The Sun.
London, England, 1830-01-08 00:00:00

MESSAGE.

Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and House of Represen.

tatives,

It affot do me pleasure to tender try friendly greetings to
you on the occasion of your assembling at the seat of Go-
vernment, to enter upon the important duties to which
you have been called by the voice of our countrymen. The
task devolves on me, under a provision of the Constitution,
to present to you, as th• Federal Legis'ature of Twenty-
four Sovereign States, and twelve millions of happy people,
a view of our affairs ; and to propose such measures as, in
the discharge of my official functions, have suggested them-
selves as necessary to promote the objects of our union.
In communicating with you for the first time, it is, to
me, a source of unfeigned satisfaction, calling for rautual
gratulation and devout thanks to a benign Providence,that
we are at peace with all mankind, and that our country
exhibits the most cheering evidence of general welfare and.
progressive improvement. Turning our eyes to other
stations, our great desire is to see our brethren of the hu-
man !ute secured in the blessings enjoyed by ourselves,
and advancing in knowledge, in freedom, and iu social
happiness.

Our foreign relations, although in their general charac-
ter pacific and friendly, present subjects of difference be-
tween us and other Powers of deep interest, as well to
the country at large as to many of our citizens. To effect
an adjustment of these shall continue to be the object of
my earnest endeavours, and notwithstanding the difficul-
ties of the task, I do not allow myself to apprehend unfa-
vousable results. Blessed as our country is with every
thing which constitutes national strength, she is fully ade-
quate to the, maintenance of all her interests. In dis-
charging the responsible trust confided to the Executive in
this respect, it is my settled purpose to ask nothing that
is not clearly right, and to submit to nothing that is
wrong; and I flatter myself that, supported by the other
branches of the Government, and by the intelligence and
patriotism. of the people, we shall be able, under the pro-
tection of Providence, to cause all our jest rights to be
respected.
Of the unsettled matters between the United States and
other Powers, the most prominent are those which have
for years been the subject of negociation with England,
France, and Spain. The late periods at which our Mi-
nisters to those Governments left the United States, ren-
der it impoesible, at this early day, to inform you of what
has been done on the subjects with which they have been
respectively charged. Relying upon the justice of our
views in relation to the points committed to negociation,
and the reciprocal good feeling which characterizes our
intercourse with those nations, we have the best reason to

hope for a satisfactory adjustment of existing differences.
With Great Britain, alike distinguished in peace and
war, we may look forward to years of peaceful, honour-
able, and elevated competition. Every thing in the con-
dition and history of the two nations is calculated to inspire
sentiments of mutual respect and to carry conviction to
the minds of both, that it is their policy to preserve the
most cordial relations. Such are my own views, and it
is not to be doubted that such are also the prevailing senti-
ments of our constituents. Although neither time nor oppor-
tunity has been afforded fora full developement of the policy
which the present Cabinet of Great Britain designs to pur-
sue towards this country, I indulge the hope that it will
be of a just and pacific character ; and if this anticipa-
tion be realized, we may look with confidence to a speedy
50(1 acceptable adjustment of our affairs.
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 candour and
liberality which ought ever to characterize the acts of So-
vereign States, seeking to adjust, by the most unex-
ceptionable means, important attd 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 sub•
ject has received the attention demanded by its great
and peculiar importance to a patriotic Member of
this Confederacy. The exposition of our rights, al-
ready made, is such, as, from the high reputation of
the Commissioners by whom it has been prepared, we had
a right to expect. Our interest at the Court of the So-
vereign
who has evinced Ms friendly disposition, by assum-
ing the delicate task of arbitration, have been committed
to a citizen of the State of Maine, whose character,
talents, and intimate acquaintance with the subject, emi-
nently qualified him for so responsible a trust. With full
confidence in the justice of our cause, and in the probity,
intelligence, and uncompromising independence of the
illustrious arbitrator, we can hare nothing to apprehend
from the result.

From France, our ancient ally, we have a right to expect
that justice which becomes the Sovereign of a powerful,
intelligent, and magnanimous people. The beneficial
effects produced by the commercial convention of ltd 22,
limited as are its provisions, are too obvious not to make a
salutary impression upon the minds of those who are
charged with the administration of her Government.
Should this result induce a disposition to embrace to their
full extent the wholesome principles which constitute our
commercial policy, our Minister to that Court will be
found instructed to cherish a disposition, and to aid in
conducting it to useful practical conclusions. The
claims of our citizens for depredations upon their pro-
perty, long since committed under the authority, and,
in many instances, by the express direction, of the
then existing Government of France, remain unsa-
tisfied ; and must, therefore, continue to furnish a
subject of unpleasant discussion, and possible collision, be-
tween the two Governments. I cherish, however, a lively
hope, founded as well on the validity of those claims and
the established policy of all enlightened Governments, as
on the known integrity of the French Monarch, that the
injurious delays of the past will find redress in the equity
of the future. Our Minister has been instructed to press
these demands on the French Government with all the
earnestness which is called for by their importance and
irrefutable justice; and in a spirit that will evince the re-
spect which is due to the feelings of those from whom the
satisfaction is required.
Our Minister recently appointed to Spain hp been
authorized to assist in removing evils alike injurious to
both countries, either by concluding a Commercial Con-
vention upon liberal and reciprocal terms, or by urging
the acceptance in their full extent of the mutually
beneficial provisions of our navigation acts. He has
also been instructed to make a further appeal to the justice
of Spain, in behalf of our citizens, for indemnity for
spoliations upon our commerce, committed under her
authority—an appeal which the pacific and liberal course
observed on our part, and a due confidence in the honour
of that Government, authorized us to expect will not be
made in vain.

