Richmond enquirer. [volume], December 06, 1827, Image 2

About Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867

Image provided by: Library of Virginia; Richmond, VA

                
't' —■ f ■ wi wy M"! ‘
()i'«H'Kttul accmjiiort against lh^ governtneni.
Such ■ decision by the people, (upnn tbs alight
evident* adduced by the accuser* of the govern
ment. and which 'o our apprehension has been re
loved) against public agent* acting in the dwcharge
of important duties, tinder delicate and trying cir- ;
r|intal*nce* — public agenta, not trusted ‘.here for
the tiral time, but who had often held the m<j*t em
inent and important office*, and had enjoyed for a
long time the entire conti Jence of those men, who
liikf bad ottr conhdeace, ever since we were a I
nation—would, rre think, be ot most melancholy
augury for the lteputlie. It would go weM nigh
to deatroy our confidence in h>iuian virtue, and our
laitb in the capacity of the people for aelf-govern- ]
mcnt,— for if ive are to cond^nn upon the aurtni*
atS and suspicion* of their enemies, the eminent
men who are now at the head of our government,
who have been so ofien trusted in stations where
talents and virtue were retpiirad, and who have ao
uniformly executed the duties of these high office#
to the satisfaction of Ihobe who employed them,
aiid to the aatiafaction of thair fcllow-citizene geu
rially, on what other men in the nation can we
re'poee our trust and confidence? And with what
faith cm thiir political ailver-tuies, when they go
into office, ask the people to bestow upon them
their confidence? Can they say— we have served
you longer; we have served you belter; we can
appeal to Mr. Madison, who w>e at tho head of
the nation at tbe trying period of the last war, to
testify, that we iveie more steady and true, in his
support • * :hat time than Adamait Clay ft Barbour;
we enjoyed more of the confidence of Washington
ahd J»ff:rsou and Madison and Monroe? No. Wi
believe if they presumed to ret up such preten
sions, tires nation would laugh them to scorn; an-,
we believe if the nation give* its sanction to accu
sations so drrngvoty of our government, it wil
not ouly iix an indelible stain upon our Republic
but make ourselves a laughing stork to the encmici
of Republican Governments everywhere.
Resolved, therefore. That we will use nil hon
orable measures to prevent the election of (sen. A
Jackson to the L'ui*[ Magistracy of this Union.
RssclveJ, That we have no faith in the char
pels of corruption, mi le with so little decency
ntld so little regard to evidence, against our dialin
guWnJ fellow-citizens, John Q. Adams and Hen
ry Clay; and that we believe these imputation!
nave originated from the inilamed imaginations o
their personal enemies, and tlieii defeated and dis
appointed political adveiaaries.
llcsolved. That whether we compare the met
who at a now at the head of the General Govern
went, with the public men who are now tigutin;
as leaders in the ranks of the opposition, or tb*
public services, in times of difficulty and danger
of the first with those of the last, or the principle*
I'fon which the government is now administered
with the principles upon which the opposition i:
conducted, we avow, that we have decidedly ntoii
confidence in the administration than we have u
the opposition.
Resolved, That we approve of a Convention o
Delegate*, to be held in the city of Richmond 01
the 8'.h January next, for the purpose of forminj
all electoral Ticket adverse to (den. Jackson's e
fiction, and that we will appoint delegates to tin
said Convention.
Resolved, That we will appoint a Committei
of correspondence, whose duty it shall be to sup
ply such vacancies as shall occur in the dslegatioi
to be appointed by this meeting, and to corresponi
w tli committees appointed by similar meetings
and to exert iheTtHelves with zeal for the further
*oce of the objects for which we are assembled
and which we conceive to be important to tin
prosperity and duration of the Republic.
In pursuance of the resolutions, Gen. Edwari
<J. Cartingtoti and James Hrnce, Esij were ap
poiottd delegates to the Convention; and the fol*
lowing gentlemen were appointed a Committee o]
correspondence, viz: Major William Baily, Majot
Jphn S. Lewelbn, I>r. Dtvie, G. Tuck, John \V,
Glenn, David Chalmers, Capt. Khjah Raker, C. J
N. Davis, Jacob Davis, Dr. John 11. Lynn, Sami
Me Kenney. Daniel Whitman, »r., Sami. Budge
water, Henry P. IlatfielJ, Msiit Talbot, John S
Pleasants, Win. Frame, Win. Holt, Wm. Thack
atone and Dr. Speece.
Upon motion, the proceedings of the meetin;
were directed to be signed by the CJiaiimitt am
S'erreUry, and forwarded to the editors of tin
Whig, the Virginian and Enquirer, for publication
JUHN S. JL.KWKBLEN’, Cn’n.
lltNRV P. H.VTriKLu, tjec’ry.
JACKSON MEETING IN KING WILLIAM
According to notice heretofore given, a verj
large (nesting of the freeholder-*, friendly to iln
ejection of General Andrew Jack-ion, as PresiJsni
of the United States, convened at tiio courthouse
of King William county, on thc20Mi of November,
1827, that being court day.
John J. itoane was appointed Chairman, antj
Win. B. Browne, Secretary.
The object of the meeting having been express
ed by B. K. Dabney, Esq. it was thereupon re
solved, that a committee confiding of Col. Corbin
Braxton, Andrew L. Moore, U.K. Dabney, Win.
Armistead, John 11. Gwatbmey, ltichd. S. Taylor,
and Christopher Johnson, be appointed to prepare
and report a preamble and resolutions expressive
of the object of this meeting—whereupon the
committee retired, and after a short time returned
with the following preamble and resolutions, which
were submitted to the meeting nntl unanimously
adopted:
This meeting being deeply impressed with the
expediency and propriety of ,being represented in
the meeting, ronteinplsted to be held in the city
of Richmond, during next winter, for ihe puruose
of constituting an Electoral Ticket, favorable to
the election of General Andiew Jackson, as next
President of the United States; and aware of the
objections entertained by some, to the inode hereto
fore prac'ived of nominating Elector* of President
• nil Vire President, in meetings held by Members
of the Legislature, on the ground that such meet
ings are aelLconstilutcd, and uoi authorised by the
Peopl-; With a view therefore of removing such
objections:
Resolved, That our Senator and Delegntes to
tlio next General Assembly, be, ai.d they are
hereby aut buibcd and requested to attend, and
lake part in any meeting that may be held next
winter in the city of Richmond, by the friends of
Gener. I Andrew Jackson, for the purpose of form*
mg a Jackson Electoral Ticket, or of adopting
auy honorable measures conducive to his election
»i President of the United Slates.
