On motion of Mr. White, it was dition and history of the two nations is calculated to in* Ordered-That the senate concur in the foregoing re-spire sentiments of mutual respect, and to carry convic

solution.

On motion of Mr. White, it was

Ordered that the senate now adjourn, and meet tomorrow at 11 o'clock.

tion to the minds of both, that it is their policy to pre serve 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 developBritain 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.

December 8. Mr. Benton, from Missouri, attended. Mr. Forsyth, of Georgia, the successor of Mr. Berrien,ment of the policy which the present cabinet of Great also attended, and was qualified.

Mr. White reported from the joint committee, that they had, according to order, waited on the president of the United States, who replied that he would, to-day, at 12 o'clock, make a communication to each house of congress.

On motion of Mr. Holmes, it was

Resolved, That the secretary be instructed to cause the members of the senate to be furnished with such newspapers as they may respectively direct: Provided, that the expense for each meraber, during the present session, does not exceed the price of three daily papers. On motion of Mr. Holmes, it was Ordered, That the hour for the daily meeting of the senate, be 12 o'clock, until otherwise ordered.

The president of the United States transmitted, by his private secretary, Mr. Donelson, the following

MESSAGE:

Fellow citizens of the senate

and of the house of representatives:

Under the convention for regulating the reference to arbitration of the disputed points of boundary under the fifth article of the treaty of Ghent, the proceedings have hitherto been conducted in that spirit of candor and liberality which ought ever to characterise 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 received the attention demanded by its great and peculiar importance to a patriotic member of this confederacy. The exposition of oar 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 interests at the court of It affords me pleasure to tender my friendly greetings the sovereign who has evinced his friendly disposition, to you on the occasion of your assembling at the seat of by assuming the delicate task of arbitration, have been government, to enter upon the important duties to which committed to a citizen of the state of Maine, whose chayou have been called by the voice of our countrymen. racter, talents, and intimate acquaintance with the subThe task devolves on me, under a provision of the con- ject, eminently qualify him for so responsible a trust. stitution, to present to you, as the federal legislature of With full confidence in the justice of our cause, and in twenty-four sovereign states, and twelve millions of hap- the probity, intelligence, and uncompromising indepenpy people, a view of our affairs; and to propose such mea-dence of the illustrious arbitrator, we can have nothing to sures as, in the discharge of my official functions, have apprehend from the result. suggested themselves as necessary to promote the ob- From France, our ancient ally, we have a right to exjects of our union. pect that justice which becomes the sovereign of a power In communicating with you for the first time, it is, toful, intelligent and magnanimous people. The beneficial me, a source of unfeigned satisfaction, calling for mutual effects produced by the commercial convention of 1822, gratulation and devot thanks to a benign Providence, that limited as are its provisions, are too obvious not to make we are at peace with all mankind; and that our country a salutary impression upon the minds of those who are exhibits the most cheering evidence of general welfare charged with the administration of her government.— and progressive improvement. Turning our eyes to Should this result induce a disposition to embrace, to other nations, our great desire is to see our brethren of their full extent, the wholesome principles which constithe human race secured in the blessings enjoyed by our-tute our commercial policy, our minister to that court selves, and advancing in knowledge, in freedom, and in will be found instructed to cherish such a disposition, and social happiness. to aid in conducting it to useful practical conclusions. Our foreign relations, although in their general charac-The claims of our citizens for depredations upon their ter pacific and friendly, present subjects of difference be- property, long since committed under the authority, and, tween us and other powers, of deep interest, as well to in many instances, by the express direction, of the then the country at large as to many of our citizens. To af- existing government of France, remain unsatisfied; and fect an adjustment of these shall continue to be the object must, therefore, continue to furnish a subject of unpleaof my earnest endeavors; and notwithstanding the diffi-sant discussion, and possible collision, between the two culties of the task, I do not allow myself to apprehend governments. I cherish, however, a lively hope, foundunfavorable results. Blessed as our country is, with ed as well on the validity of those claims, and the estabevery thing which constitutes national strength, she is ful-lished policy of all enlightened governments, as on the ly adequate to the maintenance of all her interests. In known integrity of the French monarch, that the injuridischarging the responsible trust confided to the execuous delays of the past will find redress in the equity of tive in this respect, it is my settled purpose to ask nothing the future. Our minister has been instructed to press that is not clearly right, and to submit to nothing that is these demands on the French government with all the wrong; and I flatter myself, that, supported by the other earnestness which is call for by their importance and irbranches of the government, and by the intelligence and refutable justice; and in a spirit that will evince the repatriotism of the people, we shall be able, under the prospect which is due to the feelings of those from whom the tection of Providence, to cause all our just rights to be satisfaction is required. respected.