With other European Powers our intercourse is on the
most frienlly footing. In Rusai*, placed by her territo-
rial limits, extensive population, and great power, high
in the rank of nations, the United States have ahesys
found a steadfast friend. Although her recent inva-
sion 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 favourable to the
cause of civilization, and to the progress of butnan hap-
piness. The Treaty of Peace hetwiten these Powers
having been ratified, we cannot be insensible to the great
benefit to be derived to the coininerce of the United
States, from unlocking the navigation of the Black Sea—
a 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 tipoil conditions by
most of the Powers of Europe, has hitherto been withheld
from tv. Dnring the past summer, an antecedent, but
unsuccessful attempt to obtain it, was renewed, under cir-
cumstances which promised the most favourable results.
Although these results have fortunately been thin in part
attained, further facilities to the enjoyinta4 of th's new
field for the enterprise of our citilens aN, in my opinion,
sufficiently desirable to ensuie to them our most zealous
attention,

Our trade with Austria, although of secondary imi o7t-
twee, has been gradually inci easiNg, and is now so exunded
as to deserve the fostering care of the Government. A ne,
geciation, commenced and nearly completed with that
Power, by the late Administrations Las been consummated

Treaty of Amity, Navigstson, and Commerce, evh;cli •
will be laid before the Senate.
During the recess of Congrekour diplomatic relations)
with Portugal have been resumeil: The peculiar state rif,
things in that country caused a suspension of the recogrti,l
tion of the Representative who presented :himself,'unril an
opportunity was had to obtain from our official organ there,
upon conditions, information regarding the actual, and, as
far a; practicable, prospective condition of the authority by
which the representative in question was appointed. This
information being received, the application of the esta-
blished rule of cur Government, in like cases, was no
longer withheld.
Considerable advances have been made during the pre-
sent year, in the adjustment of claims of our citizen; 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, however,
upon which the subject has, with the approbation of the
claimants, been placed by the Government, togeth-r 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 favourable character.
The policy of keeping an adequate force in the Mediterra-
nean, as security for the maintenance of this tranquillity,
will be persevered in, as well as a similar one for the pro-
tection of our commerce and fisheries in the Pacific.
The southern Republics of our own hemisphere have not
yet realized all the advantages for which they have been so
long struggling. We trust, however, that the day is not
far distant, when the restoration of peace and internal quiet,
under permanent systems of government, securing the li-
berty, and promoting the happiness of the citizens, will
crown, with complete success, their lung and arduous
efforts in the cause of self government, and enabl- us to
salute them as friendly rivals 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 controll-
ing influence upon the great question of South American
emancipation. We hare seen the fell spirit of civil dis-
sension rebuked, and perhaps for ever stifled in that
Republic, by the love of independence. If it be true,
as appearances strongly indicate, that the spirit of
Independence i► the master spirit, and if a corresp aid-
ing sentiment prevail in the ether States, this devotion to
liberty cannot be without a proper effect upon the Coun-
cils of the mother country. The adoption, by Spain, of
a pacific 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 a train of settlement,
while the principal part of those upon Brazil have been
adjusted, and a decree in council, ordering bends to be is-
sued by the Minister of the Treasury fur their amount, has
received the sanction of his Imperial Majesty. T 1143 event,
together with the exchange of the ratifications of tl.e
Treaty negotiated and concluded in IB2S, happily termi-
nates all serious causes of difference witk that Power.
Measures have been taken to place our comistricial re-
lations with Peru upon a better footing than that upon
which they hitherto rested; and if met by a proper di.po_
sition on the part of that Government, import ..nt benefits
may be secured to both countries.