Resolved, That the following person* be np
pointed a committee of correspondence and vigi
lance, viz: Col. Corbin Braxton, Andrew la.
Moore, B. F. Dalney, Win. Annietead, John H.
Gwathruey, Richard 8. Taylor, Christopher John
son, Hon John Roane, Thomas Moure, Baylor
Walker, James Mills, Ro. Hill, Wm. Gregory,
Ro. J.King, Doct. I. S. Barrett, Philip Aylets,
Daniel Ellen, Col. Philip Ayietf, Doct. Charles
Wobb, Robert Sutton, Doct. Stephen Sutton,
Thomas C. Nelson, Richsrd Gwathmey, Edward
Pollard, Doct. John C, Taliaferro, Major George
Dsbney, Maj. Thomas Dabney, lloben Campbell,
Ro. C. Page, Win. Rutlin, Sterling Lipscomb,
Thomas ]. Powell, Reuben Dugar, Jos. Jiillyard,
Christopher Tompkipa, John lienthaw, and Ro.
A. Payne.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting
ha signed by tbs Chairman and Secretary, and that
the Editors of tb* Richmond Enquirer, United
Ststfs Telegraph, and Virginia HerslJ, b# request
™ to publish tbs asrtie In their respective papers.
JOHN J. ROANE, CVn.
W.n. B Burrmrr., SeeVy.
ANTI.JACKSON MEETING.
Pursuant to public notice, the citizens of Mid
(Jlesex, opposed to the election of (Jen. Andrew
Jackson to the Presidency, assembled at the
Court house m Urbanna, on 8aturday the 2 l h
November. 1827:
I he Rev, Philip T. Montague, was called o
the Chair, and C»pt. Robert Hedy, •ppomted
Secretary.
'J'Tlt h-tefirg hefti
«U by l)r. Richard A. CbiiiUu, ut» mo ron. Dr
Manus Rowan, Henry Wo: dwaid, Rev. Geo.
Northam, John Chowmng jr. Dr Richard A.
Christian, C. G. Griswold autl Joliu D. McGil.
were appointed by th>- chair to ptepara > <
pieauibl* and reaoiutiona expressive of the sentu l
manta of the meeting; who reported^the following, |
which were unanimously adopted.
in fie* government, where the will of the peo
pie is the supreme la w, a full .nut unrestrained
expression of that will, is an object of primary
importance. Any measure, therefore, calculated
,to restrain, eontioul, or defeat such expression, i*
a departure front the spirit of democracy, and a
daugeious infringement of the rights of the peo
ple. And it is as, well their duty as their privi
lege, to effect its abolition, however, sanctioned by
custom, nr supported by the authority of illustri
ous twines. Therefore, we, the people of Mid
dlesex, opposed to the election of General A a
drew Jackson, viewing the practice heretofore
pursued, of framing an Electoral Ticket by a tan.
cm of the numbers of the legislature, tolerated hi
tberto by the great unanimity in the choice of a
Preeidentjjind perhaps practically harmless *o long
as such unanimity prevailed, is an usurpation of
the rights of the people, and calculated to have
an undue an dangerous influence, have assembled
to protest against the continuance of legislative
nomiuation, and to concert meacures for counte
. racting its etTect upon the approach.ug Presidential
election
11 o tue election of Gen. Jackson to (he Presi
dency, wc have numerous and insuperable objec
tions. For bis military taleut", we profess the
highest respect, and for his distinguish! il servicsi
the utmost gratitude, and we would deprecate anj
I attempt to detract from the just meisure of hu
military fame. Ilut here we must stop. Whei
we examine his claims ter t!i« highest civil <>flici
under our government, we tin.1 him totally ilefi
! cient in all those qualification*, which tlriulrl u
! nits in the Chief Majislmte of a free people. In
! consideiate in counsel, precipitate in action, am
perversely obstinate in maintaining Ins opinion!
j and defending his conduct, although convinced o
I the error of the one and the impropriety of th1
1 other, he united wi'Ji a violent vindictiveness o
| temper, n contemptuous disregard of the laws am
I constitution of hiscountty. The elevation cf
j man thus characterize,!, whose only claim rest
' J upon military meiit, we should view as a prece
I dent dangerous to our republican institutions.
While thus opposed to General Jackson, wo ar
not ptepated to awaid our unqualified approba
ii >n to vhe present adrainisiiation. To many c
; its measures we are decidedly opposed. Yel
when we reflect that General J.trkaon stand
, pledged, to pursue the same course of policy
r which we disapprove in the present incumbent—
that he, as well as Mr. Adame, is a latiludinariai
in the contruction of lire constitution; we are a
. a loss to conceive what benefit will result from hi
i election. Nor, ate we sensible of any motives
should the question be itarrowej down to a choic
f between these two individuals, to impel us to
, change from which we have nothing to hope, bu
, which we most solemnly believe, rnay effect uios
seriously, the future destinies of our country.
• After a daliberale and attentive examination o
all the eviJence in support of the oft repeatei
i charge of coriuption against the President am
Secretary of State, we have airived at the conciu
sion of their perfect innocence; and whatever o
I pinion we may entertain of them as politician!
, in their ability, integrity, and patriotism, we Lav
. unshaken confidence: Therefore,
ResdveJ, That we approve of the propose
. convention, to be held in the city of Richmond o
the tilh January next, for the purpose of frarnin,
an Electoral Ticket in opposition to Genera
Jckson.
Resolved, Thai we would view tho elevatioi
of General Jackson to the Presidency an an expe
riment hazndous to our liberties, and tve will us
ail honorable means to prevent it.
Resolved, That-be appointed delegate
t> represent this meeting in the aforesaid Con
vention.
Resolved, That— — be a committee of vigilanc
anil conespendence, with authority to fill any va
cancy in the delegation.
