effected. It is supposed that higher grades than
now exist by law would be useful. They would afford well-merited
rewards to those who have long and faithfully served their country,
present the best incentives to good conduct, and the best means of
insuring a proper discipline; destroy the inequality in that respect
between military and naval services, and relieve our officers from
many inconveniences and mortifications which occur when our vessels
meet those of other nations, ours being the only service in which
such grades do not exist.

A report of the PostMaster-General, which accompanies this
communication, will shew the present state of the Post-Office
Department and its general operations for some years past.

There is established by law 88,600 miles of post roads, on which the
mail is now transported 85,700 miles, and contracts have been made
for its transportation on all the established routes, with one or 2
exceptions. There are 5,240 post offices in the Union, and as many
post masters. The gross amount of postage which accrued from
[1822-07-01] to [1823-07-01] was $1,114,345.12. During the same
period the expenditures of the Post-Office Department amounted to
$1,169,885.51 and consisted of the following items, viz:

Compensation to post masters, $353,995.98;
incidental expenses, $30,866.37;
transportation of the mail, $784,600.08;
payments into the Treasury, $423.08.
On the first of July last there was due to the Department from post
masters $135,245.28;
from late post masters and contractors, $256,749.31;
making a total amount of balances due to the Department of
$391,994.59.
These balances embrace all delinquencies of post masters and
contractors which have taken place since the organization of the
Department. There was due by the Department to contractors on the
first of July last $26,548.64.
The transportation of the mail within five years past has been
greatly extended, and the expenditures of the Department
proportionably increased. Although the postage which has accrued
within the last three years has fallen short of the expenditures
$262,821.46, it appears that collections have been made from the
outstanding balances to meet the principal part of the current
demands.

It is estimated that not more than $250,000 of the above balances can
be collected, and that a considerable part of this sum can only be
realized by a resort to legal process. Some improvements in the
receipts for postage is expected. A prompt attention to the
collection of moneys received by post masters, it is believed, will
enable the Department to continue its operations without aid from the
Treasury, unless the expenditures shall be increased by the
establishment of new mail routes.

A revision of some parts of the post office law may be necessary; and
it is submitted whether it would not be proper to provide for the
appointment of post masters, where the compensation exceeds a certain
amount, by nomination to the Senate, as other officers of the General
Government are appointed.

Having communicated my views to Congress at the commencement of the
last session respecting the encouragement which ought to be given to
our manufactures and the principle on which it should be founded, I
have only to add that those views remain unchanged, and that the
present state of those countries with which we have the most
immediate political relations and greatest commercial intercourse
tends to confirm them. Under this impression I recommend a review of
the tariff for the purpose of affording such additional protection to
those articles which we are prepared to manufacture, or which are more
immediately connected with the defense and independence of the
country.

The actual state of the public accounts furnishes additional evidence
of the efficiency of the present system of accountability in relation
to the public expenditure. Of the moneys drawn from the Treasury
since [1817-03-04], the sum remaining unaccounted for on the 30th of
September last is more than $1.5M less than on the 30th of September
preceding; and during the same period a reduction of nearly $1M has
been made in the amount of the unsettled accounts for moneys advanced
previously to [1817-03-04]. It will be obvious that in proportion as
the mass of accounts of the latter description is diminished by
settlement the difficulty of settling the residue is increased from
the consideration that in many instances it can be obtained only by
legal process. For more precise details on this subject I refer to a
report from the first Comptroller of the Treasury.

The sum which was appropriated at the last session for the repairs of
the Cumberland road has been applied with good effect to that object.
A final report has not been received from the agent who was appointed
to superintend it. As soon as it is received it shall be communicated
to Congress.

Many patriotic and enlightened citizens who have made the subject an
object of particular investigation have suggested an improvement of
still greater importance. They are of the opinion that the waters of
the Chesapeake and Ohio may be connected together by one continued
canal, and at an expense far short of the value and importance of the
object to be obtained. If this could be accomplished it is impossible
to calculate the beneficial consequences which would result from it.

A great portion of the produce of the very fertile country through
which it would pass would find a market through that channel. Troops
might be moved with great facility in war, with cannon and every kind
of munition, and in either direction. Connecting the Atlantic with the
Western country in a line passing through the seat of the National
Government, it would contribute essentially to strengthen the bond of
union itself.

Believing as I do that Congress possess the right to appropriate
money for such a national object (the jurisdiction remaining to the
States through which the canal would pass), I submit it to your
consideration whether it may not be advisable to authorize by an
adequate appropriation the employment of a suitable number of the
officers of the Corps of Engineers to examine the unexplored ground
during the next season and to report their opinion thereon. It will
likewise be proper to extend their examination to the several routes
through which the waters of the Ohio may be connected by canals with
those of Lake Erie.

As the Cumberland road will require annual repairs, and Congress have
not thought it expedient to recommend to the States an amendment to
the Constitution for the purpose of vesting in the United States a
power to adopt and execute a system of internal improvement, it is
also submitted to your consideration whether it may not be expedient
to authorize the Executive to enter into an arrangement with the
several States through which the road passes to establish tolls, each
within its limits, for the purpose of defraying the expense of future
repairs and of providing also by suitable penalties for its
protection against future injuries.

The act of Congress of [1822-05-07], appropriated the sum of $22,700
for the purpose of erecting two piers as a shelter for vessels from
ice near Cape Henlopen, Delaware Bay. To effect the object of the act
the officers of the Board of Engineers, with Commodore Bainbridge,
were directed to prepare plans and estimates of piers sufficient to
answer the purpose intended by the act. It appears by their report,
which accompanies the documents from the War Department, that the
appropriation is not adequate to the purpose intended; and as the
piers would be of great service both to the navigation of the
Delaware Bay and the protection of vessels on the adjacent parts of
the coast, I submit for the consideration of Congress whether
additional and sufficient appropriations should not be made.