Our minister recently appointed to Spain has been auOf the unsettled matters between the U. States and thorized to assist in removing evils alike injurious to both other powers, the most prominent are those which have, countries, either by concluding a commercial convention, for years, been the subject of negotiation with England, upon liberal and reciprocal terms; or by urging the acFrance and Spain. The late periods at which our minis- ceptance, in their full extent, of the mutually beneficial ters to those governments left the U. States, render it im- provisions of our navigation acts. He has also been inpossible, at this early day, to inform you of what has structed to make a further appeal to the justice of Spain, been done on the subjects with which they have been in behalf of our citizens, for indemnity for spoliations uprespectively charged. Relying upon the justice of our on our commerce, committed under her authority-an views in relation to the points committed to negotiation, appeal which the pacific and liberal course observed on and the reciprocal good feeling which characterizes our our part, and a due confidence in the honor of that gointercourse with those nations, we have the best reasonvernment, authorize us to expect will not be made in to hope for satisfactory adjustment of existing differ- vain.

ences.

With other European powers, our intercourse is on With Great Britain, alike distinguished in peace and the most friendly footing. In Russia, placed by her terwar, we may look forward to years of peaceful, honcra-ritorial limits, extensive population, and great power, ble, and elevated competition. Every thing in the con-high in the rank of nations, the United States have al

ways found a steadfast friend. Although her recent invasion of Turkey awakened a lively sympathy for those who were exposed to the desolations of war, we cannot but anticipate that the result will prove favorable to the cause of civilization, and to the progress of human happiness. The treaty of peace between these powers having been ratified, we cannot be insensible to the great benefit to be derived by the commerce of the United States, from unlocking the navigation of the Black Seaa free passage into which is secured to all merchant vessels bound to ports of Russia under a flag at peace with the porte. This advantage, enjoyed upon conditions, by most of the powers of Europe, has hitherto been withheld from us. During the past summer, an antecedent, but unsuccessful attempt to obtain it, was renewed under circumstances which promised the most favorable results. Although these results have fortunately been thus in part attained, further facilities to the enjoyment of this new field for the enterprize of our citizens are, in my opinion, sufficiently desirable to ensure to them our most zealous attention.

the principal part of those upon Brazil have been adjusted, and a decree in council, ordering bonds to be issued by the minister of the treasury for their amount, has received the sanction of his imperial majesty. This event, together with the exchange of the ratifications of the treaty negotiated and concluded in 1828, happily terminates all serious causes of difference with that power. Measures have been taken to place our commercial relations with Peru upon a better footing than that upon which they have hitherto rested; and if met by a proper disposition on the part of that government, important benefits may be secured to both countries.