> Resolved, That these proceedings be signed I)
I the Chaiinian and Secretary, and the Editors of th
• Constitutional Whig and Richmond Enquirer b
requested to publish the same
The blank in < he third resolution was then fill
ed, by the unanimous vote of the inee'ing, with th
names of Dr. M. Rowan, Capt. lt-jbeit Healy
and Dr. U. A. Cluietian.
That in the fourth resolution was filled l>y ap
puintoient from the cluir, with ibe names of Johi
Chowtlingjr., Francis Walker, Itev. Georgs Nei
(ham. James Chowning, John [>. Blake, Williao
N. StifT, John B. Burke, Moses Walker senr.
C. G. Griswold, Ileidny Woodward, John D. Me
Gib, Col. Carter Perkins, Francis Smith, Benj
F. Robinson, and Capt. James (.Fraser, and oi
notion the Chairman was added to the committee
PHILIP r. MPNTAGUK, Cbair’n.
llosEit r Healy, Secretary.
From (he .N. V. Cnnincrcial A.lteif iser, Nor. 2S.
FATAL LULL.— We understand that Mr
W. Graham, the associate Klitor of the Enquirer
«'»i killed this morning in a duel, at the old battli
ground in Hoboken. Ilia antagonist «vaa a gentle
man bom I’hilade’phia, by the name of Harlot. Wi
have heard tbe names of the seconds, but omit their
for the present. The difficulty, we understand, ori
ginated at a card table. Mr. Graham was at th<
flowery Theatre last night, ami slept at the ho e
formerly kept by Sykes, lie arore nt four o’clock
this morning, and both parties were on the grouni
at twenty minutes part *tx o’clock. Two rhoti
were exchanged. The first having prove I effectual
the second of Mr. Graham proposed that the pan «•>
each advance one step, which wee accede I tn. A:
the second fire, Graham < bse ved: "lum shot—
lam a dead nan— Barton, / forgive you." an;,
fell! He was immediately conveyed to the boat in
walling, and when lain down, the only words fie
New Yor.K.Nov. 30-. Mr. Gallatin late Minis
ter to England, returned yesterday with his family
in the tttivanu* Jenkins. Mr Gallatin has succeeds:
in effecting no arrangement of some of the most
important objects committed to his charge ; in oth
ers he has been disappointed by the unreasonable
'ind pertinacious claims of the llritisli Cabinet. The
indemnity however for deported slir*«, and the
lene.val of the commercial convention between the
two countries, are the valuable results of his tms
sion. The West India trade is yet an un»etiledques
lion, and we trust, rather than that this nation shall
depart one title from the ground it has assume J,wii]
long remain so,
William Leach Lawrence, F.sq. remains in Lon
don, as charge des alls res of the United States
Mission, [yY. Y. Eng,
uttered were: *’I am in great pain,” and died in a
tew minutes afterwards. Mr. Graham was a native
of Cntakill. He commenced tbe study of the law
in this city with the lale H. Gardinier, but went to
England in IS11 — 12. He 'here completed his e
ducation at Cambrige and, subsequently kept his
terms as a student at law, At one of the inns of
court. Ho had travelled extensively upon the con*
tinsnt, and returned io h:s country early in tbe
spring of 1326, since which time be has been the
principal writer for the Enquirer. He was unques
tionably a man of good natural genius, and exten
sive general acquit ments.
The body of Mr. Graham, who was killed in a
duel on Wednesday morning, and privately buried
in St. Mark’s Church yard, was taken up ye.ter
day and bro’t to the Alms House, for the purp >se
of holjing • coroner's inquest upon it. The iuquest,
: understand, will be held this forenoon.
i’ll K aeal titi.ii.n will tnmmtnre it v.ntl on Ihe24ih ,,f
Jan. I&?3« Course of In«trtjct(*.n: The el.t.icsl dt*
’ partmer.t emhraeet-the Knrli.b, Latin As Oreek Lti rit.ee,;
th» Mathematical ; AriUuntfre, Atget-ra, Oeomurr. To Ihftr
sti added, Tfhtn de.i-ed, the tran<tation of the Modern R„
I manic tfitlrel* —Bpsniih, Italian,and Fr inch, with G Pocr.pht
I cal «n<t Itiatofii-al Heading, aided hy Map. and Cilotie.*.
ftiltMS -Km fii.sril itiid Tttilion, t>», atimtm, D. ISO
For hed arid bedding, If fttrnt.he J here, n
[ P.yaMe one n'tulrr in adetnre, Die haltnre at th-end of
I the ye** 7-t>»Jo e-, *v»; • . . , t,».' •}, } ttnh to fill.
/nrrs TFWTS.
TWENTIETH CONGRESS. t
FIRST S&SSlojr, .
IN SEN A 1 E *
JIONDAV, DEC 3.
At 12 o’clock, the Vice President took the
Chair, when the rredeu lal* of (he following get*-]
tleuien were read by me Secretary:
Men*i«. TYLKIt, of Virginia, S
FOOTE ot Connecticut,
NOIILG <>f Indiana,
SEYMOUHof Vermont, \
WEHSI'Ell of M-esachtiecU!*.
These geutleuien were then qualified and took j
! their -eats.
HOUSE OF REPRESENT A l'lVES.
At 12 o’clock, me Clek c.i.ed the House in j
I order, and the lollt.wing gentlemen answered to!
! their nauies. [Here follows the list, which will'
be inserted in our next.J
Whole uttmber of Representatives— 1M3 I
Total number present— 206
The House then proceeded to ballot fur'a Spea
ker. which resulted as follows:—
For A. Stevenson of Vi ginia, 101
J. \V. Taylor of New Yoik, Iff
1’. P. Barbour of Virginia, -1
Scattering 4
20:2 vote*: necessary to a choice, 102. Mr. Ste
venson having received a majority of the whole
number on the tirsi ballot, was declared duly
elected, and conducted to the Chair by Mr. Uin
I doiph, when he made the following appropriate
; address:
Gentlemen In accepting the distinguished
honor, which you have been pleased to cooler up
on uie, I am penetrated with feelings of profouud
. respect and ihe deepest gratitude, and I receive i
a9 the most flattering testimony of your confidence
I and favor. The office of Speaker of this ilose,
has been justly considered one of high and exaite.l
| character—arduous, in relation to the abilities »e
cessary to i:s execution, and severely responsible
i »nd laborious. It* honor is to be measured by no
I ordinary standard of value! The individual, there
lore, who shall fill this chair to his own reputation,
and the advantage of the lloute, must be diftin
guiahed alike by knowledge, integrity, and ddi
geuce,—lie should po«*e*s an impartiality, which
secures confidence; a uigniiy that commands re
spect; and a temper and a liability that disarm
contention. From his general character and per
, ] sonal qualities, he must derive a power that will
' give lorce to his interpositions, anil procure re
f ; spect for his decisions. He most conciliate the
j esteem ot the enlightenej body over whom he
’ i presides.