The Board of Engineers were also directed to examine and survey the
entrance of the harbor of the port of Presquille, in PA, in order to
make an estimate of the expense of removing the obstructions to the
entrance, with a plan of the best mode of effecting the same, under
the appropriation for that purpose by act of Congress passed 3rd of
March last. The report of the Board accompanies the papers from the
War Department, and is submitted for the consideration of Congress.

A strong hope has been long entertained, founded on the heroic
struggle of the Greeks, that they would succeed in their contest and
resume their equal station among the nations of the earth. It is
believed that the whole civilized world take a deep interest in their
welfare. Although no power has declared in their favor, yet none
according to our information, has taken part against them. Their
cause and their name have protected them from dangers which might ere
this have overwhelmed any other people. The ordinary calculations of
interest and of acquisition with a view to aggrandizement, which
mingles so much in the transactions of nations, seem to have had no
effect in regard to them. From the facts which have come to our
knowledge there is good cause to believe that their enemy has lost
forever all dominion over them; that Greece will become again an
independent nation. That she may obtain that rank is the object of
our most ardent wishes.

It was stated at the commencement of the last session that a great
effort was then making in Spain and Portugal to improve the condition
of the people of those countries, and that it appeared to be conducted
with extraordinary moderation. It need scarcely be remarked that the
result has been so far very different from what was then anticipated.
Of events in that quarter of the globe, with which we have so much
intercourse and from which we derive our origin, we have always been
anxious and interested spectators.

The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most
friendly in favor of the liberty and happiness of their fellow men on
that side of the Atlantic. In the wars of the European powers in
matters relating to themselves we have never taken any part, nor does
it comport with our policy so to do.

It is only when our rights are invaded or seriously menaced that we
resent injuries or make preparation for our defense. With the
movements in this hemisphere we are of necessity more immediately
connected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and
impartial observers.

The political system of the allied powers is essentially different in
this respect from that of America. This difference proceeds from that
which exists in their respective Governments; and to the defense of
our own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and
treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened
citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this
whole nation is devoted.

We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations
existing between the United States and those powers to declare that
we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system
to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and
safety. With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European
power we have not interfered and shall not interfere, but with the
Governments who have declared their independence and maintained it,
and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just
principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the
purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their
destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the
manifestation of an unfriendly disposition toward the United States.

In the war between those new Governments and Spain we declared our
neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have
adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall occur
which, in the judgment of the competent authorities of this
Government, shall make a corresponding change on the part of the
United States indispensable to their security.

The late events in Spain and Portugal shew that Europe is still
unsettled. Of this important fact no stronger proof can be adduced
than that the allied powers should have thought it proper, on any
principle satisfactory to themselves, to have interposed by force in
the internal concerns of Spain. To what extent such interposition may
be carried, on the same principle, is a question in which all
independent powers whose governments differ from theirs are
interested, even those most remote, and surely none more so than the
United States.

Our policy in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage
of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe,
nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the
internal concerns of any of its powers; to consider the government de
facto as the legitimate government for us; to cultivate friendly
relations with it, and to preserve those relations by a frank, firm,
and manly policy, meeting in all instances the just claims of every
power, submitting to injuries from none.

But in regard to those continents circumstances are eminently and
conspicuously different. It is impossible that the allied powers
should extend their political system to any portion of either
continent without endangering our peace and happiness; nor can anyone
believe that our southern brethren, if left to themselves, would adopt
it of their own accord. It is equally impossible, therefore, that we
should behold such interposition in any form with indifference. If we
look to the comparative strength and resources of Spain and those new
Governments, and their distance from each other, it must be obvious
that she can never subdue them. It is still the true policy of the
United States to leave the parties to themselves, in the hope that
other powers will pursue the same course.

If we compare the present condition of our Union with its actual
state at the close of our Revolution, the history of the world
furnishes no example of a progress in improvement in all the
important circumstances which constitute the happiness of a nation
which bears any resemblance to it. At the first epoch our population
did not exceed 3,000,000. by the last census it amounted to about
10,000,000, and, what is more extraordinary, it is almost altogether
native, for the immigration from other countries has been
inconsiderable.

At the first epoch half the territory within our acknowledged limits
was uninhabited and a wilderness. Since then new territory has been
acquired of vast extent, comprising within it many rivers,
particularly the Mississippi, the navigation of which to the ocean
was of the highest importance to the original States. Over this
territory our population has expanded in every direction, and new
States have been established almost equal in number to those which
formed the first bond of our Union. This expansion of our population
and accession of new States to our Union have had the happiest effect
on all its highest interests.

That it has eminently augmented our resources and added to our
strength and respectability as a power is admitted by all, but it is
not in these important circumstances only that this happy effect is
felt. It is manifest that by enlarging the basis of our system and
increasing the number of States the system itself has been greatly
strengthened in both its branches. Consolidation and disunion have
thereby been rendered equally impracticable.

Each Government, confiding in its own strength, has less to apprehend
from the other, and in consequence each, enjoying a greater freedom of
action, is rendered more efficient for all the purposes for which it
was instituted.

It is unnecessary to treat here of the vast improvement made in the
system itself by the adoption of this Constitution and of its happy
effect in elevating the character and in protecting the rights of the
nation as well as individuals. To what, then, do we owe these
blessings? It is known to all that we derive them from the excellence
of our institutions. Ought we not, then, to adopt every measure which
may be necessary to perpetuate them?