Deeply interested as we are in the prosperity of oar sis-
ter Republics, and mere particularly in that of our imme-
diate neighbour, it would be most gratifying to me were I
permitted to say that the treatment which we have receiv-
ed at her hands has been as universally friendly as the early
and constant solicitude manifested by the Unit, d States
for her success gave us a right to expect. But it becomes
my duty to inform you that prejudices, long indn'ged by a
portion of the inhabitants of Mexico against the Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United
States, have had an unfortunate influence upon the affairs
of the two countries, and have diminished that totefolness
to his own which was justly to be exp•cted fro .n his ta-
lents and zeal. To this cause, in a great measure, is to be
imputed the failure of several measures equally interesting
to both parties; but particularly of the Mexicaa Governs
ment to ratify a Treaty, negociated and conchs I d in its
own capital and under its own eye. Under dirs.! circum-
stances, it appeared expedient to give to Mr. Poinsett the
option either to return or not, as, in his judgmettt, the in-
terest of . his country might require, and instructions to
that and were prepared; but, before they could be dis..
patched, a communication was received from the Govern.
ment of Mexico, through its Charge d'Affaires here, re-
questing the recall of our Minister. This was promptly
complied with, and a Representative of a rank correspond-
log with that of the Mexican Diplomatic Agent near this
Government was appoitated. Our conduct towards that
Republic has been uniformly of the most friendly charge..
ter; and having thus removed the only allege 4 obsts,eio
to harmonious intercourse, I cannot bat hope that an ad-
vantageous change will occur in our affuirt.
In justice to Mr. Poinsett, it is proper to say, that my
immediate compliance with the application for his recall,
and the appointment of a successor, are not to be ascribed
to any evidence that the imputation of an improper inter-
ference by him in the local politics of Mexico was well
founded ; nor to a want of confidence in his talents or in-
tegrity ; and to add, that the truth of that charge hag
been affirmed by the Federal Government of Mexico, iu
communications with this.

I consider it one of the most urgent of my duties to
bring to your attention the propriety of amending that part
of our Constitution which relates to the tieotic,o of P, e..
slitent and Vice-President. Oar system of Government
was, by its framers, deemed en experiment ; and they,
therefore, consistently provided a mode of remedying its
defects.

To the People belongs the right of electing their Chief
Magistrate ; it was never designed that their choice should
in any case be defeated, either by the intervention of elec,
toral colleges, or by the agency confined tinder certain VOA..
tingencies, to the House of Representatives. Xxperience
proves, that, in proportion as agents to execute the will of
the People are multiplied, there is clar,ger of their wishes,
being frustrated. Some may he unfaithful; all are liaLko
to err. So far, therefore, as the People can, with Coiks,
venience, speak, it Is safer for them to express the; v OW!

The number of aspirants to the Presielone,y, and lite
diversity of the interests which may influence their claims,
leave little reason to expect a choice in the fire,. 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 choke is to be made by twenty-four votes ; and it
may often occur that one of these may be controuled by
an individual Representetivo, Honours and offices are
at the disposal of tlie successful candidate. Repeated
balloting. may make it apparent that a single indi-
vidual holds the cut in his own hand. May he not
be tempted to name his reward? But even without
corruption supposing the probity of the Represent*,
tive to be prowl against the powerful motives by
which Ire may lie assailed— the will of the people is still
constantly liable to be misrepresented. pas may err
from ignorance of the wishes of his eonatitstents; ano-
ther, front a conviction that it is his duty to be governed
by his own judgment of the fitness of the candidates ;
finally, although all were inflexibly honest-..a1l acourato
informed of the wishes of their constituents--yet, under
the present mode of election, the minority rosy often elect
a President and avlten this happens, it noty reasonably
be expected that efforts will be made on the pan of the
majority, to rectify this injuriona operation of their insti-.
tutions. But although no evil of this character should
result from suck a perversion of the first principle of oar
system—lf Mc nutjprity is to govern—it must be very
certain that 4 President elected by a minority cannot en-
joy the confidence necessary to the successful discharge of
his dutieu,
In this, as in all other matters dpublic concern, policy
requires that as few impeditneato as possible should exist
to the free operation a the public will, Let us, then, en,
deavour so to amend our system that the office of Chief'
Magistrate may not he conferred upon any eitieen but
iti
pursuance ;If a fair expression of the will of the majority,
I would therefore recommend suck an amendment at
the Constitution as may remove all igtermediato acenq tst
the election of President and Vice-Plesident. The modo
may be so reguleted as to preserve to eteh State its present
relative weight in the election ; and a failure iu the first
attempt may he provided for, by confining Ski, second ton
choice between the two highest candidates. In connexion
with such an amendment, it would seem advisable to limit.
the services of the Chief ?Magistrate to a single term, ar
-idler four or six years. If, however, it should not he
adoptcd, it is worthy of consideration whether a provision
disqualifying for °thee the Representatives in Congreas on
whom such au election may have devolved, would not be
proper.
While Members of Congress can he oonstitutienally ap-
pointed to offices of trust and profit, it will be the prac-
tice, even under the moat conscientious adherence to duty,
t•i select them fur such stations as they are believed to
better qualified to fill than other citisens ; but the pwity
of our Goverment would doubtless be promoted by tbeit
exclusion from all appointments in the gift of the
dent, in whose election they may have been officially con-
cerned, The nature of the jusitcial office, and the tteces.