; These, gentlemen, ore some of the leading qual
’ ! locations necessary for this arduous station 1 cer
tainly do not possess them. I know my own ina
bility loo w c l to believe that 1 shall be enabled io
meet.the expectations of my friends, or discharge
the high tiust reposed in me. in a mannei suitable
to its dignity and importance. Bringing with me
but little knowledge or experience, 1 shall, no
doubt often err, anf stand in need of your utmost
foabaarauce. Let me b-pe that on auch occasions
you will scan my conduct with candor and libe
rality, and extend toward in a (he same kind in
dulgence which has heretofore characterized your
conduct to the Chair. All that l can promise, will
be a devotion ol iny time to your service, and an
Independent discharge of my duties in a plain and
manly way. My graiitudc lor a distinction so lit
tie merited, shall stimulate me to supply, by dills
gence and application, what I wont in knowledge
and ability; and however I may fail in all other
respects, I shall endeavor, at least, to entitle my
'self to ilie suffrages of zeal and impartiality.
I need not admonish you, gentlemen, of the
magnitude ot your trust, nor say any thing as io
the manner In which it ought to be discharged.
We must *11 be sensible, that in the deliberation*
ar.d proceedings of tins House, the character and
permanent interests cf our common country, are
deeply involved. That it was in Hie organization
ami purity of this branch of the nati nal govern
ment (endeared to their warmest affections) ih t
. our fathers believed, ibey had provided the bem
' jsecuiiiy for the principles of Iree-govemment, ami
j the liberty and happiness of the people. Virtuous
• enlightened, and patriotic, tins House may ju-ily
be regarded as the cuadel of American Liberty.
Animated, then, by u virtuous and enlightened
zeal, let us ea leaver to realize the just expsna
tions of our constituents; and Jet our proceeding*
be characterized by a cool and deliberate exertion
of the talents, fortitti I-, an l patrioiiam ol tbe
House, as the suiest aid best moans of sustaining
Ihe honor,and promoting the welfare und happiness
j ot our beloved coun ty.
| 1 he oath of office having been administered by
. | the Speaker, the House proceeded to ihe election
i ol Clerk, Door-keeper, and other subordinate offi
’ | cers, which resulted in the unaniinuus re-election
'of the officers of the lasl Congress. Resolutions
providing for the election of a Chaplain on Friday
J next; adopting the rules of the late Congress for
the conducting of business; furnishing newspapers
to the members; and for he appointment of a joint
j Committee to wait on the President, and acquaint
J him *hat tlie Home was now ready to proceed to
business, were adopted_and
The House then a IjourneJ. [JT'aah. Tel.
(/■VniF> the national Intel/igen etr Extra, r>f /Jrc.4.J
llm President oflhe United State* transmitted,
this day, to both House! of Congress the follow
ing
JVX3SSAGE:
! To the Senate and Haute of fit pres entat ices
of the United States :
FelluW-iitifena ol (lit- Sennit-,
«ud jf tlie Huumi of Uepreieotativet:
A revolution ol the seasons has nearly been com
pleted since the llepiesc.ilalives of the People and
States of this Union were last assembled at this
i place, to deliberate and to act upon the common
i important interests of their constituents. Jn tha
| interval, the never-slumbering eye of a wise an-l
I beneficent Providence has continued its guardian
care over the welfare of our beloved country.
The blessing of health has continued generally to
prevail throughout the land. The blessing of
peace with our brethren ol the human race has
been enjoyed without interruption; internal quiet
hat left our fctluw-citlvens, in the full enjoyment
of all their tights, and in the bee exercise of al
their faruliita, 10 purtue the impulse of iheir na
ture. »nd «ho obligation of their duly, in ihe im
provement ol their own condiiion. The pioduce
tions of the soil, the exchanges ol commerce, ih
nvifjiog labors of human industry, have combined
to mingle in our cup a portion of enjoyment as
large and liberal as the indulgence of Heaven has
perhaps ever gianted to the impeifect -urn of
man upon earth; and as the purest of human felicity
consists in ils participation with others, it is no
small addition to the sum of out national happiness,
at this time, tbjt peace and prosperity prevail to a
degree seldom experienced over the whole hablta.
ble globe; presenting, though as yet with painful
exceptions, a foretaste of that blessed period of
piomtae, when the lion shall lio down with the
lamb, and wars shall be no more. To preset re, to
Improve, and to perpetuate, the sources, end to
direct, in their most elfecuve channels, the streams,
which contribute to the public weal, isihe purpose
for which (Government was institute I. Olijccta
of deep importance to the welfare of the Union
j are constantly recurring, to detnsnJ ihe attention 1
; of the l-'ederal legislature; end they call with i
| accumulated interest, at <he first mee ing ol ihe/
j two Houses, after their periodical renovation. ;
I To present to their consideration, from time to i
time, subjects in which the interests ol the nation I
are most deeply Involve!, and for the regulation of ;
which the legislative will is alone competent, is a
duty prescribed by the O.nstituuon, to the per
: formanre of which the first meeting of the ne » I
jCong-eas is e period eminently appropriate, an-.'
(which it is now my purpose 10 discharge. I
Oar relations ,-f friends- ip with the other nati ns !