Deeply interested as we are in the prosperity of our sister republics, and more particularly in that of our immediate neighbor, it would be most gratifying to me, were I permitted to say, that the treatment which we have received at her hands has been as universally friendly as the early and constant solicitude manifested by the United States for her success, gave us a right to expect. But it becomes my duty to inform you that prejudices, long indulged by a portion of the inhabitants of Mexico Our trade with Austria, although of secondary import-against the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotenance, has been gradually increasing; and is now so extend- tiary of the United States, have had an unfortunate influed, as to deserve the fostering care of the government. Aence upon the affairs of the two countries, and have dinegotiation, commenced and nearly completed with that minished that usefulness to its own which was justly to power, by the late administration, has been consummat- be expected from his talents and zeal. To this cause, ed by a treaty of amity, navigation and commerce, which in a great degree, is to be imputed the failure of several will be laid before the senate. measures equally interesting to both parties; but particuDuring the recess of congress, our diplomatic relations larly that of the Mexican government to ratify a treaty with Portugal have been resumed. The peculiar state negotiated and concluded in its own capital and under of things in that country, caused a suspension of the re- its own eye. Under these circumstances, it appeared cognition of the representative who presented himself, expedient to give to Mr. Poinsett the option either to until an opportunity was had to obtain from our official return or not, as, in his judgment, the interest of his organ there, information regarding the actual, and, as far country might require; and instructions to that end were as practicable, prospective condition of the authority by prepared; but, before they could be despatched, a comwhich the representative in question was appointed.—munication was received from the government of MexiThis information being received, the application of the co, through its charge d'affairs here, requesting the recall established rule of our government, in like cases, was no of our minister. This was promptly complied with; and longer withheld. a representative of a rank corresponding with that of the Mexican diplomatic agent near this government was appointed. Our conduct towards that republic has been uniformly of the most friendly character; and having thus removed the only alleged obstacle to harmonious intercourse, I cannot but hope that an advantageous change will occur in our affairs.

Considerable advances have been made, during the present year, in the adjustment of claims of our citizens upon Denmark for spoliations; but all that we have a right to demand from that government, in their behalf, has not yet been conceded. From the liberal footing, how ever, upon which this subject has, with the approbation of the claimants, been placed by the government, together with the uniformly just and friendly disposition which has been evinced by his Danish majesty, there is a reasonable ground to hope that this single subject of difference will speedily be removed,

Our relations with the Barbary powers continue, as they have long been, of the most favorable character. The policy of keeping an adequate force in the Mediterranean as security for the continuance of this tranquillity, will be persevered in; as well as a similar one for the protection of our commerce and fisheries in the Pacific.

In justice to Mr. Poinsett, it is proper to say, that my immediate compliance with the application for his recall, and the appointment of his successor, are not to be ascribed to any evidence that the imputation of an improper interference by him, in the local politics of Mexico, was well founded; nor to a want of confidence in his talents or integrity; and to add, that the truth of that charge has never been affirmed by the federal government of Mexico, in its communication with this.

I consider it one of the most urgent of my duties to bring to your attention the propriety of amending that The southern republics, of our own hemisphere, part of our constitution which relates to the election of have not yet realised all the advantages for which president and vice president. Our system of government they have been so long struggling. We trust, how-was, by its framers, deemed an experiment; and they, ever, that the day is not distant, when the restora- therefore, consistently provided a mode of remedying tion of peace and internal quiet, under permanent sys- its defects.

tems of government, securing the liberty, and promoting To the people belongs the right of electing their chief the happiness of the citizens, will crown, with complete magistrate: it was never designed that their choice should, success, their long and arduous efforts in the cause of self-in any case, be defeated, either by the intervention of government, and enable us to salute them as friendly ri-electoral colleges, or by the agency confided, under cervals in all that is truly great and glorious.

The recent invasion of Mexico, and the effect thereby produced upon her domestic policy, must have a controlling influence upon the great question of South American emancipation. We have seen the fell spirit of civil dissension rebuked, and, perhaps, forever stifled in that republic, by the love of independ.nce. It it be true, as appearances strongly indicate, that the spirit of independence is the master spirit, and if a corresponding sentiment prevails in the other states, this devotion to herty cannot be without a proper effect upon the counsels of the mother country. The adoption, by Spain, of a pacine policy towards her former colonies-an event consoling to humanity, and a blessing to the world, in which she herself cannot fail largely to participate-may be most reasonably expected.