;.f (he e*rth, politic!) and commercial, hive ooe ;
i preserved unimpaired; and ihe opportunities t i
1 unpiove them have been cultivated wiiii anXto
■ i.d unremitting •nention. A negotiation u, o j
subjects nf h^h sfd *‘*'"*.9 ;n:r-r-r> r:>t,
•ovarnuieot of tlical Britain, iia« tuaiintt'il in 1 v
lie adjustment of some of the questions at issueflfi
ipo'i aattalact <ty iwmii and the posrp nctueni or J ti
«lher» lor future discussion and agreement. iht.is
»ur|)(>«c» of the Convention, conclude! at S j I
L'etersburg, on the ldth tltjr ot July, 1S23, under; -
the mediation of the late Kinperor Alexander
have bejn < juried into effect by a subsequent Con
vention concluded at Liond-m on the ld'h ot No
ceuib-r, *he ratification* of wlnrh were ex
changed at that place ou the iith-lay of February
l»et. A copy of the proclamation issued on the
nine tenth day ol March last, put lulling this Con
ventiof, is herewith communicated to Congre-a. j
The sum of twelve hundred and tour thousand nine i
hundred and sixty dollar*, therein stipulated to be
paid to ihs claimant!) ol indemnity under the first
Article of ilie Treaty ol Cheat, has been duly re
ceived, and llie Commission institute J, con lot in.t
bly to Use net ol Congress ol the second of March
last, for the distribution of the indemnity to the
persons entitled to recei e it, are now in session,
• nd approaching the consummation ol their labors.
Tins tinal disposal of ouu of thu mo-t paiuful
topics of collision between the United States and
Great Britain, not oul_> a;Fo ds an occasion of
grnlulalton to ourselves, but has had the happiest
effect in promoting a friendly deposition, and in
softening asperities upon other objactsof discus
sio i. Nor ought it to pass without the tribute ol
a frank and cordial acknowledgment of the mag
nanimity with which an honorable nation, by the j
reparation of their own wiongs, achieves a ,rl- :
tiuiph more glorious than any field of blood ctn 1
ever beutow. 1
1 lie Conventions of 31 July, 1S1.\ sud ot 20th
October, ISIS, v; II expire, by the.r own liruita
Hon, on the 20tu October, 182#. These have re
gulated the direct commercial intercourse between
llie United Stale* and Great Britain, up ru term*
ol the most pet feci reciprocity; and they elfec.ed
a temporary c mp.omtse oi toe respective righl
! and claims to territory Wtsswi d ..f the Rocky
| Mountain?, l'usse arrangement* have been con
’ ttnued for an indefinite period ot lime, alter the
’ expiration of the above-mentioned Conventions.:
i leaving each party the liberty if terminating <uem,
j by giving twelve months nonce to the oilier. Tire
; radical principle of all commercial intercourse be.
« tween independent uauon-, is the mutual interest
*. Oi both parties. It is the vital spirit oi trade it
I self; nor can it be reconciled 10 the nature of man,
i ot to the primary laws ol human society, that any
; traffic should lo.ig be willingly pursued, ol which
i all tne advantages are on one side, and all tne bur -
i duns on die other. I’realies ol Commerce nave
■ been found, by experience, to be among the most
; effective instrume -ts lor promoting peace and har
j mony between nations whose interests, exclusively
•' considered on either side, are biought into lie
t quent collisions by competition. In framing such
j ticalies, it is the duty of each party, not simply to
] ,lroe w»*h unyielding pemoacny that which suits
J 'tt* uivii interest, but to concede liberally 10 that
j Which I- adapted to the mtere»: ot ihe other, i'o
| accomplish this, little m ire ts generally requited
!- "•'-ompilsh ,ui3, ikiic ui-uu is generally requited
than a simple observance of themlc ol rectproci.
. y; anJ, were it possible for the statesmen ot one
i nation, by stratagem and management, <u obtain
j tiom the weakness or ignorance of another, an
j over reaching treaty, such a compact would piove
’j an incentive to v.ar rather than a bond of peace,
i Our Conventions with Great Britain are founded
! "Pon the principles of leciprocity. The cornmer
! Ctal intercourse between the two countries is
‘greater in magnitude ar.d amount than between
any two oilier nations on the globe. It is, for all
purposes ol benefit or advantage to boih, as j re*
ciou«, and, in all p.obability, fa. more extensive,
than if tne parties were still cons ituent part* of
one aed the sutne nation. Treaties between such
States, regulating ihe intercourse of peace between
them, and adjusting interests of such transcendent
iuiporiance to both, which have been found, in a
long experience ol years, mutually advantageous,
should not be Ugh ly cancelled or discontinued.
Two Conventions, for continuing in force those a
buve-mentioned,have been concluded between the
Plenipotentiaries o. die two Governments, on the
j Gih of August Iasi, and will b» forthwith laij pe
| lure the Senate for the exercis* of their consti u
! lional authority concerning them.
In the execution of the Treaties of JEWe, of No
| v-tuber, 1732 & September, 1733, between t e U
S. & Great Uritun, and winch lernnnated ihe wafot
our Independence, a line o| boun lary w .s drawn
as the demarcation of territory between the two
coun rtes, extending over near twenty degrees -d
latitude, and ranging over seas, lakes, and moun
tains, tuen very imperfectly explored, and scree,
ly opened to the ge graphical knowledge ol the
age. In the progress of discovery and seitiemeoi
by both parties, since that time, several que»ii >,„
oi boundary between their respective Territories
have arisen, which have been found ol exceedingly
difficult adjustment. At the close of the last ,vai
with Great Britain, four of these questions pressed
themselves upon the consideration of the negoiia
tors of the Treaty ut Ghent, but without ih
mean* of concluding a definitive arrangement con*
cerning them. They were referrej to three sepa.
rate Commissions, consisting ol two Coram.s
sioners, one appointed by each party, to examine
and decide upon their respective claims. In the
event of disagreement between the Commission
j cri*, it was provided tlsat they should make reports
, to their several Governments; and that the reports
.i should finally be retened to the decision oi a So
vereign, the common frien 1 ol both. Ol the«e
Commissions, two have already terminated then
sessions and investigations, one by entire and the
other by^ partial agreement. The Commissioners
of ihe fifth article ol ihe Treaty of Ghent Inve
finally disagreed, and made their conllicting re
ports to their own Governments. Bit from these
reports a gre*l difficulty has occurred in making up
a ques'ion to be decided by dm Arbitrator. This
purpose h>s. however, been effected by a fourth
Convention, conclude.] at London by the P.empo .