The claims of our citizens upon the South American governments, generally, are in s tram of settlement; while

tain contingencies, to the house of representatives. Experience proves, that, in proportion as agents to execute the will of the people are multiplied, there is danger of their wishes being frustrated. Some may be unfaithful: all are liable to err. So far, therefore, as the people can, with convenience, speak, it is safer for them to express their own will.

The number of aspirants to the presidency, and the diversity of the interests which may influence their claims, leave little reason to expect a choice in the first instance: and, in that event, the election must devolve on the house of representatives, where, it is obvious, the will of the people may not be always ascertained; or, if ascertained, may not be regarded. From the mode of voting by states, the choice is to be made by twenty-four votes; and it may often occur, that one of these may be controlled by an individual representative. Honors and offices are at the disposal of the successful candidate,

Repeated ballotings may make it apparent that a single right to official station than another. Offices were not 249 individual holds the cast in his hand. May he not be established to give support to particular men, at the pubtempted to name his reward? But even without cor-lic expense. No individual wrong is therefore done by ruption-supposing the probity of the representative to removal, since neither appointment to, nor continuance be proof against the powerful motives by which he may be in, office, is matter of right. The incumbent became an assailed the will of the people is still constantly liable officer with a view to public benefits; and when these reto be misrepresented. One may err from ignorance of quire his removal, they are not to be sacrificed to prithe wishes of his constituents; another, from a conviction vate interests. It is the people, and they alone, who that it is his duty to be governed by his own judgment of have a right to complain, when a bad officer is substitutthe fitness of the candidates: finally, although all were ed for a good one. inflexibly honest-all accurately informed of the wishes means of obtaining a living, that are enjoyed by the milof their constituents—yet, ander the present mode of lions who never held office. The proposed limitation He who is removed has the same election, a minority may often elect a president; and would destroy the idea of property, now so generally when this happens, it may reasonably be expected that connected with official station; and although individual efforts will be made on the part of the majority to rectify distress may be sometimes produced, it would, by prothis injurious operation of their institutions. But al-moting that rotation which constitutes a leading principle though no evil of this character should result from such in the republican creed, give healthful action to the sysa perversion of the first principle of our system-that the tem. majority is to govern-It must be very certain that a president elected by a minority cannot enjoy the confidence recess of congress, in the condition of either our agriculnecessary to the successful discharge of his duties. No very considerable change has occurred, during the In this, as in all other matters of public concern, poli-tariff has not proved so injurious to the two former, or as cy requires that as few impediments as possible should beneficial to the latter, as was anticipated. Importations ture, commerce, or manufactures. The operation of the exist to the free operation of the public will. Let us, of foreign goods have not been sensibly diminished; then, endeavor so to amend our system, that the office while domestic competition, under an illusive excitement of chief magistrate may not be conferred upon any citi- has increased the production much beyond the dezen but in pursuance of a fair expression of the will of mand for home consumption. The consequences have the majority. loss. That such of our manufacturing establishments as are based upon capital, and are prudently managed, will been low prices, temporary embarrassment, and partial survive the shock, and be ultimately profitable, there is no good reason to doubt,