tentiarirs of the two Governments on the 29ih ol
’ September lasr. It will be submitted, together
| with the others, to the consideration of ihs Sc
W hile these questions hive been pen Jin*, iacU
| dents hare occurred, yf conflicting pretension* and
of dangerous character, upon the terrt'ory itself, in
disp re between the two Nations, By common
understanding bot.veen the Governments, it ,Vn»
agreed, that no exercise of exclusive jurisdiction,
i by either party, while tho negotiation w.n pending,
shuul I change the state ol the question of right,
be definitively settle I. Such collision has, neJer.
fheiess, recently taken piece. by occurrences, the
precise character of which has not yet been ascer
ceitamed. A communication from the Governor
of the State of .Maine, wi'h accompanying docua
! rnents, and a correspondence between the Secreta
ry ot State and the Minister of Great Britain, on
this subject, are now communicated. Measures
have been tnken to ascertain the elate of the facts
more correctly, by the employment of a special
Agent, to visa tbeapot where the alleged outrage*
have occurred, Ine result of who* enquiries,
when received, will be transmitted to Congress,
j V/title so many of the subjects ol high interest to
the friendly rclidons between the two couutrlo?
have been so far adjusted, it Is matter of regret that
their views respecting the commercial intercourse
between the United States an-! the British Colonial
Possess ions, have not equally approximated to a
friendly agreement.
At tho commencement of the last session of
Congress, they were informed of the sudden and
unexpected exclusion, by ,h„ British Government,
of access, in vessels of the United States, to »li j
their colonial ports, -xcept those irnmndiately bor«!
Jermg upon our own territories. In the amicable ,
discussions which have succeeded the adoption ol
this measure, which as it affected harshly the inter ,
eats of the Uoite-d States, bteams a subject of ex
population o-t our par-, the principle- upon which
it-justification has been placed, have been of a di- ,
versified character. It ha* been at once ascribed
° * mp,s recurrence to the old long established j I
principle of colonial monopoly, and at the sain i
,-tne to a feeling of resentment, because the offers ’ t
<1 an act ol Parliament, opening the colonial port# I
upon iwma rffl'fHb-a, hsi p,s; |.;sr, ^rrnspcl at; <
ilb eutftcient e>ge.nes» by an insUntaneou* con
umliy lo them. At « subsequent period it rad
ten intimated that the new inclusion was in ie
eminent, btciuie a prior act of Pailument, •»i
822, opening certain colonial poits, unde, heavy
nd burden*oiiie restrictions to vfssels of the U • i
nates, bad not been reciprocated by an admission !
if British vessels from ihe colonte*. and their car* j
oe*. without any restriction or dircilmination j
rhatever. Bui, be the tnotive for the interdiction
vital it uuy. the British Government hive mini
•sled no disposition , eitLer by negotiation o« by
lorrespanding legislative enactments, to recede
roin it, and wo have been given distinctly lo un
ierstsnd, tint neither of tlie bills which were tin
ler the consideration of Congress, at their last
•es-ion, woultl have been deemed sufficient in their
concessions, to have been rewarded by any telax
ition from the British interdict. It is one ot the
inconveniences inseparably connected v*itu tire at
tempt to adjust, by reciprocal legislation, interests
of rhi* nature, tbit neither party can know what
would be satisfactory lo the other; and that, after
enacting a statute for the avowed and aincere pur
pose of conciliation, it will generally be found ut
terly inadequate 10 the expectali ins of the oilier
party, sad will terminate in mutual disappoint
tnrnt.
The session of Congress having terminated with
out my act upon th- subject, a proclamation was
issued on the 17th of March last, conformal ly to
the provisions nf the G:h section of the Act of
1st March, I62J, declaring the tact that Jio trade
aud intercourse authorized by the British Ac
of Parliament, of 5M<h June, 1822, between the
U- Slates, ami the Brit.sb enumerated colonial
ports, had been, by the -ubsequent Ac’s of Parli
ament, oi bib July, 1S25, and the Order of Coun
cil, of 27 hJuly# i»2(», p-ohibitedt Th- effect oi
this Proctamn’ion, by tue terms of the Act under
winch it was issued, has been, that eacii and every
provision of tbe Act concerning Navigation, of
I8th April, one thousand eight hundred £c eighteen,
and ot the Art supplementary thuieto, of 15:h
May, 1823, revived, and is nr full foice. Such,
then, .s the present condition of tlie trade, thrt,
useful as it is to both parpe-q it can, with a sin
gle momeniaiy exception, be carried on directly
by the vessels of neither. That exception itself
is found in a Pi oclamntion ot the Governor of
the Island oi Si. Christopher and of he Virgin
Islands, inviting, for three months from the 23th
of August last, the importation of tlie article- of
tho produce of the United Slates, which con.
stnute their export poruon of this trade, in the
vessels of alt nations. Thai period having already
expired, the slate of mutual*interdiction has again
taken place. The British Government have not
only declined negotiation upon this subject, but, by
the pr.nctple they iiave assumed with reference
to it, have precluded even tlie means ot i.egoti
alien. It becomes not the self respect of the U
States, either to solicit gratuitous favors, or to
accept as tlie grant of a favor ihat for winch an
ample equivalent is exacted. It remains lo be de
lernnhed by the lespecti ve (lOverntnenls, whelhei
tbe trade »haU be opened by acts of recprocal
legislation. It is in tbs meantime satisfactory tc
know, that, apart from the inconveniences re
sulting from a dt-iurbance of the usual channels ol
trade, no loss has been sustained by the commerce,
the navigation, or the revenue of the U. States,
anu non a oi luaguituue ia to be apprehended iron]
thin exitsting stale of niu'ual interdict.
With the ,<Uher maritime and coir." erci.l Na
tions of Europe, our intercourse continues, with
little variation. Since (he cessation by the Con
vention oi 2-lth June, 1823. of all discriminating
duties upon the vessels of the United Stales am
ot France, in either country, our trade with thai
nation Ilia increased and is increasing A dispo
sition on the part of France ha 3 been manifested
to renew that negotiation; and, in acceding to thi
proposal, we have e.xpre-sed ihe wish that it migh
be extended to other objects, upon which ?. g’ooil
undeietanding bst.seen the parties would be bcncfi
cial t • the interests of both. The origin of thi
political relations between the United States and
France, is coevsl with the first years of our Inde
I peudenre. The memory of it is interwoven will
that ol our arduous struggle for national ex s'.ence
W eakenej as it has occasionally been eince ilia
time, it can by us never be forgotten; and wi
should hail with exultation the moment which
ehoulJ indicate a recollection, equally friendly ir
■spirit, on the part oi France A fresh effort ha
recently been made, by the Minister of the Ui ite.