I would therefore recommend such an amendment of the constitution as may remove all intermediate agency in the election of president and vice president. The mode may be so regulated as to preserve to each state its present relative weight in the election; and a failure in the first attempt may be provided for, by confining the second to a choice betwen the two highest candidates.prosperity of these three cardinal interests, is one of the To regulate its conduct, so as to promote equally the In connexion with such an amendment, it would seem most difficult tasks of government; and it may be regretadvisable to limit the service of the chief magistrate to a ted that the complicated restrictions which now embarrass single term, of either four or six years. If, however, it the intercourse of nations, could not by common consent should not be adopted, it is worthy of consideration be abolished, and commerce allowed to flow in those whether a provision disqualifying for office the represen- channels to which individual enterprise-always its tatives in congress on whom such an election may have surest guide-might direct it. But we must ever expect devolved, would not be proper. While members of congress can be constitutionally ap- pelled to adapt our own to their regulations, in the manselfish legislation in other nations; and are therefore compointed to offices of trust and profit, it will be the prac- ner best calculated to avoid serious injury, and to hartice, even under the most conscientious adherence to monize the conflicting interests of our agriculture, our duty, to select them for such stations as they are believ-commerce, and our manufactures. Under these impresed to be better qualified to fill than other citizens; but sious, I invite your attention to the existing tariff, bethe purity of our government would doubtless be pro-lieving that some of its provisions require modification. moted by their exclusion from all appointments in the gift of the president in whose election they may have been officially concerned. The nature of the judicial office, and the necessity of securing in the cabinet and in diplomatic stations of the highest rank, the best talents and political experience, should, perhaps, except these from the exclusion.

ties upon articles of foreign growth or manufacture, is The general rule to be applied in graduating the du 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 There are perhaps few men who can for any great cacy of this operation, it is important that it should never of war. When we reflect upon the difficulty and delilength of time enjoy office and power, without being more be attempted but with the utmost caution. Frequent or less under the influence of feelings unfavorable to a legislation in regard to any branch of industry, affecting faithful discharge of their public duties. ty may be proof against improper considerations imme-new channels, must always be productive of hazardous Their integriits value, and by which its capital may be transferred to diately addressed to themselves; but they are apt to ac- speculation and loss. quire a habit of looking with indifference upon the pub

In deliberating, therefore, on these interesting sub

lie interests, and of tolerating conduct from which an un-jects, local feelings and prejudices should be merged in practise man would revolt. Office is considered as a the patriotic determination to promote the great interests species of property; and government, rather as a means of the whole. All attempts to connect them with the of promoting individual interests, than as an instrument party conflicts of the day are necessarily injurions, and created solely for the service of the people. Corruption should be discountenanced. in some, and in others, a perversion of correct feelings should be under the control of higher and purer motives. and principles, divert government from its legitimate Legislation, subjected to such influences, can never be ends, and make it an engine for the support of the few just; and will not long retain the sanction of a people, Our action upon them at the expense of the many. The duties of all public whose active patriotism is not bounded by sectional limofficers are, or, at least, admit of being made, so plain its, nor insensible to that spirit of concession and forand simple, that men of intelligence may readily qualify bearance, which gave life to our political compact, and themselves for their performance; and I cannot but be- still sustains it lieve that more is lost by the long continuance of men in ascendancy, the north, the south, the east, and the west, office, than is generally to be gamed by their experience. should unite in diminishing any burthen, of which either Discarding all calculations of political I subinit therefore to your consideration, whether the effi- may just!y complain. ciency of the government would not be promoted, and of ficial industry and integrity better secured, by a generally extension of the law which limits appointments to four years.

In a country where offices are created solely for the benefit of the people, no one man has any more intrinsic

connected with every other, and so superior in importance to them all, that it is scarcely necessary to invite to The agricultural interests of our country is so essentialtures and commerce tend to increase the value of agricultural productions, and to extend their application to it your particular attention. It is principally as manufac

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 consumption of the country, and have become articles of necessity to 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 the 1st of January, 1829, was five millions nine hundred and seventy-two thousand four hundred and thirty-five dollars and eightyone 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 January next, of four millions four hundred and ten thousand and seventy dollars and eighty-one cents.