.-,tates residing at Paris, 10 obtain a consideraiioi
j ol sue jam claims of ci'izeu* 01 the United States
! to the iej aratiou of wrongs long since committe i
| many of them frankly acknowledged, an 1 alio
i liiem entitled, tlpo > every principle of justice, ii
! * candid examination. The proposal last made U
i the French Government has been to refer tfc
! 8ubj*ct, which h is formed an obstacle to this con
. sideralion, to the dutermisatiun of a Sovereigi
i the common friend of both. To this off.-r no de
; finitiva answer b»s yet been received; but th
; gallant and honorable spirit which Ins at all time
. been (be pride n id glory of France, will not ul
I rimately permit the demands of innocent sufferer
f!° be Mtloguijtiad in the mere consciousness o
the power to reject them.
A new Xreaty of Amity, Navigation, am
: Commerce, has been concluded with Ihe Kington
! ot Sweden,which will be submitted to to the Sen
! ate for their advice with regard to its ratification
j At a more recent date, .« Minister Plcnipo'entiar j
I troni the Hanseatic Republics of Hamburg, Uu
bec^, and firemen, has been received, charge,
with a special mission /or the negotiation of i
| 1’reafy of Amity and Commerce bet .veea that an
| rient ao<* renowned League and ihe Untied States
I fit s negotiation has accordingly been commenced
> »nd is no v in pi ogress, t lie result of which will
if succenful.be also submitted to the Senate foi
) ueir consideration.
Since the accession of the Emperor Nicholas tc
| the Imperial throne of ail the Russia*, the friend
ly dispositions towards the Unite 1 Sta’es, so com
. s anily inj!iifs>|«l by Irs predsressor. have conti
nuel unabated, and have been recently tes'ificJ hj
Lh» appointment of a Minister Plenipotentiary tc
reside at this place. Fro n the interest taken by
tin j sovereign in behalf of i ha suffering Greek*, J.
from the spirt with which others of (lie Grea
European Powers are co operating wi h him, ih(
friends of freedom and of humanity may inJulg.
the hope, fImi they will obtain relief from tin
most unequal of conflicts, which they have sr
long and so gallantly sustained; that (hey w.j
enjoy the blessing of self-government, wlrcli, by
their suffering* in the cause of liberty, they ),av<
richly earned; and (hat their independence will b«
secured by tlioso liberal institutions, of whict
their country furnished tha earliest examples in tin
history of mankind, and which have consecrate i
to immortal remembrance lha very s-.il flJr whicl
they ar. now again profusely pouring faith theli
blood. Tho sympathies which the People ami
Government of the United Siatos hsve so warmly
indulged with their cau*e, have been acknowledge
ed by their Government, in a letter of thanks
which r have received from thv r illustrious Presh
dent, « translation of which is now « immnnicaled
to Congress, the Representatives of that nation to
whom 'his tribute of gratitude watt intendeJ to b'
wnom it w mjustly due.
In lb* American hemiapbfre, the cause of free,
dom and h-dependence hat conlinu I t» prevail•
and if signalized by none ..f those splendid tri’
umpbs tvbicl. haj crowned tviili glory some of the
preceding year., it has only been from the banish,
rneiit of *:i external forceegein-t which the afrucg-e
had been maintained. The sl. .ut of victory has
been superse lad |>y ihe expulsion of the aneny o
ver «licim it coold have been achieved. Our friends
If wnd.ea and cordial goodwill, tvhlch have con
stantly followed theS .uihern nations of Atrerica
In all the viriesi'udfs of their war of Indepen
Jence, are succeeded by a solicitude, cnu.,||y >r
lent and cordial, that, by the wisdom and purity
V “,eIir *h'T rn»7 etctire to (hemselves
ho choicest b’eeslngs of social order, and the
>*.! rewards of virtuous bbeity. Disclaiming a
ike .11 right and all intention of interfering in
ho.e concerns which it is the prerogative of their I
■■dependence to regulate as to the^n shall seem I
If, ere htU wi'h joy every indicafloa of their f :q»J
>erdy,ot tireif Larmont", otiie.r pe.tteveiit.g s
nflcxible homage t-» those |irinri|ilM of feeder
hi ' of equal rights, which ore alone suite l to i| ,
geniu*> an<l temper of the American nation*,
has be* n therefore w.tb «cm« concern that ,v
have observe I indications of intestine divisions j,
someiif lins Republics of the SiUth, an 1 spfe*,
ancee of le»a union with o is another, thjn we L.
lieve to be the interest of ail. Among the result
of (hia state of things lias been tint the Trestle
concluded «t P.tonn.a do not appear to hive bee
ratified by the contracting pattie*, and the meet
ing of tile (J ingress at Tacubaya has been indt*
nttely postponed. In atcepting tbf invitation* t
be represented at this Congress, while a tnanife.
tntion was intended o > the |>art of the Urdu
States of the most friendly disposition toward* t>
Southern itepublics by whom it h»d been p 0
posed, it iru hoped that it would furnish an op
portunity for bringing all the nations ofthi* hem's
pher* to the common acknowledgment and adop
I lion of the principles, in the regulation of the.
international relatione, which would have seru:
ed a lasting peace and harmony between them, an,
have promoted the cause of mutual benevolent
throughout the globe. But a* obstacles appear t
have ati'i-n to t!»u »c" establishing of the Congress
one of the two Ministers commissioned on tl,
part of the United S ates has returned to the In.
aoin of his country, while the Minister charge,
with the ordinary mission to Mexico remains
thorized to attend at the conferences of the Cc:.
gress whenever hey may be reaunted.
A hope for a short time entertained, tint
Treaty of P.-ace, actually signed between ilie Cic
vernmenls of Buenos Ayres an I Brazil, would sti
persede ail fux'her occasion for there collisions bs
twesn tiellige, ent pretensions and neutral rights,
whtch are so commonly the result of inathimi
war, and which have unfortunately disturbed the
harmony of the i clarions bet ween the U. State,
and the Brazil lan Governments. At their laat tej,
•ion, Congre-s were infoimed that some of the
naval officers of that Empire had advanced and
practised upon principles in relation to blockades
aud to neutral navigation, which we could not
sanction, and which our comnunders found it r.e
ce-aary to resist. It appears that they have not been
sustained by the Government of Brazil itself.