navigation and the construction of highways in the several states. Let us then endeavor 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 authorising 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 regrad to it will be extinguished. That this was intended to be a government of limited and specific, and not general powers, must be admitted by all; and it is our duty to preserve for it the character intended by its framers. If experience points out the necessity for an enlargement of these powers, let us apply for it to those for whose benefit it is to be exercised; and not undermine the whole system by a resort to overstrained constructions. The scheme has worked well. It has exceeded the hopes of those who There will have been paid, on account of the public devised it, and become an object of admiration to the debt, during the present year, the sum of twelve millions world. We are responsible to our country, and to the four hundred and five thousand and five dollars and eigh-glorious cause of self-government, for the preservation ty cents; reducing the whole debt of the government, of so great a good. The great mass of legislation relaton the first of January next, to forty-eight millions five ing to our internal affairs, was intended to be left where hundred and sixty-five thousand four hundred and six the federal convention found it—in the state governments. dollars and fifty cents, including seven millions of five Nothing is clearer, in my view than that we are chiefly inper cent. stock, subscribed to the bank of the United debted for the success of the constitution under which States. The payment on account of the public debt, we are now acting, to the watchful and auxiliary opera made on the first of July last, was eight millons seven tion of the state authorities. This is not the reflection of hundred and fifteen thousand four hundred and sixty-two a day, but belongs to the most deeply rooted convictions dollars and eighty-seven cents. It was apprehended that of my mind. I cannot therefore, too strongly or too the sudden withdrawal of so large a sum from the banks earnestly, for my own sense of its importance, warn you in which it was deposited, at a time of unusual pressure against all encroachments upon the legitimate sphere of in the money market, might cause much injury to the in-state sovereignty. Sustained by its healthful and invigorterests dependent on bank accommodations. But this ating influence, the federal system can never fall. 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 United States.

In the collection of the revenue, the long credits authorized on goods imported from beyond the Cape of Good Hope are the chief cause of the losses at present This state of the finances exhibits the resources of the sustained. If these were shortened to six, nine, and nation in an aspect highly flattering to its industry; and twelve months, and warehouses provided by governauspicious of the ability of government, in a very short ment, sufficient to receive the goods offered in deposite time, to extinguish the public debt. When this shall be for security and for debenture; and if the right of the done, our population will be relieved from a considerable United States to a priority of payment out of the estates portion of its present burthens; and will find, not only of its insolvent debtors were more effectually secured-new motives to patriotic affection, but additional means this evil would, in a great measure, be obviated. An aufor the display of individual enterprise. The fiscal pow-thority to construct such houses, is, therefore, with the er of the states will also be increased; and may be more proposed alteration of the credits, recommended to your extensively exerted in favor of education and other pub- attention. lic objects: while ample means will remain in the federal government to promote the general weal, in all the modes permitted to its authority.

It is worthy of notice, that the laws for the collection and security of the revenue arising from imposts, were chiefly framed when the rates of duties on imported goods After the extinction of the public debt, it is not proba-presented much less temptation for illicit trade than at ble that any adjustment of the tariff, upon principles satis- present exists. There is reason to believe that these factory to the people of the union, will, until a remote laws are, in some respects, quite insufficient for the properiod, if ever, leave the government without a consider- per security of the revenue, and the protection of the inable surplus in the treasury, beyond what may be requir-terests of those who are disposed to observe them. The ed for its current service. As then the period approach- injurious and demoralizing tendency of a successful syses when the application of the revenue to the payment tem of smuggling is so obvious as not to require comof debt will cease, the disposition of the surplus will present a subject for the serious deliberation 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 On an examination of the records of the treasury, I power over such subjects may be exercised by the gene- have been forcibly struck with the large amount of pubral government; it is hoped that it may lead to the adop-lic money which appears to be outstanding. Of the sum tion 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

ment, and cannot be too carefully guarded against. I therefore suggest to congress the propriety of adopting efficient measures to prevent this evil, avoiding, however as much as possible, every unnecessary infringement of individual liberty, and embarrassment of fair and lawful business.

thus due from individuals to the government, a considerable portion is undoubtedly desperate; and, in many instances, has probably been rendered so by remissness in the agents charged with its collection. By proper ex