Some of the vessels captured under the ae-umnj
authority of these erroneous principles, have
been re:t red; and we trust that our just expects,
ttoris will bs realized, that adequate indemnity
will bo made to all the citizens of the Unitar.
States who have suliered by the unwarranted cap'
tures, which the Brazilian tribunals themsvlve,
have pronounced unlawful.
In the diplomatic discussions, at Bio Janeiro,!
of these wrongs sustained l>y citizens of the United 1
States, and oi others which *eeraed as if emanatin'*"
immediately from that Government itself, the
Clurge d’Affaire* of the U. States, under an im
pression that h:s representations in behalf of the
rights and interests of hi-* couirrjiinn were totally
disregarded and useless, defined ii h» duty, with
out waiting for instructions, to terminate his offi
cial functions, t-> demand his pis-ports, and return
to the United States. This movement, dictated
by an honest zeal for the honor and interests of hii
country; motives which operated exclusively up.
on the mind of the officer who re*orted to it, has
not bien disapproved by me. The Brazilian Gov
eminent, however, complained of it as a measure
f"r which no adequate intentional cause had been
given by them; and upon an explicit assurance,
through their Charge d’Affaires, residing here, that
a successor to the l»tc Representative of the U.
Stat*s near that Gover: men', the appointment oi
whom they desired, should be received and treat
ed with 'he re-pect due to his character, and that
indemnity should be promptly made for all inju<
ries inflicted on citizens of the United States, or
their property, contrary to the lawa of nations, a
; temporary commission as C’haige d’Affaire* to that
country has been issued, which it is hoped will
entirely restore the diplomatic intercourse between
; the two Government-, and the friendly relations
between their respective nations.
Turning from the momentous concerns of our
i Union, in its intercourse with foreign nations, to
those <,f ihe deepest interest in the administration
of our internal affairs, we find the revenues of the
i present year cone-ponding as uea.iy aa'might be
expected to the anlicipa'i7ns of - the last, and pre
senting an aspect .*ull more favorable in the proa
, iniec of the next. Thebalance in die Treasury,
I on the firs f January last, was -ix millirns three'
, hundred and fifty-eight thou-and six hundred and
, ; ergh'jr-six dollars and eighteen cents. There*
,; ceip-s from that day to the 30;h of September last,
II as near as the returns of ih m yet received can
, show, amount to sixteen million* eight hundred
, and eighty-six thousand five hundred and eighty*
. j one doll-rs and thirty-two ccr.W. The receipts of
. , the pre-oii- quarter, estirna ed at four millions five
, j hundred and fifteen thousand, added to the above.
. form an aggregate 0f nventy-one millio> s ft ur
. hundred thousand dollars of receipts. The e.\
; J pendt'.ures of the year may perhaps amount to
twenty-two millions three hundred thousand dul
, {lare, pre-eutloga sraill excess over the receipts,
f i °f 'hcie twenty two million*, upwards of six
Inve been applied to the discharge of the princi
I ' pal of the public debt; the whole amount of which,
l »Prro,ching seventy-four millions .in the first of
i ; January last, will, on the fits: d*y of next year,
1 fall shoit of sixty-seven million* and a half. The
I finance in the Tre.i«ury. on the first of January
next, it is expected will excre I five millions four
I hundred and fifty thousand dollars; a sum exceed
i '"S 'hat of the first of January, 1823, Ihqugh fall
ing short of that exhibited on ihe fi si of January
la-1.
It tvas foreseen that the revenue of the present
year woul 1 not '--junl that of the last, which had
■ Iteifbeen less than that of the next preceding year.
Hut the hope has been realized which was enter*
i towed, tint these deficiencies would in oowisein
te.rupt ihe steady operation of the discharge of the
I public debt by the annual ten millions devoted to
, that ohj-ct by the Act of 3d March, 1317.
1 he amount of duties stetired on rficrchanJise
imported from the commencement of the year
until the 3<»ih of September Inst, i* twenty one
millions two hunlred and twenty-six thousand,
and the prob-ble amount of thu which will be
I secured during the remainder of the year,ie fivs
millions seven hundred and sevenly four thousand
<b liars; forming a sum total of twenty.aeven mis
I lions. With the allowances for drawbacks and
! contingent deficiencies which may occur, though
i not specifically foreseen, we may safely estimate
Ihe receipt* of the ensuing ye-r at twenty-two mil*
j Iiorj three iiundred thou-and dollars; a revenue
i t°r *ke next, equal to the expenditure of the pre—
j sent year, •
1 lie derp solicitude fell by oer citizen of all
jPUs-es throughout the Union for the total dir*
J charge of the public debt, wdl apolog ze for the
earnestness with which I deem it my duty to urge
th:s topic upon tire confederation of Congress-of
. recommending to them again th« observance of
the etiictfst economy m the application of the
puhlic I'lncte* fb* tleprestiou upon the receipts of
the revenue which hail commenced with the year
1824, continued with increased severity during
the two li.vt quarters of the present year. Tin
returning tide began to flaw with the third quar
ter, and, so far a* we can judge from experience
m »y »>e e&ptc e l to continue |hr# ugh lbs course o
the m*t!ing year. In the meantime, an alleviation
from the burden of the public debt will, in tb
three years, have been ejected, to the amount c
near Iy sixieen million-, and tho charge of annus
; interest will have been reduced upward* of on*
million. Hut among the maxim* of politic*
economy which tho Ktewaids of the public mo
; neya should never suffer whhout urgent neces-it/
; to be trtn'cen leJ, is that of keeping the expend!
lures of the year wi-hin the limits of it* receipt*
; The appropriation* ot the two l*«t year*, incluJ
j ing the yearly fen million* of the sinking fund,
have each erpiade-l the promised revenue of the
ensuing year. While we foreice with confider-'*
that the public coffers will he replenished from
receipts, a* fast a* they will br drained by the W*
penditure*, equ a| m amount to those of the current
yesr, it should not be forgotten that they cruhl ;.I
sib'r ’-•? txha jst’cn of larger ditlurerrccfftf,